South Coast, Waterfalls and Vík village from Reykjavik

Iceland’s South Coast packs a remarkable amount into one long day: a waterfall you can walk behind, a second waterfall famous for rainbows, a retreating glacier, black volcanic sand, and the village of Vik. The scenery changes constantly, and Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss give you two very different waterfall experiences.

I like the well-informed guiding, with past guides such as Unnur, Ritchie, Dori, Dylan, and Eric adding Icelandic history, geology, and personal stories during the drive. I also like the value: for $100.30, you cover a large stretch of coast without renting a car or dealing with Icelandic roads.

The tradeoff is time. This is a roughly 10-hour coach day, and some stops feel short once you allow for walking, photos, and getting back to the bus. You see many major sights, but you will not have time to explore each one at a slow pace.

Five things to know before you book

• Skógafoss drops 60 meters and gives you both a powerful view from below and a steep stairway to an upper lookout.
• Seljalandsfoss lets you walk behind the falling water, but waterproof clothing is essential if you take the path.
• Reynisfjara combines black sand, basalt columns, and Reynisdrangar sea stacks in one striking stop.
• Sólheimajökull is viewed on foot from a short walk, not visited as a glacier-climbing excursion.
• The large coach carries up to 99 people, so expect an organized group rather than an intimate small-group trip.
• Vik is the practical lunch stop, giving you a chance to eat before the final sights and return drive.

Why this South Coast day trip works

The South Coast is one of Iceland’s best day trips from Reykjavik because the route offers variety rather than one repeated type of view. You begin with waterfalls, move toward the ocean and volcanic shore, see glacial ice, and finish with another waterfall before returning to the capital.

That variety matters. If you have only a few days in Iceland, you can experience several of the country’s signature natural features in one outing. You also avoid the work of driving, parking, and navigating changing weather. The coach is climate-controlled, includes free Wi-Fi, and pickup and drop-off are offered from central Reykjavik locations.

The cost is reasonable for the amount of ground covered. At $100.30 per person, the fee includes transport, a guide, pickup, and the full route. You still pay for your own food and drinks, but there are food options along the way, especially around Vik.

I would not choose this trip if you want long walks, quiet time, or detailed photography at every stop. I would choose it if you want a dependable introduction to the southern coast and prefer to let someone else handle the driving.

Starting at BSÍ and settling into the coach

The listed departure point is BSÍ Bus Terminal at Vatnsmýrarvegur 10 in Reykjavik, with a 9:00 am start. If you use the pickup service, be ready at your designated pickup point 30 minutes before departure. Vehicles are marked with the Reykjavik Excursions logo.

The coach format keeps the day straightforward. You board once, settle in, and watch the countryside pass by while the guide explains what you are seeing. Past guide teams have included Unnur with driver Mickey, Ritchie with Siggi, and Dylan with Johannes. Other named guides include Dori, Eric, Leifur, and Hershey.

The strongest part of the guiding is the commentary during the long road sections. You can hear about Iceland’s geography, geology, history, and local stories through the coach speakers. Some guides also help with photos or make a point of checking that everyone has returned before the bus leaves.

The group may be as large as 99 people. That keeps the price down, but it also means the experience can feel more like a well-run excursion than a personal tour. Questions may be harder to ask while the guide is speaking to the whole coach, and you should be ready for a set schedule.

Skógafoss: power, spray, and a steep choice

Skógafoss is the first major stop listed and usually gets about 30 minutes. At 60 meters high, it has the broad, forceful shape many people picture when they imagine an Icelandic waterfall. On a clear day, the spray can create a double rainbow.

From the lower viewing area, you get the most impressive sense of scale. The waterfall fills the view, and the spray can be heavy. You may also choose the stairway to the upper viewpoint, but the time limit makes this a real choice rather than an easy add-on.

If you go upward, you may not have enough time to return and also spend much time at the base. Families or anyone walking slowly should decide in advance which view matters most. The stairs are not a casual stroll when you are trying to fit them into a short stop.

Skógafoss also has a place in popular culture, appearing in films including Thor: The Dark World and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. More important for most visitors, it is the starting point for the Fimmvörðuháls walk toward Þórsmörk, which gives the waterfall a connection to one of Iceland’s major hiking routes.

