2-Day Blue Ice Cave, Glacier Lagoon and South Coast Tour

If you’re dreaming of striking waterfalls, dramatic coastlines, and icy-blue caves that look straight out of a fairytale, this 2-day Blue Ice Cave, Glacier Lagoon, and South Coast Tour might be just what you need. While we haven’t taken this exact trip ourselves, reviews and detailed itineraries suggest it offers an immersive, hassle-free way to experience Iceland’s most iconic sights—without the stress of driving or planning every detail.

What we love about this tour are two key things: first, the fact that it includes comfortable accommodation and breakfast, making the whole experience easier and more relaxing. Second, the expert guides who are praised for their knowledge, flexibility, and genuine enthusiasm. The main drawback? The price (around $679) might seem steep, but when you factor in transportation, guides, lodging, and entry to incredible sites, it’s a package that offers solid value—especially for those who prefer to leave logistics to the pros.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided experience of Iceland’s south coast in just two days, especially if they’re wary of long drives or complicated self-planning. It’s particularly appealing if you’re eager to see waterfalls, glaciers, and ice caves but don’t want to worry about the details. Keep in mind, the tour is geared toward those aged 8 and up, with a moderate level of physical activity needed for some stops.

• Convenience is king: With hotel pickup, drop-off, and round-trip transport, you skip the hassle of navigating Iceland’s often tricky roads.
• Includes accommodation and breakfast: No extra booking needed, saving you time and stress.
• Expert guides make a difference: Reviews highlight guides’ knowledge, flexibility, and friendly attitude.
• Stunning natural sights: From waterfalls and black beaches to ice caves and glacier lagoons—every stop is picture-worthy.
• Weather can impact the experience: The ice cave tour, in particular, may be canceled for safety reasons; flexible rescheduling or refunds are available.
• Group size is kept small: With a max of 19 travelers, expect a more intimate experience and better chances for personalized attention.

The beauty of this tour is that it balances well-known highlights with hidden gems, all while making the logistics smoother than doing it yourself. Here’s a detailed look at what each day involves.

Day 1: Waterfalls, Black Sand, and Geothermal Hotspots

Your adventure kicks off with a pick-up from your Reykjavik hotel around 9:00 am. The first leg of the trip takes you along Iceland’s famous Route 1, passing through charming small towns like Hveragerði, known for its geothermal hotspots and lush greenhouses, and Selfoss, the region’s bustling hub.

Seljalandsfoss

Your first major stop is Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall that drops about 60 meters from the side of Eyjafjallajökull volcano. It’s a photographer’s dream—you can actually walk behind the cascade, feeling the mist and hearing the roar of water. Reviewers rave about the experience, with one mentioning it offers a “breathtaking” view and a “unique experience.” It’s perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the raw power of nature.

Gljufrabui Waterfalls

Next, you’ll visit Gljufrabui, a lesser-known waterfall hidden inside a narrow canyon. Many visitors pass this by, but guides love guiding you to this secret spot, ensuring you don’t miss it. It’s a quiet, enchanting space that adds a special touch to your day.

Irafoss

A quick stop at Irafoss offers a glimpse of a private waterfall, which isn’t always on tourist itineraries. It’s a rare photo opportunity, and reviewers mention that seeing unique sights like this makes the tour stand out.

Eyjafjallajökull Eruption

A brief but impactful stop is to learn about the massive 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull, the event that brought international attention to Iceland. Guides typically share stories that make these natural events feel close and real.

Skogafoss

Arguably Iceland’s most famous waterfall, Skogafoss, is next. It’s a location that’s appeared in Game of Thrones and features a 60-meter drop that often creates rainbows in its mist. Many reviews mention climbing to the top for panoramic views or simply marveling at its sheer power.

Solheimajokull Glacier

You’ll get up close to Sólheimajökull, an outlet glacier of Mýrdalsjökull. It’s a raw, icy landscape where you can see the glaciers’ impressive ice formations. The guides often point out the geological features, and travelers often say it’s a highlight to experience the scale and texture of the ice.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

The day wraps up at Reynisfjara, a world-famous black sand beach with striking basalt columns, roaring Atlantic waves, and the iconic Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Reviewers consistently mention how atmospheric and dramatic this beach is, perfect for sunset photos or just soaking in the wild Atlantic energy.

Day 2: Glaciers, Icebergs, and the Blue Ice Cave

The second day begins with a brief stop in Vík, a tiny village with spectacular views of the black sand beach and surrounding mountains.

Eldhraun Lava Field

Next, you’ll explore the Eldhraun Lava Field, a vast expanse covered in thick moss. It’s a landscape that feels otherworldly, and many visitors mention the contrast between the volcanic rock and lush moss.

Hofskirkja Church

Your next stop is Hofskirkja, the last turf church built in Iceland. Its moss-covered roof and peaceful surroundings make it a lovely photograph and history spot.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Now comes the real star of the second day: Jökulsárlón, the glacier lagoon famous for floating icebergs and film appearances. Visitors often say it’s breathtakingly beautiful, with seals occasionally spotted among the ice. The calm, reflective waters are a photographer’s dream.

