From Reykjavík: South Coast Waterfall, Black Sand & Ice tour

Travelers considering a trip to Iceland often dream of the dramatic landscapes that define the south coast — towering waterfalls, black sand beaches, and massive glaciers. This 10-hour guided tour from Reykjavík offers a comprehensive way to tick off some of Iceland’s most iconic sights in one day. With a high rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on over 700 reviews, it’s clear that many visitors find this trip a worthwhile adventure.

What makes this tour especially appealing is the expertly curated itinerary that balances breathtaking scenery with insightful commentary from guides who know their stuff. The tour consistently receives praise for its stunning stops, knowledgeable guides, and good value for money. However, with a packed schedule and a long day, it’s worth considering whether you’re comfortable with some early mornings and a full itinerary.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided overview of the south coast without the stress of planning each stop themselves. It suits those eager to see a wide variety of Iceland’s natural wonders, especially if your time is limited or you prefer the comfort of organized transportation and expert storytelling.

Key Points

• Stunning variety: See waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and volcanic landscapes all in one day.
• Expert guides: Guides like Siggi and Beggi are highly praised for their knowledge, stories, and personality.
• Great value: The price includes transportation, guided commentary, and multiple iconic stops.
• Comfortable transportation: Small groups and quality buses make for a more intimate and pleasant experience.
• Timing flexibility: The itinerary is well-paced, with enough stops for photos, walks, and brief rest breaks.
• Authentic sights: Visitors rave about the views of Eyjafjallajökull, Reynisfjara, and Skógafoss, with some even adding bonus stops like volcano views.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Departure

The tour kicks off with pickup from over 23 convenient locations in Reykjavík, including major hotels, bus stops, and landmarks like Hallgrimskirkja and Perlan. The flexibility here is a bonus for travelers staying close to central Reykjavík, reducing the hassle of transport to the meeting point. Expect a quick 30-minute window to be collected, so arriving promptly is advised to maximize your day.

Journey South and First Stops

The first few hours involve a scenic bus or coach ride south, setting the tone for a day surrounded by Iceland’s natural beauty. The drive itself is part of the experience, with many travelers noting the comfort of the vehicle and the engaging commentary from guides.

Skógafoss Waterfall

The first major stop is at Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. This site draws visitors with its sheer power and the opportunity to walk close enough to feel the spray. Reviewers like Beverley describe their guide as “knowledgeable and fun,” making the visit more than just a quick photo opportunity. You’ll have around 30 minutes here to take photos, walk around, or soak in the surroundings.

Vík Village and Lunch

Next, the group heads to the charming village of Vík, where most tours allocate about 50 minutes for lunch and exploration. Vík is known for its cozy atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and sea stacks. Many comments highlight the quality of the stops, and some mention the opportunity to taste local Icelandic snacks or just enjoy a quick meal at local cafes.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

After lunch, you’ll visit the Reynisfjara beach, famous for its black volcanic sands and basalt columns. The landscape here is otherworldly, with many reviewers noting how surreal the beach feels. The tour includes a photo stop of approximately 30 minutes, enough time to walk along the beach and marvel at the towering Reynisdrangar sea stacks.

Sólheimajökull Glacier

The adventure continues with a visit to the Sólheimajökull glacier, where you can admire the vast ice formations and rugged terrain. Reviewers like Sara mention the scenic views and photo opportunities, with most tours allotting around 45 minutes. Some guides even share stories about the glacier’s formation and its role in Iceland’s volcanic landscape, adding educational value.

Waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss

The tour then makes its way to Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall you can walk behind, offering a unique perspective. Many reviews praise the beauty and versatility of these waterfalls. You’ll spend about 30 minutes here, enough to walk behind the cascade and snap some memorable shots.

Return Journey and Drop-Off

After a full day of sightseeing, the bus heads back towards Reykjavík, with a 105-minute drive that passes quickly thanks to guides’ engaging commentary, trivia, and music. The tour concludes with drop-offs at your original pickup points, many of which are conveniently located in central Reykjavík.

