Black sand, quad bikes, and two famous falls. This is a full-day South Coast outing from Reykjavik that mixes adrenaline with classic Iceland scenery: a 2-hour ATV ride on Sólheimasandur, the DC3 plane wreck on the sand, and two heavyweight waterfall stops. I love the sense of motion you get when the ATV tires chew through black sand, and I love that you can walk behind Seljalandsfoss for that wet, close-up view.

One thing to plan for: it’s a long day outdoors, and lunch and extra warm clothing aren’t included, so you’ll want to arrive properly layered and ready to keep moving even when it’s windy.

Key highlights worth getting excited about

• 2-hour ATV quad ride on the black-sand beach at Sólheimasandur, with gear included
• DC3 plane wreck on the sands (a surreal stop that feels otherworldly in Iceland light)
• Dyrhólaey Peninsula viewpoints plus a chance to spot Mýrdalsjökull Glacier in the distance
• Skógafoss for big, photogenic falls on the way back
• Seljalandsfoss where you can walk behind the waterfall for a different angle than the main path

South Coast in one ride: ATV fun plus classic waterfalls

If you want a South Coast day that doesn’t just involve looking out a bus window, this tour is built for you. The main hook is the ATV time, but the rest of the day is designed to stack the most iconic natural stops into one efficient route.

You start in Reykjavik and head down the South Coast toward the Adventure Ground, where you’ll gear up before you hit the sand. The day then blends three different kinds of scenery: black-sand beach, coastline and peninsula views, and the famous waterfall circuit.

What I like most about the overall flow is that the ATV portion is a full experience, not a quick sample. You get a real stretch of riding before you slow down for the plane wreck and then go back into sightseeing mode.

ATV setup and the rules you should know before you go

This is an ATV tour, so your success depends on two things: your comfort with the equipment and whether you meet the driver requirements.

Here’s what’s included for safety and warmth:

• Helmet and balaclava face mask
• Insulated cover-all
• ATV shared by two people
• Boots are optional depending on weather and footwear

The tour also makes a big point of the driver requirement: you’ll need a valid driver’s license to drive a quad bike. In other words, you’re not just riding as a passenger if you want to be in control—you’ll need the license to do the driving.

Also plan for how the bikes are paired. The tour uses two-person sharing on the ATV, and single riders can be assigned a single-rider ATV, which may involve a fee paid on-site. If you’re traveling solo, it’s worth mentally budgeting for that possibility.

Lastly, keep it simple: no alcohol or drugs. With sand, wind, and cold, you really want your head clear for safe riding.

Sólheimasandur black sand and the DC3 plane wreck stop

Sólheimasandur is the kind of place that looks like a movie set even before you arrive. The black sand gives everything a dramatic contrast, and the open, desert-like feel makes the terrain seem bigger than it is.

Your ATV ride here is the centerpiece: you’ll suit up, then head out for a thrilling but safe quad ride on the beach. The “safe” part matters because you’re not just on flat ground. You’re dealing with sand traction and changing footing, so having a guide and the right gear makes a real difference.

After riding, you’ll go to the DC3 plane wreck on the sands. The plane crash is part of the story here, and the stop itself is what makes this tour stand out from typical waterfall-only South Coast trips. You’ll cross a more desert-like stretch of land to reach the wreck, and once you’re there, it’s a surreal moment: a real aircraft sitting in a landscape that doesn’t look like it should contain anything human-made.

Practical note: the wreck area and the beach can be windy and cold, so even with insulated gear, you’ll want to dress for weather. If your waterproof shoes grip well, you’ll feel more confident walking on sand and uneven surfaces.

Dyrhólaey Peninsula and seeing Mýrdalsjökull from the road

Between the sand and the waterfalls, you’ll get a wider look at Iceland’s far-sweeping south. Two names matter here: Dyrhólaey Peninsula and Mýrdalsjökull Glacier.

Dyrhólaey is known for big views and a strong sense of coastline structure—cliffs, ocean angles, and a dramatic edge where land meets sea. Even if you keep moving, you’ll have chances to take in how the southern coast is shaped.

Then there’s the glacier: Mýrdalsjökull, which you’ll be able to see from inland viewpoints while you explore the route. You’re not hiking on ice here based on the information provided, but seeing the glacier from the distance adds context to the day. It helps you connect the waterfalls and black sand to the bigger ice-and-volcano system that powers Iceland’s scenery.

One of the real wins of this tour is the pacing. You’re not stuck at every stop long enough to freeze, but you’re also not rushing past everything in a blur. You get that “enough time to feel it” balance.

Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss: two waterfall moods in one back-to-Reykjavik loop

The South Coast waterfalls are famous for a reason, and this tour hits two of the biggest.

First is Skógafoss. It’s one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls, and you’ll understand why once you’re standing near it. The sheer volume and steady fall make it feel powerful even when you’re only watching from a safe viewing area.

Then comes Seljalandsfoss—and this is where the tour becomes more than standard sightseeing. You’ll be able to walk behind the waterfall, which changes everything. Instead of seeing the falls from one angle, you step into the space that the water creates, and the sound and mist are part of the experience.

