Nicetravel · Minibus from Reykjavik
Nicetravel's minibus of 19 covers the classic stops plus Gljufrabui, and you choose at booking whether to add a 1.5-hour guided hike on Solheimajokull. It's the flexible pick for mixed groups, and the shortest real glacier hike you can fit into a South Coast day.
Nicetravel is a Reykjavik operator with an office on Fiskislod, and this listing comes in two versions: South Coast with Glacier Hike or without. Both pick you up at your hotel (or the nearest bus stop if your hotel is in the bus-free zone), and the guide walks with the group at every stop. A guest logged an 8:30 pickup and an 8 p.m. return.
The listing gives 30 minutes each at Seljalandsfoss, Gljufrabui and Skogafoss, an hour at Solheimajokull and 30 minutes on Reynisfjara. With the hike option, that glacier hour becomes a 1.5-hour guided hike with safety gear, and the day stretches towards 13 hours. Without it, you walk to the viewpoint. Dyrholaey is marked as a pass-by on the itinerary, so don't count on time at the arch.
Honest caveats: 30 minutes on Reynisfjara is short, and the hike can be called off in bad weather, in which case Nicetravel substitutes another activity or refunds part of the price. The 10+ age limit applies to both versions. One reviewer, who also drove the coast in a rental car, felt the tour was mostly paying for transport; most of the others credit the guides with the best moments.
Pickup at your hotel or the nearest designated stop, then east through Hveragerdi, Selfoss, Hella and Hvolsvollur.
Behind the big falls, then into the gorge for the hidden one.
The base of the falls, Eyjafjallajokull's ice cap behind you on the way.
Viewpoint walk, or with the hike option a guided walk on the ice with crampons and safety gear.
After a drive past Dyrholaey: the beach, the columns, food at the restaurant.
Later with the hike option: the listing gives 10 to 13 hours.
★★★★★Saw puffins twice and it wasn’t even on the itinerary. Driver gave just the right amount of time at each stop. Almost all of them had bathrooms. 19 passenger van so a nice small group.
★★★★★We LOVED the black beach, the restaurant there had an amazing turnip soup, believe it or not. Our guide, Hakon, was knowledgeable and hilarious.
★★★★★David was wonderful. He held us captive with his knowledge, a walking encyclopedia. [...] By rearranging the stops, we avoided many tourist jams.
★★★★★DEFINITELY bring a disposable rain poncho or waterproof jacket and pants and water type boots or shoe covers. Ear muffs are a must… the wind by the water is a killer and they hold your hat down!!
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Only if you book the "South Coast with Glacier Hike" option. The other option skips it and you walk to the Solheimajokull viewpoint instead. The hike lasts about 1.5 hours with all safety equipment.
Not under 10. The listing sets 10 as the minimum age for the whole tour, and children 10 to 15 pay a child rate. For younger kids, try the Iceland Horizon day (3+).
The listing marks Dyrholaey as a pass-by, so you see it from the road on the way to Reynisfjara. Guides sometimes stop when time allows, but don't book for it.
10 to 13 hours. A guest on the version without the hike was picked up at 8:30 and dropped back at 8 p.m.; the hike adds time.
Ready to book
Gljufrabui on top of the classics, and you choose on booking whether to add the glacier hike.
South Coast Sagas Small GroupA minibus of 19 that adds Gljufrabui and Vik to the classic stops. Driver-guides, an hour on the beach, kids 4+.★ 4.9 · 10 hours · from $163
South Coast and Glacier HikeThe waterfalls and Reynisfjara plus a guided walk on Solheimajokull in crampons. Minibus of 18, ages 8 and up.★ 4.8 · 12 hours · from $195
Glacier Hike, Waterfall and Black BeachThe most glacier time of any day tour: 4 hours at Solheimajokull, then Reynisfjara and Seljalandsfoss. Ages 10+.★ 4.9 · 11 hours · from $185