From Reykjavik: South of Iceland Full-Day Trip

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, a full-day tour of the South of Iceland from Reykjavik is one of those experiences that can truly elevate your visit. While I haven’t personally been on this exact journey, I’ve read countless reviews and studied the itinerary closely, and I can tell you it’s a popular choice for travelers eager to witness some of Iceland’s most iconic sights in one day.

What I love about this tour is how it offers a balance of breathtaking landscapes and manageable travel time—you get to see waterfalls, glaciers, and beaches without feeling overwhelmed or rushed. Plus, the guide’s local insights and the chance to walk behind waterfalls or stand on black sand beaches really add to the experience.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is that it’s a long day—around 10 hours of sightseeing—so it might not be ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed pace or traveling with very young children. Still, it’s well-suited for adventure enthusiasts and anyone wanting a comprehensive snapshot of Iceland’s dramatic south coast.

Overall, if you’re after a well-organized, value-packed trip with lots of natural beauty and stories to take home, this tour is likely to be a good fit. Let’s unpack what makes this experience worth considering—and what you might want to prepare for.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering waterfalls, glaciers, beaches, and more
• Excellent guide reviews highlight knowledgeable, friendly guides that enhance the experience
• Good value for money given the number of sights visited and included transportation
• Long but scenic day with around 10 hours of travel and sightseeing
• Accessible stops with plenty of time to take photos and explore
• Weather considerations: outdoor nature spots mean you’ll want to be prepared for rain or splashes
• Ideal for nature lovers and those eager to see iconic Icelandic landscapes in one go
• Limited time at some sites like the glacier, so manage expectations if you want to get very close

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why You Should Consider This Tour

This tour is really about experiencing Iceland’s visual diversity—from powerful waterfalls to stark black sand beaches and icy glaciers. It’s perfect if you want a big-picture overview of the south coast in one day, especially if your time in Iceland is limited.

You’ll love the way the tour is structured, with stops that are long enough for good photos and exploration, but not so long that you feel exhausted. Plus, the guides are highly praised. Reviews mention how knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging they are, sharing stories, facts, and even some folkloric tales that make the landscape come alive.

The value here is also noteworthy. For $121, you get a full day’s worth of sightseeing, transportation, and expert commentary. Considering how much ground you cover and the stunning sites you visit, this represents a solid deal—especially compared to trying to drive yourself around or book separate tours.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See and Do

Starting Point and Pickup

Most travelers will be picked up from centrally located hotels or bus stops in Reykjavik, with options including cruise port pickups. The convenience of hotel pickup means you don’t have to worry about navigating Reykjavik’s streets early in the morning. The tour begins with a transfer that lasts about an hour, giving everyone time to settle in and set expectations.

Early Stops: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss

The first major stops highlight Iceland’s waterfall royalty. Seljalandsfoss is famous for its ability to walk behind the cascade, which is a pretty surreal experience. You’ll get close enough to feel the spray—just be ready for some water if the weather’s rainy or the wind’s strong. One review mentioned the importance of waterproof clothing, especially if you plan to walk behind the waterfall.

Next, Skógafoss is a towering 60-meter drop, and the photo opportunities here are impressive. The mist from the cascade often creates rainbows, making it a favorite for many travelers. The 30-minute stop allows enough time to snap some pictures, feel the power of the water, and soak in the scenery.

More Great Tours Nearby

Sólheimajökull Glacier and Black Sand Beaches

The visit to the glacier snout at Sólheimajökull is a highlight. It’s an outlet glacier of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, and you get to see the raw, shifting ice up close. The 45-minute stop lets you admire the dynamic nature of glaciers—a reminder of how Iceland’s landscape is constantly changing. Many reviews praise the uniqueness of this landscape, although some noted it’s not a place to get very close if you’re not prepared for uneven terrain or cold.

Continuing along the coast, you’ll visit Reynisfjara, the famous black sand beach with basalt sea stacks. The scene here is almost otherworldly—black sands, roaring Atlantic waves, and striking columns of basalt. Be cautious of the waves, as they are unpredictable and can be dangerous, especially if you get too close.

Lunch in Vik and Return to Reykjavik

The tour includes a 50-minute stop in Vik, Iceland’s southernmost village, for lunch. This is a good opportunity to try some local food or grab a quick snack, and enjoy the peaceful coastal atmosphere. Reviews suggest that the lunch stop is well-organized, giving you enough time to relax and refuel.

Final Stops: Seljalandsfoss and Return

The day wraps up with another visit to Seljalandsfoss for more photos or a chance to revisit the waterfall from a different angle. The return trip is about an hour, giving you some downtime before arriving back in Reykjavik.

What to Expect from the Guided Experience

The guided tour generally features live commentary in English, with reviews emphasizing how guides share interesting stories, facts, and folklore that make the landscapes more meaningful. Travelers have praised guides like Steinunn, Robert, Ivy, and Victoria for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to keep the group engaged.

