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

The famous DC-3 plane wreck is the unusual hook here, but Iceland’s South Coast gives you much more than one photo stop. You’ll see roaring waterfalls, black volcanic sand, basalt cliffs, a sea arch, and a glacier lagoon in a single 12-hour outing.

I like the included shuttle to the wreck, which saves your legs for the beach and waterfalls. I also like the small-minibus format, onboard Wi-Fi, and the strong guiding tradition, with guides such as Martin, Lily, Slavi, and Vjeran praised for clear stories and good humor. The drawback is simple: this is a long day with plenty of road time, and the glacier stop is for viewing only, not hiking.

Key points to know before booking

• The plane wreck comes with a shuttle: You avoid the long walk across Sólheimasandur and get more time for the rest of the coast.
• Reynisfjara is the visual star: Black sand, hexagonal basalt columns, sea caves, and offshore rock needles make this the most dramatic stop.
• You visit both major waterfalls: Skógafoss gives you raw power and a stairway view, while Seljalandsfoss lets you walk behind the falling water.
• The glacier stop is scenic, not active: You can walk around the lagoon and view Sólheimajökull, but no glacier hike is included.
• Dyrhólaey adds wide coastal views: The cliffs look toward a huge sea arch and long stretches of black shoreline, with puffins possible from May to mid-August.
• The day suits visitors without a rental car: Pickup and drop-off are available at designated Reykjavík stops, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

Why this South Coast day works so well

At $186 per person, this tour is not cheap, but Iceland rarely is. The value comes from packing several difficult-to-reach places into one day without renting a car, paying for fuel, arranging parking, or walking to the plane wreck.

You get round-trip transport, a professional driver-guide, Wi-Fi, the DC-3 shuttle, waterfall stops, beach time, cliff views, and a glacier visit. Food and drinks are extra, so plan to buy snacks in Hvolsvöllur and carry water and lunch money.

The minibus matters. A 12-hour day in a large coach can feel like a conveyor belt. A smaller vehicle usually makes it easier to hear the guide and ask questions, though the exact vehicle and group size can vary. Past guides have included Martin, Lily, Slavi, Vjeran, Sigrid, Thor, Goon, and others, and the strongest part of the experience is often the driver’s stories about Icelandic life, weather, history, and nature.

Pickup can take up to 30 minutes because the vehicle collects people from several Reykjavík locations. I would not book a tight morning appointment or an early flight connection on the return. This is a full day, and weather or road conditions can affect the schedule.

Crossing lava fields toward Hvolsvöllur

The morning begins with pickup from a designated Reykjavík point. The route heads east through moss-covered lava fields and open farmland, with changing views of Iceland’s volcanic terrain along the way.

Hvolsvöllur provides the practical pause you’ll appreciate later. You have about 20 minutes to use the restroom, stretch, and buy snacks. This is not a sightseeing stop, but it helps break up the first long drive and gives you a chance to prepare for the outdoor portions of the day.

Bring food with you even though you can buy something here. The South Coast stops are busy, and trying to order a full lunch at Reynisfjara can eat into your beach time. One past visitor found the lunch queue took much of the allotted break, so a sandwich or packed meal is the sensible choice.

Skógafoss and the 527-step climb

Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most forceful waterfalls. A broad wall of water drops into a pool, and on a sunny day the spray often produces a rainbow. You can stay near the base for the classic front-on view or climb 527 steps to an observation platform.

The lower viewpoint is easy to reach, but expect spray and wet ground. A waterproof jacket is not optional in poor weather, and your camera will benefit from protection too.

The stairway rewards people who want a wider view of the coast, but you do not need to climb it to enjoy the waterfall. With roughly 30 to 45 minutes here, you’ll have enough time for photographs and a short walk. You probably will not have time for a slow hike around the wider area, so choose your priority before leaving the minibus.

