Glacier snowmobiling starts with one loud grin. This day trip strings together a real glacier ride plus two of Iceland’s most famous waterfall stops, with a long but scenic drive from central Reykjavik. I love the way you get kitted out with protective gear and safety equipment, then transfer on a specially modified glacier truck before you ever touch the ice. I also like that the day includes big-picture moments like Skógafoss and a chance to walk behind Seljalandsfoss if the weather allows. One thing to consider: the road time is long, and you’ll also want to plan for cold, because even with gear, your comfort depends on what you bring.

The highlight here is Mýrdalsjökull Glacier snowmobiling, not just sightseeing. On the bus, you might get a more informative commentary (some guides are very chatty), but at minimum you’re guaranteed a dramatic South Coast route and frequent chances to step out, stretch, and take photos. For the ride itself, you’ll be paired up: one snowmobile is shared by two people, so it is not a solo machine experience.

Key Things I’d Plan for on This South Coast Glacier Day

• One snowmobile shared by two: you ride as a pair, so plan who you’re most comfortable co-driving with
• Glacier truck transfer first: you don’t just show up and hop on; you’re moved up in a modified vehicle
• Hour on the glacier, then back down: there’s a real chunk of time on ice, not just a quick photo stop
• Skógafoss plus Seljalandsfoss: two waterfalls, two moods, and Seljalandsfoss can include the behind-the-fall walk
• Dress for hands and neck: one review warns the balaclava can be thin—add your own warmth for comfort

Getting From Reykjavik to the Glacier Truck Zone Takes Time

This tour starts at the BSI Bus Terminal in downtown Reykjavik. From there, you’re on a bus headed along the South Coast, the same stretch of road where Iceland flexes its drama: wide views, dark volcanic textures, and big weather swings that can happen fast.

Expect the drive to be the slow part of your day. You’re not doing quick in-and-out stops every ten minutes. Instead, you’ll spend time traveling, and there may be a service stop along the way so you can use bathrooms or grab basic snacks. One review notes about 2.5 hours before reaching the snowmobiling location, which matches the feeling of this being a true full-day outing.

For me, that matters because it affects your pacing. If you show up hungry and unprepared, the long ride can feel longer. If you show up with a plan—snacks, water, and a warm layer ready under your jacket—you’ll enjoy the scenery more and stress less.

Adventure Ground Prep: Gear Up Before You Hit the Ice

When you reach the Adventure Ground, the day shifts gears. This is where you suit up for glacier conditions. The tour includes protective clothing and safety equipment for the snowmobile ride, so you’re not left hunting for winter gear at the last second.

Still, don’t confuse included gear with being fully set. The glacier isn’t forgiving. One person specifically suggested bringing a neck warmer because the balaclava provided can be thin. You can also think of this as a simple comfort upgrade: warm neck, warm hands, warm socks make the whole experience feel smoother.

Also note the practical safety reality: you’ll get a briefing and you’ll be directed on how to ride. The snowmobile guides are the ones running the show once you’re on the ice, and people consistently highlight how thorough and safety-focused that briefing feels. They’ll check in on speed comfort too, which is a big deal when conditions are snowy and visibility can drop.

The Modified Glacier Truck: Why This Transfer Is Part of the Fun

Before snowmobiling, you hop onto a specially modified glacier truck. You don’t just ride up in a normal bus. This is one of those details that sounds like logistics until you do it, because the transfer is part of the adventure.

You’re going up toward glacier terrain, and that helps you get a sense of where you are before you start driving. One review describes the experience as feeling like part of the thrill even before the snowmobile part. Another review mentioned the truck getting stuck in snow on the way back during bad weather, which ended up turning into an extra off-road moment.

The takeaway: treat the truck ride as a pre-game. It’s not filler time.

Snowmobiling on Mýrdalsjökull: The Main Event You’ll Remember

Once you’re kitted up and briefed, you’ll mount the snowmobiles for your ride on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. This is where the tour earns its reputation.

Most days, you’ll get a solid block of time on ice. One review describes an hour snowmobiling, followed by additional time in the adapted vehicle as the day moves between points on the glacier. The exact timing can vary with conditions, but the pattern is clear: you’re not paying for a five-minute loop.

Also, remember the important detail that one snowmobile is shared by two people. That changes how you think about the experience. You’ll ride as a team—so pick the person you’re most comfortable coordinating with in cold, low-visibility conditions. If you’re the type who hates sharing control, you’ll feel this more than someone who’s happy to take turns and enjoy the ride together.

Speed and guidance are part of the experience too. Reviews emphasize that guides help you ride at a pace that feels safe for you. So even if you’re a first-timer, you should not feel thrown into a free-for-all.

Finally, ice and weather can change everything. One review recounts blizzards and reduced visibility yet still describes the trip as memorable and well-run. That’s not a guarantee of great conditions. It is, however, a signal that the operators know how to work with Iceland weather instead of pretending it won’t happen.

If You Get an Ice-Cave Moment, Take It

The main tour description doesn’t spell out an ice-cave stop. But at least one review mentions an ice cave experience being added as a bonus.

So here’s the practical way to think about it: you may not plan your entire day around ice caves. But if your glacier guides mention it on the day, say yes and go with it. It’s the kind of add-on that turns a great ride into a story you can’t stop telling.

Skógafoss: The Waterfall Stop That Loves Photos

On the way back toward Reykjavik, you’ll stop at Skógafoss. It’s probably the most photographed waterfall in Iceland, and that isn’t just hype. The power is obvious, and the area is set up in a way that makes it easy to enjoy the falls even if weather makes you rethink long walks.

