Reykjavik: Iceland South Coast & Glacier Snowmobile Tour

The glacier is the real thrill. This 10-hour South Coast outing combines a snowmobile ride on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier with two of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls. I like the mix of hard adventure and easy sightseeing, and the specially modified glacier truck makes the climb to the snow practical rather than punishing. The main drawback is the long bus ride, with much of the day spent getting to and from the glacier.

You will also get protective gear, bus transport, and Wi-Fi on board, which keeps the day simple. I especially like that the return journey stops at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, though weather can prevent you from walking behind Seljalandsfoss. Bring snacks, drinks, warm socks, gloves, and a neck warmer, since food is not included and the provided balaclava may feel thin.

Key points to know before booking

• The glacier truck is part of the adventure: A specially modified vehicle carries you up to the snowmobile area on Mýrdalsjökull.
• One snowmobile is shared by two people: You should be comfortable taking turns unless the operator gives different instructions.
• The ride is thrilling but managed for safety: Protective clothing and safety equipment are included, with a briefing from the glacier team.
• The waterfalls come after the glacier: Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss break up the long return to Reykjavik.
• Expect a full day on the road: The excursion lasts about 10 hours, and the drive to the activity area can take roughly two and a half hours.
• Bring your own food and warmth: Lunch, drinks, snacks, thick socks, gloves, and a neck warmer are not supplied.

From Reykjavik’s BSI terminal to the South Coast

The tour begins at the BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik. The building is easy to identify, and the terminal staff can direct you to the correct bus. The tour ends at the same place, which is useful if you are staying in the city center and do not want to arrange a separate return transfer.

Once you leave Reykjavik, the day becomes a long sweep through Iceland’s open South Coast. The bus is comfortable enough for the distance, and free Wi-Fi is included, but you should set your expectations correctly. This is not mainly a narrated sightseeing coach tour. Some drivers offer plenty of information, while others keep commentary lighter.

That difference can shape your experience. Drivers named Herman and Marti have been praised for giving extra information, pointing out landmarks, and helping the day feel more personal. You should not assume that either driver will be leading your departure, but a friendly and attentive driver can make the long road sections much better.

There is generally a service stop on the way to the glacier, where you can use the bathroom and buy food. Do not rely on this as your only chance to eat. One short stop is not much for a 10-hour day, especially after time spent outside in cold weather.

The long road to Mýrdalsjökull Glacier

The glacier activity is reached after a substantial bus journey. Some departures take around two and a half hours to reach the snowmobile base, depending on conditions and the exact route. That is a lot of sitting for roughly an hour of snowmobiling on some departures, so the value depends heavily on how much you want the activity itself.

I think the drive makes sense for visitors who have already seen some of Reykjavik and want one memorable adventure outside town. You are not paying only for a standard sightseeing loop. You are paying for the transport, glacier access, equipment, specialist vehicles, and a guided snowmobile experience in a place that would be difficult to reach independently.

The road itself helps. Iceland’s South Coast is attractive even when the weather is dull, with broad views and changing mountain and sea scenery. On a clear day, the approach to the glacier can be especially striking. On a cloudy or stormy day, visibility may be limited, but that does not necessarily cancel the excitement. One difficult-weather departure still included the rough, bumpy ride up in the glacier vehicle, which became part of the story.

Riding the modified glacier truck

At the Adventure Ground, you leave the bus and prepare for the glacier section. The specially modified glacier truck carries the group up toward the snowmobile area. This is not just a transfer that you forget five minutes later. The large vehicle, rough route, and climb into the high snow give the glacier visit a sense of occasion before you even start driving.

The truck matters because it lets you reach the snow without needing to hike up under your own power. Conditions can be harsh, and access can change with weather. The truck provides a practical way to reach the riding area while adding some off-road excitement.

The glacier team supplies protective clothing and safety equipment. You should still wear warm base layers and bring your own gloves and thick socks. Several departures found the outer gear useful, but a neck warmer was a smart extra because the provided balaclava may not cover you as warmly as you expect.

