Black sand, a plane wreck, and big waterfalls. This Reykjavik day trip strings together an ATV ride on Sólheimasandur with the dramatic DC3 plane wreck and two of the South Coast’s best-known falls. You also get sweeping views of the Dyrhólaey Peninsula and the far-off Mýrdalsjökull glacier, so the day feels like more than just a thrill stop.

I especially like the hands-on thrill of the 2-hour quad ride on volcanic sand. I also like that the timing builds in solid breaks for the waterfalls, including Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the falls.

One thing to consider: it’s a full 10 hours, and lunch isn’t included, so plan for a long, cold (or at least windy) day with steady stops to keep you comfortable and fueled.

Key points before you go

• Sólheimasandur black sand ATV ride for about two hours, with insulated gear provided
• DC3 Plane Wreck stop on the beach, linked to the 1973 crash site
• Skógafoss + Seljalandsfoss in one go, with a behind-the-falls walk at Seljalandsfoss
• Views time for Dyrhólaey and a Mýrdalsjökull glacier viewpoint from the route
• A guide-led day where safety gear is included, and the transport is highly rated

From BSI Bus Terminal to Sólheimasandur: how the route shapes your day

This tour is built for people who want the classic South Coast sights without juggling rentals, parking, and driving stress. You start at the BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik, and you’ll want to be there about 15 minutes early so you can check in, meet your group, and get moving.

The day is long for a reason: the South Coast is spread out, and the tour adds several “headline” moments rather than just one attraction. You’ll spend time traveling down the coast toward the Adventure Ground, then head to the black sand area where the ATV ride happens. After that, the route keeps you moving with scenic stops and then finishes with the two waterfall icons.

I like this pacing because it keeps variety high. You’re not stuck in one mode for the whole day. The quad ride gives you an active highlight, the plane wreck stop gives you a strange, memorable story-and-photo moment, and the waterfalls give you the payoff that Iceland does best: power, spray, and photo angles that feel impossible to fake.

If you’re the type who hates rushing, you’ll still appreciate the structured breaks. And if you’re mainly chasing the falls, the itinerary supports that too: you reach Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss as part of a full loop, not a quick drive-by.

Gear up for the ATV on Sólheimasandur black sand

The core of the experience is the 2-hour ATV quad ride on Sólheimasandur, the black sand beach area famous for rugged terrain and ocean wind. It’s not just a short spin around a lot. This is a real ride on sand that feels otherworldly under the tires.

Safety and comfort are supported with included gear:

• Insulated cover-all
• Helmet plus a balaclava face mask
• Boots are optional, depending on weather and your footwear

That cover-all matters more than people think. Even with Iceland summer temperatures, wind and mist can steal heat fast. With the insulated layer, you’re better protected than you’d be in a regular jacket—especially if you’re taking photos, because you’re often standing still while the cold air does its thing.

To drive, you’ll need a valid driver’s license. And the tour runs with shared machines: two persons per ATV. If you’re a single rider, or you’re in a group with an odd number, you’ll need a single-rider ATV, with an extra charge paid on site.

This is also a day-trip that expects you to tolerate physical movement. If you’re uncomfortable with ATVs, bumpy sand, or sitting in gear, consider whether this style of tour matches your energy. And if you’re traveling with kids, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 8, and it’s not set up for pregnant women.

The DC3 Plane Wreck on the beach: why this stop matters

The DC3 wreck stop is the kind of Iceland weird that you’ll remember long after the photos fade. You’ll cross a desert-like stretch to reach the shoreline area, then visit the crashed plane resting on the sands of Sólheimasandur. The story tied to this spot is connected to the 1973 crash, and that historical context is part of why the wreck feels haunting rather than gimmicky.

What makes this stop work on a day like this is timing and setting. The plane is not tucked into a museum. It’s out in the elements, on black sand, with ocean air and huge skies around it. That means the photos look dramatic without needing filters or special effects.

A practical note: it’s beach walking in Iceland. You’ll want to be ready for wind and sand underfoot. The tour provides the ATV gear, but you’ll still experience the beach conditions when you’re viewing and photographing the wreck. Waterproof shoes matter here, and so does having warm layers in your bag even if you’re wearing the insulated suit during the ride.

This is also where your guide’s role shows up. Guides help you get your bearings fast on a place that can feel surreal, and they can point out the best angles and how to move around safely on uneven sand. In particular, guides like Henrik and Ragnar have a track record for making the experience feel both fun and well managed, which is exactly what you want when you’re mixing sand, photos, and time pressure from a 10-hour day.

Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss: a two-falls payoff with different moods

After the ATV and wreck stop, the day pivots into waterfalls. First up is Skógafoss, often one of Iceland’s most photographed falls. It’s a great choice for this tour because it’s big, dramatic, and easy to appreciate even if you’ve seen other falls already. You get that wow-factor without needing a long hike.

Then comes Seljalandsfoss, the other major star, and this stop has a special twist: you can walk behind the waterfall. That changes the entire feeling of the viewpoint. Instead of seeing the fall from one side, you get a moving wall of water at your back, with mist and spray shaping the light around you. It’s one of those experiences that makes the time investment feel worth it.

What I appreciate about pairing these two falls is contrast. Skógafoss is loud and powerful in a way that reads instantly. Seljalandsfoss is interactive, because you physically go into the fall’s world. Together, they cover both the classic Iceland waterfall look and the more unusual angle that makes the day feel like it has a “story arc.”

