2-Day South Coast Waterfalls, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Hike from Reykjavik

The glacier is the great payoff. Troll Expeditions’ two-day journey from Reykjavík packs in Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, black-sand Reynisfjara, a three-hour glacier hike, and the icebergs of Jökulsárlón. I like the small-group format, capped at 18 people, and the practical comfort of hotel pickup, overnight lodging, breakfast, Wi-Fi, and safety gear.

I also like how far east this trip reaches. Many South Coast outings turn around long before the glacier lagoon, but this one gets you to southeast Iceland and includes a boat ride among the ice. The main caution is comfort: the minibus ride is long, dinner is not included, and lodging quality can vary.

Key points at a glance

• A real glacier hike: The three-hour outing at Sólheimajökull includes glacier equipment and a professional guide.
• Jökulsárlón by boat: The included lagoon cruise brings you close to floating icebergs during the summer season.
• Small group, long mileage: The vehicle holds no more than 18 people, but you spend many hours on the road.
• Good coverage in two days: Waterfalls, black sand, coastal cliffs, a glacier, an ice lagoon, and Diamond Beach all fit into one trip.
• Pack for wet weather: Waterproof clothing and proper hiking boots matter. Rentals cost extra.
• Know the tradeoffs: Food beyond breakfast, luggage storage, and some clothing rentals are not included.

Why this two-day South Coast trip works

I see this tour as a solution to Iceland’s geography problem. The sights are spread across a huge stretch of coast, and reaching Jökulsárlón independently takes planning, driving, and an overnight stay. Here, the transport, accommodation, guide, glacier gear, and lagoon boat are bundled together.

That convenience has real value at $738 per person. You are not paying only for sightseeing. You are also paying for a driver, an English-speaking guide, a small vehicle, one night of lodging, breakfast, safety equipment, and the boat trip. If you were already renting a car and booking each piece separately, the comparison could change, but this tour removes much of the work.

The price still requires careful thought. Lunches and dinner are yours to buy, and several useful items cost extra. A 24-inch suitcase is allowed per person, with no additional luggage unless you pay for storage. For a short Iceland visit, I think the package makes sense if you value time and do not want to drive. It is less appealing if you want a slow schedule or firm control over your hotel and meals.

Pickup begins at 8 a.m. and can take up to 30 minutes. Downtown Reykjavík has traffic rules that prevent the minibus from stopping at every hotel entrance, so you may need to walk a few minutes to a designated bus stop. Check the assigned location carefully before departure.

Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss: two waterfalls, two moods

Seljalandsfoss is the first major stop, after about 30 minutes at the initial pickup point and the drive south. The waterfall drops from a 60-meter cliff, but its special feature is the short path behind the falling water.

Bring a proper raincoat. You can get soaked even on a clear day, and the ground near the falls can be wet and slippery. The view from behind the curtain of water is the reason to accept the spray. You also feel the force of the falls underfoot, which gives this stop more character than a quick roadside photo.

The visit lasts about 30 minutes. That is enough for the main viewpoint and the path behind the falls, but not for a long wander. Waterproof trousers are useful here, especially if the weather is already poor.

Skógafoss offers a different experience. The Skógá River drops 60 meters into a gorge, creating a broad wall of white water. You can view it from below or climb the staircase beside the gorge for a higher angle.

Thirty minutes goes quickly if you want both views. The stairs add effort, and wet weather can make the climb less pleasant, but the upper viewpoint gives you a fine sense of the river’s route toward the Atlantic. If you have limited mobility, ask your guide how much time to spend below rather than treating the staircase as mandatory.

Reynisfjara’s black sand and powerful surf

Reynisfjara is one of Iceland’s most dramatic coastal stops. The beach is black, the cliffs show distinctive basalt columns, and rock pillars rise from the water offshore. Dyrhólaey is visible in the distance.

The visit lasts about 40 minutes, which gives you time to see the beach and cliffs without turning the stop into a long coastal walk. The Atlantic waves are the serious business here. Keep well back from the water and follow your guide’s instructions. The shore can look calm between waves, but the sea remains powerful.

From June through August, puffins and other birds nest on the nearby cliffs. Bird sightings depend on season and conditions, so think of them as a bonus rather than a promise. The scenery itself is the reason to come.

