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

Black sand, roaring waterfalls, and a crashed plane make a memorable day. This 10-hour outing combines a thrilling two-hour ATV ride on Sólheimasandur with visits to Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, giving you a strong mix of adventure and classic South Coast scenery. I especially like the ride to the DC3 wreck and the chance to see Dyrhólaey Peninsula and Mýrdalsjökull Glacier in one day. I also like that insulated coveralls, helmets, and balaclavas are supplied.

The main drawback is the cost, at $299 per person, plus a possible extra charge if you need a solo ATV. You also share one quad between two people, so this is not the right choice if everyone in your party wants to drive alone. Still, the excellent 4.9 rating from 44 bookings and repeated praise for guides such as Henrik and Ragnar suggest a well-run day.

Key points to know before booking

• The ATV ride crosses Sólheimasandur: You travel across a stark, desert-like stretch of black sand toward the famous DC3 plane wreck.
• The DC3 wreck is part of the ride: This is not just a roadside photo stop. The quad excursion takes you out to the aircraft on the beach.
• Two people share each ATV: A valid driver’s license is required, and odd-numbered groups may need to pay for a single-rider quad on site.
• The waterfalls come later: Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss are visited on the return toward Reykjavik.
• You get views beyond the beach: Dyrhólaey Peninsula and Mýrdalsjökull Glacier add coastal and inland scenery to the day.
• Weather gear is partly supplied: You receive an insulated coverall, helmet, and balaclava, but you must bring warm clothing and waterproof shoes.

Leaving Reykjavik for Iceland’s South Coast

Your day begins at BSI Bus Terminal, in central Reykjavik. Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. The full outing lasts about 10 hours, so plan it as one of your main Iceland days rather than something to fit between smaller activities.

The route south takes you away from Reykjavik and toward the broad scenery of Iceland’s southern region. You will see mountains, open ground, the coast, and distant ice. The attraction here is the change of pace: the day begins with transport and sightseeing, then shifts into an active outdoor ride before ending with two major waterfalls.

The transport has earned a 97 percent perfect-score rating, which matters on a long day. Ten hours in a vehicle can feel tiring if the timing is poor, but strong transport feedback suggests the basic flow is handled well. Exact departure times depend on availability, so check the schedule carefully before booking.

Bring food or plan ahead for lunch. Lunch is not included, and the supplied details do not list a dedicated meal stop. You should also carry water and dress for cold, wet conditions. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and an ATV ride on an exposed beach is not the place for thin clothing.

The two-hour ATV ride on Sólheimasandur

The central event is a two-hour quad-bike ride on the black sands of Sólheimasandur. Before setting out, you gear up with an insulated coverall, helmet, and balaclava face mask. Boots may be available depending on the weather and your footwear, but do not count on them. Bring waterproof shoes that are sturdy enough for outdoor use.

The ride is designed to be exciting without being treated as a reckless stunt. You cross a stark, open area that feels almost desert-like, with the coast and mountains giving the setting its scale. This is where the tour earns much of its price. You are not simply looking at Iceland from a bus window. You are moving through the scenery under your own power.

A valid driver’s license is required to drive a quad. Two people share each ATV, so decide in advance who wants to drive and who is happy to ride. If you are alone, or your group has an odd number, you must book a single-rider ATV and pay the extra charge on site. This is the most important cost detail to clarify before you commit to the tour.

The ride suits you best if you enjoy active sightseeing but do not want a full-day technical expedition. It is also a good fit for couples or friends who are comfortable sharing a vehicle. If you strongly prefer independent driving, the solo-quad supplement could change the value calculation.

The guide is an important part of this section. Henrik has received especially warm praise for being experienced and fun, while Ragnar has been praised for being kind and informative during the wider day. Those details matter because an ATV outing depends on clear instructions, calm supervision, and a guide who can keep the mood light without losing control of the group.

Reaching the DC3 plane wreck

The DC3 plane wreck is the unusual centerpiece of the excursion. The aircraft crashed on Sólheimasandur in 1973 and remains on the black sands. Its pale, damaged shell against the dark beach creates one of Iceland’s most recognizable scenes.

The value of reaching it by quad is that the wreck forms part of the ride itself. You do not just stop at a regular roadside pullout and walk a short distance from a coach. The ATV takes you across the open beach area, making the approach part of the experience.

Expect a stark setting rather than a polished attraction. The plane sits in a remote-feeling stretch of sand, with little around it to distract you from the wreck and the coastline. That gives the stop its power, but it also means wind and weather can be intense. Your coverall helps, yet your base layers and shoes still matter.

You should also be ready for the ride to feel physically demanding. The tour description calls it thrilling and safe, but it does not promise a gentle sightseeing cruise. If you have never driven a quad, listen carefully to the guide and follow the safety instructions. You need a license to drive, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Dyrhólaey Peninsula and Mýrdalsjökull Glacier

The ATV route also brings you toward views of Dyrhólaey Peninsula, the southernmost tip of Iceland, and Mýrdalsjökull Glacier inland. These sights help you understand the South Coast as more than a black beach and a famous aircraft.

Dyrhólaey gives the coast a dramatic edge, with the sea meeting the southern end of the country. From the beach area, you look toward a rugged coastline and the open Atlantic. The exact visibility depends on the weather, but the setting is one of the day’s most rewarding contrasts: black sand below, mountains and sea around you, and the peninsula reaching into the water.

Mýrdalsjökull Glacier adds a colder, higher note to the view. Seeing the glacier from a viewpoint does not replace a glacier hike, and this tour does not include one. Still, spotting the ice from the South Coast gives you a useful sense of how varied Iceland’s scenery can be within a single outing.