Time at the falls matters too. A guide like Ragnar is the kind who keeps the plan from turning into a rushed checklist, giving a meaningful visit at each waterfall stop and building in viewpoints along the way. That matters if you’re the type who wants to do more than just snap one photo and move on.

Dyrhólaey Peninsula and the Mýrdalsjökull glacier viewpoint from the route

One reason this tour feels like more than a single-theme day is that it adds scenic stops beyond the ATV and wreck. You’ll see the Dyrhólaey Peninsula, which reaches toward the southern edges of Iceland. Even if you’re not chasing wildlife, the viewpoint gives you scale—coastline, cliffs, and ocean weather that makes you understand how the South Coast got its dramatic reputation.

You’ll also get a look at the Mýrdalsjökull glacier in the distance. You’re not walking on it or doing a glacier hike here, but you do get that glacier presence that makes the landscape feel alive and changing. Seeing the glacier from a viewpoint helps connect the day’s story: you started on volcanic black sand by the sea, and you end up seeing the ice influence far inland.

This matters for value because it keeps you from feeling like the day is only about one activity. The ATV is the headline, but the peninsula and glacier views are the connective tissue that make the route memorable. They help you leave Reykjavik with more of a mental map of the South Coast rather than just a highlight reel.

Price and value: what $299 buys you on this 10-hour day

At $299 per person, you’re paying for a full guided outing: transport, a live guide in English, equipment support, and a meaningful chunk of active riding plus multiple major stops. You’re not just buying a “ride,” and you’re not doing the South Coast with only a self-drive itinerary.

Here’s what’s included that drives value:

• Experienced guide
• ATV per two persons
• Insulated cover-all, helmet, and balaclava face mask
• Boots are optional depending on weather and your footwear

What’s not included:

• Lunch
• Extra warm clothing (you’ll need to bring it)

This matters for budgeting. Even though you might think of the day as one price, the final cost can creep up if you have to purchase gear beyond what you brought or if you’re hungry during the long day. The smartest move is to plan for food breaks yourself because lunch isn’t provided.

The tour also includes a safety and compliance factor in the pricing: the requirement for a valid driver’s license to operate the quad, and the structured ATV setup. If you’re traveling as a pair, sharing an ATV can help keep the cost aligned. If you’re traveling alone, you’ll likely pay extra on site for a single rider ATV, so check your situation before you book.

What to pack for wind, wet sand, and waterfall spray

Even with insulated cover-alls provided, you’ll still want to dress smart. Bring:

• Warm clothing (layers)
• Waterproof shoes (sand and mist are part of the deal)
• Your driver’s license if you plan to drive

You should also expect wet conditions around the falls, especially at Seljalandsfoss, where mist is part of the walk behind the curtain of water. That means shoes and socks matter even if you’re wearing Iceland-ready outer layers.

If you’re tempted to show up with only summer gear, don’t. Iceland weather can swing, and the day is scheduled across multiple outdoor stops. Insulated gear helps, but it doesn’t replace a warm base layer or the need for proper footwear.

One more practical point: alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed. That’s worth noting because a day like this includes active riding and cold outdoor time. Keeping your head clear makes the day safer and more fun.

Who this ATV South Coast tour suits (and who should skip it)

This is a great match if you want a day trip that blends action and classic South Coast landmarks. You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• You want to experience Sólheimasandur black sand in a way that feels hands-on
• You care about seeing the DC3 plane wreck and not just hearing about it
• You want both Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss without planning a separate route
• You’re happy with a structured 10-hour schedule

It may not be a good match if:

• You dislike riding ATVs or dealing with bumpy sand
• You can’t meet the requirement for a valid driver’s license to drive
• You’re traveling with a child under 8
• You’re pregnant (the tour is listed as not suitable)

If you’re the type who prefers comfort-first sightseeing only, you might find the ATV portion too physical. But if you’re open to thrill-with-structure, the included gear and the guide-led route make it feel more manageable than it sounds on paper.

Should you book this Reykjavik ATV South Coast day trip?

I’d book it if you want a South Coast day with three strong anchors: ATV time on black sand, the DC3 wreck stop, and the waterfall double feature. The price makes sense because the tour covers real logistics and provides key ride gear, not just directions and a bus ticket.

I’d also consider it if you’re short on time in Iceland. You get a lot of signature sights in one long loop, plus viewpoint moments for Dyrhólaey and Mýrdalsjökull. The day fits travelers who want variety: action first, then big photo stops, then the falls payoff.

Skip or look for an alternative if you want a slow, minimalist day, or if the idea of a long outdoor schedule doesn’t match your energy. And if you’re traveling solo, factor in that you may need a single-rider ATV and pay the extra on site.

Bottom line: this tour is built for people who want to leave Reykjavik with stories, not just scenic snapshots.

FAQ

How long is the South Coast ATV tour from Reykjavik?

The duration is 10 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at the BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik.

What time should I arrive at the meeting point?

Please be there at least 15 minutes prior to departure.

How long do I ride the ATV?

You’ll enjoy a thrilling ride for about 2 hours on the black sand beach.

Do I need a driver’s license to drive the quad?

Yes. A valid driver’s license is required to drive a quad bike.

What gear is included?

You get an insulated cover-all, helmet, and a balaclava face mask. Boots are optional depending on weather conditions and your footwear.

Is lunch included in the price?

No, lunch is not included.

Which waterfalls are part of the tour?

You’ll stop at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant travelers?

It is not suitable for children under 8 years old, and it is not suitable for pregnant women.

Is alcohol allowed during the tour?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.