Reykjavik: Iceland South Coast & Glacier Snowmobile Tour

Mýrdalsjökull is the star of this 10-hour trip: you reach the glacier in a modified truck, suit up, and ride a snowmobile across the ice. If the clouds lift, the views from above can be striking. The ride is the active part of a long South Coast outing, not a quick add-on.

I like that you get both a genuine glacier ride and two very different waterfalls in one day. I also like that protective clothing is included and that the guides give a safety briefing before you set off. The trade-off is the lengthy bus journey, and the glacier views depend on the weather.

The day in five useful points

• The snowmobile ride is the main event: Expect roughly an hour on the glacier, including time to get used to the machine and take in the surroundings.
• Two people share each snowmobile: You can ride together, but you need a driver’s license if you plan to drive.
• The glacier truck is part of the fun: A specially modified vehicle carries you from the base area up onto the glacier.
• The waterfalls come on the return: Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss break up the ride back to Reykjavík.
• Bring snacks and warm layers: Food and drinks are not included, and a neck warmer is a useful extra under the provided gear.

A long South Coast ride before the glacier

The tour starts at the BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavík, the home of Reykjavík Excursions. It is a full-day outing, around 10 hours, and much of that time is spent getting to and from the glacier. The drive is roughly two and a half hours to the snowmobiling area, with a service stop along the way.

That travel time is worth factoring into your decision. You are not simply buying an hour on a snowmobile. You are also spending a day crossing the South Coast, with broad views from the bus and waterfall stops on the return. The scenery can make the drive feel like part of the trip, but the road hours remain road hours.

The bus has free Wi-Fi, though I would still bring something to read or download entertainment before leaving. The drive is not always a fully guided sightseeing tour. Some drivers share plenty of context along the route; others focus more on getting you to the activity and back. Drivers named Hermann and Marti have been praised for sharing information and helping make the day feel personal, but the driver on your date may be different.

A service stop gives you a chance to use the bathroom and buy food. Allow for a short break rather than a proper meal. Some itineraries have only a brief stop of about 30 minutes, so bring snacks and water if you know you will want more than a quick purchase.

Getting onto Mýrdalsjökull

At the Adventure Ground, the glacier team gets you fitted with protective clothing and safety equipment. Then you board a specially modified glacier truck for the climb toward the snowmobile area. The truck is not ordinary transport: reaching the glacier is part of the adventure, and rough weather or snow can make the journey feel especially lively.

Before the ride, the guides explain how to use the snowmobile and what to expect. The pace is designed to accommodate different comfort levels, so you do not need to arrive as an experienced rider. Listen closely during the briefing, follow the guide’s instructions, and dress for cold conditions even though outer protective gear is supplied.

Plan on sharing one snowmobile between two people. That makes the ride a good option for couples or friends who want to take turns, but it also means you may spend less time driving than you would on a single-person machine. A driver’s license is required, so bring yours if you expect to take the handlebars. The activity is not suitable for children under eight.

The ride itself is the clear highlight for anyone keen on a hands-on glacier experience. You travel across the ice with a guide, rather than simply viewing the glacier from the road. It is thrilling without being a race; the aim is to enjoy the setting and ride safely as a group. The time on the snowmobile is limited compared with the total length of the excursion, so go in knowing that the long approach is part of the price and the day.

Glacier views depend on the clouds

On a clear day, the views from the top can be breathtaking. You get a sense of the scale of the ice and the open, high country around it. But Icelandic weather can change quickly. Low cloud, snow, or blustery conditions may reduce visibility, and the tour cannot promise a postcard view just because you have made the journey.

That uncertainty is worth accepting if the snowmobile ride itself is your main reason for booking. The ride can still be exciting when the weather is less than perfect, but poor visibility changes the experience. In rough conditions, the glacier team adjusts the outing with safety in mind. Dress warmly, and do not treat clear skies in Reykjavík as a guarantee of sunshine on the glacier.

The provided outer clothing and safety equipment take care of key items for the ride, but you should wear warm layers underneath. A neck warmer is a smart addition: the supplied balaclava may feel thin in cold wind. Bring warm socks and gloves, too, especially if your hands and feet tend to get cold.

