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

A long, scenic day starts with a roaring ATV. This South Coast trip pairs a 2-hour quad ride on black sand with some of Iceland’s most memorable waterfall stops. I especially like the mix of wild, natural driving and classic photo-points like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. The main downside to plan for is the lack of included lunch and the fact that you’ll feel cold if you show up underdressed.

This tour also has real variety. You’ll roll from Reykjavik toward the south coast, cross volcanic, desert-like ground, stop at the famous DC3 plane wreck, and then work in viewpoints for Dyrhólaey and Mýrdalsjökull. In other words, it’s not just a single highlight stretched out for hours.

One more practical note before you go: to actually drive, you need a valid driver’s license, and if you’re traveling solo or with an odd number of people, you’ll need a single-rider ATV with an added on-site charge.

Quick Hits

• Two hours on Sólheimasandur black sand on a safe, guided quad ride
• DC3 Plane Wreck on the beach for a surreal, iconic stop
• Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss with time to enjoy both waterfalls
• Dyrhólaey and Mýrdalsjökull viewpoint moments during the drive
• Insulated gear setup (cover-alls, helmet, and face mask) so you’re not guessing what to wear
• English live guide and highly-rated transport for a smooth day plan

South Coast ATV: Why This Day Feels Like More Than a Ride

What I like about this tour is the balance. You get an active, adrenaline chunk (the quad ride), but the rest of the day isn’t just driving past scenery with no payoff. The itinerary builds toward stops that are visually strong and easy to understand: a black sand beach, a grounded aircraft on the sands, then the waterfalls that Iceland is famous for.

The quad portion matters because it’s not a short, novelty loop. You’re out long enough to feel the texture of the beach under the tires, the wide-open feel of the coast, and the rhythm of guided riding. And because you’ll also get waterfall time, you end your day with the kind of payoff that still looks good even if the weather is moody.

The plane wreck stop is the kind of location that turns photos into a story. It’s not just a random object on a shore. It’s a real, atmospheric scene that looks almost unreal until you’re standing there in the wind.

Getting Out of Reykjavik Efficiently (and What That Means for Your Day)

Reykjavik is where your day begins, with pick-up at the BSI Bus Terminal in the city centre. You’ll want to arrive about 15 minutes early so check-in doesn’t eat into your sightseeing time.

Why this matters: a 10-hour day on Iceland’s south coast is a timing game. You’re trading a bit of flexibility for a full schedule—so arriving on time helps you actually enjoy the stops rather than rush through them.

Also, this is a route built for views that change with light. Early starts don’t guarantee sunshine, but they do give you better odds of seeing more of the coast in workable conditions. Even if the weather is dramatic, the quad ride and the falls don’t become useless. In Iceland, weather usually just changes the mood—sometimes for the better.

Gear Up at the Adventure Ground: What’s Included and What Isn’t

Before you ride, you’ll gear up at the Adventure Ground. The tour includes the important safety and comfort items: an insulated cover-all, helmet, and a balaclava face mask. That insulation piece is a big deal in Iceland, because you can feel cold fast when wind hits wet sand and salt air.

You also have boots available optionally depending on the weather and what you’re wearing. The tour setup is designed so you’re not forced to buy anything on the spot, but you still have control over what you wear under the cover-alls.

What you must bring:

• Warm clothing
• Waterproof shoes
• Driver’s license (required if you want to drive)

What’s not included:

• Extra warm clothing
• Lunch

So, even though the core gear is handled, you should still plan your layers like you’re going out for a long, windy day.

The 2-Hour Quad Ride on Black Sand (Sólheimasandur): What It’s Like

The star action is a thrilling but safe ATV quad ride on the black sand beach at Sólheimasandur. You’ll ride for about two hours, and you’ll be paired with another rider because the ATV is set up so two persons share the same quad.

That “shared ATV” setup is worth paying attention to. If you’re hoping to ride completely independently the whole time, this isn’t the configuration. It’s still fun, but it’s designed around cooperative handling and sharing the ride.

The best way to prepare is mindset. This isn’t a calm beach walk; it’s active driving. Keep your grip and posture steady, listen to the guide’s instructions, and expect the sand to have its own quirks. Black sand can feel different under tires than you might expect—soft in some spots, firm in others.

From what I’d tell a friend: if you’re comfortable on uneven ground and you like movement, this part will feel like the real heart of the day.

DC3 Plane Wreck on the Beach: A Photo Stop With Real Atmosphere

After crossing that desert-like, volcanic-feeling ground, you reach the famous DC3 Plane Wreck sitting on the sands near the beach. The tour includes time to stop there and take photos, and it’s one of those locations where the scene explains itself: a plane out of place, in a windy open setting.

What makes this stop valuable is that it breaks up the day’s rhythm. You go from driving to a slower walk and longer looking. And because the wreck is visually dramatic, you don’t need to know a ton of aviation history to enjoy it. You just need decent conditions for photos, and time to stand and watch the light shift over the sand.

If it’s windy (common in that area), that’s part of the experience. Your helmet and face mask help, but you’ll still want to keep your hands ready for photos and keep your camera secured.

