Reykjavik: Iceland South Coast & Glacier Snowmobile Tour

The main event is a snowmobile ride on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, reached by a specially modified glacier truck that turns the climb to the ice into part of the adventure. With clear skies, you can look out over Iceland from high on the glacier. The ride itself is shared, with two people to one snowmobile.

I like the mix of hard-charging fun and classic South Coast scenery. You get the glacier ride, then stop at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, two waterfalls that feel very different from each other. Drivers such as Herman have also added useful stories and even made an unscheduled stop for the northern lights when conditions allowed.

The tradeoff is time. It is a 10-hour day, and the drive from Reykjavik to the glacier takes roughly two and a half hours each way. The snowmobile portion can feel short beside the bus journey, so this suits you best if the glacier ride is your priority.

Key points to know before booking

• The glacier ride is shared: Two people use one snowmobile, so you should be comfortable taking turns.
• The climb is part of the fun: A specially modified glacier truck carries you from the Adventure Ground up to the ice.
• Two famous waterfalls round out the day: Skógafoss is broad and powerful, while Seljalandsfoss may let you walk behind the falling water.
• Bring food and a neck warmer: Lunch, snacks, and drinks are not included, and one useful report found the supplied balaclava rather thin.
• The long drive is worth weighing carefully: You spend about 10 hours on the full outing, with the glacier ride as the main payoff.
• A driver can shape the day: Herman and Marti are among the drivers named in trip accounts, with praise for safe driving, helpful commentary, and calm handling of rough weather.

The glacier ride is the reason to go

This outing is built around a simple promise: get you from Reykjavik to a glacier, put you on a snowmobile, and bring you back by way of two waterfalls. It is not a slow, detailed South Coast sightseeing tour. It is an adventure day with sightseeing attached.

At the Adventure Ground, you receive protective clothing and safety equipment before heading upward. A modified glacier truck takes the group toward Mýrdalsjökull, which is important because the approach is not a normal coach ride. The vehicle itself adds a rough, off-road feel before the snowmobile even starts.

The ride is described as thrilling but safe, with a briefing from the snowmobile guides before departure. You share one snowmobile with another person. That usually means taking turns driving and riding, so do not book this expecting a private machine for the whole session.

The strongest part of the trip comes when the weather opens up. From the glacier, the views can be striking, with wide views from high above the coast. On a cloudy or stormy day, you may get less scenery and more raw adventure. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and one especially rough outing still reached the glacier despite snow blizzards and poor visibility.

The guides at the glacier base have been praised for explaining the machines, the glacier, and the route. That local guidance matters here. You are not simply handed a snowmobile and sent off. The equipment, weather, and ice require a proper briefing, and the guides help the group move at different speeds.

What the 10-hour day actually feels like

You meet at the BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik. The building is marked, and the terminal staff can direct you to the correct coach. The bus includes free Wi-Fi, though the scenery outside is the better reason to stay alert.

The outward drive takes about two and a half hours to reach the snowmobiling base. That is a serious chunk of the day. You pass through Iceland’s open South Coast scenery, and several people find the drive enjoyable because there is so much to watch outside, but the transport is not the same as a stop-heavy guided sightseeing tour.

The coach usually makes a service stop along the way. This gives you time for a bathroom break and a quick purchase of food. Do not count on a long meal stop. One account described only about 30 minutes for this part of the journey, so bring snacks and a drink if you prefer more than a quick shop stop.

The bus commentary can vary. Some drivers, including Herman, have given detailed explanations of landmarks and local life. Others have kept the transport side more basic, simply getting the group to the activity and back. You should book this for the glacier outing, not for a full, continuous lecture about Iceland.

After the snowmobile session, you return to the Adventure Ground. There may be time to eat lunch there, but food is not included in the price. Pack something or plan to buy food during the service stop. After that, the group starts the return journey toward Reykjavik, stopping at the waterfalls.

The modified glacier truck adds real character

The truck transfer deserves attention because it is more than a routine shuttle. You leave the regular bus behind and board a vehicle designed for glacier conditions. The climb toward the snowmobile area gives you a taste of the terrain before the ride begins.

This can also be the most weather-sensitive part of the day. One outing involved heavy snow, reduced visibility, and a vehicle that became stuck before the group continued by another four-wheel-drive vehicle. That sort of delay is not a flaw in the adventure so much as a reminder that Icelandic conditions control the timetable.

You should dress for cold and wind even though outer protective clothing is provided. Warm gloves and thick socks are especially useful. A neck warmer is a smart extra because the provided balaclava may not cover every gap comfortably.

Bring your driver’s license. It is listed as a required item, and you should not assume a passport or other identification will replace it for the snowmobile activity.

Skógafoss gives the return trip a big payoff

Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most recognizable waterfalls, and it makes a strong first stop on the way back. Water drops in a broad sheet over a tall cliff, creating the sort of view that works from a distance and up close.

You do not need to know much about Iceland to enjoy Skógafoss. Its scale is immediate. Depending on the conditions, you may see spray around the base and a broad curtain of water framed by the open countryside.

This stop also helps break up the long return drive. After the glacier activity, you may be cold, tired, and ready for a stretch of the legs. A waterfall stop gives the day a second burst of energy without asking you to commit to another major activity.