Diamond Beach

Just across from the lagoon, Diamond Beach dazzles visitors with sparkling ice fragments scattered across black sand. It’s a surreal scene—imagine shimmering ice chunks in the sun, contrasting sharply against the dark sands.

Vatnajokull National Park & Blue Ice Cave

Finally, the highlight—the Blue Ice Cave inside Vatnajokull. This expedition involves a superjeep ride and a guided tour into the ice caves, where the intense blue hues and intricate formations leave visitors speechless. Reviews mention that these caves change each year, making each visit unique. Guides are known for their expertise and storytelling, making the experience both stunning and informative.

After exploring the caves, you’ll make your way back to Jökulsárlón and then return to Reykjavik, stopping in Vík again along the way.

Most reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and adaptability. One reviewer mentioned that their guide, Mika, was “extremely knowledgeable” and that despite poor weather, he adjusted the itinerary so they still saw everything. Others highlight guides like Gulli, Filip, Oli, and Sammis for their friendliness, storytelling, and ability to make the trip memorable.

Some reviewers also mention that the scenery is truly spectacular, with plenty of “breathtaking” stops. The stops at waterfalls, black beaches, and ice lagoons consistently earn high marks, with many saying the sights exceeded expectations.

A small number of reviews note driving safety concerns, with one traveler describing the driver as dangerously distracted. The tour provider states that safety is a priority, and that the driver in question received a warning. Still, it’s worth considering if you’re sensitive to driving style.

Many reviewers feel that the value for money is justified, especially given that the tour includes breakfast, accommodation, guides, and transportation. The convenience of having everything organized makes it appealing, especially for first-time visitors who want to focus on the sights rather than logistics.

The transportation is modern, air-conditioned, and includes WiFi onboard, which is handy for sharing your photos or catching up on messages. The small group size means you’re less likely to feel lost in a crowd, and guides attempt to make the experience flexible and personal.

The tour runs approximately two days, starting at 9:00 am, with luggage considerations—small backpacks are recommended, and luggage storage options are available in Reykjavik if needed.

Price and Value

At $679 per person, this tour is a significant investment, but when you consider guided transportation, accommodation, breakfast, and entry to iconic sights, it offers a comprehensive experience that would be hard to replicate on your own. Many travelers say that the convenience, professional guides, and access to unique sites make it worth the cost.

Who would love this tour?

This experience suits travelers who want to see Iceland’s highlights in a short time without the hassle of driving or planning every detail. It’s perfect for those who appreciate guided journeys with knowledgeable hosts, want to capture stunning photos, and are comfortable with moderate physical activity. Families aged 8 and up, with good fitness levels, will find it suitable, especially since the tour is organized to keep things manageable and enjoyable.

This 2-day tour offers a fantastic way to experience Iceland’s South Coast without the stress of planning every stop. From roaring waterfalls and black sand beaches to shimmering ice caves and glacier lagoons, every moment is packed with natural wonder. The inclusion of accommodation and breakfast simplifies the logistics, letting you focus on enjoying the stunning scenery and snapping plenty of photos.

Guides are consistently praised for their expertise, friendliness, and flexibility—crucial qualities when navigating Iceland’s often unpredictable weather. While the journey includes some intense driving, the safety measures and warnings provided by the company show they take care to protect their guests.

If you’re looking for a convenient, well-led, visually stunning tour that covers Iceland’s highlights in just two days, this option would be hard to beat. It’s especially well-suited for those who value comfort, expert guidance, and an itinerary that maximizes sightseeing without feeling rushed.

• Is hotel pickup and drop-off included? Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik, making logistics straightforward.
• What’s included in the price? The cost covers breakfast, accommodation, guided tour activities, transportation, and WiFi onboard.
• Are there any age restrictions? Yes, the minimum age is 8 years old, suitable for families with older children.
• How physically demanding is the tour? Moderate physical activity is required, mainly for walking at stops like waterfalls, beaches, and ice caves.
• What if the ice cave tour is canceled due to weather? The tour provider states that they may cancel the ice cave tour for safety reasons and will offer alternative activities or a refund.
• Can I bring luggage? Small backpacks are recommended. You can store larger luggage at Reykjavik lockers or the Nicetravel office.
• How long is each stop? Stops vary from about 10 to 40 minutes, allowing ample time for photos and exploration.
• What’s the best time of year to do this tour? The tour runs year-round, but the ice caves change each season and are best in winter or early spring.
• Is this tour suitable for photography? Absolutely. Many reviewers mention how photogenic every stop is.
• What should I wear? Warm, waterproof clothes and good hiking shoes are recommended for comfort and safety.

If Iceland’s wild landscapes excite you and you prefer guided comfort, this 2-day tour offers an excellent way to pack in the incredible sights with expert guidance and minimal hassle. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and breathtaking scenery.