From Reykjavik: South Coast Tour & DC-3 Plane Wreck

The DC-3 plane wreck is the unusual hook here, but the real strength of this 12-hour South Coast trip is the amount of Iceland you fit into one day. You get waterfalls, black sand, sea cliffs, a glacier, and a stark volcanic plain without renting a car or worrying about winter roads.

I like the mix of famous sights and useful transport. The shuttle to the wreck saves a long walk across Sólheimasandur, and the small minibus, onboard Wi-Fi, and frequent scenic stops make the long drive easier. I also like the guides, with names such as Lili, Martin, Slavi, Vjeran, and Sigrid repeatedly praised for friendly stories and calm driving.

The main drawback is simple: 12 hours is a long day, and the South Coast is popular. Some stops can feel rushed if pickup delays or bad weather cut into the schedule. The glacier stop is also for viewing only, not hiking, so anyone hoping to walk on the ice will need a separate excursion.

Key points to know before booking

• The DC-3 shuttle saves a long walk: You ride close to the wreck instead of crossing the black-sand desert on foot.
• You see Iceland’s big South Coast sights in one day: Two major waterfalls, Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey, a glacier, and the plane wreck all fit into the route.
• The guides shape the experience: Past guides including Lili, Martin, Slavi, Vjeran, Sigrid, and Kjartan were praised for humor, local stories, and thoughtful help.
• Reynisfjara needs care: Powerful waves make this beautiful beach a place for looking, photographing, and obeying safety instructions, not wandering close to the surf.
• Sólheimajökull is a viewing stop: You can walk around the lagoon and see the ice, but no glacier hike is included.
• Pack for wet, windy weather: Waterproof clothing, gloves, a hat, warm layers, and sturdy shoes matter more than stylish holiday clothes.

Leaving Reykjavík for the South Coast

Pickup is available from many designated points around Reykjavík, including central bus stops, hotels, the Bus Terminal, Hallgrimskirkja, and several larger hotels. The collection process can take up to 30 minutes, so I would arrive early and keep your phone handy in case the guide needs to identify you.

Once the minibus leaves the city, the views change quickly. Moss-covered lava fields give way to open farmland, with long stretches of road where the weather can alter the mood from bright and cheerful to dark and dramatic in minutes.

The minibus has Wi-Fi, which is handy for checking maps, sharing photographs, or passing time during the longer stretches. This is still a road-based sightseeing day, not a hiking tour, so you should be comfortable spending several hours seated.

A break in Hvolsvöllur, described as a local café stop, gives you around 20 minutes to use the facilities and buy snacks. Food and drinks are not included, so bring something for the road or use this pause to stock up.

Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, two very different waterfalls

The route includes both of the South Coast’s signature waterfalls, and they offer different experiences.

At Seljalandsfoss, the attraction is the path behind the falling water. When conditions allow, you can walk behind the white curtain and see the waterfall from an unusual angle. Spray is part of the deal, so waterproof trousers and a rain jacket are not optional luxuries here.

The stop is relatively short, around 25 minutes in the detailed schedule, though timing can vary. If the path behind the fall is wet, icy, or restricted, you may need to enjoy the view from the front rather than forcing the issue.

Skógafoss has more physical presence. A broad sheet of water drops into a pool below, and sunlight can create rainbows in the spray. You get roughly 30 to 45 minutes, enough to photograph the falls from below and, if you move briskly, climb the 527 steps to the upper viewing area.

I would choose your priority before arriving. The lower viewpoint gives you the classic powerful waterfall photograph, while the steps offer a wider view over the coast. Trying to do both slowly may leave you watching the clock.

These stops also show why sturdy footwear matters. You do not need technical hiking boots, but smooth city shoes are a poor match for wet paths and uneven ground.

Reynisfjara, black sand and serious waves

Reynisfjara is likely to be the visual high point of the day. Its black volcanic sand, tall basalt columns, sea caves, and offshore Reynisdrangar rock formations give the beach a severe, almost otherworldly feel.

