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

A black-sand shore, two powerful waterfalls and a stranded DC-3 make this a full day of Iceland’s South Coast in one trip from Reykjavík. I like the included shuttle to the wreck, which saves a long walk across Sólheimasandur, and the mix of sights: waterfalls, cliffs, beach and glacier views rather than one kind of stop repeated all day.

The trade-off is the 12-hour day, much of it spent on the road, and the glacier visit is for viewing only. You will not walk on Sólheimajökull or take a glacier hike as part of this tour.

• The DC-3 wreck is reached by shuttle: Your fare includes transport across the sand plain, so you can save your legs for the sightseeing stops.
• Reynisfjara combines black sand and basalt: Allow time for the beach, rock columns and sea caves, but stay well back from the waves.
• Both famous waterfalls are on the route: Skógafoss offers a stair climb and a broad view; Seljalandsfoss has a path behind its falling water.
• Sólheimajökull is a viewing stop: You can see the glacier and lagoon, but a glacier hike is not included.
• The day runs about 12 hours: Reykjavík pickup, a comfort stop and long stretches of driving make this a big outing, not a quick excursion.

A long day with a lot of South Coast variety

This tour packs several of Iceland’s best-known South Coast sights into one day, without asking you to drive. You leave Reykjavík in a minibus, cross moss-covered lava fields and farmland, and head toward the waterfalls, the Atlantic shore and the glacier country.

That range is the main value. Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss are very different waterfall stops, Reynisfjara feels stark and exposed, and the DC-3 wreck adds an unusual human trace to the trip. You also get time at Dyrhólaey and Sólheimajökull, though the latter is a view-only stop.

The tour costs $186 per person and lasts about 12 hours. That is a substantial fare, but it includes round-trip transport from a designated Reykjavík pickup point, an English-speaking driver-guide, onboard Wi-Fi and the shuttle to the plane wreck. You will need to pay for your own food and drinks, and there is no glacier hike.

From Reykjavík to the South Coast

Pickup is offered at a range of Reykjavík locations, including selected bus stops, hotels, the bus terminal and Skarfabakki Harbour. The pickup process may take up to 30 minutes, so be at your chosen point on time and allow for a little waiting as the minibus collects others.

Once you are on board, the first part of the trip is a scenic drive through lava fields and farmland. Wi-Fi is available, but the changing terrain outside is the better reason to look up from your phone. The bus is also a chance to rest between outdoor stops, which matters on a day this long.

A scheduled break in Hvolsvöllur gives you about 20 minutes to use the facilities and pick up snacks. Food is not included, so bring something for later as well. The beach stop includes time for lunch, but you may prefer to have food ready rather than spend much of that break deciding what to buy.

The guide is part of the experience, not just the person behind the wheel. Tours have been led by guides including Tom, Isabella, Slavi, Lili, Martin and others; your guide will depend on the departure. Past outings have included Icelandic history and everyday-life stories, plus practical tips for getting the best views at each stop.

Skógafoss: a waterfall with a stairway view

Skógafoss drops into a pool below a wide curtain of water. On a sunny day, mist can form rainbows; even without one, the force and scale of the falls make this a strong first stop. You can stay near the base for photographs or climb the 527 steps to the observation deck.

The stairs are optional, but the climb adds a different perspective over the falls and coastline. If you take it, keep an eye on the clock and your footing, especially in wet or windy conditions. A short stop can feel rushed if you want both the base and the upper view, so decide what matters most before setting off.

Reynisfjara: basalt columns and Atlantic surf

Reynisfjara is one of the day’s most memorable contrasts: black sand, dark cliffs and Atlantic waves breaking against the shore. The hexagonal basalt columns are a striking feature, while sea caves and the offshore Reynisdrangar rock needles give you plenty to look at without needing a long walk.

The stop allows time to explore and eat lunch. If you want both, keep lunch simple so you are not trading beach time for a queue. The shore is exposed, and the waves can be powerful. Keep a safe distance from the water and follow any guidance from your guide.

This is a place to take in the whole scene, not just line up a photograph of the columns. The beach is beautiful, but it is also a working edge of the Atlantic, not a sheltered swimming shore. Warm layers help you stay outside long enough to appreciate it.

The DC-3 wreck: an unusual stop on Sólheimasandur

The wreck is a white Navy DC-3 fuselage resting on the dark sand of Sólheimasandur. Its stark shape against the empty plain makes it a popular photography stop, and aviation enthusiasts may find the visit especially appealing. The plane is the focus here; do not expect a museum or a long guided history session.

The included shuttle takes you from the parking area to the wreck and back. Walking the route instead would take roughly two hours round trip, according to the tour information, so the shuttle makes this stop practical within a packed day. Use the time to look around and take photographs, but keep in mind that this is a relatively spare site: some people may be ready to leave before the full stop is over.

That is one reason to think about your priorities. If the wreck is a personal must-see, the shuttle makes it an easy addition. If you are mainly interested in nature, you may find the waterfalls, beach or glacier more compelling.

