Icebergs and waterfalls in two days, no stress. This 2-day South Coast trip strings together Iceland’s big-name waterfalls, a real glacier hike, and a boat ride through the ice at Jökulsárlón with hotel pickup, overnight lodging, and Wi‑Fi on board, so you spend less time planning and more time looking out the window. I also like how the route mixes classic stops like Seljalandsfoss with the kind of scenery you usually only see on longer drives.

Two things I really like: first, you get a glacier hike with safety gear included, not just a scenic viewpoint stop. Second, the iceberg boat tour at Jökulsárlón is built in as part of your schedule, which saves you from time-wasting searches once you arrive. One possible drawback to keep in mind: food and drinks aren’t included, so when the weather turns (it can, and the tour runs in all weather), you’ll want to budget for meals and be ready to eat without much flexibility.

Key highlights worth knowing before you go

• Hotel pickup plus Wi‑Fi on board means you can relax during long drives and research as you go
• Boat time at Jökulsárlón Lagoon is the anchor moment, with icebergs from Breiðamerkurjökull
• Solheimajokull glacier hike includes the glacier gear and safety equipment, so you can travel lighter
• Waterfall access you can actually experience (including walking behind Seljalandsfoss and the stair views at Skógafoss)
• Small group size (max 18) keeps this feeling more personal than mass tours

Why This 2-Day South Coast Route Works From Reykjavik

Iceland rewards you for movement, but it punishes bad logistics. This tour is designed for the way South Coast days really work: lots of stops, long distances, and weather that can change your plans fast. You start in Reykjavik early, get collected from your accommodation or a nearby pickup point, and then the route does the heavy lifting for you.

What makes it interesting is the mix. You’re not only hopping between waterfalls for photos. You also get a hike on Solheimajokull, plus a Jökulsárlón boat tour where you’re out among the icebergs. That combination is what turns a “scenic highlights” day into something closer to an outdoor experience.

The other smart bit: the tour includes breakfast and overnight accommodation. That means you’re not trying to stitch together bus schedules, last-minute beds, and separate tours across two busy days.

Getting Around: Pickup Timing, Minibus Comfort, and Wi‑Fi

Your day starts at 8:00am, but pickup may begin a bit earlier and can take up to 30 minutes to complete. Downtown pickup also has limitations: they can’t stop at every hotel entrance, so you may be directed to a nearby designated bus stop. Do yourself a favor and check the pickup location before you show up, because that first “where do we meet?” scramble wastes the most valuable part of your morning.

Transportation is in a small group setting (maximum 18 travelers) using a minibus. Reviews include complaints about vehicle cleanliness and comfort for some guests, so I’d treat the ride like part of the adventure: bring layers, keep a small towel or wipes handy, and expect that Iceland roads can make even a comfortable ride feel like a long day.

One feature I genuinely appreciate for a trip like this: Wi‑Fi on board. When you’re bouncing between waterfalls and glacier terrain, it helps you get quick context, check timing, and make sure you’re ready for weather shifts without draining your phone battery.

Day 1 Waterfall Focus: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss Up Close

Day 1 is built around waterfalls that don’t just look impressive from the roadside. You’re given time to actually move around them.

Seljalandsfoss: the short hike behind the curtain of water

Seljalandsfoss is the kind of waterfall that makes you change your plans on the spot. You arrive to the power first, and then you have a chance to walk the short path behind the falls. That’s where the experience becomes physical. The ground trembles from the water’s force, and you’ll want a raincoat. Even with one, you’ll still get wet—this is part of the deal. If you hate getting splashed, this still can work, but plan your expectations.

Skógafoss: the 60-meter drop and the stair shelf

Then you move further east to Skógafoss, where the water spills off a 60-meter cliff. The setting is gorge-like, and there’s a staircase route that takes you to a viewing shelf above the falls. It’s worth using some of your time there because the view feels less like “a waterfall” and more like a whole weather system moving through a canyon.

Practical tip: both of these waterfalls are photo-friendly, but the slick rocks and windy mist can be tricky. I like to wear shoes I can trust for wet ground, not just good-looking footwear.

