From Reykjavik: South Coast, Plane Wreck, & Beach ATV Tour

This is one of those Reykjavik day trips that feels like you get two different Iceland moods in a single rush. You start with South Coast waterfalls and end with real sand, wind, and the kind of ATV time that makes the photos look like a movie scene.

I especially love the combo of an ATV ride on black sand plus a stop at the dramatic DC3 plane wreck. And I like that the day is built around iconic sights, not random pull-offs.

One consideration: you need a valid driver’s license to drive the quad, and the day runs 10 hours, so you’ll want to dress for cold and stay flexible if weather adds grit to the road.

Key Points You Should Know Before Going

• Two hours of ATV riding on Sólheimasandur’s black sand beach
• DC3 Plane Wreck stop on the sands, with a powerful photo moment (crashed in 1973)
• Big waterfall pair: Skógafoss plus Seljalandsfoss, including the walk behind Seljalandsfoss
• South Coast viewpoints including Dyrhólaey Peninsula and a look toward Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
• Included riding gear: insulated cover-all, helmet, and balaclava face mask (boots optional based on conditions)
• Qualified English-speaking guide, with small safety details like controlled driving time and required gear

Why This South Coast Day Feels Like Two Trips in One

If your Iceland wish list includes waterfalls and dramatic coastlines, this tour makes it practical. You get the famous sights of the South Coast without needing to drive all day yourself. Then you add something active, loud, and genuinely fun: quad riding on black sand.

I like how the day moves from scenery to action and back again. The ATV portion is not just a short demo, it’s a real stretch of riding time. And the waterfall stops are not treated like a quick roadside glance. You get time to see what makes Skógafoss so frequently photographed and why Seljalandsfoss is so special that people want to walk behind it.

The route also gives you perspective. You see ocean power at the waterfalls, then you look inland toward Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, and you finish with that stark, volcanic-feeling coast near Dyrhólaey.

Getting Ready in Reykjavik: Gear, License, and the Realistic Timing

The day starts at the BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik. Aim to arrive at least 15 minutes early so you can check in and get your group moving. From there, you travel down the South Coast to the riding area.

Here’s the part that matters most for planning: you need a valid driver’s license if you want to drive the quad bike. Two people share the same ATV. If you’re a single rider, or if your group has an odd number of people, you’ll need to book a single-rider ATV, with payment on site.

You’ll gear up before you ride. The tour includes:

• insulated cover-all
• helmet and balaclava face mask
• boots are optional, depending on weather and what you’re wearing

That gear is not an afterthought. A black sand beach means wind and cold sand underfoot, and it’s much easier to enjoy the ride when you’re properly protected from the elements.

Also note what’s not included: lunch. If you’re the type who gets cranky when food is missing, plan ahead with snacks before you start. It’s a long day, and you’ll feel it if you forget to fuel.

Two Hours on Sólheimasandur: ATV Riding on Black Sand

The ATV portion is built around Sólheimasandur, the black sand beach that gives the whole day its signature look. Riding on black sand is not like riding on a normal surface. The texture, the wind, and the way the terrain opens up makes it feel wild and remote even though you’re on a guided tour.

You get a thrilling but safe ride time of about two hours. A big reason this works well is that it’s not rushed. You’re not stuck for a single loop around a starting area. You have room to actually ride and enjoy the scenery as you cross that desert-like stretch.

A few practical thoughts for your ride day:

• Dress for cold and wind, even if Reykjavik starts out mild.
• Waterproof shoes help. The tour specifically calls for waterproof footwear.
• If you’re sharing an ATV, coordinate how you’ll switch out who drives, so you don’t end up losing energy to logistics.

And yes, the “sand under the tires” feeling becomes oddly addictive. It’s the kind of sensory detail that makes the whole day stick with you long after you leave.

The DC3 Plane Wreck: Why This Crash Site Works So Well for Photos

The DC3 Plane Wreck is one of those places where the story and the setting hit at the same time. You stop on the sands of the beach where the plane crashed in 1973, and it’s a strange mix of history, isolation, and stark beauty.

This stop is valuable even if you’re not a hardcore aviation nerd. The scale of the scene makes it easy to frame dramatic photos, and the contrast is striking: a grounded aircraft against the raw texture of the black sand and the coastline beyond.

What to do while you’re there:

• Take a few minutes to slow down before you start shooting. The scene changes fast with light and wind.
• Walk a bit away from the busiest viewpoints. You’ll usually find cleaner angles for wider shots.
• Expect that your boots and lower gear will feel sandy. That’s normal here, not a deal-breaker.

The wreck stop also acts like a mental gear shift. After the adrenaline of ATV riding, you get a calmer moment where you can actually look around and absorb the setting.

Glacier and Peninsula Views: Dyrhólaey and Mýrdalsjökull

After the beach and wreck stop, you transition back toward classic South Coast viewpoints. You’ll see the Dyrhólaey Peninsula, the southernmost tip of Iceland, and you’ll also look toward Mýrdalsjökull Glacier from a viewpoint inland.

Even if you’re not a glacier expert, you’ll feel the scale here. Mýrdalsjökull is massive, and seeing it from the coast line gives you a sense for how Iceland’s “everything is connected” feeling really works. The glacier sits in the distance, but the coast and cliffs are part of the same system of geology and weather.

Dyrhólaey brings a different vibe. The peninsula viewpoints tend to show you how exposed this area is, with wind and openness dominating your senses. It’s a good contrast to the closed-in feeling you get around waterfalls where spray controls the air.