This stop is valuable because it’s a classic Iceland moment that doesn’t require glacier-level courage. You can take your time, watch the water from different angles, and get photos that look like you planned them with a pro camera.

One more practical point: waterfalls mean mist, and mist means cold. Dress for spray, not just snow. A waterproof outer layer plus warm layers underneath keeps you from turning this beautiful stop into a quick sprint.

Seljalandsfoss: The Behind-the-Fall Walk Depends on Weather

Next up is Seljalandsfoss. This one is special because you can sometimes walk behind it. The tour description says you’ll be able to do it if weather permits, and that conditional part is important.

Why? Standing behind a waterfall can mean slippery ground, stronger wind, and heavy mist. If the conditions aren’t right, the staff may keep you from going behind, or you might only get a limited look.

Either way, Seljalandsfoss has a different feel than Skógafoss. It’s more like a path and a moment. If the behind-the-fall walk is available, it’s the kind of experience that feels interactive rather than just visual.

Bring shoes you trust on slick surfaces. Even with careful guidance, you’re stepping around wet rock.

Lunch and Food Reality on a Full-Day Trip

The tour experience includes time at Adventure Ground where you can enjoy your lunch. But the tour cost list says food and drinks aren’t included.

So I’d treat this as: you’ll have a break to eat, but you should bring or budget for snacks and meals yourself. One review strongly suggested bringing snack and drinks because the earlier food stop can be brief.

Here’s a simple way to plan:

• Bring a couple of snacks for the drive day start
• Carry water if you can
• Have a budget for a meal during the lunch window or at stops

If you don’t, you can still enjoy the day, but you’ll feel the cold more and the pacing will feel tighter.

Bus Driver vs. Real Tour Guide: Expect Different Styles

This tour includes an English live tour guide. But there’s a difference between the guide on the glacier side and the bus driver on the road.

Many reviews highlight bus driver Hermann as amazing—helpful, informative, and relaxed in a way that makes the long ride pass faster. One account also names Marti as getting everyone to base camp ready despite rough weather, with strong driving skills and a big focus on making people comfortable.

At the same time, one review notes that the bus driver felt low-information, basically dropping people at the place and giving only return time details. That doesn’t necessarily mean the tour is poorly run. It just means you should not assume you’ll get a narrated lecture on every mile.

Bottom line: enjoy the visuals from the bus, and treat the snowmobile guides as your main source of detailed guidance once you arrive.

Price and Value: Is $332 Worth It?

At $332 per person for roughly a ten-hour day, you’re paying for a high-cost combo: South Coast transport, glacier access, protective gear, a specially modified glacier truck transfer, and the snowmobile ride itself.

You’re also getting free Wi‑Fi on the bus, which is a small comfort item—but it helps when the day starts early or when you want to share photos without burning your phone battery.

What you should factor in is what isn’t included. Food and drinks are not included, so your real total cost depends on how you handle snacks and meals. If you skip bringing snacks and rely only on quick stops, you might spend more and feel more rushed.

If you’re choosing between doing South Coast waterfalls with no glacier activity versus this combined tour, I think this offers better value for people who want one big adrenaline moment. If you already have a glacier activity on your itinerary and you just want waterfalls, you might decide to keep the budget for something else. But if you don’t, snowmobiling on Mýrdalsjökull is exactly the kind of day trip you’ll remember when the trip photos stop being cute and start being meaningful.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This works best for:

• People who want a full day that mixes thrill with major sights
• First-timers to snowmobiles who want safety gear and guided glacier riding
• Anyone comfortable dressing warmly and handling mist and cold around waterfalls

It may be less ideal for:

• Kids under 8 (the tour isn’t suitable)
• Anyone who hates sharing control since one snowmobile is shared by two people
• People who dislike long bus days. You’re on the road for a while.

If you hate cold surprises, you can still do it—you just need better layering than you think. Warm gloves, warm socks, and a neck warmer can make the difference between happy photos and clenched teeth.

Should You Book This Reykjavik South Coast Glacier Snowmobile Tour?

I’d book it if you want a day in Iceland that combines a true adrenaline activity with two heavyweight waterfalls. The snowmobile ride on Mýrdalsjökull is the center of gravity, and the waterfall stops give you a satisfying break to cool down, refuel, and take photos.

I’d hesitate if your ideal day is short and relaxed, or if you’re picky about guided narration during the bus ride. Even then, you can still have a great day. You just need to know what you’re buying: glacier time first, sightseeing second.

If you go, pack for comfort, not just warmth. And if Hermann or Marti are on your day, take advantage of their local rhythm and stories. Those bits are small, but they’re exactly what turns a standard tour day into a personal one.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik South Coast and Glacier Snowmobile Tour?

The duration is listed as 10 hours. You should check availability to see the starting times for your date.

Where do I meet for this tour?

The meeting point is BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik City Centre. The building is marked and the tour is run from there.

What is included in the price?

Included items are the snowmobile ride on a glacier, protective clothing and safety equipment for the snowmobile ride, bus fare, and free Wi‑Fi on board the bus.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. A driver’s license is listed as required.

How does snowmobiling work since one snowmobile is shared by two people?

The tour notes that one snowmobile is shared by two persons, so you will be paired with another person for the ride.

Is the tour suitable for children?

No. It is not suitable for children under 8 years old.

Is food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included. There is time for lunch during the day, but you should plan on bringing snacks or budgeting for meals and drinks.

What should I wear or bring for cold conditions?

Protective clothing and safety equipment are provided. Still, you’ll be warmer if you bring personal cold-weather comfort items like a neck warmer; one review also recommended warm gloves and warm socks.

Is there a live guide and what language is it in?

Yes, there is a live tour guide, and the language is English.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers reserve now & pay later to keep plans flexible.

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