Reynisfjara Black Sand: Basalt Columns, Waves, and Puffins Season

Next comes Reynisfjara, Iceland’s famous black sand beach. The standout features here are the massive waves and the basalt columns visible in the cliffs above the shore. In good daylight, you can get high-contrast photos: dark sand, bright spray, and geometry in the rock.

The bonus detail for timing: this part of the south coast is described as a bird area. Puffins and other species nest on the cliffs during June to August, and Dýrhólaey is mentioned in the distance. If you’re traveling in those months, this stop can feel extra alive—like the scenery has movement beyond the ocean.

One consideration: this coastline can be rough. The tour description emphasizes massive waves, so keep your distance from the edge areas and treat the beach like an environment with real force behind it.

Solheimajokull Glacier Hike: Gear Included and How to Prepare

This is the day’s “hands-on” moment: a hike on Solheimajokull Glacier with hiking on the ice. You don’t just walk near it.

The big value point: all the glacier gear and safety equipment are included. You only need to bring the basics—hiking boots and waterproof clothing. If you don’t have them, rentals are available:

• hiking boots rental (3,000 ISK)
• waterproof jacket (1,750 ISK)
• waterproof pants (1,750 ISK)
• plus optional hat/gloves combo, neck warmer, and a summer cap (all with stated ISK fees)

Your hiking time is listed as about 3 hours, which is long enough to feel real, but not so long that it turns into a full-day endurance event. You’ll also be working with trained guidance, which matters on glacier terrain where footing and conditions can shift.

What to wear in plain terms: warm base layers under waterproof gear, and something that won’t soak through. If you only pack one waterproof layer, you might regret it later, because rain and mist are common in Iceland and the tour operates in all weather.

Day 2 Jökulsárlón Lagoon: Boat Tour Among Icebergs

Day 2 is where the scenery gets otherworldly. You head to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, described as about 200 meters deep, fed by Breiðamerkurjökull (an outlet glacier of Europe’s largest glacier). The main idea is simple: icebergs drift in from the glacier and float south, year-round.

The tour includes a boat tour among the icebergs, plus a stop at a cafe area. Your listed time here is about 40 minutes, with the boat tour included.

A key detail to hold onto: the description notes boat tours during summer time. If you’re traveling outside peak season, the experience may still focus on the lagoon, but the boat piece can be more seasonal. The tour provider will confirm what’s operating when you book and closer to your departure date.

I like that this stop is more than a viewpoint. Being out on the water changes the scale. Ice doesn’t look like a postcard shape—it feels like solid, weighty terrain, with colors that shift from white to blue depending on light and melt.

Fellsfjara: Icebergs Washed to Black Sand

Right after the boat-focused area, you continue to Fellsfjara across the road. This is the “ice on land” counterpart to the lagoon. The description explains the icebergs get thrown back to shore by tides and winds, and that the beach is filled with smaller ice rocks in different shapes.

This stop is listed at 30 minutes, and it’s a good use of time if you want an unhurried walk without turning it into a long hike. When the ice is scattered across the black sand, you get strong contrast—sparkling ice and dark beaches that make even small pieces look dramatic.

Bring the same basics you used on day 1: waterproof layers, secure footwear, and gloves if your hands get cold easily. Also, expect wind. Even on a sunny day, South Coast coastal air can cut through.

Hotel, Breakfast, and the Food You’ll Need to Plan For

The tour includes breakfast and overnight accommodation. That’s valuable because many Iceland itineraries assume you’ll handle lodging yourself and then scramble for logistics afterward.

What’s not included is food and drinks. That matters, especially on days where you get wet, where you might lose time, or where you want to eat right after changing out of damp clothing.

Here’s how I’d handle it:

• Pack snack backups for the road so you’re not dependent on whatever is nearby.
• Plan on buying meals during the long stretches between major stops.
• Keep a small budget for warm drinks, because cold hands and damp clothes make people want something hot sooner than they expected.

