View from behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall on Iceland's South Coast at golden hour sunset
Black sand beach with dramatic basalt sea stacks and cliffs along Iceland's South Coast
Turquoise icebergs floating in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon with snow-capped mountains and dramatic cloudy sky
Blue glacial ice tongue flowing between dark rocky terrain and green cliffs on Iceland's south coast

Reykjavik, Iceland

Glacier Lagoon and South Coast Full-Day Private Tour

14 hoursMin 1 guests
Duration14 hours
Group SizePrivate
Starts AtReykjavik
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, Icelandic, Portuguese
Private South Coast Tour

Glacier Lagoon and South Coast Full-Day Private Tour

Explore Iceland's deepest lake, black sand beaches, hidden waterfalls, and the vast ice fields of Vatnajokull on one unforgettable private journey.


This private full-day tour takes you along Iceland's legendary South Coast, where the centerpiece is a visit to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, the deepest lake in the country at 280 meters, filled with floating icebergs calved from Europe's largest glacier. The route also passes black sand beaches, towering waterfalls, and dramatic coastal cliffs.

Vatnajokull, the glacier feeding the lagoon, covers more than 8% of Iceland's total landmass, spanning 8,100 square kilometers. Its ice thickness can reach 1,000 meters, making it not only the largest ice mass in Iceland but also the largest in Europe by volume.

The South Coast combines geological drama with natural beauty at every turn. From the basalt columns of Reynisfjara beach to the cave-concealed Skogafoss waterfall and the puffin colony at Cape Dyrholaey, each stop delivers a distinctly different landscape.

Because this is a private tour, the pace and stops are tailored to your group. Whether you choose to take an amphibian boat ride among the icebergs or simply walk the lagoon shore, the experience is entirely your own.

Tour Highlights

Float among ancient icebergs at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Iceland's deepest lake and one of its most iconic natural landmarks.

Walk the black sand shore of Reynisfjara beach, bordered by striking basalt column formations and ocean rock pillars.

Visit Cape Dyrholaey, a prime location for close encounters with puffins and panoramic views of the South Coast.

Step behind Skogafoss waterfall through its hidden cave passage, a rare experience unique to this narrow cascade.

The glacier lagoon has served as a Hollywood film location, offering extraordinary scenery and photography opportunities in every direction.

Observe Vatnajokull, Europe's largest glacier by volume, a natural wonder that dominates the southeastern landscape of Iceland.

Enjoy the flexibility of a private tour that adapts to your group's interests with a guide dedicated entirely to your party.

Itinerary

1
Departure from Reykjavik

Your private tour begins with a pickup in Reykjavik. The drive east along the South Coast offers views of farmland, volcanic plains, and the gradual approach of the glaciated highlands.

2
Skogafoss Waterfall and Folk Museum

Skogafoss is one of Iceland's most powerful waterfalls, dropping 60 meters into the river below. The nearby Skogar folk museum offers insight into traditional Icelandic rural life.

3
Hidden Waterfall with Cave Access

A narrow waterfall along the route conceals a walkable cave behind its curtain of water. In strong winds the falls blow sideways, creating a striking visual effect.

4
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

The lagoon is the tour's main destination, where large ice chunks calved from Vatnajokull drift across a 280-meter-deep glacial lake. Optional amphibian or Zodiac boat rides are available on the lagoon for a fee.

5
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

This beach is defined by its jet-black volcanic sand and towering basalt columns along the shoreline. Rock pillars rise from the Atlantic surf just offshore.

6
Cape Dyrholaey

The cape offers elevated views over the South Coast and is a reliable spot to observe puffins during the nesting season. The natural arch formation at the cape is also a notable photographic subject.

What Is Included

Included

  • Private transport throughout the tour
  • Professional private guide
  • Pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik
  • Entrance to Reynisfjara beach area
  • Stop at Skogafoss waterfall
  • Visit to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Not Included

  • Boat rides on the lagoon (amphibian or Zodiac, paid separately)
  • Meals and beverages
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities for the guide

Important Information

This is a private full-day tour covering significant distances. Weather and road conditions in Iceland can change rapidly. Dress in warm, wind-resistant layers regardless of the season.
Duration
Approximately 14 hours, including all stops and return to Reykjavik.
Meeting Point
Pickup is arranged from your accommodation in Reykjavik. Confirm the exact location when booking.
What to Bring
Waterproof jacket, warm layers, sturdy walking shoes, sunglasses, and a camera. Bring snacks and water for the journey.
Cancellation
Review the cancellation policy at booking. Weather-related alterations may occur on the day of the tour.
Accessibility
Some stops involve walking on uneven volcanic terrain and black sand beaches. Contact the operator for specific accessibility requirements.
Age Range
Suitable for all ages. The tour is rated easy in terms of physical difficulty.

Reserve Your Private South Coast Experience

Secure your place on this private tour and discover Iceland's South Coast at your own pace, from floating icebergs to black sand beaches and hidden waterfalls.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon?▼
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is 280 meters deep, making it the deepest lake in Iceland.
Is the boat ride on the glacier lagoon included in the tour price?▼
No. Both the amphibian boat ride and the Zodiac boat ride on the lagoon are optional activities available at an additional fee paid directly on site.
What glacier feeds the icebergs at Jokulsarlon?▼
The icebergs originate from Vatnajokull, Iceland's largest glacier and the largest in Europe by volume. Its ice thickness reaches up to 1,000 meters in places.
Can I see puffins on this tour?▼
Puffins are typically present at Cape Dyrholaey during the nesting season, which generally runs from May through August. Sightings outside this period are less common.
Is it possible to walk behind the waterfall on this tour?▼
Yes. One of the stops includes a narrow waterfall with a cave behind it, allowing visitors to walk behind the falling water. Conditions may vary with wind strength.
What level of fitness is required for this tour?▼
The tour is rated easy and is suitable for most fitness levels. Some walking on uneven volcanic sand and rocky terrain is involved at certain stops.
Glacier LagoonSouth Coast IcelandVatnajokullPrivate TourJokulsarlonBlack Sand BeachReynisfjaraSkogafossDyrholaeyIceland Day TourIceberg Boat RidePuffins Iceland
Last updated: 2025-01-30 | Product ID: glacier-lagoon-south-coast-private-tour

Activity

Availability

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Additional Information

Physical: Wheelchair Not accessible

Duration

14 hours

Languages

English - Speaking Guide

Spanish - Speaking Guide

Icelandic - Speaking Guide

Portuguese - Speaking Guide

Additional Information

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Cancellation Policy

Select Date

Meeting Point

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Activity Site

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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