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An Iceland Classic
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South Shore Day Tour

Take a full day South Shore Tour and visit black beaches, sea stacks, waterfalls and take in lava field views.

Our best rates
18000 Price Per Person
Our best rates
18000 Price Per Person

The Iceland South Shore Tour is a popular day trip that takes you from Reykjavík to the charming village of Vík and back. The route offers views of some of Iceland’s most stunning natural wonders along the way. This scenic journey along the southern coast of Iceland is packed with breathtaking sights, including waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes.

The tour typically begins with a visit to the iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascading waters for a unique perspective. Next, you’ll stop at the powerful Skógafoss waterfall, known for its impressive 60-meter drop and frequent rainbows. As you continue towards Vík, you’ll pass by the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which covers the active Katla volcano, and witness the contrast between the glacier and the surrounding landscapes.

In Vík, you’ll have the chance to explore the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach and the iconic basalt columns that also form a facade of Hálsanefshellir, a nearby cave. The tour also includes views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks which are said to be petrified trolls in Icelandic folklore. After exploring Vík and its surroundings the tour returns to Reykjavík and visitors can sit back, relax and enjoy the views. 

The Iceland South Shore Tour is perfect for those looking to experience the diverse and dramatic beauty of Iceland’s southern coast, all within a single day.

Itinerary

Your Iceland South Shore tour starts with a convenient pickup in Reykjavík. Once we leave the city, the scenery quickly transforms into dramatic views of mountains, moss-covered lava fields, and pastures dotted with horses and sheep. On your tour you'll discover some of the south coast's most iconic sights

Pickup starts 30 minutes before your tour departure time. Due to traffic restrictions in the city center, the pickup location may not be directly in front of your hotel. However, our convenient booking system will provide you with the closest pick-up location if direct pickup is not possible at your accommodation. Usually located at the nearest bus stop no more than five minutes from your hotel.

All our vehicles are easily recognizable, displaying the distinctive Snæland Travel logo and a sign in the window with the tour name.

Pickup starts: 08.30

Reynisdrangar in the distance behind a person riding a horse on the horizon.

Along the south shore we find one of Iceland’s most unique waterfalls that plunges 60 meters (197 feet) from a cliff that was once part of the island’s ancient coastline. What sets Seljalandsfoss apart is the walking path that leads behind the waterfall where visitors can experience the falls from all angles. During the summer the surrounding area is covered in lush greenery, while in winter, parts of the waterfall freeze into glittering icicles, creating an entirely different experience.

Destination Highlights

  • Getting up close and walking behind the waterfall
Seljalandsfoss Walk Behind View Large2400x1600

Not far from Seljalandsfoss is Skógafoss waterfall. The falls drop with a powerful 25-meter-wide (82 feet) curtain of water and an impressive 60-meter (196 feet) drop cascading down from the Skógá River. The waterfalls best known feature is the spray mist that creates a double rainbow on sunny days. 

The waterfall was made even more famous in movies including Thor: The Dark World and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Get up close, snap a few photos and continue along the south shore.

Destination Highlights

  • Rainbows on clear days
  • Getting up close to the waterfall
Skógafoss Waterfall cascading powerfully in Iceland, surrounded by lush green cliffs with tourists standing at its base.

Further along the south coast is Reynisfjara, Iceland’s most famous black sand beach known for its dramatic scenery and powerful sneaker waves.

The beach is located near the town of Vík í Mýrdal. One of the volcanic shorelines most striking features is the Hálsanefshellir Cave, framed by hexagonal basalt formations that look almost sculpted by hand.

Just offshore, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise sharply from the ocean, their jagged silhouettes wrapped in local folklore.

Destination Highlights

  • Black Sand Beach
  • Hálsanefshellir Cave
  • Basalt Columns
  • Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks
Reynisfjara black sand beach on a stopover day tour in Iceland.

A short drive away is Vík í Mýrdal. Vík is the southernmost village in Iceland and is location near the restless Katla volcano. The town has an iconic red-roofed church sitting on a hill overlooking the coastline. The church and the view from the church are some of the most photographed in Iceland.

After visiting Vík you'll enjoy sitting back and enjoying the landscapes and beautiful views on the drive to Reykjavík. Once in Reykjavík, you'll be conveniently returned to your chosen drop-off location.

Destination Highlights

  • Red-Roofed Church
  • Black Sand Beach
  • Coastal Views
  • Shopping at Víkurprjón Wool Factory
Scenic view of Vík í Mýrdal, showcasing colorful houses, a church with a red roof, and Reynisdrangar sea stacks in the background, highlighting Iceland's natural beauty.

Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, so packing smart is key to making the most of your day, whatever the conditions.

Here are a few essentials to bring along:

  • Warm layers – It’s often colder inland than in Reykjavík.
  • Waterproof clothing – Sudden rain showers are common.
  • Food and drinks – Your guide will also stop at places where you can buy refreshments.
  • Fully charged phone and camera – You won’t want to miss the views.
  • Hiking boots – Sturdy footwear is a must for rugged terrain.

In winter, we also recommend thermal layers, warm socks, and crampons, as trails can become icy.

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Daily at 09:00
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11 Hours
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English-Speaking Guide

Included

  • Pickup and Drop-off in Reykjavík
  • Bus Fare
  • Free Wifi on bus
  • Professional Local Guidance

Not Included

  • Food and Drinks

Have a question?

Booking a trip doesn’t have to be confusing. Simply send us an inquiry with any questions you have. We're always happy to help.
Send us a message

Tips and trivia

  • You can walk behind Seljalandsfoss
  • Skógafoss was featured in the movie "The secret life of Walter Mitty" as part of Afghanistan
  • Please stay on paths for safety
  • See our Bus Stops in Reykjavík for info on city center pickups‍

Additional information

  • Pickup starts: 08:30
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours

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June 2025
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Excellent guides, comfy drives!

Stayed in Iceland through TUI and we used this company all week for the excursions. Comfortable buses that you were happy to be on for 10 hours of the day. Very experienced drivers who drove through the ice and snow with seemingly very little effort. The guides were also fantastic. Very knowledgeable and funny as well.

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rawsonj89
10.02.2019
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Fantastic Experience

Our driver Pall and guide Petur were absolutely fantastic. We learned a lot about the places we visited, and life in Iceland in general, with some great bits of humour along the way.
We had some last minute changes to our trip due to the strikes in Reykjavik but were always kept informed on what was happening.
When we return to Iceland again we will be booking with Snaeland Travel.

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PT905
11.03.2023
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Excellent on time tours

Virtually all our travel in Iceland was with Snaeland. Their drivers were pleasant and helfpful and pick-ups were always on time

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Michael M
20.03.2023

Frequently Asked Questions

On this South Shore Tour tour you visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss Waterfall, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Town of Vík. As this is a scheduled tour it's not possible to add more stops along the route.

If you want to discover more attractions along the route we recommend our fully customizable Private South Coast Tour to which you can add visits to Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel and Dyrhólaey or include Snowmobiling or a Glacier Hike in the day. You can enjoy a flexible schedule and customize the itinerary to include places or activities that interest you and your travel companions.

Due to traffic restrictions in the city center, your pickup location may not be directly in front of your hotel or accommodation but rather the closest bus stop. 

It’s important that you provide the complete address of your accommodation when booking your tour and our convenient system will provide you with the closest pick-up location if direct pickup is not possible at your accommodation. 

A good example is Hótel Óðinsvé where you’ll be guided to Bus Stop 8 at Hallgrímskirkja. To make it easy to find we’ve put together locations of all city center bus stops.

All our vehicles are easily recognizable, displaying the distinctive Snæland Travel logo and a sign in the window with the tour name.

First things first, have your correct email and phone number listed with us upon booking your tour so we can contact you if we run into any trouble finding you.

Pickup usually starts 30 minutes before the tour departure time. The exact information is provided in your booking. Please be ready at your pickup stop from the start of the pickup time indicated to avoid any delays, as you might be the first pickup of the day.

In the case of any unforeseen events you can always give us a call +(354) 588 8660 (or the contact number provided in your email).

Yes, there is a trained and certified English speaking guide on each one of our tours, ready to make your day.

The only exceptions are Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon transfer tours, our Self-Drive tours, and Private tours unless a private guide has been requested at an additional charge.

Iceland's weather can change quickly, so layering your clothing is a must. We suggest dressing in warm, waterproof layers, including a waterproof jacket, sturdy footwear, and a hat and gloves to keep you comfortable in any conditions. Taking an extra pair of warm socks with you is also never a bad idea.
Make sure to bring a warm jacket in winter, especially for northern light tours as it can get cold standing outside on crisp winter nights.

Be aware that inland Iceland is usually colder than the Reykjavík area.

Yes it can, however in most cases it won’t. As your safety is our number one priority, Snæland Travel reserves the right to adjust the itinerary and/or take different routes depending on weather and road conditions. Please read more on this under Terms and Conditions.

Yes, Snæland Travel offers a number of family-friendly tours and activities. The Golden Circle Day Tour is a wonderful family experience where you see the must visit Gullfoss waterfall, the all age favorite Strokkur geyser, and stroll around Þingvellir National Park (the kids will love Peningagjá).

The Reykjavík City Tour & FlyOver Iceland Experience is also a great tour for those who want to stay in town and discover the city. There are no age restrictions however the Flyover Iceland Experience has a height requirement of 1m (ca. 3ft). Whale watching tours with our partner company Elding are also a time tested favorite for families with young children. 

Another option could be one of our Stopover Packages that consist of multiple day tours so that you can rest easy in the same spot every night in Reykjavík, while also experiencing outer city adventures during the day.

Now, if you are travelling with an infant or small children you might feel more comfortable on one of our Private Driver tours so that you can easily adjust your schedule and enjoy a more relaxing time with your family. 

For more recommendations we’re only a click away.

Tips and trivia

  • You can walk behind Seljalandsfoss
  • Skógafoss was featured in the movie "The secret life of Walter Mitty" as part of Afghanistan
  • Please stay on paths for safety
  • See our Bus Stops in Reykjavík for info on city center pickups‍

Additional information

  • Pickup starts: 08:30
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours

Have a question?

Booking a trip doesn’t have to be confusing. Simply send us an inquiry with any questions you have. We're always happy to help.
Send us a message
Reynisfjara at sunset on South Coast Day Tour from Reykjavík, seen with Reynisdrangar sea stacks at the horizon.

South Shore Day Tour

Price per person 18000
Total price 18000
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