You have about 50 minutes to an hour here, usually with time for photographs and lunch. There may be a café or food option nearby, but I would not count on a quick restaurant meal fitting comfortably into the stop. A packed snack or sandwich lets you spend more of your time outside.

The basalt columns are especially striking because their geometric shapes look almost manufactured. They are a reminder that Iceland’s scenery is shaped by volcanic forces as much as by the sea.

Now for the important warning: Reynisfjara is not a swimming beach, and the surf is not harmless. Stay well back from the water, keep children close, and follow the guide’s instructions. Waves can reach farther up the sand than expected, even when the sea looks manageable.

The stop can feel short if you want to eat, explore the columns, photograph the rock needles, and watch the waves all at once. I would photograph first, then find a safe spot for lunch rather than spending half the visit in a food queue.

The DC-3 wreck and the Sólheimasandur desert

The white DC-3 fuselage lying on the dark sand is one of Iceland’s most recognizable photography sites. It looks stark against the broad Sólheimasandur plain, with very little around it to distract from the shape of the aircraft.

The shuttle is a major practical advantage. Walking from the parking area can take a substantial amount of time, with estimates ranging from about 40 minutes each way to roughly two hours for the round trip. The included shuttle takes you close to the wreck and returns you to the coach, leaving more energy for the rest of the day.

You get about an hour for the wreck visit, including the shuttle transfer. That is generous for photographs and a look around the aircraft, though some people will feel they have seen everything they need after a shorter visit. Aviation enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone interested in unusual wartime relics will get the most from this stop.

The wreck is exposed to the weather, and the sand can be rough underfoot. Hold onto loose items in strong wind, and do not climb on the aircraft unless the guide specifically says it is allowed.

Some departures may also include a recently added second plane at the site, but that detail can change, so I would treat it as a possible extra rather than a promise.

Dyrhólaey cliffs and the wide black coast

Dyrhólaey gives you a different view of the South Coast. From the cliffs, you can see the great sea arch carved into the headland and look along the black shoreline toward the horizon.

The stop lasts around 30 minutes. That is enough for the main viewpoint and photographs, but not for a long walk along the headland.

Puffins may be present from May through mid-August. Wildlife is never guaranteed, and the birds are not the reason to book this stop alone, but the chance adds a nice seasonal bonus. Bring binoculars if you have them, though your eyes can still pick out birds from the viewpoints.

This is also one of the places where the wind can be fierce. Keep hats and gloves secure, and do not stand too close to cliff edges for a photograph. The views are broad and impressive without taking silly risks.

Sólheimajökull, a glacier viewed from the ground

At Sólheimajökull, you walk around the glacier lagoon and nearby viewing area. The blue ice and dark volcanic ash make a sharp contrast, and the stop gives you a close look at a glacier without signing up for technical equipment or a full day of hiking.

The exact time allocated may vary, with the detailed schedule allowing a longer stop than the shorter description. In practical terms, you should have time for the restroom, a walk toward the viewing area, and photographs.

This is not a glacier hike. You may be able to approach the ice from the permitted viewing route, but you should not walk onto the glacier. If standing on ice is high on your Iceland wish list, book a separate guided glacier walk rather than expecting this tour to provide one.

That limitation is important because the tour’s name and range of stops could suggest a more active experience. It is best understood as a sightseeing visit to the glacier, not an adventure activity.

Ending at Seljalandsfoss and returning to Reykjavík

The order of the waterfall stops can vary, but Seljalandsfoss is described as the final major sightseeing stop before the return drive. Ending with the waterfall gives you one last chance for a strong photograph before settling into the minibus.

The return to Reykjavík takes several hours. After a full day outside, you may be tired, especially if the weather has been wet or windy. The comfortable vehicle and Wi-Fi help, but no transport can make a 12-hour road day feel short.

Pickup and drop-off cover many of the same Reykjavík locations. Still, keep your evening plans flexible. Weather, road conditions, and the time needed to collect other passengers can affect the final arrival.

Guides, minibus comfort, and the human side of the day

The driver-guide matters greatly on a route like this. You spend a lot of time on the road, and a good guide turns those hours into part of the experience with stories about Icelandic life, local history, wildlife, and the places outside the window.