This part of the tour is best understood as scenic context rather than a separate major stop. The main active portion remains the ATV ride, while Dyrhólaey and the glacier enrich the views along the route.

Skógafoss, the broad waterfall near the road

On the return to Reykjavik, the tour stops at Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls. Its broad curtain of falling water makes an immediate impression, especially when you stand close enough to feel its spray.

The stop gives you a chance to leave the vehicle, stretch your legs, and switch from motorized adventure to classic Iceland sightseeing. Skógafoss is visually powerful because the water drops in a wide wall rather than a thin stream. It is an easy place to appreciate the scale of Iceland’s southern rivers and mountains.

Allow for wet conditions near the falls. The supplied gear is intended mainly for the ATV ride, so keep your waterproof outer layer handy. Your shoes should be waterproof, as the ground near a major waterfall may be damp.

One benefit of this tour is that the waterfall visits come after the quad ride. You can enjoy Skógafoss without trying to squeeze an active excursion and a major sightseeing stop into separate days. The tradeoff is time. You will not have an entire day at each waterfall, so this tour favors variety over slow, detailed exploration.

Seljalandsfoss and the walk behind the water

The final major sight is Seljalandsfoss, famous for the path that lets you walk behind the falling water. This is one of the most distinctive stops on Iceland’s South Coast because the view changes as you move around the waterfall rather than simply facing it from the front.

The route behind the falls can be wet and slippery. Waterproof shoes are especially useful here, and a rain jacket is sensible even if the rest of the day has been dry. The waterfall’s spray is part of the appeal, but it can soak clothing quickly.

You should also understand that conditions may affect how close you can get. The tour promises the opportunity to walk behind Seljalandsfoss, but weather and ground conditions always matter at a waterfall. Follow the guide’s instructions and take care on wet surfaces.

Ragnar has been praised for giving a good amount of time at the waterfalls, which is a meaningful advantage. A rushed ten-minute stop can make a famous sight feel like a box to tick. More time lets you take photos, look at the falls from different angles, and dry off before returning to Reykjavik.

What the $299 price really covers

At $299 per person, this is an expensive day trip. You are paying for a full day of transport from Reykjavik, a two-hour guided ATV ride, safety equipment, an experienced guide, and stops at four major South Coast sights: the DC3 wreck, Dyrhólaey area, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss.

The price makes the most sense if you want both an adventure and sightseeing in the same day. Booking separate transport to the South Coast and arranging an ATV outing could be more complicated, especially if you do not want to drive yourself. Here, the route and activity are combined.

The value drops if you mainly want waterfalls. A less expensive sightseeing trip may suit you better if you have no interest in quad biking. Likewise, the value changes if you need a single ATV. Odd-numbered groups must pay for a solo rider on site, so ask about the current supplement before booking if your group cannot split evenly.

There are also extra costs to consider. Lunch is not included, and extra warm clothing is your responsibility. The coverall, helmet, and balaclava are useful, but they do not replace a warm base layer, gloves, and waterproof footwear.

The high overall score of 4.9 from 44 reviews supports the idea that the experience delivers what it promises. The strongest praise focuses on the ATV ride, the scenery, the waterfalls, and the guides. That is a good sign for an activity where timing and supervision can make a major difference.

Who should book this South Coast day?

I would choose this tour if you want a high-energy day with several different types of scenery. You get open black sand, a historic wreck, glacier views, a dramatic peninsula, and two waterfalls. It is a smart choice for a short Iceland visit when you want to pack a lot into one day.

It also suits couples, friends, and families with older children who meet the age rules. Children under eight cannot join, and pregnant women should not book this experience. Anyone who drives must bring a valid license.

You should think twice if you dislike cold, wet weather or long days. The ride takes place outdoors on exposed ground, and you may get spray at both waterfalls. The tour also requires a willingness to share an ATV, unless you pay for a single rider.

Your clothing can make or break the day. Bring warm layers, waterproof shoes, and clothing you do not mind getting dirty or wet. The supplied balaclava and coverall are helpful, but Iceland rewards people who pack for the weather rather than the calendar.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking add useful flexibility. Those terms are helpful when Iceland’s weather may affect your plans, though you should still check the exact booking conditions at the time you reserve.

Should you book the ATV and plane wreck tour?

Book it if the DC3 wreck and the ATV ride are the main reasons you want to see the South Coast. The ride gives the day its character, while Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss make sure you also see two of Iceland’s signature waterfalls. The combination is active, scenic, and efficient.

Skip it if you want a quiet waterfall tour, dislike sharing equipment, or need to keep costs low. Also check the solo-rider fee before booking if your group has an odd number.

For the right person, this is a strong one-day choice. Pack warm clothes, bring your license, arrive early at BSI, and treat the weather gear as backup rather than your entire outfit.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

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

How long does the experience last?

The full tour lasts 10 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

How long is the ATV ride?

The quad-bike portion lasts two hours.

Do two people share one ATV?

Yes. The standard arrangement is one ATV per two people.

Can I ride an ATV alone?

Single riders and groups with an odd number must book a single-rider ATV. An extra payment is due on site.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. You need a valid driver’s license to drive a quad bike.

What equipment is included?

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

Are lunch and warm clothing included?

No. Lunch and extra warm clothing are not included. Bring warm clothing and waterproof shoes.

Can I walk behind Seljalandsfoss?

The tour includes the opportunity to walk behind Seljalandsfoss. Conditions at the waterfall may affect access, so follow the guide’s instructions.

Who cannot join the tour?

Children under eight and pregnant women are not permitted to take part.