South Coast Day Tour with Optional Horse Riding at Black Sand Beach
Waterfalls, volcanic cliffs, and black sand shores — all in a single unforgettable day from Reykjavík.
This Iceland South Coast day tour takes you through some of the country's most iconic natural landmarks, from thundering waterfalls to dramatic basalt coastlines, all reachable by comfortable minivan with round-trip transport from Reykjavík included.
The South Coast of Iceland is one of the most geologically diverse stretches of landscape in the country, shaped by centuries of volcanic activity, glacial movement, and Atlantic erosion. In a single day, you move through scenery that shifts from mossy cliffs to jet-black beaches backed by towering basalt columns.
The tour visits Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the Dyrhólaey promontory, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and finishes in the village of Vík í Mýrdal. Each stop offers a distinct perspective on Iceland's volcanic heritage and coastal character.
An optional horseback riding experience along the black sand shore is available as a separate add-on, making this tour suitable for travelers who want to deepen their engagement with the landscape beyond sightseeing.
Tour Highlights
Walk behind the curtain of water at Seljalandsfoss, a 60-meter waterfall fed by glacial meltwater from the Eyjafjallajökull volcano.
Stand at the base of Skógafoss, one of Iceland's widest and most powerful waterfalls, where mist and sunlight frequently create vivid rainbows.
Explore the Dyrhólaey promontory, formed by a volcanic eruption roughly 100,000 years ago, and view its iconic natural rock arch over the sea.
Walk the volcanic black sand of Reynisfjara beach and observe the Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks rising dramatically from the Atlantic.
Conclude the day in Vík í Mýrdal, Iceland's southernmost village, nestled between two glaciers with a historic church dating to 1934.
Watch puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes from dedicated viewing areas on the Dyrhólaey cliffs during the nesting season.
Add an optional horseback riding session along the black sand beach for a hands-on encounter with Iceland's landscape and equestrian culture.
Tour Itinerary
The first stop is Seljalandsfoss, a 60-meter waterfall that flows over a hollow cliff, allowing visitors to walk the path behind the cascade. The surrounding area features additional trails, wildflowers, and views of the nearby Gljúfrafoss waterfall hidden within a canyon.
Skógafoss drops 60 meters across a 25-meter-wide face into a small lagoon, fed by the Skoga River and flanked by steep green cliffs. A staircase alongside the falls leads to an elevated viewpoint and access to the beginning of the Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail.
Dyrhólaey is a volcanic headland offering panoramic views over the South Coast, including the Mýrdalsjökull glacier and Reynisfjara beach. The promontory's natural rock arch and operational lighthouse, built in 1910, are its most recognizable features.
Reynisfjara is defined by its dark volcanic sand, geometric basalt columns, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks that stand offshore. Visitors should remain cautious of the beach's strong sneaker waves, which can reach the shore without warning.
The tour concludes in Vík, Iceland's southernmost village, located between the Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. The village offers a chance to explore local shops, the hilltop church, and the surrounding black sand coastline before the return journey to Reykjavík.
What Is Included
Included
- Round-trip transport from Reykjavík by minivan
- Professional tour guide
- Visits to Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls
- Stop at Dyrhólaey promontory and lighthouse viewpoint
- Visit to Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Final stop in Vík í Mýrdal village
Not Included
- Horseback riding (optional, charged separately — contact operator to add)
- Meals and personal refreshments
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Important Information
Book Your South Coast Day Tour
Secure your spot on this full-day journey along Iceland's South Coast, with iconic waterfalls, volcanic beaches, and an optional horseback riding experience included.
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