2 Day South Coast Tour | Ice Cave, Skaftafell, Jokulsarlon, Diamond Beach

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Information

Duration

2 Days

Difficulty

Easy

Group Size

Small

Available

All year

Minimum age

6 years

Pick up / Self Drive

Pick up

Languages

English

Operator

Arctic

Tour starts

Reykjavik

Duration

2 Days

Difficulty

Easy

Group Size

Small

Available

All year

Minimum age

6 years

Pick up / Self Drive

Pick up

Languages

English

Days

2 Days

Departures

Reykjavik

(0)
0.0/5

Highlights

Activities

  • Sightseeing
  • Jökulsárlón Amphibian Boat Ride (optional)

About Tour

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable two-day adventure, immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of Iceland’s nature. Strap on your hiking boots and join us as we journey through the captivating South Coast, where you’ll witness the mesmerizing spectacle of iconic waterfalls and stroll along the enchanting black sand beaches. Experience the thrill of being among the first to explore a mesmerizing blue ice cave nestled within Europe’s largest ice cap. And that’s not all! We’ll also provide ample opportunities to chase the mystical and elusive Northern Lights, adding a touch of magic to an already extraordinary trip.

South Coast

Join us on an exhilarating South Coast expedition as we uncover the most renowned attractions in the captivating realm of fire and ice. Our journey commences by traversing scenic farmlands and quaint little towns, leading us to Seljalandsfoss, a beloved Icelandic waterfall. Weather permitting, you’ll have the opportunity to venture behind the majestic 60-meter (197-foot) cascade, peering through its crystalline curtain of water. Our next stop brings us to Skogafoss Waterfall, where, after ascending approximately 500 steps, you can marvel at its breathtaking views both from below and from its summit.

Continuing onward, we venture towards the legendary Reynisfjara, an internationally acclaimed black sand beach adorned with dramatic basalt sea stacks known as Reynisdrangar. These awe-inspiring formations are a testament to Iceland’s mesmerizing volcanic activity, rising proudly from the Atlantic Ocean. We’ll pause for a delightful lunch break in the picturesque town of Vik, savoring the panoramic sight of its charming hilltop church.

Resuming our adventure, we embark on a scenic drive through moss-covered lava landscapes, unveiling the mysteries of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a village steeped in enchanting legends. Our overnight accommodations will be situated in the vicinity of Skaftafell. If the weather forecast is favorable, your knowledgeable guide will direct you to optimal locations to witness the splendid Northern Lights illuminating the night sky. While we cannot guarantee a sighting, we hope to witness the ethereal dance of multicolored lights painting vibrant swirls across the darkness.

Vatnajokull Glacier, Jokulsarlon & Diamond Beach

Prepare to delve into the heart of Vatnajökull National Park, an expansive wonderland and the largest of its kind in Europe. After a fulfilling breakfast, we venture towards the extraordinary Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a sight that defies imagination and ranks among the world’s most surreal phenomena, not just within Iceland. The vast lagoon captivates with its scattered icebergs gracefully floating on their journey towards the open sea. Some of these mesmerizing blue icebergs find their way to the renowned Diamond Beach, where they glisten like precious diamond gems upon the contrasting backdrop of volcanic black sand.

The pinnacle of our journey awaits as we step foot into the ethereal blueish hues of the natural Crystal Ice Cave during winter, or opt for the magnificent Katla Ice Cave during summer. Accompanied by our experienced glacier guide, you’ll have the privilege of safely witnessing the enchanting ice formations. Immerse yourself in fascinating insights into the formation of ice caves as your guide shares intriguing facts to satisfy your curiosity.

As we make our way back to Reykjavík, a stopover at Skaftafell National Park beckons. This conservation area boasts an abundance of hiking trails, offering breathtaking vistas of jagged-toothed mountains and majestic glaciers. Throughout our return journey, we remain vigilant for a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights, pausing briefly if weather conditions permit.

Anticipate arriving in Reykjavík around 21:00 (9:00 p.m.). While winter weather fluctuations may occasionally influence the schedule, rest assured that our expert travel planners always have a backup plan, ensuring an exciting and fulfilling Iceland experience.

girl standing in front of an ice berg at the Diamond beach in South Iceland

Included

  • Pick-up & Drop-off in Reykjavik or the capital area (see pick up options when booking). 
  • One night accommodation in the countryside in a 3 star hotel with private bathroom
  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
  • Guided sightseeing to the best locations on the South Coast.
  • Guided Ice Cave Tour
  • Glacier equipment; helmet, harness, crampons, and ice axe. 
  • All safety equipment. 
  • Wi-Fi on board the minibus. 
  • Small group experience. 

