From Reykjavík: Vík Lava Show & South Coast Waterfalls Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and want to experience the raw beauty of the country’s volcanic landscape alongside iconic waterfalls, this Vík Lava Show & South Coast Waterfalls Tour might be just what you’re looking for. We haven’t personally taken this exact tour, but based on reviews and detailed descriptions, it sounds like a well-rounded, memorable day out that balances education, scenery, and a touch of adventure.

What really draws us to this experience is the immersive Lava Show in Vík, where you get to see real flowing lava in a safe, controlled environment—something that’s quite unique among Iceland tours. Plus, the stops at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls are classic Icelandic sights that showcase the natural power of the landscape. These highlights make this tour stand out for anyone eager to see both volcanic activity and waterfalls in one day.

One thing to keep in mind is that the itinerary involves quite a bit of bus travel—about 11 hours overall. If you’re someone who prefers quick, activity-packed trips, this might feel long. Also, the tour doesn’t include meals or drinks, so packing snacks is advisable. But if you’re comfortable with a full day on the road and are looking for a comprehensive look at Iceland’s South Coast, this tour can deliver a lot of value.

It’s especially suited for travelers who love nature, geology, and iconic scenery—and who want a mix of hands-on learning (like the Lava Show) and sightseeing. Families and first-time visitors will likely find it a good introduction to Iceland’s volcanic forces and waterfalls, especially with guides praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

Key Points

• Immersive Lava Show offers a safe, detailed look at flowing lava, a must-see for geology enthusiasts.
• Iconic waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss provide stunning photo opportunities and a sense of Iceland’s raw power.
• Flexible itinerary with free time in Vík and guided stops ensures a good balance of structure and exploration.
• Expert guides are highly praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and added touches like music and quick scenic stops.
• Value for money is strong, considering the transportation, show tickets, and guided experience included.
• Long day, so be prepared for about 11 hours on the road, with potential for fatigue but also for unforgettable sights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Tour

Starting from Reykjavík

The tour kicks off early in the morning, with hotel pickup options available. The ride out of the city takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, giving you a chance to settle in and get excited about the day ahead. The bus is equipped with free Wi-Fi, which is a thoughtful touch, so you can stay connected or just relax as the landscape begins to change outside.

Journey Through the South Coast

Once on the road, you’ll spend roughly 100 minutes traveling to your first major stop. This is a good time to get a feel for Iceland’s rural scenery—vast open fields, distant mountains, and the occasional puff of steam from geothermal areas if you’re lucky.

A quick break in Hvolsvöllur (around 10 minutes) offers a chance to stretch, use the facilities, or grab a snack, which can be really helpful given the long day ahead. Then, another hour on the bus brings you closer to Vík, where the tour really kicks off.

Vík and the Black Sand Beach

Upon arrival in Vík, you’ll have about 1.5 hours of free time to explore. The village is tiny but packed with photogenic spots. The black sand beach here is renowned—dark volcanic sand contrasted against the white surf and towering Reynisdrangar sea stacks just offshore make for some stunning pictures.

Our favorite thing about this part of the tour is the chance to walk around at your own pace, soak in the views, and get some photos. Reviews highlight how guides often help with quick tips for the best angles or less crowded spots, enhancing your experience. For many, this stop is a highlight, thanks to the dramatic scenery.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Lava Show in Vík

Next, you’ll head to the Lava Show, a purpose-built facility where you can witness a simulated volcanic eruption. Guests report that the show is captivating and educational—an engaging way to learn about Iceland’s volcanic activity in a safe environment.

Multiple reviews praise the tour guides for their friendliness and knowledge. One reviewer mentioned that their guide, Beggi, was “10/10,” very informative and helpful, even singing a lullaby during the bus ride home! Another reviewer loved how guide Monika added extra scenic stops and played fitting music to give a sense of Iceland’s musical talent.

The Lava Show itself lasts about an hour and provides a close-up glimpse of molten lava, which is surprisingly safe but breathtaking. For many, seeing real lava up close is a highlight that makes the entire trip worthwhile.

