Private Tour: South Coast of Iceland by SUV or Van from Reykjavik

Explore the Best of Iceland’s South Coast in Comfort and Style

This private tour of Iceland’s south coast offers a personalized and comfortable way to see some of the country’s most iconic sights in a full-size SUV. Priced at $750 per person, the tour lasts approximately 8 to 10 hours, making it an ideal full-day adventure. The experience is tailored to suit your interests, with the option to customize stops and enjoy flexible pacing. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik, ensuring a hassle-free start and end to your day.

The journey takes you beyond the well-trodden Golden Circle, exploring beaches, waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanoes that define Iceland’s rugged landscape. With professional guides and WiFi onboard, this private tour stands out for its intimacy and attention to detail, which has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 21 reviews.

Key Points

• Private, customized experience focused on Iceland’s south coast highlights
• Comfortable transportation in a full-size SUV with WiFi included
• Expert guide shares stories about geology, history, and volcanic activity
• Flexible stops at waterfalls, glaciers, beaches, and volcanoes
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik for maximum convenience
• No food or drinks included, but options available for lunch

Starting Point: Hassle-Free Reykjavik Hotel Pickup

This tour begins with hotel pickup in Reykjavik, saving you the trouble of arranging transportation. The full-size SUV—typically a Land Rover Defender or similar—provides a spacious and comfortable ride for your daylong journey. The onboard WiFi keeps you connected and allows for sharing the scenic views as you go.

Once onboard, the guide shares insights into Iceland’s geology and history, setting the scene for a day of exploration. The tour operates every day from 9:00AM to 5:00PM, making it easy to fit into most travel schedules. The private nature of the tour means your group can decide how long to spend at each stop and tailor the experience accordingly.

Traveling Over Hellisheidi Mountain Pass and Hengill Volcano

The route takes you over the Hellisheidi mountain pass, where stunning vistas open up of the Hengill volcano, home to one of Iceland’s largest geothermal power plants. This region exemplifies Iceland’s geothermal energy use and volcanic activity, offering a fascinating glimpse into how the land is constantly shaped.

From here, the landscape becomes more rugged, with lava plains and towering volcanoes. The guide shares stories about Iceland’s volcanic past, including the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, which caused major disruptions to European air traffic. This stop provides an educational perspective on Iceland’s active geology and its influence on local life.

Visiting the Iconic Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

One of the tour’s highlights is the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, renowned for its unique walk-behind path that allows visitors to stand behind the cascading water. Set against the backdrop of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, this waterfall offers both a stunning photo opportunity and an immersive experience of Iceland’s natural power.

The 30-minute stop provides enough time to appreciate the roaring falls and capture memorable photos, but not so long as to disrupt the overall pacing of the day. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear for walking on potentially wet paths and prepare for the spray from the waterfall.

Skógafoss: Iceland’s Majestic Waterfall

A short drive from Seljalandsfoss is the impressive Skógafoss waterfall. Known for its powerful cascade that drops 60 meters, Skógafoss’s thunderous sound and mist often produce rainbows on sunny days. Its wide curtain of water makes it an ideal spot for photography and simply soaking in the natural beauty.

The 30-minute visit allows travelers to photograph the falls and, if desired, climb a staircase to view the cascade from above. The guide shares insights about the local area and the formation of the waterfall, adding context to this impressive natural feature.

Exploring the Solheimajokull Glacier

The Solheimajokull glacier offers an up-close look at Iceland’s icy landscape. As part of the Myrdalsjokull ice field, this glacier has been gradually retreating, illustrating climate change in action. The one-hour stop allows visitors to view the vast ice expanses and hear about how the glacier formed and what effects its retreat has.

While the tour does not include ice climbing, the guide provides information about glacier formation and ongoing changes. Visitors should wear warm clothing, gloves, and sturdy shoes, as the environment can be cold and uneven.

Black Sand Beaches at Reynisfjara and Vik Village

The scenic drive along Iceland’s south coast brings you to Reynisfjara, known for its striking black basalt rock columns and pebbled beach. This 45-minute stop offers spectacular views of the sea cliffs and cave formations, perfect for photos. The area’s dramatic landscape makes it one of Iceland’s most iconic beaches.

Near Reynisfjara lies the small village of Vik, where a brief 10-minute visit provides a glimpse into rural Icelandic life. The village is known for its views of the surrounding cliffs and the church perched atop the hill. These stops give a chance to stretch, take photos, and appreciate the raw beauty of Iceland’s coastline.

Efficient Return to Reykjavik with Customizable Pacing

After a full day of sightseeing, the tour concludes with a scenic drive back to Reykjavik, where hotel drop-off is included. The guide ensures the pace matches your interests, whether you want to linger at certain sites or head straight back. The tour typically wraps up in the early evening, making it suitable for travelers with evening plans.

The private format allows for adjustments based on your preferences, ensuring a relaxed and personalized experience. With most stops designed to be around 30 to 45 minutes, the day balances sightseeing with ample opportunity to enjoy each location.

The Benefits of a Private, Guided Experience

What sets this tour apart is the private setting with a professional guide who is knowledgeable about Iceland’s geology, history, and local stories. Unlike group tours, this private option provides flexibility to focus more on your interests or skip certain stops if needed.

The inclusion of WiFi onboard adds convenience, allowing you to share photos or look up additional information during the trip. The luxury vehicle ensures a smooth ride across Iceland’s sometimes rugged terrain, and the hotel pickup and drop-off remove logistical stress.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour the Most

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a personalized experience with a dedicated guide. It suits those interested in geology, waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes, and who prefer comfort over cramped group settings. The private format makes it perfect for families, couples, or small groups wanting a tailored day without the rush.

Since food and drinks are not included, bringing a picnic or planning for lunch is recommended, giving you flexibility on where and what to eat. The tour’s full-day duration is best suited for those comfortable with a moderate pace of sightseeing and walking.

Final Thoughts on the Iceland South Coast Private Tour

This private tour of Iceland’s south coast delivers a well-rounded experience of some of the country’s most remarkable sights in comfort and style. The expert guide, flexible itinerary, and luxury vehicle combine to create a personalized adventure that highlights Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, glaciers, and black beaches.

While the $750 price per person reflects the private nature and tailored service, it offers excellent value for those who want a focused, insightful exploration without the crowds. This tour is especially suitable for travelers wanting to maximize their time and experience the south coast’s natural beauty with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available in Reykjavik?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik, providing convenience and saving time.

What kind of vehicle is used for this tour?
A full-size SUV, typically a Land Rover Defender 2020 or similar, offers a comfortable and spacious ride for the full day.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour price, but you can bring a picnic or ask your guide about lunch options.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 to 10 hours, depending on the stops and pacing you prefer.

What are the main sights visited?
Stops include Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Skógafoss waterfall, Solheimajokull glacier, Reynisfjara black sand beach, Vik village, and a brief view of Eyjafjallajökull volcano.

Is the tour suitable in all weather conditions?
Yes, the tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately with warm clothing, gloves, scarf, and hat.

Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes, since it is a private tour, the itinerary can be adjusted based on your interests and preferences.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance, receiving a full refund.

Is WiFi available on the vehicle?
Yes, WiFi is included onboard, allowing you to stay connected or share scenic photos during the trip.

Who operates this tour?
The tour is operated by BR Tours – Private tours in Iceland, known for their professional service and personalized experiences.