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Private South Coast Tour from Reykjavík

About 9 hoursGroup: Private tour, up to 18 peopleEasyPrivate vehicle and guideNo minimum ageAll year
5.0(16 reviews)

A private South Coast tour from Reykjavík with your own local guide and vehicle, for your group only. In about 9 hours you walk behind Seljalandsfoss, see Skógafoss and the quieter Kvernufoss, and stand on the black sand at Reynisfjara. The price is from 140,000 ISK for the whole group, and your guide was born and raised in Iceland.

At a glance
Price140,000 ISK for 1–4 people · 255,900 ISK for 5–8 · 299,900 ISK for 9–12 · 380,000 ISK for 13–18 (per group, whole group)
GroupYour group only, 1–18 people
DurationAbout 9 hours, with the start time you choose. Longer days and your own route on request.
PickupYour hotel or a nearby bus stop in Reykjavík. Airport pickup costs extra.
Your guideOne of our own local guides, born and raised in Iceland
IncludedPrivate vehicle and driver-guide, all entry and parking fees on the route, child seats
Not includedLunch, optional activities
CancellationFree up to 48 hours before the start
QuestionsA local replies within 24 hours
SeljalandsfossGljúfrabúiSkógafossKvernufossVíkReynisfjara black beach
  • Your own local guide and vehicle, for your group only
  • Walk behind Seljalandsfoss and step into the canyon at Gljúfrabúi
  • Skógafoss and the quieter Kvernufoss, which most buses skip
  • Basalt columns and sea stacks at Reynisfjara black sand beach
  • Add one activity, like the Katla ice cave or a glacier hike

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.
1Pick-up in ReykjavíkYour guide meets you at your hotel or a nearby bus stop.
2HveragerðiHveragerðiCoffee and pastries in a greenhouse town built on a hot spring area.
HveragerðiHveragerðiHveragerði

Hveragerði is a small town built on a hot spring area, known for its greenhouses and steaming hillsides. It is a relaxed first stop for coffee and pastries, with the option to try the earthquake simulator, which is not included. There is a bakery, café and toilets.

Facilities · bakery, café and toiletsOptional · earthquake exhibition, not included
3Seljalandsfoss waterfallSeljalandsfossA tall waterfall with a path that loops right behind it.
Seljalandsfoss waterfallSeljalandsfossSeljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss drops 60 metres from what was once the edge of the coastline, before sea levels fell after the last ice age. The Seljalandsá river is fed by meltwater from Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that erupted in 2010 and grounded flights across Europe. It is one of the few waterfalls in Iceland with a path behind the falling water, so expect to get wet and bring a waterproof jacket.

Walking · short loop path, wet and slippery behind the fallsWinter · the path behind the falls can close because of iceTip · wear a waterproof jacket and trousers
Read our Seljalandsfoss guide →
4GljúfrabúiGljúfrabúiA waterfall hidden inside a narrow canyon, a short walk from Seljalandsfoss.
GljúfrabúiGljúfrabúiGljúfrabúi

A 40-metre waterfall hidden inside a narrow, moss-covered canyon, about 10 minutes' walk along a flat path from Seljalandsfoss. From the outside you only see the top of the falls. To see it all, you step on stones along a shallow stream into the canyon, so waterproof shoes help.

Walking · about 10 minutes from Seljalandsfoss on a flat pathTip · waterproof shoes help at the canyon entrance
5Skógafoss waterfallSkógafossA wide, powerful waterfall with a staircase to the top.
Skógafoss waterfallSkógafossSkógafoss

Skógafoss falls in one broad curtain about 60 metres high and 25 metres wide, right beside the village of Skógar. On sunny days the spray usually throws a rainbow, sometimes a double one, across the pool at its base. A staircase of 527 steps leads to a viewpoint at the top, where you can see the river before it drops.

Walking · flat path to the base; steep stairs to the topFacilities · toilets and cafés nearby
Read our Skógafoss guide →
6KvernufossKvernufossA quieter waterfall in a small gorge near Skógar.
KvernufossKvernufossKvernufoss

Kvernufoss, 'mill waterfall', drops 30 to 40 metres over a basalt ledge into a narrow green gorge just east of Skógafoss. Because it is a short walk off the road, it stays much quieter than its famous neighbour. A path leads around the side and behind the curtain of water into a shallow cave, and the walk is about 1.5 kilometres there and back.

