2 Day Winter Adventure to Icelands South Coast, Diamond Beach, Ice Cave and Northern Lights
by David The Guide · Northern lights · Ice caves · Multi-day packages · Vatnajökull & Jökulsárlón
- Fine on your own
from €581 per person
Next departure: Fri 6 Nov
1 / 17
Duration
2 days
Difficulty
Moderate
Season
Sep – Apr
Starts in
Reykjavík
Pickup
Hotel pickup included
Guide
Guided in English
Departs
08:00
Minimum age
8
Cancellation
Free until 3 days before
About this experience
Discover breathtaking waterfalls, explore a crystal blue ice cave, and experience the extraordinary landscapes of Iceland’s South Coast. This two-day adventure brings together some of Iceland’s most spectacular natural wonders, including Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, the famous DC-3 plane wreck, and an unforgettable ice cave adventure inside Europe's largest glacier.
Enjoy one night in three-star accommodation with breakfast included, giving you time to experience the magic of South Iceland and the chance to witness the Northern Lights.
Day 1: South Coast Waterfalls, Black Sand Beach & the DC-3 Plane Wreck
Your adventure begins with pickup from a designated tour bus stop near your downtown Reykjavik accommodation or at a major hotel. Then head towards the South Coast, where towering mountains, dramatic cliffs, and endless volcanic landscapes create scenery unlike anywhere else.
Visit Seljalandsfoss, where you may have the opportunity to walk behind the cascading waterfall, discover the hidden beauty of Gljúfrabúi, and feel the power of Skógafoss as its waters plunge 60 metres from the cliffs above. Continue to the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, where volcanic sands, towering basalt columns, and powerful Atlantic waves create a truly unforgettable coastal landscape.
Later, board a shuttle to the famous DC-3 plane wreck. Resting on an endless stretch of black sand since 1973, this abandoned US Navy aircraft has become one of Iceland’s most iconic photography locations.
After a day of exploring, settle into your three-star South Coast hotel. Following dinner, your guide will share the Northern Lights forecast. When darkness, weather, and aurora activity allow, you may have the opportunity to watch the magical lights dance across the Icelandic sky from your hotel.
Rest comfortably overnight, with breakfast included the following morning.
Accommodation: Hotel Smyrlabjörg, Hotel Höfn, or similar, depending on availability.
Day 2: Blue Ice Cave, Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach
Today’s highlight is a guided Blue Ice Cave adventure in Vatnajökull. Discover blue ice and natural formations on an experience that brings you close to Iceland’s frozen wilderness.
Begin with a visit to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift across the water. Take in the scenery before meeting your certified glacier guide and boarding a Super Jeep for the journey towards the glacier.
Your guide will provide crampons and the necessary safety equipment before leading you on a hike to the ice cave. Step inside to explore the colours, shapes, and textures of the ice, formed by the glacier’s changing conditions.
Continue to nearby Diamond Beach, where pieces of glacial ice wash onto black sand, sparkling in the changing light.
The return journey may also include stops at the Eldhraun Lava Fields and the Bridge of the Volcanoes. If time permits, stop in Vík for a little more time in the South Coast’s best-known village before returning to Reykjavik.
Two Days. So Much to Discover.From black sand shores and roaring waterfalls to floating icebergs and blue glacial ice, this journey brings together an extraordinary variety of Icelandic scenery.
Book your two-day adventure and make room for the moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.
Please noteThe minimum age for this tour is 8 years. Bring warm, weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable footwear, and snacks for the journey.
Some stops may change depending on accommodation location, available daylight, anic winter weather can be unpredictable, so we ask participants to remain flexible and trust our guides to provide a safe and enjoyable tour.
Northern lights sightings depend on darkness, weather, and aurora activity and cannot be guaranteed.d weather. Iceland
Make sure your camera is ready for the sights and memories along the way. This is a popular tour, especially during December and the winter holidays, so we encourage booking in advance.
David the Guide began with one guide who wanted to share more of Iceland. As demand grew, so did our team. Today, our family of adventure-loving guides shares David’s vision and will be with you on your journey.
If you have any questions about this tour, please email info@davidtheguide.com.
Description from the operator, David The Guide . Prices and availability in the booking panel are live.