Also, don’t treat the overnight stay like a spa. It’s included, but some guests have had complaints about warmth and overall room comfort. Since you can’t control Iceland weather, I suggest packing an extra layer you can wear at night if you feel chilly.

Price and Value: Is $738 Worth It?

At $738 per person, this isn’t a budget tour. So the real question is what you’re getting for that money.

You are getting a bundle:

• hotel pickup and drop-off, plus pickup from designated bus stops
• overnight accommodation
• breakfast
• glacier hike with safety gear included
• Jökulsárlón boat tour (the big-ticket scenic moment)
• Wi‑Fi on board
• a professional English-speaking guide

That’s a lot of separate costs if you were planning it on your own: transport, guided glacier time, the boat tour, lodging, and the day’s meals. The tour price is high, but the structure is also doing what it’s supposed to do: remove the hardest logistics from your Iceland time.

What you do need to watch:

• Meals aren’t included, so your total trip cost will be higher than the sticker price.
• Rentals (boots, waterproof gear) aren’t included either, unless you already own the right kit.
• If you’re expecting additional specific stops not clearly stated in the core route (like an extra village time or a particular wreck stop), confirm the planned sights before booking so your expectations match the schedule you’ll be driven through.

Group Size, Luggage Limits, and a Smooth-Check Packing Strategy

This tour caps at 18 travelers, which helps with pacing at each stop. It also means you’re less likely to feel like you’re in a cattle line at the stairways and viewpoints.

Luggage rules matter on minibus tours:

• maximum 24-inch suitcase per person
• no multiple luggage allowed
• if you have extra or oversized luggage, you may need to leave part of it in luggage storage (additional fee listed)

I recommend traveling with one main suitcase plus a daypack. You want everything that might get damp or cold to be accessible quickly. Also pack a rain layer even if the forecast looks friendly. Iceland has a talent for reminding you that the weather is the boss.

If you’re sensitive to ride comfort, plan ahead: bring a neck pillow or small cushion, and keep layers ready for changing temperatures inside the vehicle.

Who Should Book This Troll Expeditions Tour

This fits best if you want:

• a guided, structured two-day South Coast experience without planning each piece
• active time on ice (the glacier hike) rather than only sightseeing
• the iceberg experience that comes from a boat tour at Jökulsárlón
• hotel pickup convenience, especially if you don’t want to drive long distances yourself

It’s also a good match for travelers who appreciate a guide who can explain what you’re seeing. Some guides have been praised for being friendly and talkative, including names like Thales and Jon in the provided feedback, so if you care about conversation, I’d keep an eye out for what guide is assigned when you book.

If you prefer a slow, independent pace with lots of unscheduled stops, this might feel too packed. But if you want a clean plan that hits major highlights efficiently, it delivers.

Should You Book It? My Practical Recommendation

I’d book this tour if your priority list includes waterfalls plus a real glacier hike plus iceberg time on the water. The combination is strong, and the included pieces reduce the typical stress of doing Iceland’s South Coast from Reykjavik in a short window.

I’d hesitate only if you:

• are hoping for a very specific extra stop that isn’t clearly part of the main sight sequence (double-check your must-dos)
• don’t like cold-weather outdoor time and can’t handle getting damp
• don’t want to manage meals and potential gear rentals on your own

If you come prepared with waterproof layers, sturdy boots, and a bit of flexibility for weather, you’ll get two days that feel like real Iceland, not just a checklist.

FAQ

What time does pickup start?

The tour starts at 8:00am. Pickup begins at 8:00 and may take up to 30 minutes, so you should be ready at your selected location.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes hotel pickup & drop-off, plus pickup and drop-off from designated bus stops.

What’s included in the price?

Included are breakfast, overnight accommodation, glacier hike and safety gear, a professional English-speaking guide, Wi‑Fi on board, and a Jökulsárlón boat tour.

Do I need hiking boots or waterproof clothing?

You should bring hiking boots and waterproof clothes. Rentals are available for boots and waterproof jacket/pants if you need them.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so plan to buy meals during the day and at suitable stops.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 18 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour operates in all weather conditions, but if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.