Walking · short hike on an uneven pathTip · the path can be muddy after rain
Read our Kvernufoss guide →
7VíkVíkThe southernmost village in Iceland, with time for lunch.
VíkVíkVík

Vík í Mýrdal is the southernmost village in Iceland, with about 750 residents, and the natural stopping point on the South Coast. It sits under the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, which covers the Katla volcano, and has a black sand beach with sea stacks, a hilltop church, a supermarket and a filling station. It is a good place for a meal or a break before the next stretch of road. Your guide stops at a restaurant here for lunch, which you pay for yourself.

Lunch · not included; restaurants in the villageFacilities · shops, fuel station and toilets
Read our Vík í Mýrdal guide →
8The basalt cave at Reynisfjara black sand beachReynisfjara black sand beachBlack sand, basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
The basalt cave at Reynisfjara black sand beachReynisfjara black sand beachReynisfjara black sand beach

Reynisfjara is a black sand beach with the sea stacks of Reynisdrangar rising out of the water offshore. At the western end, a cliff of hexagonal basalt columns, stacked like organ pipes, stands beside the cave Hálsanefshellir. It is also one of the most dangerous beaches in Iceland, because of sudden, powerful waves that run far up the sand. Keep well back from the water and follow the warning signs.

Walking · flat sand near the car parkSafety · stay well back from the water at all timesFacilities · restaurant and toilets
Read our Reynisfjara guide →
9Back to ReykjavíkDrop-off at your hotel or bus stop.

About the South Coast private tour

The South Coast is where Iceland's waterfalls, glaciers and black beaches sit close together along the Ring Road. On a private tour you set the pace: stay longer where you like, skip what you don't, and your guide adjusts the route to the weather and the light.

The drive from Reykjavík to Vík is about 180 km each way, so this is a full day of around 9 hours. Along with the well-known stops you visit Gljúfrabúi, a waterfall tucked inside a narrow canyon, and Kvernufoss, a short walk from Skógar. Walks are short, but paths behind the waterfalls are wet and can be slippery.

You can add one activity to the day, such as the Katla ice cave, a glacier hike on Sólheimajökull or horse riding on the black beach, at an extra cost. In winter the days are short and roads can be icy, so your guide plans the day around daylight. In summer the popular stops are busy in the middle of the day, and a private tour makes it easy to visit them at quieter times.

Who will guide you

We are a small, family-run travel agency in Iceland, and our private tours are led by our own guides, who were born and raised here.

Pétur leads most of our private tours. Guests often mention his stories, his favourite hidden spots, and how he paces the day around them. Jói and Óli guide with us too. Óli brings years of local knowledge, and Jói loves the active days on the glaciers and beaches.

On busy days we sometimes work with a trusted local guide from a partner, and we always tell you who will meet you.

“Petur was an absolutely incredible guide… He was so flexible and really listened to exactly what I wanted to do while also keeping things very chill and easy-going. It was so nice not having to worry about renting a car or trying to figure out the logistics on my own.”

Private tour or bus tour?

Private tour (this one)Small-group or bus tour
Who is in the vehicleOnly your groupUp to 19–50 other travellers
Pace and stopsYou decide, and your guide adaptsFixed timetable
PickupAt your hotel, at the time you chooseSet pickup times
Extra stopsGljúfrabúi, Kvernufoss, and your guide's favouritesUsually the main stops only
PriceFrom 140,000 ISK per groupPer person, from about 15,990 ISK on a bus tour

Make it your own

Optional extras, at extra cost
  • Katla ice cave
  • Glacier hike
  • Horse riding tour
  • Lava Show in Reykjavík
  • Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel tour
  • Glacier lagoon kayaking
  • Pick-up from the airport

Included

  • Local English-speaking private driver and guide
  • Private vehicle
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or bus stop in Reykjavík
  • All entry fees on the route
  • Child seats on request

Not included

  • Lunch and drinks
  • Optional activities
  • Pick-up or drop-off at Keflavík Airport

What to bring

  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Warm layers
  • Hat, gloves and warm socks
  • Walking shoes with a good grip
  • Camera

Good to know

  • The price is per vehicle, for your whole private group
  • Up to 18 people per private group
  • Duration is about 9 hours; you choose the start time when you book
  • No minimum age; child seats are free on request, please tell us in advance
  • Easy walking at every stop, but paths near waterfalls are wet and slippery
  • Pick-up at your hotel or a nearby bus stop in Reykjavík; airport pick-up costs extra
  • You can add one extra activity per tour
  • In winter the path behind Seljalandsfoss can close because of ice
  • Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the start. No refund within 48 hours.

