About this experience
A private day on Iceland's South Coast, just for your group. Your driver-guide picks you up at your Reykjavik accommodation or cruise terminal with a VAREN name tablet, helps with your bags and sets the pace around you.
Walk behind the falling water at Seljalandsfoss and step through a narrow gap in the rock to find Gljúfrabúi hidden in its canyon. Feel the spray at Skógafoss, then follow an easy path to the edge of Sólheimajökull glacier, where blue ice meets black ash. The coast opens up at Dyrhólaey's sea arch and cliffs, the basalt columns and black sand of Reynisfjara, and the village of Vík beneath its green hills.
Along the way your guide shares stories and practical tips about Iceland's nature and history. Stay longer where you like; the day is yours. Water on request.
Choose a private sedan for 1-3 travellers or a private van for up to 8. One price per vehicle, not per person.
At a glance
- Duration: 11 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 11 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please bring warm, waterproof clothes and waterproof shoes with good grip.
What is included
- Parking fees and local taxes
- Pickup and drop-off at your Reykjavik accommodation or cruise terminal
- Private South Coast tour in a private sedan or van, just for your group
- Bottled water on request
- USB charging on board
- VAREN name tablet and help with your luggage
- Friendly English-speaking local driver-guide
Not included
- Gratuities
- Lunch and snacks (we stop where you can buy food)
Itinerary and highlights
Your day begins with a comfortable pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Reykjavik. Relax in a clean private vehicle as you travel along Iceland’s scenic South Coast, passing volcanic landscapes, open farmland, and distant mountain views while your guide shares stories about Icelandic nature and culture.
Your first major stop is Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Here a graceful stream of water drops from high cliffs once formed by the island’s ancient coastline. If conditions allow, you can walk behind the waterfall for a unique perspective and feel the refreshing mist while enjoying spectacular photo opportunities.
Just a short walk away lies the hidden gem of Gljúfrabúi. Partially concealed behind a narrow canyon, this enchanting waterfall feels like a secret discovery. Step carefully through the small gorge and watch the water cascade dramatically inside the cliff walls.
Next, visit the powerful Skógafoss waterfall, where glacial water plunges nearly 60 meters down a wide cliff. The roar of the falls and the rising mist create a magical atmosphere, and on sunny days vibrant rainbows often appear in front of the cascading water.
Continue to Sólheimajökull Glacier, an impressive outlet glacier extending from the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. Walk toward the glacier viewpoint to see the striking contrast of blue ice, ash layers, and rugged ice formations that showcase Iceland’s dramatic glacial landscapes.
Your journey continues to the dramatic cliffs of Dyrhólaey. From this elevated viewpoint, enjoy sweeping views of the South Coast, black sand beaches, and the powerful Atlantic Ocean crashing against the shoreline. The area is also famous for its massive rock arch extending into the sea.
Next, stop at the world famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. From the parking area viewpoint, admire the striking contrast of dark volcanic sand, towering basalt columns, and the powerful Atlantic waves. Offshore, the mysterious Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise dramatically from the ocean, creating one of Iceland’s most iconic coastal scenes.
Your final stop on the South Coast is the charming village of Vík. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and black sand beaches, this small coastal town offers a peaceful break where you can enjoy the scenery, take photos, or grab a quick refreshment before beginning the return journey.
Meeting and pickup information
- Enter your Reykjavik accommodation address at checkout. Your guide meets you there with a VAREN name tablet and helps with your luggage. Pickup is available anywhere in the Capital Area, including the cruise terminals in Reykjavik and Hafnarfjordur. Arriving by cruise ship? Enter your ship name and terminal at checkout.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- pl — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Varen
Accessibility and practical details
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- You will receive a booking confirmation right after you book.
- Please count everyone in your group, including children and infants, as everyone needs their own seat.
- Arriving by cruise ship? We pick you up at your cruise terminal and plan the day around your ship's schedule. This is a long day, so it works best when your ship stays in port for the whole day or overnight.
- The tour involves easy walks on uneven paths that can be wet, muddy or icy, so it is not suitable for guests with serious mobility limitations.
- At Sólheimajökull we walk to the edge of the glacier and do not go onto the ice, so no glacier guide or special equipment is needed.
- At Reynisfjara, sneaker waves can run far up the beach without warning. Please stay well back from the water and follow your guide's advice.
- Please bring warm, waterproof clothes and waterproof shoes with good grip.
- Children of all ages are welcome. Parents or guardians look after their children during the tour.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
Traveller experiences load when you reach this section.
