Black sand beach with towering basalt columns on Iceland's South Coast with tourists exploring the shoreline
Dramatic basalt column cliff face at black sand beach on Iceland's south coast
Seljalandsfoss waterfall cascading over green cliffs onto Iceland's lush South Coast plains at sunset
Black sand beach with sea stacks at golden sunset on Iceland's South Coast
Ice cave tunnel through glacial formations on Iceland's south coast with overcast sky
Tall waterfall cascading over rocky cliff with white wildflowers in foreground on Iceland South Coast
Herd of Icelandic horses with thick manes standing in a snowy winter landscape
Skógafoss waterfall cascading down mossy cliffs on Iceland's South Coast under dramatic cloudy skies

Reykjavik, Iceland

Private South Coast Day Tour: Waterfalls and Glaciers

10 hoursMin 1 guests
Listing ID : 37188
Duration10 Hours
Group SizePrivate
Starts AtReykjavik
LanguagesDanish, English, Spanish, Portuguese
Private Day Tour

South Coast of Iceland Private Day Tour

Waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic beaches on one unforgettable private journey


The Iceland South Coast private tour covers the region's most celebrated natural landmarks in a single full day, with a dedicated guide and a flexible pace tailored to your group.

The South Coast stretches from Reykjavik toward the village of Vik, threading through landscapes shaped by glacial rivers, active volcanoes, and centuries of Atlantic erosion. Each stop reveals a distinct facet of Iceland's geology and ecology.

Traveling privately means the itinerary adapts to your interests. Whether you linger at a waterfall or spend extra time at the glacier, the day belongs to your group rather than a shared schedule.

The route passes through Hveragerði, a town where geothermal energy heats greenhouses year-round, offering an early glimpse into how Icelanders have long worked with the forces beneath the island's surface.

Tour Highlights

Walk behind the curtain of Seljalandsfoss, a 60-metre waterfall where a path circles the full cascade.

Stand at the base of Skógafoss, one of Iceland's widest waterfalls, fed by meltwater from Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull.

Approach Sólheimajökull Glacier, an outlet of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, and observe the visible effects of glacial retreat firsthand.

Explore Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, ranked among the world's most beautiful non-tropical beaches, with its basalt columns and sea stacks.

Visit Dyrhólaey, a 120-metre promontory carved by the sea, offering panoramic views of the coastline and, in summer, Atlantic puffins.

View Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano whose 2010 eruption disrupted European air travel and reshaped global awareness of Iceland's volcanic activity.

Conclude the journey in Vik village, a small coastal settlement south of Mýrdalsjökull, marking the southernmost point of the route.

Itinerary Overview

1
Reykjavik Departure

Pick-up from your accommodation or from bus stop 8 beside Hallgrímskirkja church. The drive south passes Hveragerði, where geothermal heat powers greenhouses visible from the road.

2
Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss Waterfalls

At Seljalandsfoss, a path leads behind the 60-metre cascade for a perspective found at few waterfalls in the world. Skógafoss follows, 60 metres tall and roughly 25 metres wide, with mist that often produces rainbows on sunny days.

3
Sólheimajökull Glacier

The glacier tongue flows from the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, which conceals the active Katla volcano beneath it. The guide provides context on the rate at which Iceland's glaciers have been retreating in recent decades.

4
Dyrhólaey Promontory

This 120-metre sea cliff was formed by wave erosion and offers an expansive view of the black sand coastline stretching in both directions. Puffins nest here during the summer months.

5
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Reynisdrangar

The volcanic black sand beach features dramatic basalt column formations along the cliff face. The Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise from the ocean just offshore, shaped by centuries of Atlantic wave erosion.

6
Vik Village and Return to Reykjavik

A brief visit to Vik, the small village at the southern edge of the tour route, closes out the day. The group then returns to Reykjavik, arriving in the early evening.

What Is Included

Included

  • Private transport for your group
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavik
  • All location entrance access (exterior viewpoints)

Not Included

  • Meals and beverages
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Glacier hiking equipment or guided glacier walk
  • Gratuities for the guide

Important Information

Weather conditions on the South Coast change rapidly. Layers, waterproof outerwear, and sturdy footwear are strongly recommended regardless of the season.
Duration
Approximately 10 hours including all stops and driving time between locations.
Meeting Point
Pick-up from your Reykjavik accommodation, or bus stop 8 next to Hallgrímskirkja church.
What to Bring
Waterproof jacket, warm layers, sturdy walking shoes, snacks, water, and a camera.
Cancellation
Please review the cancellation policy at the time of booking for full terms and conditions.
Accessibility
The tour involves light walking on uneven terrain. The path behind Seljalandsfoss may be closed in icy conditions.
Age Range
Suitable for all ages. The difficulty level is easy to moderate, making it accessible for most fitness levels.

Reserve Your Private South Coast Day Tour

Secure your spot on this private full-day tour and explore Iceland's South Coast at your own pace with an experienced local guide.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the path behind Seljalandsfoss always be accessed?
The path behind Seljalandsfoss may be closed during very cold weather due to ice buildup. In those cases, the waterfall and surrounding icy landscape are still viewable from the front.
Is this tour suitable for children and older travelers?
Yes, the tour is rated easy to moderate. The stops involve short walks on relatively accessible terrain, making it suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels.
Does the tour include a glacier hike on Sólheimajökull?
The tour includes a visit to the Sólheimajökull viewpoint. A guided glacier walk onto the ice is not included but can often be arranged separately as an add-on activity.
What is the best time of year to take this South Coast tour?
The tour runs year-round. Summer offers long daylight hours and puffin sightings at Dyrhólaey, while winter provides dramatic landscapes and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights on the return journey.
Where exactly does the tour begin and end?
The tour departs from your Reykjavik accommodation or from bus stop 8 beside Hallgrímskirkja church and returns to the same drop-off point in the evening.
Are meals included in the tour?
Meals and beverages are not included. It is recommended to bring snacks and water, and there are opportunities to purchase food at stops along the route.
Iceland South CoastPrivate TourSeljalandsfossSkógafossReynisfjaraBlack Sand BeachSólheimajökull GlacierDyrhólaeyReykjavik Day TourVik VillageIceland WaterfallsIceland Nature Tour
Last updated: 2025-07-15 | Product ID: txp-isl-southcoast-private

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

10 hours

Languages

Danish - Speaking Guide

English - Speaking Guide

Spanish - 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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