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

The star of this long South Coast day is the two-hour ATV ride across Sólheimasandur, a wide black-sand shore with the famous 1973 DC3 plane wreck as its target. You are not simply looking at Iceland from a coach window. You are crossing a stark, desert-like stretch by quad bike, with Dyrhólaey and Mýrdalsjökull in view.

I like the way the tour pairs an active outing with two of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls. I also like the practical setup: helmets, face masks, insulated coveralls, and an experienced English-speaking guide are included. The main drawback is the price, $299 per person, plus the possible single-rider surcharge. Ten hours is a long day, too, especially if you want a relaxed pace.

Key points to know before booking

• The ATV ride is the heart of the day: You spend about two hours riding on black sand and stopping at the DC3 plane wreck.
• Two people share one quad bike: A valid driver’s license is needed to drive, and odd-numbered groups must pay for a single ATV on site.
• The waterfalls come later: Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss are visited on the return to Reykjavik.
• You get mountain and coastal views: Dyrhólaey Peninsula and Mýrdalsjökull Glacier are part of the scenery around Sólheimasandur.
• Weather gear is partly covered: Coveralls, a helmet, and a balaclava are included, but you still need warm clothes and waterproof shoes.
• Recent guides have made a strong impression: Henrik and Ragnar are named in recent bookings, with praise for their good humor, care, and useful information.

Why this South Coast tour is different

Many South Coast outings from Reykjavik follow the same familiar route: waterfalls, cliffs, black sand, and perhaps a glacier view from the road. This one adds a proper outdoor activity in the middle. The ATV ride gives the day a clear center rather than making it a string of short photo stops.

The setting is Sólheimasandur, a broad black-sand area shaped by volcanic and glacial forces. Its open surface can feel almost bare, with little to break the view. That starkness is exactly the appeal. You get a close look at the dark shore and the surrounding mountains without spending the entire day on foot.

The DC3 plane wreck adds a strange human detail to the scene. The aircraft crashed on the beach in 1973, and the remains have become one of Iceland’s most recognizable sights. The ATV route takes you across the sand to the wreck, so the vehicle is useful here, not just a bit of decoration.

I would choose this trip if you want more motion than a standard coach tour. You should not choose it simply because you want a cheap way to see the waterfalls. At $299, the ATV portion needs to be the reason you book.

From Reykjavik to the southern shore

The day begins at BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik. You need to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. The full outing lasts about 10 hours, so plan for most of your day to be committed to the South Coast.

The information provided does not give a precise pickup time or group size. You will need to check the available starting times when booking. The tour includes transport, and the guide leads the day in English.

The ride south is part of the appeal, but it also explains why the day is long. You are traveling from Reykjavik to the Sólheimasandur area, then returning through the waterfall stops. This is not a quick local ATV outing with a short transfer. It is a full-day Iceland route with a substantial amount of road time.

Bring food or budget for lunch on your own. Lunch is not included, and the schedule gives you little reason to expect a full meal as part of the tour. Warm clothing belongs in your day bag even though protective gear is supplied. Iceland’s weather can change quickly, and an insulated coverall is not a substitute for layers underneath.

The two-hour ATV ride on Sólheimasandur

At the Adventure Ground, you gear up for the quad-bike portion. The tour supplies an insulated coverall, helmet, and balaclava face mask. Boots may be available, depending on the weather and your footwear, but you should arrive with waterproof shoes rather than rely on that option.

The ATV ride lasts about two hours. That is enough time to make the driving itself worthwhile, rather than treating it as a brief amusement stop. You cross the black sand toward the plane wreck and travel on toward the coast, with wide views of the surrounding area.

You need a valid driver’s license if you plan to drive. Two people share one ATV, which is an important detail for the budget and for your expectations. If you are traveling alone or your party has an odd number, you must book a single-rider ATV and pay the extra charge on site.

That surcharge is the most likely surprise in the day. If three people book together, for example, two can share one vehicle while the third needs a single rider arrangement. Check this before you commit, especially if the $299 price already stretches your budget.

The ride is described as thrilling but safe, with an experienced and qualified guide leading the group. You should still expect a real outdoor activity, not a gentle sightseeing loop. Wear clothing you can move in, keep your hands warm, and be ready for wind, spray, and sand.

The guides named in recent bookings include Henrik and Ragnar. Henrik is praised for being experienced and fun, while Ragnar is described as kind and informative. Guides can change, so you should not book on the promise of one particular person, but these details give you a useful sense of the tone the operator aims for.

The 1973 DC3 plane wreck

The plane wreck is the most unusual stop on the route. In 1973, a DC3 aircraft crashed on the sands of Sólheimasandur. The stripped-down wreck sits in a stark setting, with black sand and open sky around it.

The ATV makes this stop more practical than a simple roadside visit. You ride across the broad shore instead of walking the entire approach. The supplied details do not state how long you stay at the wreck, so I would treat it as a major stop within the two-hour ride, not as a separate half-day visit.

This is also where the tour’s value becomes clearer. You are combining transport to a remote-feeling sight with a guided ride and protective equipment. You are paying for access, instruction, and the activity, not just for a photograph of the aircraft.

The wreck itself may appeal more to some people than others. If you enjoy unusual places, old machines, and stark coastal views, it is a strong part of the itinerary. If you are mainly interested in waterfalls and traditional Iceland scenery, the plane may feel like a detour.

Dyrhólaey and Mýrdalsjökull in the distance

As you travel through the coastal area, the route gives you views toward Dyrhólaey Peninsula, the southernmost tip of Iceland, and Mýrdalsjökull Glacier farther inland. These are viewed as part of the scenery around the ATV route rather than presented as separate hiking stops.