Before riding, the guides explain how to operate the snowmobile and how the group will move. The snowmobile section is described as thrilling but safe, with guides looking after different comfort levels. You do not need to be an expert driver to enjoy it, but you should listen carefully and be ready to follow instructions in changing snow and weather.

What sharing one snowmobile means

The standard arrangement is one snowmobile for two people. This is an important detail when you compare the price with other glacier activities. You and your companion will share the machine and take turns according to the operator’s instructions.

For many couples, friends, or family members, sharing is part of the fun. You can watch the other person ride, take in the views, and swap places. If you are booking alone or strongly want uninterrupted driving time, ask about the arrangement before paying.

The glacier ride is the main reason to choose this excursion. When clouds lift, the views from higher ground can be breathtaking. When clouds close in, you may get less scenery and more of a pure driving adventure. Icelandic weather changes fast, so no operator can promise clear mountain views.

Some departures have encountered snow blizzards, reduced visibility, and deep snow. Those conditions can limit the views, but they also show why this is a guided activity rather than a casual self-drive outing. The glacier staff manage the route and keep the group together.

Lunch at the Adventure Ground

After the snowmobile ride, you return to the Adventure Ground. This is the natural time to have lunch before heading back toward Reykjavik.

Food and drinks are not included. You can buy something during the service stop, but I recommend bringing a sandwich, snacks, and a refillable drink from Reykjavik. Cold-weather activities use more energy than you expect, and a warm meal or hot drink can make the second half of the day much more pleasant.

Do not expect a leisurely restaurant stop built into the tour. The day is organized around transport and timed activities. You get a useful break at the base, but the focus remains on the glacier rather than dining.

Skógafoss, the classic waterfall stop

The return trip includes Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls. It is a strong stop after the glacier because you can stretch your legs and trade snow for spray and rushing water.

Skógafoss is broad, powerful, and easy to appreciate quickly. The waterfall drops in a clean curtain, and the viewing area gives you a direct look at the full force of the water. On sunny days, spray can create rainbows. In wet or windy weather, keep your waterproof layer handy.

The stop is also a reminder of the tour’s tradeoff. You see famous natural sights, but you are visiting them within a fixed schedule. You will have time to look, take photographs, and walk around, but this is not the same as spending half a day exploring every path near the falls.

Still, the stop works well. After several hours on a bus and a cold glacier ride, a short walk beside a major waterfall is welcome. It gives the day more variety than a glacier-only trip.

Behind Seljalandsfoss when weather allows

Seljalandsfoss is the more unusual waterfall stop. A path can take you behind the falling water, creating a close, enclosed view that is different from the open front-facing experience at Skógafoss.

The path is wet and conditions matter. Walking behind the waterfall is possible only if weather and access conditions permit, so do not treat it as guaranteed. Wear waterproof clothing and shoes with a good grip if you want to try it.

Even from the front, Seljalandsfoss is worth seeing. The water drops from an overhanging cliff, and the shape of the falls gives you a changing view as you walk around the area. The stop may be shorter than you would like, but it is one of the best ways to finish a South Coast day.

Some accounts refer to seeing more than two waterfalls during the return journey. The confirmed main stops are Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, so treat any additional stop as a welcome extra rather than part of the promised program.

How the guides shape the day

The glacier guides are central to the quality of this experience. They explain the snowmobile, describe the glacier, organize the equipment, and help the group feel secure. The strongest departures have had guides who were friendly, practical, and willing to explain what you were seeing.

The bus driver can matter just as much during the long road sections. Herman has been singled out for explaining landmarks and Icelandic life along the route, while Marti has been praised for handling difficult weather and rough conditions calmly. These names are not a promise about your own departure, but they show the difference a good driver can make.

You may also find that the bus portion has little formal guiding. If you want a detailed lecture throughout the drive, this may feel thin. If you mainly want transport to the glacier and a skilled activity team once you arrive, the arrangement should suit you.

