Reykjavik: Iceland South Coast & Glacier Snowmobile Tour

The big draw here is simple: you get to ride a snowmobile on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, then see two of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls on the return to Reykjavik. The glacier approach in a specially modified truck is part of the fun, especially when snow and rough tracks make the journey feel like an adventure of its own.

I like the mix of speed and scenery. You get a real thrill on the snowmobile, but you also have time for Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. I also like the practical setup: protective clothing and safety gear are included, and drivers such as Herman and Marti have been praised for making the long road journey feel more useful and friendly.

The main drawback is the travel time. It is about 2.5 hours each way to the snowmobile base, and the ride itself lasts about an hour. You should also know that one snowmobile is shared by two people, so this is not a full-day solo driving session.

Key points to know before you book

• The glacier truck ride is part of the adventure: A specially modified vehicle carries you up to the snowmobile base on Mýrdalsjökull.
• You share one snowmobile with another person: Plan on taking turns rather than riding your own machine for the whole session.
• The glacier views depend on the weather: Clear skies can open grand views, while cloud, snow, and wind may limit what you see.
• The waterfalls come after the main activity: Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss break up the long return drive to Reykjavik.
• Bring extra warmth for your neck, hands, and feet: Outer protective clothing is supplied, but a neck warmer, warm gloves, and thick socks are smart additions.
• This is best for an active day out: Children under 8 cannot join, and you need a driver’s license.

The real centerpiece: snowmobiling on Mýrdalsjökull

This tour is built around a short but memorable glacier adventure. From the Reykjavik meeting point, the bus heads along Iceland’s South Coast toward the glacier area, often with a service stop along the way for bathrooms and food.

At the Adventure Ground, you receive protective outerwear and safety equipment before boarding the modified glacier truck. The truck carries the group upward, turning the transfer into something more exciting than a normal shuttle ride. Rough snow and changing conditions can make this part feel almost as adventurous as the snowmobile ride itself.

Once you reach the glacier, the staff give you a safety briefing and explain how to operate the machine. The snowmobile is shared by two people, so you and your partner take turns driving. The total snowmobile portion is roughly an hour, including time moving across the glacier and stopping to take in the surroundings.

I would set your expectations correctly. This is not a private expedition or an all-day snowmobile safari. It is a well-organized introduction to glacier riding, with enough time to enjoy the machinery, the cold air, and the high mountain setting without requiring advanced experience.

The guides at the glacier base have been praised for clear instructions, friendly help, and attention to different comfort levels. That matters here. You may want to go fast, while your partner prefers a slower pace. The staff can help keep the activity manageable for the whole group.

Weather controls the view

Iceland’s weather can change quickly, and the glacier portion is especially dependent on conditions. On a clear day, the views from higher ground can be breathtaking, with open white slopes and distant scenery. If cloud or blowing snow moves in, visibility may drop sharply.

That does not necessarily ruin the experience. One particularly rough-weather outing still included a thrilling climb, snow blizzards, and a memorable ride despite limited visibility. The modified truck and safety equipment are there because conditions are not guaranteed to be gentle.

You should dress for cold rather than for the forecast in Reykjavik. The tour supplies outer protective clothing, but I would pack a warm neck warmer, since the supplied balaclava may feel thin around the neck. Warm gloves and thick socks are also worth bringing. You will be outside in exposed conditions, and small gaps in your clothing can become uncomfortable quickly.

A driver’s license is required. The information supplied does not specify the exact license class, so check the booking conditions if you have any doubt about your document.

The long South Coast road trip

The bus ride is a large part of your day. The drive from Reykjavik to the activity area takes about 2.5 hours, with a return journey of similar length. That means you should book this knowing that the glacier experience comes with a substantial amount of time on the road.

Still, the route gives you a useful look at Iceland beyond the capital. The scenery changes as you leave Reykjavik and head toward the South Coast, and clear weather can make the drive feel like a moving preview of the day’s main sights.

The bus includes free Wi-Fi, which is a practical bonus on such a long outing. A service stop gives you a chance to use the bathroom and buy food, but you should not rely on that stop for all your meals. Food and drinks are not included, and one outing included only a quick 30-minute stop for supplies.

Bring snacks and a drink with you. You may be hungry after the glacier ride, and the meal break at the Adventure Ground is not included in the price. You have time to eat lunch there before heading back, but you pay for your own food.

The quality of the road commentary can vary. Drivers such as Herman have been praised for explaining landmarks, pointing out local details, and even making an unplanned stop when the Northern Lights appeared. Other accounts describe the bus transfer as mostly quiet, with the driver simply handling pickup and drop-off.

That makes the driver an important part of the day, but not something you can count on in the same way as the glacier activity. This is primarily an activity transfer with a live English-speaking guide, not a full, lecture-style South Coast sightseeing tour.

Skógafoss: a powerful stop on the way back

Skógafoss is one of the South Coast’s most famous waterfalls, and it makes a strong first sightseeing stop after the glacier activity. Water drops in a broad curtain, creating a dramatic wall of spray and sound.

The stop is valuable because it gives you a chance to stretch your legs after the long ride. You can focus on the waterfall, take photographs, and enjoy a very different setting from the snow-covered glacier.

The exact stop length is not provided, so keep an eye on the driver’s instructions. Icelandic weather can make the area wet and windy, especially close to the falling water. Keep your outer layers handy even if you removed them during the bus ride.

Skógafoss is also one of those sights that can look very different depending on light and weather. Clear conditions bring more detail to the surrounding area. Cloud and mist make it moodier and more powerful. Either way, it is a worthwhile stop, not just a quick roadside photo opportunity.

Seljalandsfoss and the walk behind the water

Seljalandsfoss offers a different kind of waterfall experience. If weather and conditions permit, you can walk behind the falling water. That path is what makes this stop distinct from Skógafoss, but it also means you should expect spray and slippery ground.

Bring waterproof outer layers or keep the supplied protective clothing close by. Your shoes should be suitable for wet walking, although the tour information does not specify any special footwear requirements.

The walk behind the waterfall may not be available in every condition. Weather, safety, and the state of the path decide whether it is open. Treat it as a welcome possibility rather than the one feature on which you base the whole booking.

Together, the two waterfalls give the return journey a good shape. Skógafoss offers scale and force. Seljalandsfoss gives you a more close-up encounter with falling water. After a snowmobile ride, the change of pace is useful.

How the $332 price works as value

At $332 per person, this is not a cheap bus outing. The price makes more sense if you want the glacier activity and would otherwise need to arrange transport, protective clothing, a glacier vehicle, and waterfall stops separately.

The value is strongest for you if snowmobiling is a high priority. The glacier ride is the memorable core, and the two waterfall visits add sightseeing without requiring another day. Protective clothing, safety equipment, bus fare, and onboard Wi-Fi are included.

The value is weaker if you mainly want to see the South Coast. You spend much of the 10-hour day in transit, and a dedicated South Coast sightseeing tour could give you more time at waterfalls or additional stops. One useful way to decide is to ask yourself which experience you would regret missing: the glacier snowmobile ride or a longer list of coastal sights.

The shared snowmobile also affects the price calculation. You are paying for access to a glacier activity, but not for continuous individual driving. If you are traveling with a friend or partner, sharing can be easy. If you are hoping to ride alone for the whole session, this is not the right format.

Meeting at BSI Bus Terminal

The tour begins and ends at BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik. The terminal is the home of Reykjavik Excursions, and the building is clearly marked. You should arrive with enough time to identify the correct bus and confirm the driver’s instructions.

The pickup arrangement is practical because BSI is easy to locate in the city center. The activity returns to the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back from the South Coast.

The tour lasts 10 hours, but starting times can vary. Check the available departure time before booking, especially if you have dinner plans or another evening activity in Reykjavik.

Cancellation is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Iceland schedule depends on weather or other plans.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this trip if you want one big active experience during a Reykjavik stay. It suits people who like machinery, snow, mountain views, and a little uncertainty in the weather.

It also works well for couples or friends who are happy to share a snowmobile. The activity is not aimed at children under 8, and anyone joining should be comfortable with cold conditions and a long day.

You should think twice if you dislike long bus rides or want a detailed guided lesson about every point along the South Coast. Commentary on the drive depends heavily on the driver. Herman received especially warm praise for his information, calm manner, and helpfulness, while another account describes very little commentary from the bus driver.

That difference is worth keeping in mind. The glacier guides are the reliable source of instruction for the snowmobile portion. The bus driver may add useful local information, but the tour should not be booked mainly for a fully narrated sightseeing ride.

Practical packing advice

Bring a driver’s license, snacks, drinks, warm gloves, thick socks, and a neck warmer. The outer protective clothing and snowmobile safety gear are supplied, but your personal warm layers still matter.

Wear clothing that can handle spray and changing weather. This is especially useful at Seljalandsfoss, where the walk behind the waterfall can leave you wet if it is open.

Keep your camera accessible but protected. You will have memorable views on the glacier and dramatic waterfall stops, yet snow, spray, and wind are all possible. A waterproof bag or cover is sensible.

Do not plan a long restaurant meal at the activity base. Lunch is possible there, but food and drinks are your responsibility, and the stop may be shorter than you expect.

Should you book this South Coast snowmobile tour?

Book it if the glacier snowmobile ride is your main Iceland goal and you are willing to spend most of the day on the road to reach it. The modified truck, the glacier setting, and the chance to see Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss make a strong one-day combination.

Skip it if you want a slower South Coast day with many sightseeing stops, or if you dislike sharing equipment. At $332, the activity needs to be the reason you book, not an afterthought.

For the right person, this is a memorable use of a Reykjavik day. Pack seriously for the cold, bring food, expect a long transfer, and let the weather decide how much of the glacier view you get. The snowmobile ride is short compared with the full day, but it is the part most likely to stay with you.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts at BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the activity last?

The full tour lasts 10 hours. Check availability for the exact starting time.

Is snowmobile equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes protective clothing and safety equipment for the snowmobile ride.

Do I get my own snowmobile?

No. One snowmobile is shared by two people.

Can children join the tour?

Children under 8 years old cannot take part.

What should I bring?

Bring a driver’s license, warm gloves, thick socks, a neck warmer, snacks, and drinks. Food and drinks are not included.