Reynisfjara, Iceland’s black-sand showstopper

Reynisfjara is where the South Coast becomes almost theatrical. The beach is made of dark volcanic sand, and the cliffs contain tall, six-sided basalt columns. Sea caves cut into the rock, while the Reynisdrangar rock needles rise offshore.

This is the stop that usually leaves the strongest visual impression. The contrast between the black sand, pale foam, gray sea, and geometric columns is unlike anything around Reykjavík.

It is also the place where you need to pay attention. The Atlantic waves can reach farther up the beach than expected, and the water is powerful. Stay well back from the surf, follow the guide’s instructions, and do not turn your back on the sea for a photograph.

The stop lasts about 50 minutes to an hour. That sounds generous, but it includes walking, photographs, and possibly lunch. If you want to eat at a café or restaurant, order quickly or bring food with you. I would spend most of the time outside because the basalt columns, caves, and sea views are the reason you came.

The DC-3 wreck across Sólheimasandur

The abandoned DC-3 fuselage sits on the broad black sands of Sólheimasandur. Its white body against the dark volcanic ground makes it one of Iceland’s most recognizable photography locations.

The important practical detail is the shuttle. Your ticket includes transport to and from the wreck, saving you the long walk from the parking area. The shuttle makes this stop much more manageable, especially in wind, rain, or winter conditions.

You will have about an hour for the wreck stop, including the shuttle ride. That should give you time to walk around the fuselage and take photographs without rushing. The plane itself is a stark, compact subject rather than a large museum or preserved aircraft display, so aviation fans may want more time than casual sightseers.

One useful point: the wreck is not the only reason to visit this section of the coast. The empty volcanic plain around it gives the stop its strange power. The shuttle lets you experience that open setting without spending much of the day walking across it.

Dyrhólaey for cliffs, arch, and puffins

Dyrhólaey is a short but worthwhile stop above the coast. From the cliffs, you can look toward the large sea arch carved into the headland and along long stretches of black shoreline.

The viewpoint changes the scale of the day. At Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, you stand close to water. At Dyrhólaey, you see the coast spread out below you, with the ocean reaching toward the horizon.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes, so treat it as a viewpoint rather than a long walk. Puffins may be seen here from May through mid-August, although wildlife is never guaranteed. Bring binoculars if you have them, but do not let bird watching distract you from the cliff edge or changing weather.

Sólheimajökull, the glacier you view from below

Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier with blue ice and dark volcanic ash. The nearby lagoon gives you a close look at the meeting point of ice and volcanic ground, a combination that feels distinctly Icelandic.

This stop is sometimes misunderstood. No glacier hike is included. You walk around the viewing area and lagoon, use the restroom, and take photographs. You do not walk onto the glacier as part of this tour.

The schedule gives this part of the day a substantial amount of time, with the detailed timing allowing up to 105 minutes. That is useful if you want a slower look at the ice, but it can feel long if you expected an active excursion. One advantage is flexibility: you can spend the time walking near the lagoon rather than standing in one fixed viewpoint.

If touching the glacier or walking on the ice is central to your Iceland plans, book a separate guided glacier hike. If you mainly want to see glacial ice without committing to specialist equipment or a demanding activity, this stop fits well.

Seljalandsfoss and the walk behind the water

Seljalandsfoss is a fitting final sight. A path leads behind the falling water, giving you a view through the curtain of the waterfall toward the open country beyond.

The rear path is the main reason this waterfall feels different from Skógafoss. You are not only looking at the water from the front. You can move around it and see how the fall changes from each angle.

Expect spray, slippery ground, and uneven footing. Waterproof trousers are especially useful here, along with shoes that grip. If the path is wet or conditions are poor, take care rather than forcing the full circuit.

The scheduled visit is roughly 25 minutes in the detailed plan, so move promptly after getting off the vehicle. You’ll want enough time for the rear viewpoint without holding up the return journey.

What the long ride feels like

The South Coast is spread out, and there is no way to see these places in one day without spending time on the road. The return drive alone can take more than two hours, and the full outing lasts about 12 hours.