Names that received especially warm praise include Martin, Lili, Slavi, Vjeran, Sigrid, Kjartan, Tomas, André, Casper, and Isabella. You should not assume a particular guide will lead your departure, but the repeated pattern is clear: guide quality is one of this company’s strongest assets.

Past departures have also benefited from guides adapting to problems. When a vehicle issue caused several groups to be combined, one guide rearranged stops without disrupting the day. Another guide found extra viewpoints when weather or timing changed the original plan.

That flexibility is valuable in Iceland, where conditions can shift fast. It can also mean the exact timing or order of stops changes, so this is not the right trip for someone who needs every minute to follow a fixed plan.

The small vehicle format is another plus. It feels more personal than a large coach, and it is easier to ask questions or hear the guide. The tradeoff is limited room for stretching and a longer day in a seated position.

What the $186 price gets you

At $186 per person, this is not a cheap outing, but the value is reasonable if you want to cover several major South Coast sights without hiring a car.

The price includes round-trip transport from selected Reykjavík locations, an English-speaking guide, Wi-Fi, the DC-3 shuttle, waterfall stops, Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey, and the glacier viewing stop. The shuttle alone saves both walking time and effort, which matters when you still have several stops ahead.

Food and drinks are extra, and the glacier hike is not included. You should budget for snacks or lunch and judge the price against your own priorities. If you mainly want waterfalls and coastal views, the package is well rounded. If your main goal is walking on a glacier, part of what you pay for will not match your plan.

The free cancellation window up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option add useful flexibility, especially when Iceland weather makes firm planning difficult.

Who should book this South Coast tour?

I would choose this tour if you have one open day in Reykjavík and want a broad introduction to the South Coast. It suits first-time visitors, photographers, families with children aged eight and over, aviation fans, and anyone who prefers not to drive unfamiliar Icelandic roads.

It is also a good choice if you want a small-group feel and a guide who can explain what you are seeing. The route gives you a strong spread of natural sights rather than focusing on one activity.

I would hesitate if you dislike long drives, need generous time at every stop, or want a proper glacier adventure. A dedicated glacier hike or a shorter tour with fewer stops may suit you better.

Practical packing advice

Wear warm layers, a waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, gloves, and a hat. Bring sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, since waterfall paths, volcanic sand, and glacier viewing areas can be wet or uneven.

Pack lunch or snacks if you want to avoid losing beach time to a queue. Your phone or camera will get plenty of use, but protect electronics from spray at Seljalandsfoss and blowing sand at the wreck.

The minimum age is eight. Since the day includes outdoor walking and a long return ride, children should be comfortable with changing weather, uneven ground, and a full day away from the hotel.

FAQ

How long does the South Coast tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, including pickup, sightseeing stops, breaks, and the return drive to Reykjavík.

Is pickup included from Reykjavík?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels, bus stops, the Bus Terminal, and other designated locations in Reykjavík. The pickup process can take up to 30 minutes.

Is the shuttle to the DC-3 plane wreck included?

Yes. The shuttle ride to and from the plane wreck is included, saving you the long walk across Sólheimasandur.

Is a glacier hike included at Sólheimajökull?

No. The stop is for viewing the glacier and lagoon from the permitted walking area. No glacier hike or ice walk is included.

What should I wear?

Wear warm outdoor clothing, a waterproof jacket and trousers, headwear, gloves, and sturdy footwear. Comfortable shoes and hiking shoes are recommended.

Can children join the tour?

Children must be at least eight years old to take part. Children under eight are not permitted on the tour.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want the South Coast’s greatest hits with one unusual extra: the DC-3 wreck. The waterfalls, Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey, and Sólheimajökull would make a strong day on their own, while the included shuttle and capable driver-guides make the long route easier to manage.

Just set the right expectations. This is a full sightseeing day, not a relaxed coastal outing, and the glacier is for viewing only. At $186, I think it offers solid value for a first visit, especially if you want variety and do not plan to rent a car.