From Reykjavik: South Coast, Plane Wreck, & Beach ATV Tour

The real draw here is the two-hour ATV ride across Sólheimasandur, a wide black-sand shore where the abandoned DC3 plane wreck sits far from the road. You get a proper South Coast sightseeing day, but the ATV section adds motion, wind, and a little grit to the usual waterfall circuit.

I like the combination of big natural sights and an active outing, and I like that the trip includes both Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss on the return. The main drawback is price: at $299 per person, this is much more costly than a standard waterfall bus tour, and odd-numbered parties may need to pay extra for a single-rider ATV.

Key points

• Ride two people per quad bike across the black sands of Sólheimasandur.
• Stop at the 1973 DC3 plane wreck, reached by ATV rather than a long walk from the road.
• See Mýrdalsjökull Glacier and Dyrhólaey Peninsula from the South Coast.
• Visit Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, including the chance to walk behind Seljalandsfoss.
• Plan for cold, wet conditions, with warm clothes, waterproof shoes, and a driving license.
• Expect a full 10-hour day beginning and ending at Reykjavík’s BSI Bus Terminal.

Why the ATV ride is the heart of the day

Most South Coast excursions keep you beside the main road. This one takes you out onto Sólheimasandur, a stark black-sand area shaped by wind, water, and glacial runoff. The ATV gives you a way to cross that open ground without turning the visit to the plane wreck into a long walk.

The ride lasts about two hours. You’ll share one quad bike with another person, taking turns driving if you both want to. A valid driver’s license is required for anyone who drives, so bring the physical license with you.

The route is not presented as a technical off-road challenge. It is described as thrilling but safe, with an experienced guide leading the group. That makes it a good fit if you want some action but do not want a full-day motor sport expedition.

Henrik is singled out as an experienced and fun ATV guide, while Ragnar is praised for being kind and informative on the wider South Coast route. Guides matter here because the weather can change quickly, and the open shore can feel exposed. A calm briefing and clear riding instructions make the experience much easier to enjoy.

Crossing Sólheimasandur to the DC3 wreck

The DC3 plane wreck is one of Iceland’s most unusual sights. A United States Navy aircraft crashed on Sólheimasandur in 1973, and its stripped fuselage remains on the black sands. The contrast is striking: a pale metal aircraft against a broad, dark shore, with Iceland’s mountains and glacier country in the distance.

The ATV ride changes how you reach it. Instead of treating the wreck as a quick roadside photo stop, you travel across the open sand under your own power. The route gives the visit a stronger sense of place, since you see how isolated the wreck really is.

You should still set expectations correctly. The plane itself is the main attraction. This is not a preserved museum site with indoor exhibits or a long historical presentation. The appeal comes from the setting, the unusual crash remains, and the ride across the shore.

Wind and weather can shape this part of the day. Sólheimasandur is exposed, and black sand can make clothing and shoes dirty. The operator provides an insulated cover-all, helmet, and balaclava face mask. Boots may be supplied depending on conditions and your footwear, but you should not rely on that. Bring warm clothing and waterproof shoes.

Dyrhólaey and views toward Mýrdalsjökull

The ATV route also brings you close to the southern coastline, with views toward Dyrhólaey Peninsula. This is the southernmost tip of Iceland and one of the defining points on the coast. From the area, you can look across the dark shore and out toward the sea.

The view inland is just as important. Mýrdalsjökull Glacier sits farther north, giving the trip a strong contrast between ice, mountains, and black sand. You may find the glacier easier to spot in clear weather, while cloud can soften or hide the higher peaks.

These viewpoints are valuable because they place the plane wreck in its larger setting. The wreck is interesting by itself, but the surrounding coast and glacier country explain why Sólheimasandur feels so remote.

The tour is not only an ATV outing, though. The drive from Reykjavík and the stops on the way home make it a full South Coast introduction. You spend much of the day looking out the vehicle window, so the trip works best if you want a mix of riding and sightseeing rather than continuous ATV time.

Skógafoss brings the classic waterfall moment

On the return to Reykjavík, the tour stops at Skógafoss. This is one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls, and the reputation is deserved. Water pours over a broad cliff in a powerful, compact wall, creating a very different mood from the open black shore.

You can expect time to get close to the waterfall and take photographs. Spray can be heavy, so waterproof outer layers are useful even if the rest of the day is dry. The sound and force of the falls make this a memorable stop after the ATV ride.

Skógafoss is also a more traditional sightseeing stop than the plane wreck. You leave the vehicle, walk to the viewing area, and spend time taking in a major natural landmark. If you want a South Coast tour that checks off one of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls, this stop does that without requiring a separate booking.

The amount of time at each waterfall matters. Ragnar is praised for allowing a good amount of time at the falls, rather than rushing through a photograph and calling it done. Exact stop lengths can vary, but the plan gives both waterfalls a proper place in the day.

Walking behind Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss offers a different kind of waterfall experience. The path can take you behind the falling water, creating a close, unusual view that you cannot get at most waterfalls.

This is the stop where waterproof shoes and a rain jacket matter most. Spray reaches the path, and the ground can be wet. The operator’s advice to bring waterproof shoes is practical, not decorative. You should also protect cameras and phones if you plan to walk behind the falls.

