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South Coast & Sky Lagoon Small Group Tour from Reykjavík

About 13 hoursGroup: Small groupEasySmall-group minibusAge 12+All year
4.9(22 reviews)

A full-day South Coast and Sky Lagoon tour in a small group from Reykjavík. You see the big waterfalls, the black sand beach at Reynisfjara and the Sólheimajökull glacier, then finish the day in the warm water at Sky Lagoon, with entry and the 7-step ritual included.

SkógafossVíkReynisfjara black sand beachSólheimajökull glacierSeljalandsfossSky Lagoon
  • The classic South Coast day in a small group
  • Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls
  • Reynisfjara black sand beach and the village of Vík
  • A close look at the Sólheimajökull glacier tongue
  • Sky Lagoon entry with the 7-step ritual (Saman Pass) at the end of the day

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.
1Pick-up in ReykjavíkPick-up from central Reykjavík; allow up to 30 minutes.
2SkógafossSkógafossA wide 60-metre waterfall with a staircase to the top.
SkógafossSkógafossSkógafoss

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. You can walk to its base, or climb the stairs beside it for a view over the river and the coast.

Walking · flat to the base; long staircase to the topFacilities · toilets and café nearby
Read our Skógafoss guide →
3VíkVíkA short stop in Iceland's southernmost village.
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.

Facilities · shops, cafés and toilets
Read our Vík í Mýrdal guide →
4The 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.

Safety · follow the warning lights and never turn your back on the seaFacilities · restaurant and toilets
Read our Reynisfjara guide →
5Sólheimajökull glacierSólheimajökull glacierA walk to the edge of a glacier tongue of Mýrdalsjökull.
Sólheimajökull glacierSólheimajökull glacierSólheimajökull glacier

Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier of Mýrdalsjökull, the ice cap that sits on top of the Katla volcano. It is about 8 kilometres long and retreating. From the car park a short, mostly flat gravel path leads to a black meltwater lagoon at the edge of the ice, 15 to 20 minutes each way. Glacier hikes onto the ice itself need a guide and equipment, and you should not walk onto it without one.

Walking · gravel path from the car parkTip · do not walk onto the ice without a glacier guide
Read our Sólheimajökull guide →
6Seljalandsfoss waterfallSeljalandsfossA 60-metre waterfall with a path behind it in the warmer months.
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. In summer you can walk right behind the falling water.

Tip · wear a waterproof jacket, the spray gets everywhere
Read our Seljalandsfoss guide →
7Sunset over the sea from the edge of Sky LagoonSky LagoonA warm soak and the 7-step ritual by the sea in Kópavogur.
Sunset over the sea from the edge of Sky LagoonTwo guests during the ritual at Sky LagoonBathers at the lagoon's sea edge

A geothermal lagoon with an infinity edge facing the North Atlantic. Your Saman Pass gives you lagoon entry, the 7-step ritual with sauna and cold plunge, and use of a towel, with shared changing rooms.

Included · Saman Pass with the 7-step ritual and towelBring · swimsuitAge · Sky Lagoon is for guests aged 12 and over
8Back to ReykjavíkDrop-off in central Reykjavík.

About the South Coast and Sky Lagoon tour

This is a long day, about 13 hours, but a good one. The South Coast is the busiest day trip from Reykjavík after the Golden Circle, and here you do it in a small group, then relax in a geothermal lagoon before you go back to your hotel.

The route goes east along Route 1 to Vík and back. You stop at Skógafoss, the black sand beach at Reynisfjara and the village of Vík, walk up to the edge of Sólheimajökull glacier, and see Seljalandsfoss on the way back. There is a lunch stop, but lunch is not included.

The last stop is Sky Lagoon in Kópavogur, just outside Reykjavík. The infinity-edge pool looks out over the sea, and the Saman Pass includes the 7-step ritual: a warm soak, a cold plunge, a sauna with a sea view, a cold mist, a body scrub, steam and a final shower. Towels are included; bring your swimsuit.

In winter you have only a few hours of daylight, so part of the drive is in the dark and paths can be icy. In summer the South Coast stops are busy in the middle of the day. Bring warm, waterproof clothes for the coast and a swimsuit for the lagoon.

Included

  • Small-group minibus tour with a guide
  • Pick-up and drop-off in central Reykjavík
  • Wi-Fi on board
  • Sky Lagoon entry with the Saman Pass and the 7-step ritual (no Sér Pass upgrade on this tour)
  • Towel at Sky Lagoon

Not included

  • Lunch (there is a stop where you can buy food)
  • Food and drinks

What to bring

  • Swimsuit
  • Warm, wind- and waterproof clothing
  • Comfortable shoes with good grip
  • Water and snacks

Good to know

  • Duration: about 13 hours
  • Minimum age 12, which is Sky Lagoon's age limit
  • Easy: short walks on paths, which can be icy in winter
  • Pick-up from central Reykjavík; pick-up can take up to 30 minutes
  • Runs all year; in winter much of the day is dark and the waterfall paths can be icy
  • Toilets at most stops and at Sky Lagoon
  • Cancellations less than 48 hours before departure are not refunded

Questions people ask

Do I need to bring a towel?

No. A towel is included at Sky Lagoon. You only need your swimsuit.

Can children join?

Only from age 12, because Sky Lagoon does not allow younger guests.

Do we walk on the glacier?

No. You walk up to the edge of Sólheimajökull and look at it from the viewpoint. For a hike on the ice, choose a glacier hike tour.

Is lunch included?

No. The tour stops where you can buy lunch, so bring a card or some cash.

How big is the group?

It is a small-group tour in a minibus, not a large coach.

Reviews

Reviews from travellers who took this tour. A local reads every review before it is shown.
4.9Based on 22 reviews
5 stars20
4 stars2
3 stars0
2 stars0
1 star0
Highly Recommend for First Timers

If it’s your first trip to Iceland, this is a gorgeous way to see the South Coast and also treat yourself. Sky Lagoon was a highlight; it feels indulgent. Waterfalls and coast were amazing. Guide was professional, safety-conscious, and made it easy.
Recommend chatting to the guides at Iceland Travel Guide and let them help you plan your trip!

Daniel M.
Perfect tour for us

This was simply the perfect tour for us and the Sky Lagoon adds a luxury touch. Relaxing in warm baths after hiking and walking in the cold day made the difference. The guide’s local insights and good timing kept the flow smooth and enjoyable.

Emily F.
Great tour but Sky Lagoon a bit warm

The waterfalls black sand beach was beautiful on the tour. I really liked the Sky Lagoon as well, but in my opinion it is a little bit too warm. The views were great and I really loved the 7 step ritual. Guide was super friendly and great at picking photo spots.

Traveller
Familia Feliz & Relax

Fuimos con nuestros hijos y todos lo pasamos genial. Las cascadas les impresionaban mucho, la playa de arena negra fue divertida, y Sky Lagoon fue un momento de relax total despues del dia. El guia estaba atento con los niños también.

Sofia T.
Sky Lagoon at sunset!

The tour was timed very well. Finished the South Coast part of the tour in time to arrive at Sky Lagoon just before sunset. The colors were unreal. The guide arranged everything so arrival was seamless. The Lagoon experience after a full day was exactly what we needed.

Traveller
Iceland trip

What a day! Gorgeous waterfalls, dramatic coastline, and then Sky Lagoon’s spa vibes. A perfect mini-vacation in one day. Highly recommend this for anyone traveling from Reykjavik.
Had my whole trip planned by Iceland Travel Guide and this was my first day. Can't wait for the Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon tour tomorrow!

Megan O.
From29,990 ISKPer person

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