Dyrhólaey gives the coast a bold shape, with the sea and cliffs creating a strong horizon. Mýrdalsjökull adds a cold, high mountain presence inland. Seeing both in one area helps you understand the South Coast’s mix of black shore, ocean, volcanic ground, and ice.

Do not book this tour expecting a glacier walk or a long visit at Dyrhólaey. Neither is described as a separate activity. You are getting views of these landmarks while riding and traveling through the region.

That distinction matters. The day is best for collecting several different South Coast impressions rather than studying one place in depth. You will see more variety, but each stop has a set time within the overall schedule.

Skógafoss: a powerful waterfall stop

On the return toward Reykjavik, the tour stops at Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls. It is a broad, forceful fall with a strong visual impact even if you have already seen pictures.

The amount of time here matters. One recent booking specifically praised the driver for allowing a good amount of time at both waterfalls. That suggests the stop is not treated as a rushed roadside snapshot, though the exact schedule can vary with conditions and traffic.

You will want waterproof layers and shoes here. Mist from a major waterfall can soak clothing, and the ground may be wet. The tour’s coverall is intended for the ATV ride, so keep your own rain protection handy for the waterfall stops.

Skógafoss works well late in the day because it gives you a classic Iceland sight after the more unusual plane-wreck section. It is familiar, but not dull. The scale of the fall makes it one of the stops that can justify the South Coast drive on its own.

Seljalandsfoss and the walk behind the water

The final major stop is Seljalandsfoss, known for the path that lets you walk behind the falling water. This is one of the most memorable parts of the route, but it is also the stop where good footwear and weather protection matter most.

The ground behind a waterfall can be wet and slippery. The tour specifically asks you to bring waterproof shoes, and this is the clearest reason why. Ordinary sneakers may leave you cold, damp, and unhappy before the drive back to Reykjavik.

The walk behind Seljalandsfoss is dependent on conditions. The available details do not promise that the path will always be open, so you should see it as an opportunity rather than a guarantee. Even from the front, the waterfall is a worthwhile stop.

Together, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss give the day a satisfying finish. One is wide and powerful, the other offers a more unusual viewpoint. Recent feedback also points to enough time at both, which is important after the long ATV section.

What the $299 price really buys

At $299 per person, this is not a bargain South Coast sightseeing trip. The price makes more sense if you assign real value to the two-hour ATV ride, the equipment, the guide, and the transport from Reykjavik.

Included are an experienced and qualified guide, one ATV per two people, insulated coveralls, a helmet, and a balaclava face mask. Boots may be provided depending on weather and footwear. You still need to pay for lunch and bring extra warm clothing.

The shared-ATV arrangement helps couples and friends keep the base price reasonable. It is less favorable for solo riders or odd-numbered groups because of the extra single-rider fee payable on site. Ask about that charge before booking if your party cannot divide evenly into pairs.

The value also depends on what you would otherwise book. If you already plan to pay separately for a South Coast transport trip and a quad-bike outing, combining both in one day may be efficient. If you only want the waterfalls, a less activity-focused outing could offer better value.

The booking terms are useful for a weather-sensitive plan. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Availability and starting times should still be checked before you make firm plans.

Clothing, rules, and who should skip it

Bring a valid driver’s license, warm clothing, and waterproof shoes. Do not count on Iceland’s summer label to keep you comfortable. Wind on an open black-sand shore can make a mild day feel much colder.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. Children under eight and pregnant women should not take this tour. The supplied information does not list a maximum age or specific mobility requirements, so contact the operator if you have concerns beyond those restrictions.

You should be comfortable with a long day, changing weather, and an ATV ride that lasts two hours. The tour suits couples, friends, and active families with eligible children who want a strong mix of nature and action.

It is less suitable if you dislike motorized activities, need a slow-paced itinerary, or want long, quiet visits at every sight. The ATV ride is not an optional extra tucked into a waterfall tour. It is the main reason for the trip.

Should you book this Iceland South Coast tour?

I would book it if you want a full-day South Coast outing with a real activity at its center. The black-sand ATV ride to the DC3 wreck is the distinctive feature, while Dyrhólaey, Mýrdalsjökull, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss fill out the day with classic Iceland scenery.

I would think twice if you are traveling alone, since the single-rider charge changes the price, or if your main goal is simply to see the waterfalls as cheaply as possible. For everyone else, the combination of guided riding, protective gear, remote-feeling shore, plane wreck, and two major waterfalls gives the $299 cost a reasonable purpose.

Henrik and Ragnar are examples of the kind of friendly, capable guide this outing needs. Check the current arrangements, pack seriously warm and waterproof clothing, and treat the ATV ride as the main event. If that sounds like your kind of Iceland day, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts 10 hours, including transport from Reykjavik, the ATV ride, and visits to the two waterfalls.

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

How long is the ATV ride?

The guided ATV ride lasts about two hours.

Do two people share one ATV?

Yes. The standard arrangement is one ATV shared by two people.

Can I ride alone on an ATV?

Yes, but solo riders and groups with odd numbers must book a single-rider ATV and pay the additional amount on site.

Do I need a driver’s license?

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

What equipment is included?

The tour includes an insulated coverall, helmet, and balaclava face mask. Boots may be available depending on the weather and your footwear.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so you should plan to bring food or arrange your own meal.

Which waterfalls does the tour visit?

The tour visits Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss on the return to Reykjavik.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

No. The tour is not suitable for children under eight years old. Pregnant women should also not take part.