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Operated by: Arctic Adventures

Reykjavík: South Coast Waterfalls & Black Sand Beach Horse Riding – Small Group

Ride an Icelandic horse along Víkurfjara black sand beach, then marvel at two of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls on this easy, small-group 11-hour South Coast tour departing from Reykjavík with hotel pickup included.

Duration
11 hours
Starts From
Reykjavík
Pickup
Pickup required
Minimum age
10+
Difficulty
EASY
Season
All year
Passengers
Min 1
Travel method
Other / Non-Travel

About this experience

This 11-hour small-group tour combines two of Iceland's most rewarding South Coast experiences: horseback riding on a dramatic black sand beach and guided visits to two legendary waterfalls. Hotel pickup is included, making the day effortless from start to finish.

Your first stop is the charming coastal village of Vík, where you meet your expert horse riding guide and your Icelandic horse companion. The ride takes place on Víkurfjara black sand beach — a sweeping volcanic shoreline that makes for an unforgettable setting. Icelandic horses are known for their gentle temperament and unique tölt gait, making this an ideal ride for beginners and families alike.

After the ride, the tour continues along the South Coast. You will visit Skógafoss, one of Iceland's most powerful and photogenic waterfalls, where the sheer curtain of water creates a permanent rainbow on sunny days. Next comes Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall with a hidden path that lets you walk behind the cascading water for a truly memorable perspective.

Throughout the day your guide keeps the group small, ensuring personal attention and plenty of time at each stop. The itinerary may be adjusted by the operator in the event of adverse weather or other conditions beyond their control.

Highlights

  • Horseback riding on Víkurfjara black sand beach with an expert guide
  • Visit the iconic Skógafoss waterfall on the South Coast
  • Walk behind the curtain of water at Seljalandsfoss
  • Small-group format for a more personal experience
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off included from Reykjavík
  • Helmet, full rain gear, and waterproof gloves provided for the ride

Experience details

Your day begins with a morning hotel pickup in Reykjavík. The group travels south along the coast to Vík, where you are introduced to your Icelandic horse and riding guide before heading out onto Víkurfjara beach. The ride is rated easy (difficulty 2 out of 5), making it suitable for riders with little or no prior experience.

Following the ride, the tour pauses in Vík for lunch before continuing west along the South Coast. At Skógafoss you can stand at the base of the falls and feel the spray, while Seljalandsfoss offers the rare opportunity to walk the path that circles behind the waterfall.

  • Minimum age for participation: 10 years
  • Difficulty rating: 2 out of 5 — easy
  • Duration: 11 hours including travel time
  • Helmet, rain gear, and waterproof gloves are provided for the horse riding segment

Drop-off at your Reykjavík accommodation completes the day.

Why choose this tour

Few tours on the South Coast pack this much variety into a single day. Combining Víkurfjara beach riding with visits to both Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss means you experience Iceland's volcanic landscapes from the saddle and on foot — two very different perspectives in one outing.

The small-group format keeps the experience relaxed and personal, and the easy difficulty rating means no riding experience is necessary. All riding equipment — helmet, full rain gear, and waterproof gloves — is provided, so you only need to bring appropriate outdoor clothing. Hotel pickup and drop-off remove any logistical stress, letting you focus entirely on the scenery.

What’s included

Guided tour of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls Horse riding tour on Víkurfjara black sand beach departing from Vík Small-group experience Icelandic horse and expert riding guide Helmet Full rain gear Waterproof gloves Hotel pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík

Pickup locations

Final available pickup options are selected during checkout and may vary by operator.

Pickup locations

Frequently asked questions

Do I need horse riding experience to join this tour?
No prior riding experience is required. The tour is rated easy at 2 out of 5 difficulty, and the ride takes place on Víkurfjara black sand beach with an expert guide accompanying the group throughout.
What riding equipment is provided?
A helmet, full rain gear, and waterproof gloves are all included for the horse riding segment. You should still wear warm, waterproof outdoor clothing, headwear, a scarf, and your own gloves as a base layer.
What is the minimum age for this tour?
The minimum age to participate is 10 years. Price categories are available for children aged 10–12, teenagers aged 13–17, and adults aged 18 and over.
Which waterfalls does the tour visit?
The tour visits Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, two of Iceland's most celebrated South Coast waterfalls. At Seljalandsfoss you can walk the path behind the waterfall for a unique viewpoint.
Is hotel pickup included, and where does it operate from?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included. The service operates from Reykjavík. Pickup can take up to 30 minutes, and you must update your pickup location with the operator at least 48 hours before the tour.
Can the itinerary change on the day?
The operator reserves the right to adjust the itinerary or schedule if adverse weather or other conditions make it necessary. Your guide will keep you informed of any changes on the day.

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