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

The star of this long Iceland day is the DC-3 plane wreck, reached by shuttle across the stark Sólheimasandur sands. But the real strength of the trip is its mix: two major waterfalls, a black beach, sea cliffs, and a glacier all fit into one outing from Reykjavík. Guides such as Tom, Isabella, Slavi, Martin, and Lili have been singled out for lively stories, careful driving, and good local advice.

I especially like the small minibus format and the included wreck shuttle, which saves you a tiring walk each way. I also like that the day gives you time at major sights rather than rushing through a dozen roadside photo stops. The drawback is simple: 12 hours is a long day, and the glacier stop is for viewing only, not for walking on the ice.

Key points before you book

• The DC-3 shuttle saves hours of walking: You ride close to the wreck instead of making the long return walk across Sólheimasandur.
• You get Iceland’s greatest South Coast hits: Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey, and Sólheimajökull all appear in one day.
• The guide can make or break the ride: Past guides including Slavi, Martin, Isabella, Tom, Lili, and Vjeran have been praised for humor, history, music, and practical help.
• Reynisfjara needs care: The waves can be dangerous, and you should keep well back from the water.
• The glacier is a viewpoint, not an adventure hike: You can walk around the lagoon and see the ice, but a glacier hike is not part of this trip.
• The $186 price buys convenience: Transport, pickup, guiding, Wi-Fi, and the plane-wreck shuttle are included, but food and drinks are extra.

Reykjavík pickup and the long road south

Pickup is offered from many designated points around Reykjavík, including central bus stops, Hallgrímskirkja, the City Hall area, major hotels, the Bus Terminal, and several harbour locations. The pickup process can take up to 30 minutes, so I would arrive early and keep your phone handy. Do not assume the vehicle will pull up at your hotel door, since Iceland’s coach rules often use nearby bus stops.

Once everyone is aboard, you leave Reykjavík for the South Coast. The drive passes moss-covered lava fields, open farmland, and wide views that make the journey part of the outing rather than dead time. The minibus has Wi-Fi, which is useful for checking the forecast, sending photos, or keeping yourself occupied during the longer returns.

A stop in Hvolsvöllur gives you about 20 minutes to use the facilities and buy snacks. Food is not included, so bring something for the road or purchase supplies here. I would pack more than one snack, since the day runs from morning pickup to an evening return and the beach stop is not a guaranteed relaxed restaurant meal.

The vehicle is a practical choice for this route. You avoid driving on unfamiliar roads, watching the weather, and finding parking at busy sights. In exchange, you accept a fixed schedule and a full day with several other people in the minibus.

Skógafoss, where the water hits hard

Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls, a broad wall of water dropping into a pool below. On a sunny day, spray often produces a rainbow, but the falls are powerful in any weather. The sound and force are the point here. You do not need a long walk to get a good view.

You typically have around 30 to 45 minutes at the falls, enough for photographs and a short climb. A staircase of 527 steps leads to an upper viewing area with a wider look over the coast and surrounding country. I would only attempt the climb if you have sturdy footwear and the weather feels safe. The lower viewpoint is the better use of time for many people, especially when wind and rain make the stairs unpleasant.

Skógafoss can feel busy, yet its scale absorbs the crowd. Bring waterproof layers even if Reykjavík is dry. Spray from the waterfall can soak you quickly, and Icelandic weather can change before you have finished taking pictures.

Reynisfjara and the black-sand coast

Reynisfjara is the most atmospheric stop of the day. Black volcanic sand runs along the Atlantic, while hexagonal basalt columns form a striking wall beside the beach. Sea caves and the Reynisdrangar rock needles add to the scene, giving you the classic Iceland image of dark stone, foaming water, and a rough ocean.

You have roughly 50 minutes to an hour here, including time for lunch. That is enough for a careful walk and photographs, but it may feel tight if you want a full sit-down meal. At busy times, food service can take much of the break, so I suggest bringing a sandwich or eating quickly before exploring.

The practical warning matters more than the photo opportunity. Reynisfjara is known for sudden, powerful waves. Keep far back from the water, never turn your back on the sea, and follow any barriers or guide instructions. The beach can become especially difficult in bad weather, and one past outing had to deal with severe conditions and a damaged parking area. You should treat this as a wild coast, not a gentle beach stroll.

The DC-3 wreck across Sólheimasandur

The abandoned DC-3 fuselage sits on the dark sands of Sólheimasandur, a stark setting that gives the aircraft its strange visual power. The white wreck against volcanic ground is one of Iceland’s best-known photography subjects, particularly for anyone interested in aviation, abandoned places, or unusual human traces in the country.

The included shuttle is one of the strongest practical features of this excursion. Depending on the exact access arrangements, walking from the parking area can take around 30 to 40 minutes each way, and some descriptions put the total walk at about two hours. The shuttle takes you directly to the site and returns you to the coach, leaving your legs and daylight for the rest of the South Coast.

You will have about an hour connected with this stop, including the shuttle ride and time at the aircraft. That is generous for photographs and a close look at the fuselage. One useful point from the schedule is that the wreck may not require every minute allotted. If you finish early, use the extra time to look across the empty sand and appreciate how remote the site feels.

Do not expect a museum or a polished attraction. This is an outdoor wreck in an exposed setting. The appeal comes from the contrast between the battered plane and the wide, empty volcanic plain.

Dyrhólaey cliffs and the summer puffin chance

Dyrhólaey provides a different view of the coast. From the cliffs, you can look toward the huge sea arch and along a long stretch of black shoreline. This is the place to understand the scale of the South Coast, since the beach that felt close at Reynisfjara becomes a broad dark ribbon from above.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes. That is enough for the main viewpoints and photographs, though not for a lengthy walk. Wind can be fierce on exposed cliffs, so hold onto hats and keep children close to you.

Puffins may be seen here from May through mid-August. That is a possibility, not a promise, and binoculars or a camera with a good zoom will help. The cliffs are valuable even without birds, since they offer some of the day’s broadest coastal views.

Sólheimajökull and the glacier lagoon

At Sólheimajökull, the focus shifts from waterfalls and sea to ice. You can walk around the glacier lagoon and see blue ice set against black volcanic ash. The contrast is one of the clearest reminders that Iceland’s scenery is shaped by fire and ice side by side.

This stop can last from about 50 minutes to roughly 105 minutes, depending on the day’s arrangements and activities connected with the vehicle. You may have time to use the restroom, walk toward the lagoon, take photographs, and inspect the glacier from a safe viewpoint.

Be clear about what you are booking: no glacier hike is included. You do not walk onto Sólheimajökull as part of this experience. If stepping onto a glacier is a main goal, choose a separate guided ice hike. If you simply want to see a glacier up close without committing to technical gear or a strenuous activity, this stop works well.

Some guides have added a short glacier walk or extra viewpoint when time and conditions allowed, but you should not count on that. The formal experience is glacier viewing only.

Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall finale

Seljalandsfoss is famous because a path runs behind its falling water. The view from the rear is unlike the front-on experience at Skógafoss, and it gives the final part of the sightseeing a welcome change of angle.

The stop is usually around 25 to 30 minutes in the detailed schedule, though the broader description allows a little longer. That is enough to walk behind the falls if the path is open and conditions are suitable, but not enough for a leisurely wander around the area.

Wear waterproof trousers and a proper rain jacket. A normal waterproof shell may protect your upper body, but spray can reach your legs and shoes as well. The rear path can be wet or slippery, so hiking shoes are a sensible choice. If wind, ice, or other conditions close the path, you can still enjoy the front view, but the famous behind-the-water perspective is not guaranteed.

Guides, music, and the feel of the minibus

The guide is a major part of the experience because you spend many hours on the road. The strongest guide experiences have included stories about Icelandic history, wildlife, local life, and passing landmarks, mixed with humor and music. Tom, Isabella, Slavi, Lili, Martin, Vjeran, Sigrid, and others have been praised for keeping the long drive friendly and interesting.

That does not mean every guide will use the same style. Some people like a steady stream of information, while others prefer quiet stretches to watch the view. The supplied experience is in English, and the driver is also your guide, so you should expect commentary while the vehicle is moving and practical help at the stops.

The small-group setup can feel more personal than a large coach. One guide even managed a vehicle problem involving several tour groups without disrupting the day, while others have added an extra waterfall or viewpoint when time allowed. Those extras are pleasant surprises, not fixed parts of the schedule.

What $186 really gets you

At $186 per person, this is not a cheap sightseeing bus. It is a full-day outing that covers a large stretch of the South Coast, with transport from Reykjavík, an English-speaking driver-guide, Wi-Fi, comfort stops, and the DC-3 shuttle included.

I think the price makes sense if you do not have a rental car or do not want to drive in Icelandic wind and winter conditions. The wreck shuttle is especially important to the value. Paying for the ride saves a long walk and makes the aircraft practical for people who would otherwise skip it.

Food and drinks are extra, and you may want to budget for lunch or buy supplies in Hvolsvöllur. The tour also does not include a glacier hike, so anyone wanting an active ice experience will need to pay for another excursion.

The day covers enough major sights that it can replace several shorter outings. The tradeoff is limited flexibility. You cannot linger for hours at one waterfall, and traffic, weather, pickup delays, or road conditions can shorten a stop. Still, a 4.6 rating from 325 bookings reflects a consistently strong experience, particularly when the guide handles the day well.

Who should choose this South Coast tour?

I would choose it if you have limited time in Reykjavík and want the greatest variety in one day. It suits photographers, first-time visitors, families with children aged eight and older, aviation fans, and anyone who wants waterfalls and glacier views without booking a separate hike.

It is also a good fit if you value a guide’s stories. The drive is long, and the difference between a dull transfer and an enjoyable day often comes down to the person behind the wheel.

I would think twice if you dislike long vehicle days, need a slow pace, or want serious time at each stop. The tour is also not ideal if your main aim is glacier hiking. For that, book a dedicated activity rather than expecting the Sólheimajökull stop to provide it.

What to bring for the South Coast

Pack warm outdoor clothing, a waterproof jacket and trousers, gloves, a hat, and sturdy hiking shoes. Comfortable shoes alone are not enough for wet paths, rough ground, and slippery areas near waterfalls.

Bring food or money for food, a refillable water bottle, and a phone charger if you plan to use Wi-Fi and take photographs all day. Keep your camera protected at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, and do not wear loose hats at Dyrhólaey.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want breadth, convenience, and a strong introduction to Iceland’s South Coast. The waterfalls, black beach, cliffs, glacier, and plane wreck create a varied day, while the minibus and included shuttle remove much of the logistical hassle.

Skip it if you want a quiet, highly flexible outing or a proper glacier hike. For everyone else, $186 is fair for the ground covered and the time saved, especially when you get a guide in the mold of Slavi, Martin, Isabella, or Tom. Just prepare for a very full day, pack for rain, and respect the ocean at Reynisfjara.

FAQ

How long does the South Coast tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, including pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík, driving time, sightseeing stops, and the return journey.

What sights are included?

The tour includes Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, the Dyrhólaey cliffs, the DC-3 plane wreck, and views of Sólheimajökull and its lagoon.

Is the shuttle to the DC-3 plane wreck included?

Yes. Round-trip transport by shuttle to the DC-3 wreck is included, saving you the long walk from the parking area.

Is a glacier hike included?

No. The Sólheimajökull stop is for viewing the glacier and lagoon. You do not walk on the glacier as part of this tour.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included. There is a scheduled break in Hvolsvöllur where you can use the facilities and buy snacks, and time to eat at or near Reynisfjara.

What is the minimum age for this activity?

The minimum permitted age is eight years old. Children under eight cannot take part.