Full Day South Shore Tour by Minibus

Exploring Iceland’s South Coast in a Day: A Guide to the Full-Day Minibus Tour

If you’re dreaming of Iceland’s rugged beauty but only have a single day to explore, the Full Day South Shore Tour by Minibus offers a practical, engaging way to see some of the most iconic sights. Priced at around $185 per person, this tour is ideal for travelers who want a stress-free, small-group experience with round-trip transportation from Reykjavik. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll visit breathtaking waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic beaches—all in about 10 to 11 hours.

We particularly appreciate how this tour emphasizes comfort and intimacy, with a maximum group size of just 19 travelers. This makes for a more personal experience, where your guide can share stories, answer questions, and help you capture plenty of memorable photos. The inclusion of admission tickets for key sites like Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss means less fuss and more focus on enjoying the scenery. One thing to keep in mind: lunch is not included, so packing snacks or planning for a quick café stop is wise.

If you love stunning landscapes, engaging guides, and a comprehensive itinerary, this tour checks many boxes. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors to Iceland or those with a limited schedule but a big appetite for natural beauty. However, be prepared for a fair amount of driving—the roads stretch across the scenic coast, which means a long day on the bus. Still, most travelers find the scenery more than makes up for the hours spent en route.

Key Points

• All-inclusive day trip covering waterfalls, glaciers, beaches, and scenic stops.
• Small group size enhances personal attention and better photo opportunities.
• Round-trip transportation from Reykjavik removes logistical worries.
• Expert guides offer interesting insights into Iceland’s landscape and history.
• Flexible pace with plenty of time at each stop for exploration.
• Ideal for first-time visitors wanting a rundown of the south coast.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Pick-up in Reykjavik and Start of the Day

The tour begins bright and early at 9:00 am, with hotel pickup options making the start simple and convenient. From there, the journey into south Iceland begins, with a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus that offers WiFi—meaning you can share your trip in real-time or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

Seljalandsfoss: The Waterfall You Can Walk Behind

One of the last stops, Seljalandsfoss, is a waterfall famous for its unique feature: a trail that allows visitors to walk behind the cascading water. This is a sight that leaves many travelers in awe—especially when the sun hits the spray, creating tiny rainbows. Tour reviews highlight enjoying this stop at the end of the day, when getting a little wet isn’t a problem, and it’s easier to dry off afterward.

Skogafoss: The Power of Iceland’s Iconic Waterfall

Your first main stop is Skogafoss, a 60-meter (200-foot) waterfall known for its thunderous fall and frequent rainbows on sunny days. The powerful spray and impressive height make it a favorite. Reviewers love how this stop embodies the raw energy of Iceland’s landscape, with many mentioning it’s “more than worth the visit,” and enjoying the photo opportunities provided by its sheer scale.

Solheimajokull Glacier: Walking on Ice

Next, you’ll visit Solheimajokull Glacier for about 30 minutes to admire the glacier’s vastness and ocean views. This stop offers a chance to see some of Iceland’s glacial features up close. While the tour doesn’t specify guided glacier hikes, you’ll get a good look at the massive ice sheet, and many travelers comment on how tremendous and surreal the glacier appears against the landscape.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Vik

After exploring ice and waterfalls, your journey takes you to Reynisfjara, a black sand beach famous for its basalt columns, sea stacks, and cliffs. The scenery here is spectacular, but the real highlight is the puffins seen nesting along the cliffs in summer months—adding a charming touch of wildlife to the landscape. The stop lasts about an hour, giving enough time to explore, take pictures, and enjoy the near-constant dramatic waves crashing against the shore.

Nearby is the small village of Vik, often praised for its cozy charm, and the Dyrholaey headland, which provides sweeping views of the coast. The tour’s focus on scenic diversity is a big plus—be prepared for a lot of visual variety packed into one day.

End of the Tour

The trip wraps up back at the initial meeting point in Reykjavik, with most travelers feeling that the value for the price is high, given the variety and quality of sights covered. The entire day is about enjoying Iceland’s landscape without the hassle of planning multiple stops or arranging transportation.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

From detailed reviews, we see that guides like Petra and Toti are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the long day enjoyable. The small group setting is often highlighted as a major perk, allowing travelers to engage more closely with their guides and share experiences comfortably.

The pace of the trip receives positive comments; most agree they had ample time at each site to take photos and explore without feeling rushed. The inclusion of admission tickets for the major sites is another valuable feature, reducing the need for extra planning or additional costs.

However, some reviews note that the length of the drive can be tiring, especially if weather conditions are less than ideal or if you are not used to long bus rides. Also, since lunch isn’t included, travelers should plan accordingly, either packing snacks or taking advantage of cafes at Reynisfjara.

The value for money is evident, especially given the comprehensive itinerary and personalized guide service. The scenery—from thundering waterfalls to stark black beaches—will stay with you long after the day ends.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits first-time visitors to Iceland who want a broad overview of the south coast’s most photogenic spots. It’s also perfect if you prefer small-group travel over large bus tours, seeking more personal interaction. Travelers who enjoy a mix of waterfalls, glaciers, and beaches will find plenty to love here.

However, those with mobility issues or who dislike long bus rides might want to consider whether the duration and driving time are suitable. If your schedule only allows a single day, and you want a well-organized, scenic adventure, this tour is a reliable choice.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the minimum age is 3 years, and most children will enjoy the stops, especially the waterfalls and black sand beaches. Keep in mind that some walking is involved, so consider your child’s comfort.

What should I bring?
Bring waterproof clothing and shoes—especially for Seljalandsfoss—and layers to stay warm. Also, pack some snacks, since lunch isn’t included, and a camera or smartphone for photos.

Does the tour provide WiFi?
Yes, WiFi is available on board, making it easy to share photos or check maps during the journey.

How long are the stops?
Most stops are around 1 hour, with some offering brief 30-minute views, giving you enough time to explore and take pictures without feeling rushed.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but there is a café at Reynisfjara where you can purchase snacks and drinks.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to weather conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This Full Day South Shore Tour by Minibus offers a well-rounded, comfortable way to experience Iceland’s most striking natural sights in one day. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who value guided insights, efficient logistics, and a small-group atmosphere. The combination of waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and scenic coastlines ensures you’ll leave with a photo album full of breathtaking vistas and a deeper appreciation of Iceland’s wild landscapes.

While it’s a long day, the quality and diversity of sights make it worthwhile, especially if you’re eager to see a variety of Iceland’s natural beauty without the complications of planning multiple excursions. If you’re after a reliable, engaging, and scenic tour, this one won’t disappoint.

Enjoy Iceland’s southern coast with confidence—this tour balances comfort, value, and adventure, giving you a vivid taste of this extraordinary land.