A key consideration: Seljalandsfoss is wet. Even with weather gear, you’ll likely get damp near the falls. If you’re wearing shoes you don’t mind getting splashed, you’ll feel better about the experience.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes variety—some thunderous open falls, then a behind-the-water moment—this pairing makes a lot of sense.

How the 10-hour schedule feels (and why timing matters)

This is a 10-hour day trip, so it’s not a half-day “snack tour.” The trade-off is that you get to stack multiple major stops from Reykjavik in one go. The trade-off’s cost is fatigue: you’ll spend hours in transit and then add walking time at the waterfalls plus movement at the plane wreck area.

The sequence also matters:

• ATV riding early in the day keeps your energy up while the gear still feels fresh
• The DC3 stop gives you a visual break from pure motion
• Dyrhólaey and the glacier viewpoint add variety before you return
• Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss bring the day to a scenic high note on the way back

If you’re sensitive to long cold days, plan your pacing accordingly. Bring water, keep your layers ready, and don’t underestimate how quickly wind can sap comfort when you stop moving.

Price and value: is $299 worth it?

At $299 per person, this tour sits in the “premium day trip” category. The question is what you’re buying for that money.

You’re paying for:

• A guided ATV experience (with helmets, balaclavas, and insulated cover-alls included)
• A dedicated ride on black sand plus time at the DC3 plane wreck
• Multiple high-impact South Coast stops: Dyrhólaey, Mýrdalsjökull viewpoints, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss
• A full day of transport from Reykjavik

I think the value works best if you want both adrenaline and iconic sightseeing. If all you cared about were waterfalls, you could do a lighter plan. But if you want the special factor of the black-sand ATV ride and the plane wreck moment, you’re getting more than just standard tour driving.

There’s also a comfort factor: helmets and insulated cover-alls are included. You’re not left to guess how to dress for riding in cold sand wind.

One note on cost surprises: driver logistics can affect fees for solo riders, since single riders and groups with odd numbers may need a single-rider ATV, payable on-site.

Guides, transport, and the little details that shape the day

The difference between a fun ATV day and a stressful one usually comes down to guidance and rhythm. This tour includes an experienced English-speaking guide.

You may see names like Henrik and Ragnar come up with this operator. The theme in the supplied details is consistent: guides are expected to be practical, upbeat, and focused on timing so you have enough time at waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, not just a quick stop pose.

Transport quality also matters on a long day, and the information provided indicates 97% of reviewers gave the transportation a perfect score. That’s a strong signal that you’re not spending the day in a rattly, uncomfortable ride.

Your best move: show up early. The meeting point is BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik, and you should arrive at least 15 minutes prior. On a tight schedule, being late can ripple into everything else.

Who should book this ATV + plane wreck + waterfalls tour?

This tour is a good fit if you want:

• A Reykjavik day trip that includes real activity (ATV riding), not just photo stops
• The unusual mix of black sand + DC3 plane wreck + famous waterfalls
• A guide-led plan that handles the route so you can focus on enjoying the scenery

It may not fit if:

• You have mobility limits that make walking near the falls or uneven sand difficult (the information doesn’t specify accessibility details, so if this is a concern, it’s worth checking directly with the provider)
• You’re expecting a gentle pace. The day includes riding, walking, and cold outdoor time.

The tour also lists clear limits:

• Not suitable for children under 8
• Not suitable for pregnant women

If you’re choosing between “adventure day” and “easy scenic day,” this is firmly in the adventure category.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want a South Coast day that feels like a story, not a checklist: ATV time on Sólheimasandur, the eerie DC3 plane wreck, then two big waterfall moments—one of them with the bonus of walking behind it.

Skip or think twice if you really don’t want a long cold day outdoors, or if you know you’ll struggle with spending hours in transit plus active moments at the wreck and waterfalls. Also, if you don’t have a valid driver’s license and you were hoping to drive, this is a deal-breaker because a license is required to drive the quad bike.

If you’re comfortable dressing warm, bringing waterproof shoes, and embracing a day that mixes motion with major sights, this tour looks like a strong value for what you get.

FAQ

Do I need a driver’s license to drive the ATV?

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

Who can drive the ATV?

The tour requires a valid driver’s license to drive. The ATV is shared by two people, so plan for the pairing arrangement.

What if I’m traveling solo?

Single riders and groups with odd numbers are required to book a single-rider ATV, payable on site.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 10 hours.

What should I bring?

Bring a valid driver’s license, warm clothing, and waterproof shoes.

What should I wear for the ATV and waterfalls?

You’ll want warm clothing and waterproof shoes. The tour provides helmet and balaclava face mask plus insulated cover-alls; boots are optional depending on weather and your footwear.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Where do I meet the group in Reykjavik?

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

Are alcohol and drugs allowed?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Is the tour available for children and pregnant travelers?

The tour is not suitable for children under 8 and not suitable for pregnant women.

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