A lunch break before the waterfalls

After the snowmobile outing, you return to the Adventure Ground. There is time to eat before the bus heads back toward Reykjavík, but lunch is not included. Pack food or be prepared to buy something during the service stop or at the base area. Do not assume the break will be long enough for a leisurely meal.

This is a practical point that can affect how comfortable the day feels. A full day outside, plus several hours on a bus, is easier when you have food and water on hand. A small snack in your bag also gives you more flexibility if the available options are limited or the timing shifts.

Skógafoss: a powerful stop on the way home

The return journey includes Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls. Its broad curtain of water makes a strong impression, and the stop gives you a chance to stretch your legs after the glacier excursion. It is a welcome change from sitting on the bus, and a good reason the trip feels like more than a snowmobile transfer.

Waterfall conditions and weather shape how long you will want to stay outside. Bring a waterproof outer layer if you have one, since spray can reach the viewing area. The tour includes a visit, but it is not a full South Coast sightseeing day with long stays at every stop. If waterfalls are your chief interest, you may prefer a tour built around the coast rather than one that gives much of the day to the glacier activity.

Seljalandsfoss: behind the falling water

The second named waterfall stop is Seljalandsfoss. When conditions permit, you can walk behind the waterfall, an unusual angle that makes this stop different from a standard viewpoint. The path can be wet, and access depends on weather, so do not count on the walk behind being open on every departure.

If the route is available, waterproof clothing and shoes with good grip are useful. Expect spray and slippery ground rather than a dry stroll. If the path is closed, you can still view the waterfall from the front, but the behind-the-falls walk is one of the outing’s more distinctive extras.

Together, the two waterfalls give the return leg a satisfying finish. Skógafoss is known for its broad, forceful drop; Seljalandsfoss offers the chance to circle behind the water. You see two memorable sights without needing to arrange separate transport, though the stops are part of a tightly timed day.

What $332 buys you

At $332 per person, this is not a budget bus tour. The cost makes more sense if you value the glacier activity: the snowmobile ride, protective equipment, glacier truck transfer, and bus transport are included. You also get the two waterfall stops and the convenience of reaching the glacier from Reykjavík without arranging a separate vehicle.

The value depends on what you want from the day. If snowmobiling on a glacier is high on your list, combining it with South Coast scenery can make the price worthwhile. If you mainly want to see waterfalls, you may find better value in a South Coast tour without the activity, especially since the bus journey is long and the snowmobile portion is only part of the day.

Food and drinks cost extra, so add that to your budget. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

Who should book this trip?

I would choose this tour if you want a big outdoor activity and are happy to spend a long day getting to it. It suits adults and children aged eight or older who are comfortable with cold-weather conditions, a bus ride, and sharing a snowmobile. It is particularly appealing if you want the glacier to be an experience, not just a view from a roadside stop.

It is less suitable if you want a slow-paced day, an extended waterfall visit, or a guaranteed clear view from the glacier. The snowmobile ride is weather-dependent, and the bus transfer takes up a substantial share of the schedule. You should also think about the shared machine arrangement: two people ride together, and a driver’s license is required for the person driving.

Overall, this is a strong choice for combining a glacier adventure with two classic South Coast waterfalls in one outing. Book it for the snowmobile ride, and treat the waterfalls and scenery as valuable additions. If the glacier activity does not excite you, spend your money on a coast-focused tour instead.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The full-day trip lasts about 10 hours. The drive to the snowmobiling area takes roughly two and a half hours, followed by the glacier activity and waterfall stops on the return.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at the BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavík and returns to the same meeting point.

Is the snowmobile ride included in the price?

Yes. The glacier snowmobile ride, protective clothing and safety equipment, and bus fare are included.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes, bring a driver’s license if you plan to drive the snowmobile.

How many people share a snowmobile?

One snowmobile is shared by two people.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring snacks or plan to buy food during the day.

Can I walk behind Seljalandsfoss?

You may be able to walk behind the waterfall if weather and conditions permit. Access is not guaranteed.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

The activity is not suitable for children under eight years old.