The Glacial Gems Private Tour: South Coast & Diamond Beach

Explore Iceland’s South Coast with a Private Guide for an Intimate Experience

The Glacial Gems Private Tour: South Coast & Diamond Beach offers a full-day journey through some of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders. Priced at $1,487 per group up to 7, this 14-hour adventure is perfect for travelers seeking a personalized and flexible itinerary that covers waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glacier lagoons. Starting from Reykjavik, the tour provides a private, air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi and USB charging, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout the day.

This tour is ideal for those who want an intimate experience with the option to customize the stops. While it does not include meals or restroom stops on board, the focus remains on exploring Iceland’s fire and ice landscape in a relaxed, unhurried manner. It suits travelers who appreciate a private group setting and detailed guidance on Iceland’s breathtaking scenery.

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Key Points

• Private, 14-hour tour from Reykjavik designed for groups up to 7 people
• Includes all fees, taxes, and luggage charges in the price
• Visits famous waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss
• Explores Reynisfjara black sand beach with basalt columns and Atlantic waves
• Sees the stunning Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach
• Flexible itinerary that can be tailored to your preferences

Scenic Drive Through Hveragerdi and Selfoss

The adventure begins with a scenic drive through Hveragerdi and Selfoss, two charming towns in Iceland’s south. These areas set the tone for the day, showcasing Iceland’s lush green landscapes and volcanic activity. The comfortable, private vehicle ensures a smooth ride, while the WiFi hotspot keeps you connected. This part of the trip offers a relaxing start before the more dramatic sights.

Travelers appreciate how this setup allows for a personalized pace, with the option to adjust stops or spend more time at preferred locations. The scenic drive itself offers glimpses of Iceland’s diverse terrain, from geothermal areas to rugged volcanic landscapes.

Walking Behind the Power of Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

One of the tour’s highlights is Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall famous for its walk-behind path. This unique perspective allows visitors to experience the waterfall from behind, feeling the spray and hearing the roar of falling water close up. It’s a remarkable photo opportunity and a favorite stop for many.

The experience at Seljalandsfoss emphasizes the natural power of Iceland’s waterfalls. The short walk behind the waterfall is accessible, but visitors should wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing, especially in windy or rainy conditions. The guide provides helpful tips for capturing great photos while ensuring safety.

Marvel at Skógafoss, One of Iceland’s Largest Waterfalls

Next, the tour visits Skógafoss, an expansive waterfall with a powerful cascade that often creates rainbows in its mist. This site is known for its impressive height and volume, offering excellent photo opportunities from various viewpoints. Visitors can climb a staircase to a viewpoint above the falls for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

Skógafoss stands out for its sheer scale and beauty. We like how the guide explains the natural features and history behind the waterfall, enriching the visit with insights. The area around Skógafoss often feels more expansive and dramatic, perfect for capturing that sense of Icelandic wilderness.

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Discover the Black Sand Beauty of Reynisfjara Beach

Further east, travelers reach Reynisfjara, the famous black sand beach near the village of Vik. Here, powerful Atlantic waves crash against striking basalt columns, creating a dramatic shoreline. The beach’s unique volcanic sands and formations make it a must-see for visitors.

Caution is advised as the waves can be unpredictable and dangerous, so staying a safe distance from the water is recommended. The guide highlights the geology and legends surrounding this location, adding depth to the experience. The vast, dark sands and towering basalt stacks make for memorable photographs and a sense of Iceland’s raw power.

The Charm of Vik and Its Coastal Views

The tour includes passing through Vik, a picturesque village with views of the surrounding cliffs and ocean. While not a long stop, the brief visit offers a chance to enjoy the coastal scenery and perhaps grab a quick photo of the iconic Vik Church perched above the town.

Vik’s location and scenic vistas provide a peaceful contrast to the previous stops. This section of the tour emphasizes the variety of Iceland’s landscapes, from waterfalls to coastal cliffs.

The Majestic Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

The journey’s climax is the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, a serene and surreal landscape filled with floating icebergs of varying sizes and shades of blue. The calm waters reflect the surrounding mountains and glaciers, creating an unforgettable sight.

The lagoon’s tranquility and the sight of icebergs drifting provide a stark contrast to the earlier waterfalls. The guide offers detailed explanations about the formation and ongoing changes of the glacier lagoon, making this a fascinating educational stop.

Diamond Beach: Sparkling Ice Chunks on Black Sand

Adjacent to Jökulsárlón is Diamond Beach, where glistening ice chunks wash up on the black volcanic sands, resembling scattered jewels. This site offers some of the most striking photo opportunities of the tour, with ice crystals sparkling against the dark sands.

Travelers love the visual drama of Diamond Beach, with many taking time to walk along the shoreline and marvel at the contrasting colors. The guide notes that the ice pieces are naturally shaped and often look like precious stones, adding to their appeal.

Tour Logistics: Comfort, Flexibility, and Group Size

Throughout the day, the private transportation ensures a comfortable journey, complete with WiFi and USB charging. The pickup from Reykjavik accommodations makes starting hassle-free. The flexible itinerary allows adjustments based on preferences or weather, providing an experience tailored to your interests.

The group size of up to 7 people maintains an intimate atmosphere, with personalized attention from the guide. The 14-hour duration offers ample time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed, making it suitable for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace.

What’s Not Included and Practical Tips

While the tour covers all fees, taxes, and luggage charges, it does not include lunch, food, or restroom stops on the road. Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a camera, and water to stay prepared for the day’s activities.

Since smoking is not allowed on the vehicle or stops, planning for breaks accordingly is recommended. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, given the nature of the stops.

Final Thoughts: A Personal and Iconic Icelandic Adventure

The Glacial Gems Private Tour offers a comprehensive, personalized exploration of Iceland’s South Coast highlights. Its private group setting and flexible itinerary make it an excellent choice for travelers seeking an intimate experience with expert guidance. Visiting Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Vik, Jökulsárlón, and Diamond Beach in one day is ambitious but well-managed in this tour.

While the tour excels in showcasing Iceland’s most photogenic natural wonders, travelers should be prepared for a long day and bring essentials like comfortable shoes and warm clothing. The absence of meals and restroom stops means planning ahead is wise, but the included amenities and private transport elevate the overall experience.

This tour stands out for its personalized approach, stunning scenery, and the chance to witness Iceland’s fire and ice landscape up close. It’s particularly suited for those who value privacy, flexibility, and in-depth storytelling from a knowledgeable guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
The tour’s duration and outdoor stops make it better suited for older children or families prepared for a full day of exploring.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the itinerary is described as flexible and can be adjusted to your preferences.

What should I bring for the day?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a camera, and water are recommended.

Are meals included?
No, meals and food are not included in the tour price.

Is the tour accessible for all travelers?
This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

How does the private group enhance the experience?
The private group allows for a more personalized, relaxed exploration with fewer people and tailored attention.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 14 hours.

What language guides are available?
Guides speak English and Russian.

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

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