There have even been occasions when a driver made an unscheduled stop to view the northern lights when conditions allowed. That is a generous extra, not something to plan around. The day can run behind schedule, and northern lights sightings depend on darkness, cloud, and solar activity.

Is the $332 price good value?

At $332 per person, this is not a cheap day trip. Iceland rarely rewards a small budget, and glacier transport is a specialized operation. The price includes the bus, Wi-Fi, protective snowmobile clothing, safety equipment, the glacier truck transfer, and the guided snowmobile ride.

I see reasonable value if snowmobiling is high on your Iceland wish list. You also get two major waterfalls, so the trip is not only a one-hour activity wrapped in transport. The excursion gives you a simple way to combine an adventure and classic South Coast sights without renting a car or arranging glacier access yourself.

The value is weaker if you mainly want to see waterfalls. A dedicated South Coast sightseeing trip could give you more time at each stop and might include additional sights. You are paying a premium here for the glacier machinery, equipment, and specialist guides.

The shared snowmobile is another factor. Since two people use one machine, the per-person price feels better for a pair who are happy to take turns. Solo visitors should think carefully about the riding arrangement and how much driving time they expect.

Who should book this glacier day?

This tour suits you if you want one big physical thrill during an Iceland visit. It is a good choice for adults, older children who meet the age rule, couples, friends, and anyone who prefers a planned day with transport included.

Children under eight are not permitted. You also need to bring a driver’s license, so check that you have it before leaving Reykjavik. The license requirement is easy to miss, and forgetting it could spoil the activity.

You should be comfortable with a long bus ride, cold weather, changing visibility, and a fairly structured schedule. The tour is less suitable if you dislike sitting on a coach, need a long lunch, or want to set your own pace at waterfalls.

It is also a good fit for first-time visitors who do not want to drive in Icelandic winter conditions. The glacier truck and activity guides handle the difficult access, while the bus connects the major parts of the day.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Pack for the glacier, not just for Reykjavik. You will receive protective outer clothing, but you still need warm layers underneath. Bring thick socks, gloves, and a neck warmer, since the face covering supplied may not feel sufficient.

Carry food and drinks with you. The tour does not include lunch, and the stop on the way may be brief. A sandwich, chocolate, fruit, and water can save you from spending the ride back hungry.

Keep your phone and camera protected from spray at both waterfalls. At Seljalandsfoss, waterproof storage is especially useful if the path behind the water is open.

Arrive at the BSI Bus Terminal with time to identify the bus and driver. The building is marked, and terminal staff can help, but rushing at the start is an unnecessary way to begin a 10-hour day.

Finally, leave room for weather. The glacier views may be clear and wide, or they may disappear into cloud and blowing snow. The snowmobile ride remains the focus, but the scenery portion depends on conditions.

Should you book this South Coast snowmobile tour?

Book it if the idea of driving a snowmobile on a glacier is worth a long day and a $332 price tag. The glacier truck, safety gear, helpful activity guides, and waterfall stops make this a well-rounded adventure rather than a bare-bones transfer.

Skip it if your priority is seeing as many South Coast sights as possible, or if you want a relaxed day with short drives. You will spend a large part of the outing on the bus, and one snowmobile is shared by two people.

My practical call is simple: choose this tour for the glacier experience first, and treat the waterfalls as a very good bonus. On a clear day, it can become one of the defining memories of your Iceland trip. On a stormy day, it may feel more like a rugged Arctic outing, with less scenery but plenty of atmosphere.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik, the home of Reykjavik Excursions.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends back at the BSI Bus Terminal, the same place as the departure.

How long does the tour last?

The full activity lasts 10 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide and activity information are provided in English.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should bring or buy your own food.

Is snowmobile equipment provided?

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

How many people share a snowmobile?

One snowmobile is shared by two people.

Is there an age restriction?

Yes. The activity is not suitable for children under eight years old.

What document do I need to bring?

You need to bring a driver’s license for the snowmobile activity.