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About Tour

Get ready for an epic two-day trip along Iceland’s South Coast. This tour packs in all the iconic spots— black sand beaches, massive waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, and the surreal beauty of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. You’ll step inside an ice cave, get close to the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier, and soak up everything that makes Iceland feel like another world.

Highlights

  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • Vatnajökull - Europe's biggest glacier
  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
  • Vík Coastal village
  • Northern Lights (conditions permitting)
  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour (optional May-Oct)
  • Natural Ice Cave (during winter)
  • Skogafoss Waterfall
  • Diamond Beach
  • Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
  • Volcano Views (weather permitting)

Included

  • Pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavik
  • Hotel accommodation with a private bathroom
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Guided group tour in a minibus
  • Visit to top highlights of the South Coast
  • Guided ice cave tour (during winter)
  • English-speaking tour guide
  • All necessary safety equipment
  • Free WiFi on board your bus

What to bring

  • Warm outdoor layers (wool, fleece, or synthetic)
  • Waterproof jacket and pants
  • Headwear and gloves
  • Good hiking shoes are highly recommended

Tour Snapshot

Availability All Year
Duration 2 days
Departs From Reykjavik
Difficulty Easy Suitable for most people in fair condition.
Minimum age 6 years
Meet on Location No
Pick Up Yes

From

653
Per
Adult
  • Bestseller
  • Expert Guides
  • Small Group Experience
  • Free Wifi
  • No Booking Fees
  • Operated by Arctic Adventures

From

653
Book Now

Itinerary

You’ll dive straight into Iceland’s South Coast highlights—powerful waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss and the iconic black sands of Reynisfjara. After a cozy night’s stay in South Iceland, you’ll explore the surreal Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, wander Diamond Beach, and step into a shimmering blue ice cave. This thoughtfully planned tour makes sure you catch the best of Iceland, one unforgettable stop at a time. Check the full itinerary below!

Starting with a 9:00 am pickup from your Reykjavik accommodation, we’ll set off along the South Coast, traveling past rolling lava fields and quaint farms. Our route brings us close to some of Iceland’s most famous volcanoes, including Hekla, Katla, and the glacier-capped Eyjafjallajökull.

Our first stop is Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascade for a unique perspective. It’s one of Iceland’s most famous cascades, sitting at the foot of Eyjafjallajökull, and its water originates from the glacier. 

Next, we’ll visit Skógafoss, a dramatic waterfall known for its wide, powerful drop and frequent rainbows—an unforgettable sight. This iconic spot has also been featured in shows like Game of Thrones and Vikings.

Continuing along the coast, we arrive at Reynisfjara, Iceland’s famous black sand beach. You’ll see towering basalt columns, caves, and the mystical Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks rising from the waves. Reynisfjara is a photographer’s dream and a must-see spot along the South Coast.

After passing through the vast Eldhraun lava field, we’ll stop in Kirkjubæjarklaustur village for refreshments. As we continue towards our accommodation near Skaftafell, you’ll take in sweeping views of glacier tongues descending from the great Vatnajökull. Once settled into our hotel, we’ll be on the lookout for the Northern Lights. If the skies are clear, your guide will direct you to witness this unforgettable natural phenomenon.

Day Highlights
  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • Skógafoss Waterfall
  • Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
  • Kirkjubæjarklaustur Village
  • Northern Lights viewing (conditions permitting)
Included
  • Pickup in Reykjavik
  • Guided tour in a comfortable minibus
  • One night in a country hotel near Skaftafell with a private bathroom
Accommodation
Adventure Hotel Hof
or similar

After breakfast, we head to Vatnajökull National Park, where Europe’s largest ice cap and its many outlets stretch for thousands of miles. 

Our first destination is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a place where massive icebergs drift serenely across the lagoon toward the ocean. This glacier lagoon was formed by a melting glacier, Breiðamerkurjökull. At the point where the melting glacier reaches sea level, massive pieces break away from its tongue. Nearby is the Diamond Beach, where the icebergs wash ashore, glistening like jewels on the black sand.

Next, we set off to explore a natural ice cave with an experienced glacier guide. In winter, we visit the famous Crystal Blue Ice Cave, while the summer season takes us to the unique Katla Ice Cave under a volcano. Each cave is different from the last, as the ice constantly shifts and evolves, creating mesmerizing patterns, textures, and colors. It’s a rare chance to see the beauty of Iceland’s glaciers up close, knowing that no two visits will ever look quite the same.

Before starting our way back to Reykjavik, we’ll stop in Vík, a charming coastal village known for its iconic red-roofed church and stunning cliff views. Here, you’ll have time to admire the coastal scenery before we continue our journey, arriving back in Reykjavik around 9:00 pm.

Day Highlights
  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
  • Diamond Beach
  • Guided ice cave tour
  • Vík Coastal Village
  • Northern Lights (conditions permitting)
Included
  • Hotel breakfast
  • Guided ice cave tour with safety equipment
  • Drop-off in Reykjavik

Pick-up is at 9:00 a.m. from your hotel or a nearby meeting point in Reykjavík. Everyone's pickup can take up to 30 minutes, so your patience is much appreciated. Available pick-up points in Reykjavik.