Where you go
- Day 1: South Coast
- Day 2: Day 2: Jokulsarlon
Included
We include:
- The super jeep tour to the Crystal Ice Cave
- Small Group Tour
- Wifi in vehicle
- Ticket Admission for the Ice Cave,
- Shuttle to the DC-3 Plane Wreck
- 3 Star Hotel on the South Coast for 1 night with breakfast included
Not included
- Lunch and Dinner not included
Good to know
Please come prepared with your overnight bag. We suggest having a waterproof jacket with sturdy hiking boots, hat and gloves. Feel free to bring any snacks and beverages you would like- dinner is late.
Dinner can be between 7-8pm, so we advise bringing beverages and snacks to prevent hunger spells
Please bring only an overnight bag, large suitcases are permitted if sharing with your group. Hotels in Reykjavik can hold your suitcase while on tour. Please make arrangements.
Also, special requests regarding the hotel might not be able to be accommodated- upgrades, or separate rooms for your party (parties of 2 or more will room together)
This tour is suited for most but the glacier portion is not advised for those with: limited mobility, pregnancy or other impairments. Please reach out if you are not sure if participation is advised
Cancellation for this tour
Free cancellation until 3 days before departure; no refund after that. If the operator cancels for weather or safety, you get a full refund or a new date.
If the weather cancels this tour
Iceland's weather is real. What usually stops this one is a solid cloud forecast — most operators call it by late afternoon and let you rebook on a clearer night free of charge. Here is exactly what happens to your booking.
- 1David The Guide decides, and tells us. Operators cancel when it is unsafe or pointless, and we back that call every time — we do not ask them to run anyway.
- 2We contact you by email, and by phone if your tour is the same or next day. You choose: another date if there is one you can make, or a full refund. There is no fee and nothing to argue.
- 3The refund goes back to the card you paid with, to the card you paid with, usually visible within a few working days. If this tour was one of several in your booking, the others are untouched.
What you do not get is the day back. If this is the only free day in your plan, put a spare day next to it — the planner leaves days free with the rest-day option. And if you want out because the forecast looks bad, that is your own cancellation: free until 3 days before departure, the operator's policy after that.
Questions on the day: [email protected] · +354 497 1373. How cancellations work in Iceland →
Sold out on your date?
Seats come back — a cancellation, or the operator adding a vehicle. Tell us the date and we will check once a day and email you if one opens. One email, then we delete the address; nothing else is ever sent to it.
Who this is not for
- Children under 8 cannot join this one.
- Not for last-minute planners — free cancellation ends 3 days before, longer than most tours here.
Read off the operator's own conditions. If none of it applies to you, this is a good one.
Why we list it
David The Guide is one of 208 operators we work with — chosen for reliability, honest descriptions and how they treat guests when weather changes plans. We don't list everything; we list what we'd book ourselves. The six checks every operator passes →
What travellers say about David The Guide
Read all 127 reviews on Google →Operator rating 4.7/5 from Google — these are reviews of the company, not this specific tour. Shown as Google returns them, unedited.
★★★★★ · 6 months ago
We had an amazing time seeing the Northern lights with David The Guide during our first trip to Iceland! Ania was our guide and she was very informative about the science behind how the lights appear, and how they are able to take measurements to predict the intensity for the night. Ania also took pictures of everyone in the group who wanted one, and they turned out fantastic! In our case, the forecast was not looking great when we started the tour. But they ended up becoming very bright around midnight! Hot chocolate was provided and everyone could warm up in the bus when it got too cold. We will absolutely purchase a tour again during our next visit to Iceland!
★★★★★ · 9 months ago
As a solo traveller, I did the 2-day Winter Tour to South Coast and Diamond Beach and was able to see many of the sites that I wanted to see on my first trip to Iceland! The bus is comfortable and I had a great stay at the Hotel Hofn (comes with delicious breakfast). A few of the sites included Ice Cave, Waterfalls (Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss etc.), Diamond Beach and more. We were a small group of 9 and everyone was respectful and on time when coming back to the bus at each stop. Yes, this is a fast-paced tour, but you will cover MANY spots! Thank you to my guide, Sebastien, for a wonderful trip to the South Coast, he is friendly, knowledgeable and communicates clearly.