Dyrhólaey and Mýrdalsjökull Views: Why the Road Stops Matter

The south coast drive isn’t only about getting from point A to point B. You also get viewpoint moments, including:

• Dyrhólaey Peninsula (southernmost tip area)
• Mýrdalsjökull Glacier visible from inland viewpoints

These stops give you context for what you’re riding through. Without them, the black sand beach can feel like an isolated stage. With them, you start to see the bigger picture: glacier in the distance, dramatic coastline nearby, and the sense of scale that Iceland does so well.

One practical note: visibility can change quickly in Iceland. If clouds roll in, you might still get a strong sense of the terrain even if glacier details are soft. Focus on shape and distance rather than expecting a crisp textbook view every time.

Skógafoss: Classic Iceland Waterfall Power, Handled the Right Way

On the way back, you stop at Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls. This is one of those places where photos can’t fully show the scale because you feel the roar and the mist more than you see it.

A good thing about this tour is that you don’t just do a quick photo-and-go. You’re given time to enjoy the falls, which makes a difference at Skógafoss. If you’ve ever felt disappointed by waterfall stops that last five minutes, this is the opposite of that.

What to expect:

• Wind and mist near the falls
• A strong visual viewpoint from the main area
• Great photo conditions if the sun breaks through, or a moodier look if it doesn’t

Even if you don’t climb for every angle (and you don’t have to), you can still appreciate it from the viewpoints you’re given time for.

Seljalandsfoss: Walking Behind the Water (Yes, You Get Wet)

Next up is Seljalandsfoss, famous because you can walk behind the waterfall. That simple fact is why so many people care about this stop. It turns the waterfall into an experience, not just a sight.

The drawback here is also simple: you’ll deal with spray. Bring the right expectation. This is not a stay-dry attraction. Your cover-all and layers help, but you may still feel wet near your face, sleeves, or shoes.

If you want photos, go with a steady plan:

• Keep your hands and gear protected from mist.
• Take a few shots, then step back and watch the view from different positions.
• Don’t rush the behind-the-falls section; it’s the unique moment.

This is also one of those spots where time matters. The more time you have, the more chances you get to catch a good angle even if conditions are changeable.

Time on the Road and the No-Lunch Reality

This is a full-day outing: 10 hours total with multiple stops plus a real ride block. That’s part of the appeal, but it means you should manage your energy like it’s an all-day hike.

The tour does not include lunch, so you’ll need to think ahead. You can bring a snack, plan to eat outside, or keep your appetite under control so you don’t feel miserable halfway through the ride-to-waterfalls shift.

Also, wear waterproof shoes and dress for wind. Iceland south coast weather can swing between cold drizzle and clear skies fast. If you’re sweating under too many layers, you’ll feel worse later when you stop moving. If you’re underdressed, the quad ride can feel uncomfortable. Aim for warm and water-resistant, not just warm.

Price and Value: Is $299 Fair for This Combo?

At $299 per person, this tour isn’t a budget activity. But it can be good value because several key costs are wrapped in:

• Experienced, qualified guide
• ATV included, with the setup that two persons share an ATV
• Safety and warmth gear (insulated cover-all, helmet, balaclava)
• Transport from Reykjavik via a highly rated setup

What you pay extra for:

• Lunch
• Extra warm clothing you might need to bring if you’re underprepared
• Potential single-rider ATV on-site if you don’t fit the shared setup
• Boots are optional based on conditions

So the real question isn’t just whether $299 is high. It’s whether you want a day that combines an adrenaline activity plus multiple major natural sights. If you only want one of those (only waterfalls, only the beach driving), you may find a cheaper alternative. If you want the full South Coast hit in one day, this price starts to look reasonable.

Who Should Book This South Coast ATV and Plane Wreck Tour

This tour fits best if you:

• Want a hands-on activity, not just a sightseeing bus day
• Like driving on challenging surfaces and listening to a guide
• Want big Iceland hits in one loop: black sand beach, the DC3 wreck, and two famous waterfalls
• Are comfortable dressing for wind and cold

It’s also a good match for couples or friends because of the shared ATV approach. And if you enjoy practical guidance, you’ll likely appreciate the experienced guides praised for being kind, informative, and well prepared. Names like Henrik and Ragnar come up for that exact reason.

This tour may not be your fit if you:

• Don’t have (or don’t want to use) a driver’s license
• Have very young kids; it’s not suitable for children under 8
• Are pregnant, since it’s listed as not suitable for pregnant women
• Expect lunch to be provided (it isn’t)

FAQ

Do I need a driver’s license for the ATV?

Yes. A valid driver’s license is required if you want to drive a quad bike. Two people share the same quad bike.

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is 10 hours.

Where does the tour start in Reykjavik?

The meeting point is the BSI Bus Terminal in the city centre. Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

What gear is included for the ATV ride?

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

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing and waterproof shoes, plus your driver’s license if you plan to drive.

Are alcohol and drugs allowed?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children under 8 years old.

Is it suitable for pregnant women?

No, it’s not suitable for pregnant women.

What if I’m traveling as a single rider?

Single riders and groups with odd numbers must book a single-rider ATV, which is payable on site.

Should You Book This Tour?

Book it if you want one day that mixes action and iconic sights: quad driving on black sand, the DC3 wreck photo stop, plus Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss with time to enjoy them properly. It’s also a smart choice if you’re the type who likes clear stops and a tight schedule over a slow, wandering day.

Skip it if you’re not comfortable dressing for cold wind and wet conditions, you’re missing a driver’s license, or you’d rather spend the day without the pressure of a full 10-hour plan (and without included lunch).