What We Loved About This Tour

The most frequently praised aspect is the knowledge and personality of the guides like Siggi and Beggi, who are celebrated for their storytelling, humor, and passion for Iceland. Reviewers comment on how they went above and beyond — sharing stories about Icelandic culture or even adding surprise stops, like the volcano eruption of 2010 that wasn’t originally on the itinerary.

The stops themselves are definitely highlights. You’ll get front-row views of some of the most photogenic landscapes, like the basalt columns at Reynisfjara or the sunset at Seljalandsfoss. The variety of scenery means you’re constantly shifting from one breathtaking scene to another, which keeps the experience exciting.

Many travelers find that the small group size (or comfortable bus seating) makes the day feel intimate and less rushed, allowing for friendly interactions and easier photo opportunities.

Authentic and Educational Experience

Beyond just sightseeing, the tours are praised for their informative narration. Guides like Bryndis, Alain, and Joanna are described as full of interesting facts and local stories, making each stop educational as well as scenic. This adds depth and context, transforming a sightseeing trip into an engaging cultural experience.

Value for Money

At $138 per person, the tour is generally regarded as good value, especially considering the transport, guided commentary, and multiple stops. Many reviewers remark that it’s a long but rewarding day, with some even saying they’d happily pay more for the quality and depth of the experience.

Food and Breaks

While meals are not included, the stops at Vík and Reynisfjara are well-timed to allow travelers to grab a quick bite or snacks. The reviews highlight that the breaks are well planned, giving enough time to relax, refuel, and take photos.

Possible Considerations

The main thing to keep in mind is that this is a long day, with pickups starting at 9:00 AM and the return happening in the evening. For those not used to extended bus trips or early starts, it may feel a bit tiring. Also, the schedule is quite packed, so some stops might feel slightly rushed, especially during shorter daylight hours in winter months.

Plus, since the tour does not include meals, you’ll want to bring snacks or plan to buy food during the stops. Weather can also influence the experience — Iceland’s unpredictable weather means some days might be rainier or colder, which could affect sightseeing and comfort.

The Sum Up

This guided tour of Iceland’s south coast offers a well-rounded and value-packed way to see the country’s most celebrated sights in one day. With expert guides, a thoughtfully designed itinerary, and the chance to witness waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and volcanic landscapes, it’s a fantastic option for travelers short on time or those who prefer organized experiences.

It’s especially suitable for those who love storytelling and local insights, as guides often share personal anecdotes that enrich the trips. If you’re after a comfortable, educational, and highly scenic journey through Iceland’s south, this tour delivers.

While it’s a long day, the diversity of scenery and the quality of stops make it worthwhile. Just be prepared for an early start and a full schedule — but rest assured, you’ll leave with a camera full of photos and a head full of stories.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is not recommended for children under 8 years old, likely due to the long hours and the nature of the stops.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers bus transportation, guided commentary, and all the scheduled stops with scenic views. Meals and drinks are not included.

How long is the bus ride?
The total travel time is about 1.5 hours from Reykjavík to the first stop, and approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes on the return journey.

Can I see the glaciers and waterfalls clearly?
Yes, the tour is designed to give ample time at each major site, with plenty of photo opportunities and scenic views, even in varying weather conditions.

Are the stops rushed?
Most reviews mention that the stops are well-paced, with enough time for photos, walks, and brief rests. Some stops are about 30 to 50 minutes long.

What guides lead the tour?
Guides like Siggi, Beggi, and Joanna are highly praised for their knowledge, storytelling, and friendly demeanor, making the experience more engaging.

Is the tour flexible?
While the schedule is fixed, guides often add interesting commentary and sometimes extra stops if the group is making good time, as noted by reviewers.

In all, this tour provides a fantastic snapshot of Iceland’s south coast — a perfect choice for travelers wanting to maximize scenery and stories in one memorable day.