★★★★★ · 6 months ago
I went on the Northern Lights tour, and they let me reschedule it twice with no additional fee because conditions weren't good and the northern lights were not visible. I was able to see the northern lights on my third try, and it was an amazing experience. Chasing the northern lights with this tour company was fantastic since they take professional photos of both you and the aurora by itself, so you don’t have to worry about figuring out camera settings yourself. They also give you a hot drink, cookies, and they also lend you blankets! Be sure to layer up and bring hand warmers for your hands and feet as you will be outside for several hours
★★★★★ · 3 months ago
★★★★★ I highly recommend this South Coast tour with David the Guide. Everything was exactly as promised—and even better. Our guide, Jagoda, was outstanding. She was extremely professional, knowledgeable, organized, and clearly passionate about Iceland. Throughout the two days, she shared fascinating information about the country’s history, geology, culture, and landmarks, making every stop more meaningful and enjoyable. What impressed me most was how efficiently she managed the itinerary. We maximized our time at every location without ever feeling rushed, and she even included a few extra experiences along the way. Her planning and time management were exceptional. The small-group format made a huge difference. If you’re considering a South Coast tour, I would not hesitate to book with David the Guide. And if you’re lucky enough to have Jagoda as your guide, you’re in excellent hands. Her professionalism, expertise, and dedication truly made this one of the highlights of our trip to Iceland.
Reviews from Google · updated 4 Nov 2026
Read before you book
- Eldhraun lava field: which tours stop there?Eldhraun is the moss lava field on the south coast. Day trips to Jökulsárlón pass it; the two-day tours from €573 are the cheapest way to stop.
- Best Glacier Hike in Iceland (2026): 5 PicksThe glacier hikes we would book ourselves in Iceland, on Sólheimajökull and in Skaftafell, with real adult prices, departure points and who each one is not for.
- Best Horse Riding Tour in Iceland (2026): 4 PicksThe horse riding tours we would book ourselves: an easy lava-field ride near Reykjavík, the hot-spring valley, and longer rides for confident riders.
Reviews from our travellers
Only people who booked this tour through us can write here. We publish every review in full — good or bad.
Reviews arrive the day after each trip — none yet for this one. After your tour we send one email asking how it was, and what you write goes here, unedited.
Northern lights — questions people ask
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Iceland?
September to April, when the nights are dark enough. Within that, late September to March gives the longest dark hours, and the equinox months, September and March, often have active skies. There are no lights in June or July; the sky never gets dark. Anyone selling you a June lights tour is selling you a bus ride. Give yourself at least three nights, because clouds, not the aurora, are the usual reason people miss them.
Are the northern lights guaranteed on a tour?
No. Nobody can promise them, and we will not. Two things have to line up: a clear sky and solar activity. Guides check the cloud forecast at vedur.is and drive to gaps, which is the real value of a tour over standing outside your hotel. What most operators do promise is a free second attempt if the lights do not show. Check the exact retry policy on the tour page, because the number of retries and the validity period vary.
Is a northern lights bus tour or a boat tour better?
Bus, if you want the best odds. A minibus can drive an hour inland to find a clear patch; a boat stays in Faxaflói and sees whatever sky is over Reykjavík. Boats are shorter, about two hours, and pleasant with hot chocolate, and Reykjavik Sailors' cruise (/experience/6637/) includes a free retry. For a serious hunt, a small-group minibus like BusTravel's (/experience/150646/) or a 4x4 tour (/experience/1088067/) is the better bet.
Can I see the northern lights from Reykjavík itself?
Yes, on strong nights. The city is small and the sky over the sea to the north is fairly dark. Grótta lighthouse at the western tip and the Ægisíða shoreline are the usual spots, twenty minutes' walk from the centre. On average nights the street lights drown out a faint aurora, which is why tours drive out. If the forecast shows high activity and clear sky, walk to Grótta first and save the tour money.
One checkout, any number of operators
Rankings are not for sale
207 operators vetted, and not all of them accepted
If it falls short, we fix it
Pairs well with
Add any of these to this tour and 3 % comes off both at checkout — about €22 on the cheapest pair. One basket, one payment, however many operators they come from.
EastWest
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SLAWOMIR & DENIS TRAVEL ehf.
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pickup at extra cost · works in rain
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- Family friendly
- Free cancellation 24 h
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Hrafnar Guides
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Protour.is
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meet at the start point
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