If the weather turns, don’t panic. Cloud cover and wind can still make the views dramatic. You just may not get the kind of perfectly crisp horizon lines you’d see in a calm sunny moment.

Waterfall Hour: Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, Including the Walk Behind

This is where the tour earns its reputation. You end with two of Iceland’s most recognizable waterfalls, and the spacing makes it more than just a checklist.

First up is Skógafoss, one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland. It has that strong, straightforward power where you can feel the water hitting the landscape. It’s a waterfall that works for both “quick photo” people and those who like to stand and watch the mist shift as the light changes.

Then you reach Seljalandsfoss, the one with the feature people talk about for a reason. Here, you can walk behind the waterfall. Being behind a waterfall is a totally different viewing experience than looking from the front. The spray, the sound, and the way the rock frames the water all make it feel immersive in a real way, even though you’re still outdoors getting wet at times.

Practical note: plan for moisture. You can enjoy it more if you have clothes or layers you don’t mind getting damp. And if it’s windy, hold steady and watch your footing near slick surfaces.

This waterfall pair also makes sense within the day. You’ve already been in dramatic coastal terrain and black sand. Ending with waterfall giants is the payoff, the part that makes the 10-hour day feel justified.

Price and Value at About $299 for a Full Day

At around $299 per person for a 10-hour outing, this isn’t a budget activity. But you are buying a full experience, not just a ride to a viewpoint.

Here’s what you’re getting for that price based on what’s included:

• Experienced, qualified English-speaking guide
• ATV use (two people share one quad)
• insulated cover-all, helmet, and balaclava
• boots optional depending on weather
• a full day transport plan connecting Reykjavik to multiple major stops

The big value is the pairing. You’re paying for:

1) a real ATV time on the beach

2) stops at major natural icons you might otherwise spend half a day planning and driving for

The parts that reduce value slightly are also clear:

• lunch is not included
• extra warm clothing is not included

If you show up with decent layers and snacks, the price starts to feel fair. If you forget warm gear or you’re hungry all day, you’ll feel the cost more.

Who Should Book This ATV South Coast Tour, and Who Should Skip

I’d steer you toward this tour if you want an active day, not just photos and bus windows. The ATV riding on black sand is a core highlight, and you’ll get the best experience if you’re comfortable in outdoor cold and you actually want to participate.

It’s also a good fit if you’re short on Iceland time. The day touches multiple South Coast must-sees, so you don’t need to string together separate tours to hit waterfalls and coastal views.

You should skip it if:

• you’re traveling with children under 8 (not suitable)
• you’re pregnant (not suitable)
• you don’t have a valid driver’s license and you were hoping to drive (license is required to drive)

And if you’re traveling as a solo rider, keep in mind that an extra single-rider ATV may be required with payment on site. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it does change the value math.

Practical Tips so You Actually Enjoy the Day

This kind of Iceland day can go great or drag depending on how ready you are. A few tips that keep things smooth:

• Bring waterproof shoes you trust on wet, sandy surfaces.
• Add warm layers even if Reykjavik feels mild early. South Coast wind is its own weather system.
• Bring a driver’s license and keep it accessible. You’ll need it if you want to drive.
• If you have any flexibility, plan your best photos for when you’re at the waterfall stops. That’s where you get the most time to slow down.
• Expect sandy gear. The ATV beach and the DC3 stop are both on black sand, so keep an open mind about clean-up.

A small comfort thing: the tour provides insulated cover-alls plus helmet and balaclava. That helps a lot. But you still need the right base layers.

Guides matter on days like this, and the guides on this tour are repeatedly praised for being experienced and friendly. Henrik is specifically called out for being experienced and fun, and Ragnar is noted for being kind and informative. That kind of guiding style is exactly what you want when you’re riding and walking in cold, windy conditions.

Should You Book This ATV South Coast Tour from Reykjavik?

If you want the South Coast highlights plus a meaningful, time-based ATV experience, this is a strong choice. The day gives you Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss with a walk behind, the DC3 plane wreck, and views toward Dyrhólaey Peninsula and Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, all in one go.

Book it if you can handle the cold, you have a valid driver’s license, and you don’t mind packing snacks since lunch isn’t included. It’s not just scenic, it’s active and memorable.

Skip it if you want a relaxed day trip, if you’re not comfortable driving, or if your group includes kids under 8 or someone who is pregnant. Also skip it if the idea of black sand getting everywhere would ruin your mood.

For many first-time Iceland visitors, this tour hits a sweet spot: major sights, real coastline mood, and an ATV ride that makes the day feel like more than sightseeing.

FAQ

How long is the South Coast, Plane Wreck, and ATV tour from Reykjavik?

The tour lasts 10 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is the BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

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

Yes. A valid driver’s license is required if you want to drive the quad bike.

What ATV and safety gear is included?

You’ll get an ATV (two persons share one quad) plus an insulated cover-all, a helmet, and a balaclava face mask. Boots are optional depending on weather conditions and your footwear.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring a driver’s license, warm clothing, and waterproof shoes.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What are the age and pregnancy requirements?

The tour is not suitable for children under 8, and it is not suitable for pregnant women.

Is this tour appropriate for solo travelers?

Single riders and groups with odd numbers are required to book a single-rider ATV, payable on site.

Is alcohol allowed on the tour?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.