Pick-up times from the meeting points outside Reykjavik:

  • 10:15 am - Selfoss
  • 11:00 am - Hella
  • Ice Caves: Ice caves are dynamic and ever-changing. The actual appearance of the cave may vary from the photos you see online, depending on weather conditions, time of day, and seasonal changes.

Generally, the tour visits Katla Ice Cave from April to October and the Crystal Ice Cave from November to March. Our guides will select the safest and best available cave based on current conditions.

  • Northern Lights: The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. Sightings depend on weather and solar activity and usually appear during the winter months.

  • Accommodations: Solo travelers or odd-number groups who do not select a single supplement will be paired in a twin room with a fellow traveler of the same gender.

  • Weather Conditions: Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, particularly in winter, which may cause changes to the itinerary. Our guides prioritize safety and are experienced in making adjustments as needed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Reviews

5
Based on 19 reviews

2 Day South Coast, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon & Ice Cave Tour

FAQ

Our multi-day tours will give you a small group experience as they are operated in a mini-bus and you get a better connection with the guide.

By booking a multi-day tour with us, you don’t need to have to worry about finding accommodation during the time of the tour as our multi-day tour includes accommodation which is often booked far in advance. You will get more opportunities to explore Iceland further and experience places that you would normally not be able to see on a one-day tour. 

All of our tours are English guided so you will have English speaking licensed guide throughout the tour that will tell you everything about what you see along the way and knows where the best locations to stop by at to get the absolute best experience.

When booking your tour you are guaranteed accommodations at a friendly country hotel and/or guesthouse. All of the hotels we work with are of the same standard and offer nice rooms with beds and linen. The standard room is a twin room but it is possible to request a double room or a triple room, with no extra charge. The rooms come with private or shared bathrooms, depending on your booking.

Free Wi-Fi, towels, a hairdryer, and a kettle are accessible at all of the hotels.

If you want to have your own room, then a single supplement is payable in order to secure a single room. If you do not wish to book a single room then you will be roomed with another traveler of the same gender.

Breakfast is included at the hotel/guesthouse restaurant during the tour. Meals and beverages are not included on your tour. However, we will make stops at restaurants and conveniences stores where you are able to purchase all necessities.

The average amount spent on food each day per person is 8,000 ISK (80$). Cash is not necessary, as credit cards are accepted at all restaurants and stores. A small amount of cash won't hurt though.

A typical breakfast buffet is included at all the hotels/guesthouses we stay at during the tour, allowing you to fuel up for the day on various slices of bread, toppings, cereal, fruits, and yogurt. Tea and coffee are also included, alongside a variety of additional tasty options.

Your guide will also find a good place for the group to eat lunch, where you can find a wide selection of dishes on the menu, so there will be options available for everyone. The dinner is usually at the hotels/guesthouses we stay at for the night. We will make stops at restaurants and convenience stores where you will be able to purchase all necessities.

The average amount spent on food each day per person is 8,000 ISK (80$). Cash is not necessary, as credit cards are accepted at all restaurants and stores. A small amount of cash won't hurt, though.

For multi-day tours, each participant is allowed to bring a small backpack and one piece of luggage weighing a maximum of 20 kg (44 lbs). If you are traveling with extra bags or heavier luggage, you will need to book suitable storage before you arrive; this will incur a small fee. There is the option to add luggage storage in Reykjavík during the booking process of your order in the extras section.

* The combined dimensions of each bag must not exceed 158 cm (62 in).

We welcome all participants of all ages older than the listed minimum age for each tour. Our average group usually consists of participants between the ages of 22 to 55 years. However, we have people of all ages, ranging from 8 to 99 years, joining our multi-day tours. We get a lot of solo travelers joining us, as well as families and friends.

If you find yourself having difficulties participating in any of the activities included in the tour, for example, a glacier activity, then you are more than welcome to skip it. Iceland is surrounded by beautiful scenery so you can explore your surroundings in the meantime r wait elsewhere while others do the activity. Our guide should be able to drop you off at a nearby place where there are some services available if requested.

The average is around 300 km (186 miles) per day on our multi-day tours. You’ll spend approximately 4-5 hours in the car each day. Stops are of course, made at multiple locations throughout the tour for sightseeing, activities, bathroom breaks, lunch stops, etc.

We do offer some necessary items for rent. For most of our multi-day tours, we rent out waterproof jackets and pants as well as hiking shoes. These items are available to book under the selection “Extras’’ in the booking widget when booking your tour on our website.

If you have already booked the tour and wish to add some rental gear to your booking, you can do that at least 24 hours before your tour starts, via our Customer Portal.

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and therefore we can unfortunately never promise that they will be seen on your tour. Their appearance depends upon atmospheric and weather conditions. The best time to see the lights is between September - March when it’s a dark and clear sky. The sky needs to be as dark as possible, so the best places to see them are well away from the city lights.

Most of the hotels on our tours are remotely located and, therefore, ideal for spotting the northern lights. If the forecast is in our favor, then it is very likely that you will be able to see the northern lights. Most of the hotels offer a Northern Lights wake-up call upon request if lights are spotted, so it is more likely that you will see the lights on a multi-day tour!

We always highly recommend booking a multi-day tour starting at least one day after arriving in Iceland. If you’re flying in from the US or will be landing early (4-6:30) you should be able to join the tour, but be aware that some risks could follow such as flight gets delayed and could, therefore, miss out on the tour.

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