What to bring

  • Warm & waterproof outdoor clothing
  • Warm clothes
  • Hiking shoes
  • Water bottle
  • Gloves & Headwear
  • Warm socks
  • Camera (optional)

Not Included

  • Lunch & Dinner – we will stop at restaurants
  • Boat tour on Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon – can be added in the booking engine when booking. 
Ice Cave Tours, Crystal ice cave in Iceland

Good to know

  • Order or availability of attractions may change due to road or weather conditions.
  • The luggage limit for this tour is one suitcase weighing a maximum of 20kg (44lbs).
  • If you have more or heavier luggage with you, you will need to book storage for the surplus luggage before you arrive, there is a small fee for using this facility. Luggage storage in Reykjavík can be added during the booking process of your order in the extras section.
  • A single supplement is available if you want to have your own room, but you are not required to pay a single supplement. If you are a single traveler and do not wish to book a single room, you’ll be roomed with another traveler of the same gender.
  • This tour includes a pick up from Reykjavik. You can see the designated pick up locations in the drop down menu when booking.
  • Pick up is not available from Keflavik airport or outside of the greater capital area.
  • Lunch & dinner is not included in the tour. We will stop on restaurants where you can buy lunch & dinner. 
  • It is recommended to bring some snacks and drinks for the day time adventures. Some light chips and soda should do the trick.
  • This tour is perfect for groups, single travelers, and families. 
  • You will be traveling on a minibus on this tour. The minibus includes free Wi-Fi. 
  • We recommend you wear proper warm clothing, gloves, hat, scarves, and hiking shoes.
  • In the rare case that we need to cancel the tour because of extreme weather, road conditions or other factors, we will assist you with rebooking to another date. If that does not work out for you, you will receive a full refund for the tour. 

Itinerary:

Day 1 - The South Coast & Northern Lights

Our tour begins with a convenient pick-up at 09:00 am, either from your hotel or the designated meeting point you have chosen in Reykjavík. Please be ready and waiting at the specified time, keeping in mind that the process of picking up all participants may take up to 30 minutes.

Prepare to embark on a captivating two-day adventure, exploring the mesmerizing sights of southern and eastern Iceland. As we set off, the sun gently rising, our first stop is the extraordinary Seljalandsfoss waterfall, known for its unique feature that allows you to walk behind the gracefully cascading waters. It’s an exhilarating experience that might leave you slightly damp but utterly thrilled.

Our next highlight awaits at Skógafoss, another magnificent waterfall situated at the base of the renowned Eyjafjallajökull volcano. On a clear day, you’ll be treated to a splendid view of the majestic Mýrdalsjökull glacier, adding to the awe-inspiring scenery. Continuing our journey, we reach Reynisfjara, a captivating black beach adorned with picturesque basalt column formations and the iconic Reynisdrangar peaks. Our route takes us through the charming town of Vík before we head to our accommodation. Throughout the day, be prepared to be mesmerized by breathtaking landscapes consisting of expansive lava fields, enchanting waterfalls, striking black sands, and majestic glacier tongues. In the evening, you can unwind and enjoy a relaxing time at our accommodations, while keeping an eye out for the magnificent Northern Lights if the conditions permit. The tranquil countryside near Vatnajökull glacier, away from city lights, provides the perfect setting for spotting this natural phenomenon. Your hotel will be located in Hof, offering a serene and comfortable stay.

Day 2 - Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach & Ice Cave

Prepare for an immersive encounter with the majestic glacier as we unveil the mesmerizing world of ice caves under the guidance of qualified experts. Today’s adventure will take you deep into the glistening blue and white realm, offering an unparalleled experience. Additionally, we will explore the extraordinary Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a renowned location that has captivated audiences in blockbuster movies such as Batman Begins and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

The Jökulsárlón Ice Lagoon is truly awe-inspiring. Glorious icebergs of varying shapes, some of remarkable size, have calved from the retreating Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. They gracefully coexist within the vast lagoon before embarking on their surreal and dignified journey to the Atlantic Ocean. As an enchanting spectacle, many of these natural ice sculptures find their resting place on the nearby Diamond Beach, casting a glistening diamond-like radiance against the striking contrast of the coal-black shoreline.