That sounds tiring because it is. Still, the day has a good rhythm: drive, walk, photograph, drive, and repeat. The Hvolsvöllur break helps, and the variety keeps the ride from feeling like one long stretch of highway.

The driver-guide has a major effect on the experience. Strong guides have included Martin, who was praised for handling weather and vehicle problems with backup plans, and Lily, who has been described as friendly and good at keeping the day moving. Slavi, Vjeran, Thor, Sigrid, and several others have also been singled out for humor, history, and practical help.

You should expect commentary in English. Some guides talk frequently, while others may leave more quiet time for looking out the window. If you prefer a silent scenic drive, a guided minibus may feel chatty. If you enjoy stories about Icelandic culture and geography, that conversation is part of what you are paying for.

Clothing, food, and timing advice

Icelandic weather can change quickly, even during the warmer months. Wear warm layers, a waterproof jacket and trousers, a hat, gloves, and sturdy hiking shoes. Comfortable trainers may work in dry weather, but they are a poor choice for wet paths at the waterfalls.

Pack lunch or buy something early. Food and drinks are not included, and the beach stop can become rushed if you wait in a long café line.

The minimum age is eight. This is not a stroller-friendly city outing, since you’ll walk on sand, uneven paths, and wet ground. Children who can manage a full day outdoors may enjoy the waterfalls and plane, but the long driving time should be part of your decision.

The tour accepts cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Pickup and drop-off cover many designated Reykjavík stops, including several bus stops, hotels, the bus terminal, Hallgrímskirkja, and the Reykjavík Maritime Museum. Check your exact pickup point carefully because the vehicle may not collect you directly outside every hotel.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this tour if you have limited time in Iceland and want the South Coast’s major sights without driving. It is especially good for first-time visitors, photographers, aviation fans, and anyone who wants waterfalls, beach, glacier, and cliffs in one outing.

It also works well if you want a guide to handle the road and explain what you are seeing. The included DC-3 shuttle adds real value, and the small vehicle is more personal than a large sightseeing bus.

I would hesitate if you want a glacier hike, a relaxed pace, or long walks at each site. You will see many places, but you will not have hours at any one of them. Reynisfjara and the waterfalls deserve care, and the return drive can feel heavy after a day outside.

Should you book this South Coast tour?

Book it if you want maximum variety in one day and value the convenience of transport, guiding, and the plane-wreck shuttle. The price is fair for the number of major sights covered, though you should budget extra for food.

Skip it in favor of a dedicated glacier excursion if walking on ice is your main goal. Otherwise, this is a strong choice for a first South Coast visit, provided you accept the early pickup, long return, changeable weather, and brisk timing at some stops.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, including pickup, sightseeing stops, breaks, and the return drive to Reykjavík.

What sights are included?

You visit Skógafoss, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, the DC-3 plane wreck, Dyrhólaey, Sólheimajökull glacier and lagoon, and Seljalandsfoss.

Is transport from Reykjavík included?

Yes. Round-trip transport from designated pickup and drop-off points in Reykjavík is included in a comfortable minibus.

Is the shuttle to the DC-3 wreck included?

Yes. The shuttle takes you from the parking area to the plane wreck and back, saving you the long walk across Sólheimasandur.

Is a glacier hike included?

No. The Sólheimajökull stop is for viewing the glacier and lagoon and walking around the area. No glacier hike or walking on the ice is included.

Can I walk behind Seljalandsfoss?

Yes. Seljalandsfoss has a path that leads behind the falling water, although wet and slippery conditions may affect access.

Can I see puffins on the tour?

Puffins can be seen around Dyrhólaey from May to mid-August, but sightings are not guaranteed.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, a waterproof jacket and trousers, headwear, gloves, comfortable shoes, and sturdy hiking shoes. Food and drinks are not included, so carrying snacks or lunch is also practical.