Reynisfjara is also a good reminder that Iceland’s beauty often comes with an edge. There are no gentle, warm beaches here. You get wind, spray, dark sand, and a wild ocean. Wear layers that you can secure, and avoid carrying loose items near the water.

The Sólheimajökull glacier hike

This is the heart of the trip for many people. The glacier outing lasts about three hours, and glacier safety equipment is included. You need hiking boots and waterproof clothing, though boots and clothing can be rented for additional fees.

The hike is more than a viewpoint stop. You get onto the glacier with a trained guide and use the supplied equipment. That makes the tour far more active than a standard South Coast coach trip. One especially strong account praised the hike as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, while also giving high marks to the hiking guide.

You should judge your fitness honestly. The tour data says most people can participate, but this remains a three-hour outdoor activity on ice. Bring sturdy boots if you have them. If you rent, hiking boots cost 3,000 ISK, a waterproof jacket costs 1,750 ISK, and waterproof trousers cost another 1,750 ISK.

A hat and gloves combo costs 3,000 ISK, while a neck warmer costs 500 ISK. These extras are not essential purchases for everyone, so pack your own warm layers if possible. The glacier is not the place to discover that your thin city jacket has limits.

Because the glacier hike depends on conditions, the day may not unfold exactly as planned. The trip operates in all weather, but poor weather can lead to cancellation and either a different date or a full refund. That policy matters in Iceland, where conditions can change quickly.

Overnight accommodation and the long road east

The overnight stay is included, along with breakfast. The exact property is not specified, so you should not book this expecting a particular hotel standard. One account described the lodging near the glacier as excellent, while another found the room cold and the overnight stay disappointing after arriving wet from the day.

That contrast is useful. Your comfort may depend on the property assigned, the weather, and how well you pack. Bring dry clothes for the evening and keep your waterproof layers easy to reach. Do not bury your warmest items under luggage.

Dinner is not included. The guide may stop at an eating place before checking in, so you should be ready to buy your own evening meal while still on the road. I would prefer to have dinner after changing into dry clothes, but that may not be how the schedule works.

The route is scenic, but it is long. The small minibus has Wi-Fi, which helps you check maps, messages, or weather while riding. Still, Wi-Fi does not turn several hours in a vehicle into free time. If you dislike long drives, this tour will test your patience.

Some equipment and luggage costs also add up. Luggage storage is listed at 1,750 ISK, and extra or oversized bags cannot simply be brought aboard. Travel with one suitcase no larger than 24 inches per person and keep your day gear easy to reach.

Jökulsárlón: the big reward on day two

On the second day, you head to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The lagoon is about 200 meters deep and is fed by Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Europe’s largest glacier. Icebergs break away, float through the lagoon, and gather in the cold water before moving toward the sea.

The included boat ride is a major reason to choose this tour. During summer, you travel among the icebergs and get a closer look at the old blue and white ice. The boat portion lasts about 40 minutes, so it is focused rather than an all-day cruise.

Bring warm layers even if Reykjavík feels mild. Open water, wind, and ice can make the lagoon feel much colder. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole ride looking down at a screen. The shapes and colors of the ice change constantly.

The boat ride is included in the base price, which improves the tour’s value. One person specifically recommended paying extra for the boat, but the supplied details show it included here. Confirm the exact booking terms at purchase if the option is presented separately.

Fellsfjara, the beach of stranded ice

Across the road from Jökulsárlón is Fellsfjara, often called Diamond Beach. Ice chunks from the lagoon reach the Atlantic, then wash back onto the black sand. Some pieces are small and clear, while others are larger and blue-white.

This 30-minute stop gives you a sharp contrast with the lagoon. At Jökulsárlón, ice floats in calm water. At Fellsfjara, the sea pushes it around and leaves it scattered along the shore. The black sand makes the ice look especially bright.

The beach can be cold, windy, and wet. Wear shoes with a good grip and do not climb on the ice. The shore is for looking, photographing, and appreciating the odd route each piece has taken from glacier to sea.

After Fellsfjara, the minibus returns to Reykjavík. Arrival is expected around 7 p.m., with the final drop-off taking another 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Do not schedule a tight evening flight or an important dinner reservation.