The group size isn’t specified but based on reviews, it’s a comfortable experience—large enough to see a variety of sights but small enough for personal interaction. The bus is described as clean, with some reviews mentioning onboard Wi-Fi, which can be helpful for sharing photos or checking social media during the drive.

Duration and Pacing

The total duration is about 10 hours, which is a full day but still manageable for most travelers. The stops are spaced out well, with enough time at each location to take photos and explore. However, some reviews mention that the glacier stop could feel a bit rushed, so if glacier access is a priority, you might want to set expectations accordingly.

Accessibility and Weather

Since the tour involves outdoor stops, weather can impact your experience. Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, so waterproof gear and sturdy shoes are advisable. Tour operators recommend bringing rain jackets, especially for the waterfall stops where spray is inevitable.

The Real Experiences: What Travelers Say

Many reviews highlight the expertise of the guides, with comments like “Steinunn shared a lot of interesting information,” and “Victoria was great, speaking jokes, stories, and Iceland songs.” Such storytelling makes the trip more engaging and memorable.

The sights themselves are frequently described as “spectacular” and “beautiful,” with waterfalls and beaches standing out as favorites. For example, one traveler called walking behind Seljalandsfoss “magic,” and another described the black sand beach as the highlight.

A common theme is the value for money—people feel they get a lot of stunning scenery and interesting stories for the price, with some noting the tour is well-organized and smoothly run. The length of the day is appreciated, with many saying it’s worth the effort to see so many iconic spots in one trip.

Practical Tips from Reviews

• Waterproof clothing is highly recommended, especially if you plan to walk behind waterfalls.
• Be prepared for some walking on uneven terrain, especially at glaciers.
• The tour is long, so comfortable shoes and snacks are a good idea.
• Some reviews mention the importance of having enough time at each stop, suggesting that the tour generally strikes a good balance.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is perfect for first-time visitors eager to see Iceland’s most famous sights without the hassle of arranging transportation and guides themselves. It suits adventurers who want a full day of exploration and are comfortable with a packed schedule.

If you’re traveling with limited time in Iceland or prefer a curated experience, this tour offers a great snapshot of the south coast. However, if you’re looking for a super relaxed pace or want to spend more time at each site, you might find this trip a bit rushed.

It’s also a solid option for those who enjoy storytelling and learning about the places they visit, since guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly demeanor.

Final Thoughts

The South of Iceland Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik offers an engaging, thoroughly planned way to see some of Iceland’s most celebrated natural wonders. With visits to iconic waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches, it delivers a visual feast for nature lovers. The value for money is notable, especially considering the number of sights included and the quality of guides.

While the day is long and outdoor elements require some prep, most travelers find it well worth the effort. The combination of breathtaking scenery, storytelling guides, and well-organized stops makes this a top choice for those wanting a comprehensive Icelandic adventure in a single day.

If you’re after a memorable, photo-worthy trip that covers Iceland’s southern highlights without the hassle of planning every detail, this tour is hard to beat. Just pack your waterproofs, set your camera to burst mode, and prepare to experience some of Iceland’s most dramatic landscapes.

FAQs

Is pickup included in this tour?
Pickup is available from selected hotels, guesthouses, and official bus stops in central Reykjavik, including the cruise port. You’ll be picked up within 30 minutes of the scheduled departure time.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, including travel time, stops, and breaks.

What should I bring?
Bring waterproof clothing, sturdy shoes, and layers to stay warm and dry. Snacks or a packed lunch are not included, but there’s a lunch stop in Vik.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Children under 2 years old are not permitted. The tour is suitable for older children and adults who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic drives.

What sites will I see?
You’ll visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the glacier snout of Sólheimajökull, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and the village of Vik.

Is the glacier walk or close-up glacier experience included?
You will visit the glacier snout, but the tour doesn’t specify a glacier hike or close-up glacier walk—viewing is from a safe distance.

Can I expect good photo opportunities?
Absolutely. Each stop offers stunning vistas perfect for photos, especially waterfalls and black sand beaches. The stops are long enough for quality shots.

What is the guide like?
Reviews highlight guides as friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging, sharing stories and facts that add depth to the scenery.

Is the tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
The tour involves outdoor stops that may require walking on uneven terrain; it’s best to check with the provider if you have specific mobility concerns.

How is the weather?
Weather in Iceland can be unpredictable. Be prepared for rain, wind, or chilly conditions, especially at waterfalls and coastlines.

This guided full-day tour of Iceland’s south coast offers a robust snapshot of Icelandic natural beauty, perfect for travelers who want to tick off major sights while enjoying the comfort of expert guides. If you’re up for a day filled with waterfalls, glaciers, and black sands, it’s an experience worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: