Operated by: Glaciers and Waterfalls

Private South Coast & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Day Tour

Explore Iceland's dramatic South Coast on this private 12-hour day tour from Reykjavík. Visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, the village of Vík, the iconic Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, and the walkable waterfall Seljalandsfoss — all with a dedicated English-speaking guide.

Duration: 12 hours
Starts From: , Iceland
Pickup: Pickup required
Difficulty: EASY
Season: All year
Passengers: Min 1 · Max 6
Travel method: Mini Bus / Car

About this experience

↓

This private 12-hour tour takes you along Iceland's legendary South Coast, deep into Vatnajökull National Park, and all the way to the breathtaking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in the southeast. Blue and white icebergs calved from the glacier Breiðamerkurjökull drift silently across the lagoon, while seals are often spotted swimming between them or resting on floating ice. It is one of Iceland's most extraordinary natural spectacles.

Along the way, the tour stops at Reynisfjara, Iceland's most famous black sand beach, where dramatic basalt columns, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and powerful Atlantic surf create an unforgettable coastal scene. The nearby village of Vík — the southernmost settlement on the ring road — offers striking landscapes and iconic rock formations.

At Diamond Beach, icebergs that have slowly melted and drifted from the lagoon are thrown back onto the black sand by Atlantic currents, creating a natural gallery of sculpted ice. The variety of shapes and translucent blues makes it one of Iceland's most photogenic locations.

The return journey includes a stop at Seljalandsfoss, a 66-metre waterfall with a path that leads behind the cascading water — a rare and memorable experience. Stops along the route may vary depending on daylight, particularly in winter. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík, a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, and free Wi-Fi on board are all included.

Highlights

↓

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon with floating icebergs and resident seals
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, basalt columns, and Reynisdrangar sea stacks
Diamond Beach — sculpted icebergs stranded on black volcanic sand
Walk behind Seljalandsfoss, a 66-metre waterfall
Southernmost village of Vík and its striking coastal scenery
Private minibus with hotel pickup, English-speaking guide, and free Wi-Fi

Experience details

↓

Your private tour departs from your Reykjavík hotel by minibus, heading east along the South Coast. The first major stop is Reynisfjara, where black sand, towering basalt columns, and the iconic Reynisdrangar sea stacks meet the force of the North Atlantic. From there, the tour continues to the village of Vík, Iceland's southernmost community, known for its dramatic coastal scenery.

The centrepiece of the day is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs broken from Breiðamerkurjökull drift toward the sea. Seals are frequently seen in and around the lagoon. Nearby, Diamond Beach offers a striking contrast of glittering ice against black volcanic sand.

On the return leg, the tour stops at Seljalandsfoss, where a path behind the waterfall gives a unique perspective of the 66-metre cascade. Bring rain gear — the spray can reach you on the path. Stops may be adjusted based on seasonal daylight. The tour lasts 12 hours in total.

Why choose this tour

↓

This is a fully private tour, meaning your group travels exclusively with your own dedicated English-speaking guide — no shared coaches or strangers. The itinerary covers five of Iceland's most celebrated South Coast destinations in a single full day, with hotel pickup and drop-off included as standard.

Private and exclusive — your group, your guide, your pace
Hotel pickup included — convenient door-to-door service from Reykjavík
Five iconic stops in one 12-hour journey
Free Wi-Fi on board throughout the trip
English-speaking guide with local knowledge of every stop

What’s included

↓

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík by minibus. English-speaking guide throughout. Free Wi-Fi on the bus.

Frequently asked questions

What is included in this private South Coast tour?↓

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík by minibus, an English-speaking guide for the full 12 hours, and free Wi-Fi on board. Meals and personal expenses are not mentioned as inclusions.

Can I walk behind Seljalandsfoss on this tour?↓

Yes. Seljalandsfoss has a path that leads behind the waterfall, giving a unique view of the 66-metre cascade. Bring rain gear, as waterfall spray commonly reaches visitors on the path.

Are there seals at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon?↓

Seals are frequently spotted at Jökulsárlón, either swimming through the lagoon among the icebergs or resting on floating ice. Sightings are common but cannot be guaranteed, as wildlife is always subject to natural behaviour.

What is Diamond Beach and why is it worth visiting?↓

Diamond Beach sits beside Jökulsárlón, where icebergs that have drifted from the lagoon are washed ashore by Atlantic currents onto black volcanic sand. The contrast of translucent ice against dark sand creates extraordinary photographic opportunities.

Do the stops change depending on the time of year?↓

Yes. The operator notes that stops along the route may be adjusted based on available daylight, particularly during winter months when daylight hours are shorter. The core itinerary — including Jökulsárlón, Reynisfjara, and Seljalandsfoss — remains the focus of the tour.

What should I wear and bring on this tour?↓

The operator recommends warm outdoor clothing, a hat, gloves or mittens, and rain gear. A camera or phone is also suggested, especially for Diamond Beach and the glacier lagoon, where photo opportunities are plentiful.