Bring a waterproof layer even if the sky looks calm. You may not walk under this waterfall, but the spray can reach well beyond the immediate edge.

Reynisfjara: black sand and volcanic columns

Reynisfjara is one of the most memorable stops because it looks unlike a normal beach. The shore is covered in black volcanic sand, while columnar basalt forms a geometric wall along part of the coast. Offshore, the Reynisdrangar rock formations rise from the sea.

You receive about 40 minutes here. That is enough to walk along the beach, study the basalt, and take photographs, but not enough for a leisurely coastal outing. The combination of dark sand, angular rock, and open sea makes this one of the best photo stops of the day.

The beach is close to Vik, Iceland’s southernmost village, and the village is used as a useful break for lunch. Depending on the day’s exact rhythm, you may eat in Vik and have time for a short stroll before continuing. One account specifically highlights the Ice Cave Bistro as a lunch option.

Plan your footwear carefully. Walking boots are a much better choice than smooth-soled shoes, especially when the beach is wet or the weather is rough. Layers also help, since the coast can feel cold and exposed even when Reykjavik seems comfortable.

Puffins have also been seen around the black beach area, though wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Treat that as a bonus, not the main reason to book the stop.

Vik: a practical pause in a dramatic setting

Vik itself is small, but its position makes it an important pause in the day. The village sits below high cliffs, with the black beach and Reynisdrangar formations nearby. After several hours on the road, a meal and a short walk can be just as welcome as another viewpoint.

Do not expect a long village visit. Vik is part of a tightly timed route, not a separate town tour. Use the stop to eat, stretch your legs, and take in the setting.

This is also a good place to manage the rest of your day. Buy food and drinks if needed, use facilities when available, and return promptly to the coach. The next stops still require time, and the journey back to Reykjavik can run late depending on traffic and conditions.

Sólheimajökull: seeing a glacier in retreat

The Sólheimajökull stop lasts about 40 minutes and gives you a close view of a glacier without requiring a technical glacier walk. You walk toward a small lake formed as the ice has retreated.

That detail gives the stop more meaning than a simple photo opportunity. You are seeing an active change in the terrain, with meltwater occupying space left by the shrinking ice. The glacier is not just a frozen wall in the distance. It is part of a changing system.

Wear proper shoes here. The walk may be manageable for most people, but the surface can be wet and uneven. The tour does not include glacier equipment or a glacier-climbing activity, so you should not expect to walk onto the ice itself.

The glacier can look different from one day to another depending on cloud, light, and weather. On a clear day, the contrast between ice and dark volcanic ground can be striking. In rain or low cloud, the view may feel more subdued, but the stop remains worthwhile for the chance to see glacial ice at close range.

Seljalandsfoss: the waterfall you can walk behind

Seljalandsfoss is the final listed attraction and receives about 30 minutes. Its special feature is the path behind the falling water, made possible by the shape of the cliff and the space behind the curtain.

This is the stop most likely to leave you wet. A raincoat or waterproof coat is not optional if you want to walk behind the falls. An umbrella is less useful in wind and spray, while waterproof trousers can make the experience much more comfortable.

The route behind the waterfall may be slippery, so take care and wear shoes with good grip. You can also remain in front of the falls and enjoy the view without taking the wet path. That is a sensible choice if the weather is poor or you are carrying camera equipment you cannot protect.

The waterfall comes from the Seljandsá river, which begins at the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. That connects this stop to the wider glacial and volcanic story of the region. You see water in motion, but its source lies in the ice-covered highlands.

The short stop means you may need to choose between taking the full path, photographing the falls, and simply standing back to watch. Bring your waterproofs where you can reach them quickly rather than buried under the bus.

The long hours on the road

A 10-hour trip sounds generous until you consider Iceland’s distances. You spend a substantial part of the day on the coach, moving between Reykjavik, the waterfalls, the beach, the glacier, Vik, and the return route.

The longest stretch without a stop may be about 1 hour and 45 minutes. There is no toilet on the bus, so use facilities whenever the tour stops. This is a small practical point, but it can make a big difference on a full day.