Skógafoss Waterfall

After the Lava Show and some free time in Vík, it’s back on the bus for roughly 30 minutes to Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Standing at 60 meters high, Skógafoss’s thunderous drop and lush surroundings are unforgettable. The viewing platform at the top provides a different perspective, with views over the waterfall and surrounding landscape.

Guests often comment on how powerful Skógafoss looks in person—something images don’t fully convey. It’s easy to spend time wandering around here, taking photos, and feeling the spray from the falls.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Next stop: Seljalandsfoss, another iconic waterfall. What makes it special is the trail behind the falls, allowing visitors to walk behind the cascading water for a unique photo opportunity. The 30-minute stop is enough to get a sense of its beauty and snap some memorable shots.

Be prepared for possible spray, and wear waterproof clothing if you want to get close. Reviews note that this waterfall is often crowded but still worth a visit for its sheer charm and the chance to see a different side of Iceland’s waterfalls.

Return Journey

After a full day, the bus heads back toward Reykjavík, with a couple of scenic stops along the way to stretch and take in the views. The total return trip is about 2 hours, making the entire tour an 11-hour adventure from pickup to drop-off.

The Overall Experience

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of educational content, scenic beauty, and cultural insight. The Lava Show is a unique highlight that sets this tour apart from standard waterfall trips, giving you a tangible connection to Iceland’s volcanic core. The stops at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss are quintessential Iceland, providing those iconic moments that make travel photos pop.

The guides get high marks for their friendliness and knowledge, which really enhances the experience. Guests frequently mention how guides added personal touches, like music and extra scenic stops, that made the long day more enjoyable.

The price of $195 per person reflects the comprehensive nature of this tour—transportation, guide, and Lava Show tickets are included, making it good value given the memorable sights and the expert commentary.

Some considerations

The main downside is the long duration—about 11 hours—so this is best suited for those comfortable with a day on the road. Also, since meals aren’t included, bringing snacks or planning for quick stops for food is recommended. The busy schedule means little downtime, but most find the experience worthwhile.

Who is this tour best for?

Travelers who love to learn about geology or are fascinated by volcanoes will find this especially engaging. It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of the south coast’s highlights in one day. Families with older children might also appreciate the mix of scenery and the lava show, which is safe and fun for all ages.

If you’re seeking a relaxed, leisurely experience with plenty of free time, this might not be the ideal choice. But if you want a comprehensive, guided day packed with iconic sights, storytelling, and a rare glimpse into Iceland’s volcanic activity, this tour delivers.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, depending on the option you choose. Be sure to be ready at your designated pickup point by 8:00 AM.

How long is the bus ride from Reykjavík?
The journey to Vík takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, with additional travel time between stops. The return trip is roughly 2 hours.

What’s the age range suitable for this tour?
While the tour is fun for all ages, the reviews don’t specify restrictions. However, since the lava show and waterfall stops are suitable for most, it’s likely good for families with children who can handle a full day of travel.

Are food or drinks included?
No, meals and drinks are not included. You can bring snacks or plan to buy food during the stops.

What is the price?
It costs $195 per person, which covers transportation, the Lava Show tickets, and a guide. You might find it offers good value given the included experiences and scenic stops.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving flexibility to your planning.

Is Wi-Fi available on the bus?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is provided, so you can stay connected or share your photos during the journey.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Reykjavík offers a compelling way to see some of Iceland’s most striking sights in one day. The Lava Show provides a rare, up-close look at volcanic activity, which is a highlight for many travelers. The stops at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss are classic Icelandic experiences—powerful waterfalls that leave a lasting impression.

Guides appear to be a real asset, adding insights, music, and extra scenic stops that make the long day more enjoyable. The overall value for the price is solid, considering the transportation, guided commentary, and entry to the Lava Show.

If you’re someone who appreciates both natural beauty and geological wonders, and you’re okay with a full day of travel, this tour could be perfect for you. It balances educational content with stunning scenery, making it a memorable part of any Iceland trip.

For those seeking a relaxed pace or meals included, you might want to consider other options. But for a well-rounded, scenic, and engaging day out that captures the essence of Iceland’s volcanic landscape, this tour hits the mark.

You can check availability for your dates here: