From Reykjavik: South Coast, Plane Wreck, & Beach ATV Tour

The draw here is an ATV ride across the black sands of Sólheimasandur to a plane wreck that has rested there since 1973. This is a full day on Iceland’s South Coast, with glacier and peninsula views along the way and two famous waterfalls on the return.

I like the contrast between the open, black beach and the DC3 wreck and the close-up power of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. I also like that the ATV portion lasts two hours, enough time to make the ride the focus rather than a brief add-on.

The main catch is the price: at $299 per person, it is a sizable day out, and ATV riders share a quad in pairs. If your group has an odd number, a single-rider ATV costs extra on site, so check that detail before booking.

The useful details at a glance

• Ride to the 1973 DC3 wreck: Spend about two hours on an ATV at Sólheimasandur, crossing a striking black-sand expanse.
• Look for Mýrdalsjökull and Dyrhólaey: The route offers views toward the glacier and the peninsula at Iceland’s southernmost tip.
• Finish with two major waterfalls: The return includes Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the falling water.
• Plan for shared ATVs: Two people ride on each quad. A valid driver’s license is needed to drive, and solo riders or odd-numbered groups must pay extra for a single ATV.
• Dress for a long outdoor day: Bring warm clothing and waterproof shoes. Lunch is not included.
• Expect a full-day commitment: The trip lasts 10 hours and starts at the BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik.

From Reykjavik to the South Coast

This tour makes a long stretch of Iceland’s South Coast manageable in one day. You leave Reykjavik by transport from the BSI Bus Terminal and travel to the ATV base, with the beach ride as the day’s main event. The waterfalls come later, on the return journey.

A 10-hour outing is a real commitment, but it also saves you from planning transport between several widely spaced sights. The South Coast is known for dramatic natural features, and this itinerary gives you a mix: beach, wreck, glacier views, peninsula, and waterfalls.

The transportation has been a strong point, with 97 percent of reviewers giving it a perfect score. That matters on a day when you will spend considerable time getting between stops. Still, the schedule can feel full. If you prefer to linger for a long time at each place, or want a slow day with few transfers, this may not be your best fit.

Meet at BSI at least 15 minutes before departure. The tour is guided in English, and an experienced guide leads the group. Guide names mentioned by name include Henrik and Ragnar, but you should not assume either will lead your departure.

Two hours on Sólheimasandur

The ATV ride takes place on the black sands of Sólheimasandur. From the adventure base, you gear up and cross a broad, desert-like stretch to reach the DC3 plane wreck. The open terrain is part of the appeal: this is a different view of Iceland from the green valleys and waterfall viewpoints that many visitors picture.

The ride lasts two hours, giving the ATV portion more weight than a quick photo stop. You also get a look at the surrounding coastline, with views toward Dyrhólaey Peninsula and Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. The glacier sits inland, while Dyrhólaey marks the southernmost tip of Iceland. Weather and visibility can affect how clearly you see distant features, so treat them as possible views rather than guaranteed close-up encounters.

The DC3 wreck is the destination, not a working attraction. The plane crashed on the beach in 1973, and its remains make a stark subject against the dark sand. This setting is striking, but it is also exposed and open. Bring warm layers even if Reykjavik feels mild when you leave.

The tour provides an insulated coverall, helmet, and balaclava face mask. Boots may be provided depending on weather and your footwear, so do not count on them as a substitute for bringing suitable shoes. Waterproof footwear is on the recommended packing list for good reason: the day involves outdoor stops, and the weather can change.

You need a valid driver’s license if you plan to drive an ATV. Two people share each quad, so decide in advance who wants to drive and who is happy to ride as a passenger. Single riders and groups with an odd number must book a single-rider ATV, payable on site. The extra charge is not specified, so ask about the amount before you go.

The provider describes the ride as thrilling but safe and supplies protective gear. That is reassuring, though an ATV tour still involves operating or riding on a motor vehicle. If you are uneasy about quad bikes, or do not want an active, exposed part of the day, the main draw of this tour may not suit you.

The wreck and its stark setting

The plane wreck is one of the most memorable stops because it joins a piece of modern history to an unusually spare setting. The aircraft came down on the beach in 1973, and the black sand makes the wreck look all the more remote. You can take in the coastline and the wide open view while you are there.

This is not a city museum visit with labels and exhibits. The appeal lies in seeing the plane in its actual outdoor setting, as part of a trip through the South Coast. The experience combines the ride with the stop, so the route itself becomes part of the story rather than a simple transfer to a photo point.

If this is your main reason for booking, keep in mind that it is one part of a day that also includes two waterfalls and a long return journey. You should have time at the key stops, but this is not a private visit where you control the pace.

Skógafoss on the way back

After the ATV ride, the trip returns toward Reykjavik and stops at Skógafoss. It is one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls, and its scale makes it an impressive counterpoint to the wide, flat beach. You can appreciate the force of the water from the viewing area, though the tour description does not specify exactly how long you will have at this stop.

That uncertainty is worth bearing in mind if you like to take your time with photos or simply stand and watch. One visitor specifically valued having a good amount of time at both waterfalls, and another described seeing the glacier from a viewpoint. Those details suggest the schedule can leave room for the main sights, but exact stop times and views may vary.

Walking behind Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss offers a different kind of stop. The route allows you to walk behind the waterfall, giving you a view from the other side of the falling water. That makes it more than a roadside photo opportunity, but you should be ready for wet conditions near the falls.

Waterproof shoes are a sensible choice, and warm clothing will help across the whole day. The tour supplies an insulated coverall for the ATV ride, but that does not replace your own layers for the bus journey and waterfall stops. If walking behind the falls is important to you, remember that conditions can affect how comfortable or practical the path feels on the day.

What the $299 price covers

At $299 per person, this is not a budget day trip. You are paying for a 10-hour guided outing, transport, ATV use, protective gear, and visits to several major South Coast sights. The ATV ride is the part that makes the price easier to justify: it is a two-hour activity with the plane wreck as its destination, rather than simply a bus stop near the beach.

The included ATV is shared by two people. If you want your own quad, or your group cannot pair off evenly, there is an extra charge for a single-rider ATV, payable on site. Since the amount is not listed, factor that uncertainty into your budget and confirm the cost before departure.

Lunch is not included. Bring food or plan to buy it if an opportunity arises, but no meal stop or food arrangement is specified. Extra warm clothing is also your responsibility. The coverall, helmet, and balaclava help with the ATV portion, but you still need to dress for a long day outside.

A strong guide can make this sort of outing easier and more enjoyable. Henrik was described as experienced and fun, while Ragnar was praised for being kind and informative. These names point to the sort of friendly, helpful guiding that can add value, but guides vary by departure.

Who should book this South Coast trip?

I would consider this tour if you want an active day and would rather combine the plane wreck with the South Coast’s best-known waterfalls than arrange several stops on your own. It suits couples or friends who are comfortable sharing an ATV and want both an outdoor ride and classic Iceland scenery in one outing.

It is also a good match if you like variety. The beach is open and stark, the wreck adds a historical point of interest, the glacier and peninsula provide distant views, and the waterfalls bring you close to moving water. That range is the trip’s strength.

I would think twice if you dislike motorized activities, need a quiet pace, or are watching every expense. The ride is central to the tour, the day lasts 10 hours, and solo ATV use costs extra. Children under 8 and pregnant women are not considered suitable for this activity.

The overall rating is 4.9 from 44 reviews. Praise has centered on the ATV ride, the route, and the guides. That is encouraging, but a high rating cannot guarantee the weather, visibility, or the exact guide you will have.

Practical planning before you go

Bring your driver’s license if you plan to drive, warm clothing, and waterproof shoes. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. The tour is not suitable for children under 8 or pregnant women.

Check your group’s ATV arrangement before booking. Two people share a quad, while single riders and odd-numbered groups need to book a single-rider ATV and pay the extra fee on site. If that changes your budget, it is better to know in advance.

The activity allows you to cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Check the departure time when selecting your date, since the tour lasts 10 hours and start times depend on availability.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want the plane wreck and a substantial ATV ride, plus the convenience of seeing Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss in the same day. Its best value is the combination: a distinctive ride on Sólheimasandur, dramatic views, and two very different waterfalls with transport and guiding included.

Skip it if the ATV is not appealing, you need a more flexible schedule, or the additional single-rider charge makes the cost too steep. For an active visitor who is prepared for wind, wet shoes, and a long day, it offers an unusually varied way to see the South Coast.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 10 hours.

Where does the tour start?

Meet at the BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik at least 15 minutes before departure.

How long is the ATV ride?

The ATV portion lasts about two hours.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. You need a valid driver’s license to drive an ATV.

How many people share an ATV?

Two people share each quad bike.

Is there an extra charge for a single ATV?

Yes. Single riders and groups with an odd number must book a single-rider ATV, payable on site. The amount is not specified.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, waterproof shoes, and a driver’s license if you plan to drive.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Which waterfalls does the tour visit?

The tour stops at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. At Seljalandsfoss, you can walk behind the waterfall.

Is the tour suitable for young children or pregnant women?

It is not suitable for children under 8 or pregnant women.