The coach is comfortable, and the guide’s commentary helps the driving time pass. Still, you should bring water, snacks, and a way to stay warm. Food and drinks are not included, although there are places to buy lunch along the way.

Traffic and weather can push the return beyond the planned time. Avoid booking a tight evening flight, dinner reservation, or other activity immediately after the tour. Give yourself breathing room.

Weather, clothing, and group size

The tour operates in all weather conditions, although poor weather can lead to cancellation, a different date, or a full refund. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and rain or wind may affect how much you enjoy each stop.

Pack for standing outside, walking on wet ground, and getting sprayed by waterfalls. I would bring:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm layers that you can add or remove
• Walking boots with good grip
• Hat and gloves in colder months
• A protected phone or camera
• Water and snacks

The tour is designed for most people, but it is not a flexible private outing. You must return to the bus on time, and short stops can feel rushed if you walk slowly or need frequent breaks. Children can participate, though families should think carefully about the stairs at Skógafoss and the wet path at Seljalandsfoss.

The large group is the main compromise. Guides and drivers have generally kept departures organized, but you will not get the same easy back-and-forth conversation available in a small van.

Is $100.30 good value?

For the price, I think this tour offers solid value. You receive transport for a long route, a guide, central pickup, free Wi-Fi, and four major natural stops. A rental car could offer more freedom, but it also brings fuel costs, driving duties, parking decisions, and possible stress in poor weather.

The price is especially fair if this is your only chance to see the South Coast. You can reach Vik, two waterfalls, a glacier, and Reynisfjara in one day without arranging separate transport.

The value is weaker for someone who wants to hike, linger, or photograph each location in changing light. The coach schedule is built around coverage, not leisure. You pay for breadth, and you give up depth.

The tour also includes a carbon-neutral transfer in cooperation with Vaxa Technologies. That does not change the route or comfort level, but it may matter if you want the transport element of your trip to account for emissions.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it to first-time visitors with limited time in Reykjavik, solo visitors who want an easy organized day, and anyone who does not want to drive. It also suits people who want a broad taste of southern Iceland before returning for a longer stay.

It is a good fit for you if your priority is seeing major sights rather than spending hours at one place. The guides add useful context, and the route gives you a strong first look at Iceland’s waterfalls, volcanic coast, and glacier country.

I would look elsewhere if you want a small group, custom timing, long hikes, or a quiet photography day. The maximum group size of 99 is a clear sign that this is a standard coach tour. You should also avoid scheduling anything important right after the return.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded, so keep that deadline in mind.

Should you book the South Coast tour from Reykjavik?

Book it if you want the most efficient introduction to Iceland’s southern shore. The range of sights is the real strength: Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Vik, Sólheimajökull, and Seljalandsfoss each offer something different.

Go in with realistic expectations. You will spend many hours on the bus, eat on a schedule, and sometimes wish for ten more minutes at a waterfall or beach. But for $100.30, the route gives you a lot of Iceland in one day, with capable guides, straightforward pickup, and no driving worries.

For a first visit, I think that is a fair trade.

FAQ

How long is the South Coast tour from Reykjavik?

The tour lasts approximately 10 hours and begins at 9:00 am.

Where does the tour start?

The listed meeting point is BSÍ Bus Terminal, Vatnsmýrarvegur 10, 101 Reykjavik. Pickup is also offered from accommodation or designated bus stops.

How early should I be ready for pickup?

You should be ready at your designated pickup point 30 minutes before departure.

Which waterfalls are included?

The tour visits Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Skógafoss is about 60 meters high, while Seljalandsfoss is known for its path behind the falling water.

Can I walk behind Seljalandsfoss?

Yes. You can walk behind Seljalandsfoss, but you should bring a raincoat or waterproof coat because you may get soaked.

Does the tour visit a glacier?

Yes. The route includes Sólheimajökull glacier, along with a walk toward a small lake formed as the glacier retreats.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but there are food options at stops along the route, including Vik.

How large can the group be?

The tour can have a maximum of 99 participants, so it is a large-coach experience rather than a small-group tour.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.