Guides, group size, and the human side

The maximum group size is 18, a useful limit for a trip with so many moving parts. A smaller vehicle usually makes pickup and stop timing easier than a large coach, though the ride may feel cramped after a full day.

The guide can shape the whole experience. Thales received especially warm praise for being informative, kind, and patient, with the glacier hike singled out as the best part. Jon was also praised for being talkative and well informed about the places along the route. Guide quality can vary, but these names are worth remembering if you are able to request a guide.

The tour is offered in English. One account also praised a friendly, multilingual guide, but English is the stated operating language. Wi-Fi aboard the vehicle gives you a practical way to research places as you go, though reception and speed are not specified.

The overall approval rate is 96 percent, with a 4.8 rating from 177 reviews. That is strong evidence that the itinerary works for many people, but it does not erase the practical weak points: long driving hours, variable lodging, and extra costs for food and clothing.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this trip if you have only a few days in Iceland and want the South Coast’s major sights without renting a car. It suits you especially well if the glacier hike is a priority and you like having transport, equipment, accommodation, breakfast, and the lagoon boat arranged in one purchase.

It also fits active visitors who can handle wet weather, uneven ground, and a three-hour glacier outing. Bring hiking boots and waterproof clothing, or budget for rentals. A warm change of clothes is just as important as your camera.

I would hesitate if you want a polished hotel experience, included dinners, or a relaxed pace. The route covers a great deal of ground in two days. It is also wise to confirm which advertised stops are actually part of your departure. A mixed account specifically expected the plane wreck and Vík village but did not visit them, while the detailed route here focuses on the waterfalls, Reynisfjara, glacier, lagoon, and Fellsfjara.

Is the $738 price worth it?

For a self-drive comparison, you would need to count fuel, road planning, lodging, glacier equipment and guide fees, the boat trip, and the value of not driving Iceland’s long South Coast route. At $738, the package is expensive, but the inclusions are substantial.

I think it is fair value for a short visit when convenience matters more than independence. The glacier hike and boat ride are the costly, special parts, while hotel pickup, Wi-Fi, breakfast, and safety gear make the trip easier to manage.

Budget extra for meals, clothing or boots if needed, and luggage storage. Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a busy but rewarding two-day route with a real glacier hike and a boat ride among icebergs. Those are the strongest reasons to go, and the waterfalls, black beach, and Fellsfjara give the trip plenty of variety.

Skip it if you need guaranteed lodging standards, included meals, or a short amount of driving. For everyone else, pack hard-wearing waterproof layers, travel light, and treat the glacier hike as the main event. The schedule is full, but it reaches places that are difficult to fit into a short Iceland visit on your own.

FAQ

How long is the South Coast tour?

The experience lasts approximately two days. Pickup begins around 8 a.m. on the first day, and return to Reykjavík is expected around 7 p.m. on the second day, followed by a 15 to 30-minute drop-off period.

What is included in the price?

The price includes breakfast, overnight accommodation, a glacier hike with safety gear, a professional English-speaking guide, hotel or designated bus-stop pickup and drop-off, Wi-Fi aboard the vehicle, and the Jökulsárlón boat tour.

Is the Jökulsárlón boat ride included?

Yes. The boat tour at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is included. The boat trip operates during summer.

Do I need hiking boots?

You need hiking boots for the glacier hike. You can bring your own or rent them for 3,000 ISK.

Can I rent waterproof clothing?

Yes. A waterproof jacket costs 1,750 ISK, and waterproof trousers cost 1,750 ISK. You may also rent or buy other listed items, including hats, gloves, and a neck warmer.

Is food included?

Breakfast is included. Other food and drinks are not included, including dinner and meals during the route.

How large is the tour group?

The tour has a maximum of 18 people.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup starts at 8 a.m. from your accommodation or a designated Reykjavík bus stop. Traffic rules mean the vehicle cannot stop at every downtown hotel entrance, so you may need to walk a few minutes to the assigned stop.

How much luggage can I bring?

You may bring one suitcase up to 24 inches per person. Multiple or oversized luggage must be placed in luggage storage for an additional fee.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience operates in all weather conditions, but if it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.