Next, we embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of the glacier, led by skilled guides. During the winter season, we explore the captivating Crystal Ice Cave, while in the summer season, we venture into the remarkable Katla Ice Cave. These ever-changing caves are formed annually through the cycle of glacial melt and freeze, ensuring a unique experience that varies from year to year and even within each winter. As you enter the ice cave, prepare to be surrounded by astonishing shades of shimmering blue light that permeate through the glacial ice. The profound hues of jewel-like blue are a result of ice compression, our perception of light and color, and at times, intensified by algae.

Following our ice cave exploration, we commence our journey back to Reykjavík. En route, we make a captivating stop at Skaftafell Nature Reserve within Vatnajokull National Park. This serene green oasis nestled amidst awe-inspiring jagged mountains and glacier-capped peaks promises to be a highlight of your tour, offering splendid and breathtaking scenery. As we make our way back to the city, we remain on the lookout for the enchanting Northern Lights, making a brief stop if conditions permit.

Anticipate returning to Reykjavík around 21:00 pm, where you can reflect on the awe-inspiring experiences of the day.

Gallery

FAQ

You can choose a pick up in Reykjavik or the capital area. Find the designated pick up locations in the drop down menu when booking.  

If you don’t know your pick up point for your tour yet, you can let us know later. Note that you need to send us the pick up location for your tour at least 24 hours prior to the departure of the tour. It would also be great if you can give us your phone number so we can call you if we can not find you at the pick up location. 

Pick up starts at the scheduled departure time on your voucher ticket. Note that the pick up can take up to 30 minutes. Please be at your listed location so our guide can easily find you. 

No, this tour does not include a pick up from Keflavik Airport. 

If you are arriving in Iceland early morning on the day of your tour, it would be best to take a taxi or bus from the airport to BSI bus station. Choose your pick up for the tour at BSI bus station and we will pick you up there. 

A multi day tour is a tour that includes guided sightseeing and activities for more than one day. Accommodation is usually included in multi day tours. 

The multi day tours are ideal if you would like to make the most of your time in Iceland.

  • You do not have to worry about finding accommodation that will fit to your day full of sightseeing and activities. 
  • Most multi day tours are operated in small groups with personal guidance. 
  • The tours will drive further into the countryside and give you the opportunity to explore locations that you would not be able to do in the day tours from Reykjavik. 

You will be staying in a comfort hotel with private bedroom and private bathroom on this tour. We usually stay in a hotel close to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon

All hotels that we partner with have private bathrooms.

Yes, breakfast after each night of accommodation spent during the multiday tour is included. 

You will be traveling in a minibus. 

A single supplement is available if you want to have your own room, but you are not required to pay a single supplement. If you are a single traveler and do not wish to book a single room, you’ll be roomed with another traveler of the same gender.

In the rare case that we will have to cancel the tour because of extreme weather, road conditions or other factors, we will assist you with rebooking to another date or provide a full refund.

The tour can be cancelled up to 48 hours from the departure time with 85% of the total price refunded.

However, we would kindly as you to cancel the tour as soon as you know that you won’t be able to participate in it. The multi day tours require a lot of bookings on our half that needs to be cancelled in time (accommodation, activities, meals and more). 

Please send us an email to info@icelandtravelguide.is as soon as you know that you have to cancel the tour. 

All cancellations requested less than 48 hours from the departure time are non refundable.

The luggage limit for this tour is one suitcase – maximum 20 kg.

If you have more or heavier luggage with you, you will need to book storage for the surplus luggage before you arrive, there is a small fee for using this facility. Luggage storage in Reykjavík can be added during the booking process of your order in the extras section.

Yes, and you definitely should! The setting on the tour is full of amazing, scenic views.

If you would like to know how to photograph the northern lights, we recommend that you read this article. 

You will also find a tablet in the bus with information about the northern lights and how to photograph them. 

For winter tours in Iceland, wear warm clothing as first layer and waterproof outdoor jacket and pants as a second layer. Hiking boots with high ankle protection is ideal for the glacier hike and ice cave experience. You will get crampons to put on your boots before you go to the glacier. If you do not have hiking boots, you have to rent them at the time of booking. A hat and gloves are also ideal for the glacier tours. 

Yes, you need sturdy hiking boots for the glacier hike. They have to have hard sole and be tight around the ankle. If you don’t have hiking boots, you can rent them in all sizes when booking the tour. It is also possible to rent the shoes at the glacier hiking location. 

This is always a personal choice and depends on your physical health at the time of the glacier hike. We have had pregnant women on this glacier hike but not all pregnancies are the same. We recommend that you read the description of the tour to get a good idea and ask your doctor about it. 

Do you have a question?

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