Do not expect a long, open-ended visit at every stop. The tour has to return to Reykjavik after the glacier outing, so your time at the waterfalls is part of a set schedule.

Seljalandsfoss offers the more playful stop

Seljalandsfoss has a different appeal. If weather and ground conditions permit, you can walk behind the falling water. That route gives you a close, unusual view of the waterfall and the rock wall behind it.

The word if matters. The path may be wet or unsuitable, and the option depends on conditions. Wear footwear and clothing you do not mind getting damp. Even when the rear path is closed, the waterfall remains worth seeing from the front.

This is a good contrast with Skógafoss. Skógafoss is about power and width. Seljalandsfoss is about position and movement, letting you change your viewpoint instead of simply facing the falls.

Some outings have included three waterfall stops, though the named itinerary centers on Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Treat any extra stop as a bonus rather than something to plan around.

The guides and drivers can change the feel of the day

The glacier guides are a major part of the experience. They handle the snowmobile briefing, help with equipment, explain the glacier, and keep the group together. Their role is practical, but good guidance also helps nervous riders settle in.

On the bus, the level of commentary depends on the driver. Herman has been singled out for explaining landmarks, answering questions, and keeping the group comfortable. He was also credited with spotting the northern lights and stopping so the group could look, even though that was not part of the planned schedule.

Marti has been praised for handling difficult snow and poor visibility on the glacier approach. That matters more than polished commentary when the weather turns. You want a driver who takes conditions seriously and keeps the group moving safely.

Do not assume every departure will have the same guide or the same amount of narration. The official language is English, and the listed activity includes a live English-speaking guide, but the bus portion may feel more like transport on some days.

Is $332 a fair price?

At $332 per person, this is not a cheap way to see the South Coast. The price includes the bus, Wi-Fi on board, protective clothing, safety equipment, and the glacier snowmobile ride. It does not include lunch or drinks.

The value depends on what you want from Iceland. If you are mainly looking for waterfalls, a sightseeing-only South Coast trip may give you more time at more stops for less money. If riding a snowmobile on a glacier is high on your list, combining it with the waterfalls saves you from arranging separate transport and adds a full day of scenery around the main activity.

The long drive is the key value question. You spend much of the day in transit, then get the glacier truck transfer, equipment fitting, safety briefing, and snowmobile ride. Some accounts describe about an hour on the snowmobiles, with additional time spent in the glacier vehicle going up and down.

That is a good deal for someone who sees the snowmobile ride as a once-in-a-lifetime goal. It is less attractive if you want a relaxed sightseeing day or a long period actually driving on the ice.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this to adults and older children who want an active day and can handle a long coach journey. Children under eight are not permitted. The activity also suits people who like a clear main event rather than a day filled with many small stops.

It works well for first-time visitors who want to combine a major Iceland activity with two famous waterfalls. You get a sample of the South Coast, a glacier transfer, and a memorable ride without hiring a car or managing the route yourself.

You should think twice if you dislike cold, rough vehicle travel, or shared equipment. The snowmobile is shared by two people, and the glacier weather may be harsh. You also need to accept that the tour schedule can be shaped by snow, wind, visibility, and road conditions.

Practical preparation for a better day

Wear layers. The supplied outer gear helps, but warm base clothing still matters. Bring warm gloves, thick socks, and a neck warmer. Keep your driver’s license with you.

Bring snacks and drinks because food is not included. The service stop helps, but it may be brief. You can eat lunch after returning to the Adventure Ground, yet you should not rely on a long meal break.

Charge your phone before leaving Reykjavik. The glacier views and waterfalls provide plenty of photo chances, and the bus has Wi-Fi, but you should still be ready for time outside in cold conditions.

Keep your plans flexible after the tour. The listed duration is 10 hours, but bad weather or difficult glacier conditions can affect the timing. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Iceland schedule is still changing.

Should you book this South Coast snowmobile tour?

Book it if the glacier snowmobile ride is your priority and you want Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss added to the same day. The activity offers a strong mix of thrill, scenery, and practical transport, with protective equipment included and experienced glacier guides handling the ride.

Skip it if you want a slow South Coast tour, a private snowmobile, or a full day of waterfall stops. The coach journey is long, the ride is shared, and meals cost extra.

For the right person, the price is justified by the rare chance to ride on Mýrdalsjökull and reach it by glacier truck. Just pack warm layers, bring food, and understand that Icelandic weather gets the final say.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik. The building is marked, and it is the home of Reykjavik Excursions.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point, BSI Bus Terminal.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 10 hours. Check availability for the departure time.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide and activity information are in English.

Is the snowmobile included?

Yes. The glacier snowmobile ride is included in the tour price.

Is snowmobile clothing provided?

Yes. Protective clothing and safety equipment for the snowmobile ride are included.

Does each person get a snowmobile?

No. One snowmobile is shared by two people.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. You should bring your driver’s license.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can buy food during the service stop or eat lunch at the Adventure Ground.

Can children join the tour?

Children under eight years old cannot join this activity.

Can I walk behind Seljalandsfoss?

You may be able to walk behind Seljalandsfoss if the weather and conditions permit. The route is not guaranteed to be open.

Can I cancel the booking?

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