Conditions may affect how far you can walk and how comfortable the path feels. The chance to go behind the waterfall is part of the appeal, but you should be ready for slippery or wet ground. If you prefer to stay dry, you can still enjoy the front view.

Putting Seljalandsfoss after the ATV ride gives the day a good change of pace. You begin with an active outing on the sand, then finish with two classic waterfall stops that require less physical effort.

What the 10-hour schedule means for you

This is a long day. You meet at the BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavík at least 15 minutes before departure, then travel down the South Coast and return to the city after the waterfalls.

The 10-hour duration allows the tour to combine several major stops, but it also means you should pace yourself. The ATV ride takes two hours, and the drive between Reykjavík, Sólheimasandur, and the waterfalls fills much of the remaining time.

Lunch is not included. Bring food and water, or plan to buy something if a stop allows it. The supplied details do not promise a specific lunch stop, so you should not assume a full meal will be provided during the day.

The vehicle ride is part of the experience, but it may feel long if you want nonstop activity. I would choose this trip for the combination of sights, not just the ATV segment. If you only want to ride a quad bike, a shorter local outing may suit you better.

Sharing a quad bike and the extra-cost question

The standard arrangement is one ATV for two people. That can lower the per-person cost compared with booking separate machines, and it lets you share the experience with a partner or friend.

You need to sort out driving turns before the ride or during the guide’s briefing. A valid driver’s license is needed to drive, even if you plan to share the machine. Children under eight cannot take part, and pregnant women should not book this activity.

An odd-numbered group creates an important price issue. A single rider or a group with an odd number of people must book a single-rider ATV, with the extra charge payable on site. At $299 per person before that possible surcharge, this is worth checking before you commit.

For couples and even-numbered groups, the pricing is easier to understand. For three, five, or another odd number, ask yourself if the extra cost changes the value enough to make another tour a better choice.

What is included, and what you still need

The tour includes an experienced and qualified guide, the ATV, an insulated cover-all, a helmet, and a balaclava face mask. Boots may be available, depending on the weather and your own footwear.

You still need to bring:

• A valid driver’s license
• Warm clothing
• Waterproof shoes
• Lunch or money for food
• Extra layers for the exposed beach

The cover-all helps, but it does not replace proper clothing. Iceland’s South Coast can feel cold even when the forecast looks mild, especially on an open beach with wind. Waterproof shoes are especially useful at Seljalandsfoss and around the ATV staging area.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. This is a safety rule worth taking seriously, since you will be operating or riding on a motorized vehicle.

Is $299 a fair price?

The price is high for a day trip, but the comparison needs to be fair. You are not paying only for transport to two waterfalls. The cost includes a two-hour ATV ride, equipment, a guide, the route to the DC3 wreck, and a full South Coast outing that also includes Dyrhólaey and views toward Mýrdalsjökull.

I see the value most clearly if the ATV ride is near the top of your Iceland wish list. The waterfalls are excellent additions, but they are also available on less expensive South Coast tours. The ATV access to the plane wreck is the part that gives this trip its higher price.

The value is weaker if you are mainly interested in Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. In that case, you may be paying for an activity you do not care much about. It is also weaker for an odd-numbered party if the single-rider surcharge is a concern.

The high rating of 4.9 from 44 ratings supports the tour’s reputation for strong service, and specific praise focuses on the guides, the waterfall timing, and the black-sand ride to the plane. That does not remove the cost or weather risks, but it suggests the main parts of the day are being handled well.

Who should book this South Coast outing?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full day with several types of scenery and one active centerpiece. Couples, friends, and small groups with ATV experience or a sense of adventure are likely to get the most from it.

It also suits you if you have only one free day from Reykjavík and want to combine an unusual stop with Iceland’s famous waterfalls. The day gives you black sand, glacier views, a coastal peninsula, a historic aircraft wreck, and two major waterfalls without needing to organize separate transport.

I would think twice if you dislike cold weather, wet paths, long vehicle rides, or shared equipment. The ATV ride is described as safe and exciting, but it still involves exposure to the elements and a driving license requirement.

The tour is not suitable for children under eight or pregnant women. It is also not ideal for anyone who cannot bring warm clothing and waterproof footwear.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if the idea of driving across black sand to the DC3 wreck sounds more appealing than spending the whole day on a standard bus route. That is the experience that justifies the price and makes the day different.

Skip it if your priority is simply seeing waterfalls at the lowest possible cost. For everyone else, especially an even-numbered group that wants both scenery and a hands-on activity, this is a strong way to spend one full day on Iceland’s South Coast.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

The meeting point is BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavík. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

How long does the tour last?

The full tour lasts 10 hours.

How long is the ATV ride?

The ATV portion lasts about two hours.

Do two people share one ATV?

Yes. The standard arrangement is one ATV for two people.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. A valid driver’s license is required if you want to drive a quad bike.

What happens if my group has an odd number of people?

Single riders and groups with odd numbers must book a single-rider ATV. The additional charge is payable on site.

What clothing should I bring?

Bring warm clothing and waterproof shoes. The tour provides an insulated cover-all, helmet, and balaclava face mask. Boots may be available depending on weather and your footwear.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.