2 Day Summer Adventure to Icelands South Coast, Glacier Hiking, Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach and Waterfalls
by David The Guide · Glacier hiking · Hiking & trekking · Multi-day packages · Vatnajökull & Jökulsárlón
- Fine on your own
from €574.06 per person
Next departure: Sun 2 May
1 / 15
Duration
2 days
Difficulty
Moderate
Season
All year
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 Iceland’s South Coast: Two Days of Waterfalls, Glaciers & Adventure
Walk behind a roaring waterfall, hike across a glacier, cruise among floating icebergs, and watch ice sparkle on black sand. This small-group, two-day adventure brings together the South Coast’s most spectacular sights—with a guide leading the way and an overnight hotel stay so you can enjoy the journey.
Day 1: Chasing Waterfalls & Walking on Ice
Your adventure begins with pickup from your hotel or a nearby bus stop in Reykjavik. Settle in as the city gives way to dramatic mountains, sweeping coastlines, and scenery that feels like another world.
First up is Seljalandsfoss, where a path behind the waterfall offers an unforgettable perspective when conditions allow. Discover the tucked-away beauty of Gljufrabui, feel the power of Skogafoss, and explore the striking volcanic shoreline of Reynisfjara black sand beach. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will share the stories behind these extraordinary landscapes.
Then it’s time to step onto the ice. At Solheimajokull Glacier, a professional glacier guide will provide the equipment and lead you on an exhilarating hike through a world shaped by ice. It’s your chance to experience Iceland’s wild beauty up close.
After a day packed with discoveries, unwind at a hotel somewhere between Vik and Hofn, depending on availability, and recharge for another unforgettable day.
Day 2: Icebergs, Diamond Beach & Dramatic Canyons
Today brings you to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift through the water beneath the vast Icelandic sky. Climb aboard an amphibian boat tour and experience this remarkable landscape from the lagoon itself.
Nearby, explore Diamond Beach, where pieces of glacial ice wash onto black volcanic sand. In the sunlight, they glitter like scattered jewels—a spectacular sight and a photographer’s dream.
Your adventure continues with stops at the Eldhraun Lava Fields, the Bridge of the Volcanoes, and Fjadrargljufur River Canyon, each revealing another side of Iceland’s extraordinary landscape. Depending on your hotel location, the Bridge of the Volcanoes stop may take place on day one.
Then enjoy the scenic journey back to Reykjavik, passing through Vik once more, with an extra stop to explore if time allows.
Come Ready for Adventure
This tour welcomes travelers aged eight and over. Bring warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and plenty of enthusiasm. Pack snacks to keep you going between stops, as dinner may be as late as 8–9 p.m.
Make Your Two Days in Iceland Unforgettable
Thundering waterfalls. A guided glacier hike. A boat trip among icebergs. Two days filled with moments you’ll be talking about long after you return home.
Spaces fill quickly, especially in July, August, and holiday periods. Book your small-group South Coast adventure early and get ready to experience Iceland at its most spectacular.
David the Guide started out as one guide wanting to share and give more. With growing demand, the David the Guide team has grown and our team of adventure-loving guides will be with you on your tour with us. This is not a single-man operation, but a family of guides who believe in the vision David has for the industry.
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: Jökulsárlón
Included
We include:
- Small group tour
- Wifi in vehicle
- 3 Star Hotel on the South Coast for 1 night with breakfast included
- Tickets - Amphibian boat tour at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
- Glacier Hike with a professional guide, with all safety gear included (Harness, helmet, crampons, ice axe)
Not included
- Lunch and Dinner are not included
Good to know
Please come prepared with your overnight bag. We suggest having a waterproof jacket with sturdy hiking boots, hot 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. You will make stops along the way to buy those if needed.
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 high wind or rain on the ice — the guide decides at the meeting point, sometimes after you have set off. 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, through Stripe, 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 204 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 21 Oct 2026
Read before you book
- 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.
- Glacier hike in Iceland: which glacier to bookThree glaciers sell almost the same walk at different prices and distances. Which one fits your route, what 'easy' means, and what blue ice really requires.
- Glacier hike or ice cave: which to bookBetween October and April, book the Skaftafell hike-and-cave combo and get both. The rest of the year, a glacier hike on Sólheimajökull is the better day.
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.
Glacier hiking — questions people ask
Which glacier is best for a first glacier hike?
Sólheimajökull on the South Coast, about two and a half hours from Reykjavík. It is the most accessible glacier tongue, the walk from the car park is short and the three-to-four-hour tours (/experience/6853/ or /experience/914990/) suit beginners. Skaftafell in the southeast has bigger ice and fewer people, with tours like Glacier Wonders (/experience/17340/), but it is a five-hour drive each way, so it only works if you are staying out there.
Can you hike on a glacier in Iceland in summer?
Yes. Glacier hiking runs all year. In June to August the ice is grey and gritty on the surface with blue crevasses and meltwater channels, and the weather is milder. In November to March the ice is whiter and you may see ice formations, but daylight is short and the wind bites. Neither is better; summer is easier, winter is prettier. The one thing you cannot do in summer is visit a natural blue ice cave.
How fit do I need to be for a glacier hike?
Moderately. You walk two to three hours on uneven ice in crampons, with some short steep sections. Anyone who can manage a hilly day walk will be fine; the pace is slow because the guide is checking the route. It is not for anyone with knee or balance problems, and most operators set a minimum age of eight to ten. Check the tour page. Longer tours like Glacier Explorer (/experience/17338/) push further onto the ice and need more stamina.
What do I need to bring on a glacier hike?
Sturdy boots with ankle support, waterproof jacket and trousers, warm layers, gloves and a hat, plus water and a snack. The operator provides crampons, a harness, a helmet and an ice axe. Jeans and trainers are not allowed on the ice, and guides do turn people away. Most meeting points rent boots and rain gear for a small fee; check the tour page and book them in advance in summer.
One checkout, any number of operators
Rankings are not for sale
203 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.
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