Dyrhólaey: a wide view from the cliffs

At Dyrhólaey, the coast opens out around a massive stone arch carved by the sea. From the cliffs, you can look along a long stretch of black shoreline and see the scale of the coast in a way that is hard to grasp from beach level.

The stop is about 30 minutes, so treat it as a viewpoint rather than a hike. Puffins are often present from May to mid-August, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Bring a warm layer even if Reykjavík felt mild: the exposed cliff-top can feel very different.

Sólheimajökull: glacier and lagoon, not a hike

At Sólheimajökull, you can see the glacier and its lagoon, where blue ice and black volcanic ash create a stark pattern. The stop offers time to use the restroom and walk around the lagoon area, with a chance to get a closer look at the ice.

Be clear about what is included: this is not a glacier hike. You do not walk on the glacier as part of the standard tour. If setting foot on the ice is a priority, look for a separate glacier-hiking trip rather than assuming this visit includes one.

For a view-only stop, the glacier still adds a valuable change of scale and texture after the coast and waterfalls. Just be realistic about the experience: you are seeing the glacier from its surroundings, not taking part in an ice expedition.

Seljalandsfoss: a path behind the water

Seljalandsfoss is known for the path that leads behind its falling water. Walking behind the cascade gives you a rare angle on the falls, but the path can be wet, so sturdy shoes and waterproof outer layers are useful. If the conditions or your clothing make the route uncomfortable, you can enjoy the view from outside instead.

This is a fitting final waterfall stop after a day of changing scenery. It also gives you a last chance to stretch your legs before the drive back to Reykjavík. Keep your phone and camera protected from spray if you plan to walk behind the water.

What to bring, and how to make the day easier

I would dress for wind and wet ground rather than for the forecast in Reykjavík. The tour recommends warm outdoor clothing, a waterproof jacket and pants, headwear, gloves and sturdy footwear. Comfortable shoes are not enough if they soak through or slip on wet paths.

Bring snacks and drinks for the drive, since food and beverages are not included. The Hvolsvöllur stop is useful for a restroom break and supplies, but carrying something for the later stops means you can spend more time outside. A small bag is easier to manage than a full daypack at every stop.

The tour is open to children aged 8 and older. With the long drive and repeated outdoor stops, it is best suited to people who are comfortable with a full day on the go. If you have mobility needs or want to know how manageable a specific stop will be, contact the operator before booking; the information provided does not give detailed accessibility guidance.

The schedule can feel busy because the stops cover several different places and the drive back is long. Follow the guide’s return-time instructions at each site. A few minutes late at one stop can eat into time somewhere else, and the most satisfying approach is to choose a priority at each location rather than trying to do everything.

Is $186 a fair price?

The fare makes the most sense if you want several South Coast sights in one day and do not want to rent a car or plan the route yourself. You get transport, a guide, Wi-Fi and the plane-wreck shuttle, with stops at the waterfalls, beach, cliffs and glacier lagoon. That is a lot of ground covered without needing to navigate or arrange separate transport.

It is less compelling if your main goal is a glacier hike, or if you prefer to linger for hours at one place. Food is extra, and the 12-hour duration means some time is inevitably spent on the road. The DC-3 stop may also feel less rewarding if you have little interest in the wreck or photography.

The most praised part of the experience is the guide-led day: past guides such as Tom, Isabella, Slavi, Lili and Martin have been singled out for their stories, humour and care. Since the guide changes, do not book on the assumption you will have a particular person. The route itself is the reliable draw.

Should you book this South Coast tour?

Book it if you want a broad first look at the South Coast with transport and the DC-3 shuttle taken care of. It suits nature lovers, photographers and aviation fans who are happy to trade a long day for a broad range of stops.

Skip it if you want a glacier hike, a slow-paced outing or extensive time at every site. For most people seeking a practical day trip from Reykjavík, the mix of waterfalls, black sand, cliffs, glacier views and the wreck makes the $186 fare reasonable, provided you are ready for a full day and bring your own food.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It lasts about 12 hours, including the drive from Reykjavík, stops along the South Coast and the return journey.

Where can I be picked up in Reykjavík?

Pickup is available from designated locations, including selected hotels, bus stops, the bus terminal and Skarfabakki Harbour. The pickup process can take up to 30 minutes.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The live tour guide speaks English.

Is the shuttle to the DC-3 wreck included?

Yes. The tour includes shuttle transport to and from the wreck, saving you the roughly two-hour round-trip walk.

Does the tour include a glacier hike?

No. The stop at Sólheimajökull is for viewing the glacier and lagoon. A glacier hike is not included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. There is a scheduled comfort stop in Hvolsvöllur where you can use the facilities and buy snacks.

What should I wear?

Wear warm outdoor clothing, a waterproof jacket and pants, headwear and gloves. Sturdy footwear is recommended.

What is the minimum age?

Children must be at least 8 years old to take part.

Can I see puffins at Dyrhólaey?

Puffins are often seen there from May to mid-August, but sightings are not guaranteed.