Questions people ask

Is the price per person or per group?

Per vehicle and group. The price in the booking box is for your whole private group.

Can we change the stops?

Yes. It is a private tour, so your guide can adjust the route and time at each stop within the day.

Can we add an activity?

Yes, one extra activity per tour, such as the Katla ice cave, a glacier hike or horse riding. It costs extra.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes. There is no minimum age and child seats are free on request.

Can you pick us up at the airport?

Yes, pick-up at Keflavík Airport is possible at an extra cost.

How many people can join?

Up to 18. The price is for your whole group and depends on its size: 1–4, 5–8, 9–12 or 13–18 people.

How long is the tour?

About 9 hours. The drive to Vík is about 180 km each way. Want a longer day or a different route? Every private tour can be customised. Just ask, and we'll plan it with you.

Who is the guide? Are the guides Icelandic?

Yes. Our private tours are led by our own guides, who were born and raised in Iceland. We are a small, family-run agency.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Your guide keeps an eye on the weather and road conditions and adjusts the route or order of stops. If the roads are closed and the tour can't run, you choose: move it to another day, or get a full refund.

Can we visit the glacier lagoon (Jökulsárlón) on this tour?

It's too far for one comfortable day with all these stops. For Jökulsárlón, see our Private Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Tour.

Is it a good choice in winter?

Yes. Your guide plans the day around the daylight (about 4–5 hours in December). In winter the path behind Seljalandsfoss can close because of ice.

Where do we stop for lunch?

In Vík, the southernmost village in Iceland. There are a few cafés and restaurants there. Lunch is not included.

How do we cancel?

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the start. No refund within 48 hours.

Reviews

Reviews from travellers who took this tour. A local reads every review before it is shown.
5.0Based on 16 reviews
5 stars16
4 stars0
3 stars0
2 stars0
1 star0
Amazing time with Petur

We had an amazing time on the tour with Petur. Could not have asked for a better guide. It is a day we will remember our entire life! Absolutely worth it and so beautiful and so much fun with Petur.

Tiffany · September 2026
The best day in September

We had the most beautiful day on this tour in September. Our guide was the best and showed us around the popular places but also some of his favorite hidden spots, which was so valuable for us!
Our family had the best time on this tour and the attractions of the south coast are exceptional! Could not recommend more to visit Iceland in September with Iceland Travel Guide and Peter.

Carl · October 2025
Un’esperienza Indimenticabile Grazie Alla Guida

Il tour è stato meraviglioso, ma la vera differenza l’ha fatta la nostra guida. Gentile, appassionato e molto preparato. Ci ha portato nei luoghi più belli e ci ha raccontato tantissime curiosità su ogni tappa. Davvero eccezionale.

Sofia R.Review from our previous website
Exceptional Service From Start to Finish

From the moment he picked us up, our guide made us feel welcome. He told fascinating stories about Icelandic culture and kept us entertained during the drive. At each stop, he gave us time to enjoy ourselves but was always nearby to answer questions. Exceptional in every way!

Emma W.Review from our previous website
Personalized and Professional

The scenery was stunning, but what set this tour apart was our guide. He customized the day based on our interests, avoided the big crowds, and even showed us hidden gems we’d never have found on our own. He was patient, kind, and clearly loved sharing Iceland with visitors.

David C.Review from our previous website
The Best Guide We’ve Ever Had

Our guide absolutely made this day unforgettable. His knowledge of Icelandic history, geology, and folklore brought every stop to life. Walking behind Seljalandsfoss, feeling the spray of Skogafoss, and standing on Reynisfjara beach were incredible on their own—but having such a passionate guide made it 10 times better. Easily the best guide we’ve ever had anywhere.

Laura T.Review from our previous website
From140,000 ISKPer vehicle, for your whole group

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