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

The boldest part of this South Coast day trip is the two-hour ATV ride across Sólheimasandur, a broad black-sand shore where a crashed DC3 plane has become one of Iceland’s most unusual sights. You ride toward the wreck, the coast, Dyrhólaey Peninsula, and Mýrdalsjökull Glacier before returning by coach to two major waterfalls.

I like the strong mix of adventure and classic Iceland scenery. You get a real activity, not just a series of roadside photo stops, and guides such as Henrik and Ragnar add a friendly, practical touch. I also like that Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss are saved for the return trip, so the day has a clear rhythm.

The main catch is cost and the ATV setup. At $299 per person, this is not a cheap South Coast outing, and two people share one quad bike. If your group has an odd number, you must pay extra on site for a single-rider ATV.

Key points to know before booking

• The DC3 wreck is reached by ATV: You cross the black sands of Sólheimasandur instead of simply viewing the plane from a distant road.
• The ride lasts about two hours: That gives the ATV portion real weight in the day, rather than treating it as a brief add-on.
• Two people share each quad bike: A valid driver’s license is required, and solo riders or odd-numbered groups pay for a single ATV.
• The waterfall stops are substantial: Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss are visited on the way back to Reykjavik.
• The weather gear helps, but you bring the warmth: Coveralls, helmets, and balaclavas are supplied, while extra warm clothing and waterproof shoes are your responsibility.
• The day lasts 10 hours: You meet at BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik at least 15 minutes before departure.

Why this South Coast trip feels different

Many South Coast tours are sightseeing days built around a coach and a string of famous stops. This one changes the pace with a proper ATV outing on the black sands of Sólheimasandur.

That matters because the beach is not just a scenic backdrop. The wide, dark shore and desert-like ground give you room to ride, and the trip to the DC3 wreck becomes part of the experience. You are not simply dropped near a famous object, given a few minutes, and sent back to the bus.

The setting also brings several parts of southern Iceland together. You can look toward the coast, Dyrhólaey Peninsula, and Mýrdalsjökull Glacier while riding. The contrast is striking: black sand under the wheels, ocean nearby, and an ice cap inland.

The tour then shifts from active driving to two of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls. That combination suits you if you want more than a standard coach tour but still want the major South Coast sights in one long day.

From Reykjavik to Sólheimasandur

The day begins at BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure, with your driver’s license ready if you plan to drive.

The full outing lasts about 10 hours. That is a serious day on the road, but it is also what allows the tour to combine the ATV ride, the plane wreck, the glacier and coastal views, and both waterfalls.

The South Coast is known for open views and quick changes in scenery. As you leave the capital, the trip moves toward the southern shore and the area around Sólheimasandur. The provided cover-all, helmet, and balaclava are useful here, since conditions can feel cold and exposed even when the ride itself is not difficult.

You should still wear your own warm clothing. Bring waterproof shoes, and use the supplied boots if weather conditions or your footwear make them a better choice. The tour does not include extra warm clothing or lunch, so pack both wisely.

The two-hour ATV ride across the black sand

The central activity takes place at the Adventure Ground, where you prepare for the ATV ride. You will ride a quad bike on the black sand beach for about two hours.

The driving requirement is important. You need a valid driver’s license to operate the ATV. Two people share one quad bike, so you should be comfortable taking turns or riding with your companion.

An odd-numbered group needs special attention at booking. A group of three, for example, cannot simply divide evenly between two ATVs. Single riders and groups with odd numbers must book a single-rider ATV, with the extra cost paid on site.

That added charge can affect the value of the trip, especially at an already high price. If you are booking with an odd-numbered group, check the arrangement before committing so the final cost does not surprise you.

The ride itself is the reason to choose this tour over a conventional South Coast outing. You get two hours on the quad, rather than a short demonstration in a confined area. The black sand and open shore create a memorable setting, though the experience is still weather-dependent in feel. Iceland’s southern coast can be cold and wet, so proper clothing is not optional comfort. It is part of enjoying the ride.

A qualified guide leads the ATV portion and keeps the activity safe and organized. Henrik has been praised for being experienced and fun, while Ragnar has been singled out for being kind and informative during the broader day. The guide you meet may differ, but those comments point to the qualities you should expect from the local team: clear instruction, good pacing, and a friendly manner.

Reaching the 1973 DC3 plane wreck

The DC3 wreck is the most unusual stop on the route. The aircraft crashed on Sólheimasandur in 1973, and its remains now sit on the black sands as a stark man-made contrast to the surrounding coast.

The ATV ride takes you across a desert-like stretch to reach it. That access is a major advantage. You do not simply see the wreck as a quick roadside curiosity. The journey across the sand gives the stop a sense of place.

The plane itself is not the only reason this stop works. It is the combination of the wreck, the empty-looking shore, and the natural forces around it. You can take in the coastline and the surrounding views before returning toward the main road.

This part of the tour is also the most dependent on your comfort with an active outing. If you prefer a quiet sightseeing day with long stops and little equipment, a standard South Coast coach tour may suit you better. If you like a clear destination reached by an unusual form of transport, the ATV section earns its place in the schedule.

Dyrhólaey, the coast, and Mýrdalsjökull

The ride includes views toward Dyrhólaey Peninsula, the southernmost tip of Iceland. From the coastal area, you can look across the distinctive southern scenery and out toward the sea.

Mýrdalsjökull Glacier provides the inland counterpoint. The glacier is visible from the area, giving you a chance to see ice beyond the dark shore. One recent outing included a view of the glacier from a viewpoint, so keep your eyes open during the scenic stops.

Dyrhólaey and Mýrdalsjökull are valuable additions because they give the day more range. You are not spending all your time focused on the wreck or the quad bike. The route shows you the meeting point of coast, volcanic black sand, mountains, and ice.

Do not expect a long glacier hike or a separate visit onto the ice. The information describes views of Mýrdalsjökull, not a glacier walk. That distinction matters when you compare this tour with more specialized adventure trips.

Skógafoss: a powerful final-day stop

On the return to Reykjavik, the coach stops at Skógafoss. This is one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls, and it has the broad, dramatic character you would expect from a major South Coast stop.

The timing works well. After the ATV ride and the exposed coast, Skógafoss gives you a chance to stretch your legs and focus on scenery without managing a vehicle. You should still keep your waterproof gear close, since a large waterfall can produce spray and wet ground.

The stop is not just filler at the end of the day. Skógafoss gives the itinerary a classic Iceland moment that the ATV portion cannot provide. The sound, falling water, and scale create a sharp change from the open black beach.

One useful detail from the trip feedback is that time at the waterfalls was handled generously enough for sightseeing. That suggests the day is not built around racing through each stop, although exact timing can change with conditions and the route.

Walking behind Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is the second waterfall stop, and its special feature is the path behind the falling water. If conditions allow, you can walk around the back of the waterfall for a different view.

This is one of the most hands-on sightseeing moments of the day. You are not only looking at Seljalandsfoss from a viewpoint. You can move around it and see the water curtain from behind.

Waterproof shoes are especially useful here. The path and spray can be wet, and your clothing should be able to handle damp conditions. The supplied cover-all is intended for the ATV ride, but your personal rain and footwear choices still matter at the waterfall.

Seljalandsfoss makes a fitting final attraction because it gives you an active way to experience a famous natural sight after the more mechanical excitement of the ATV ride. It also helps the day feel varied rather than repetitive.

What the $299 price includes

At $299 per person, this tour sits firmly in the expensive day-trip category. The price makes more sense if you specifically want the ATV ride and plane wreck, since those are the features that separate it from a basic South Coast excursion.

You are paying for transport from Reykjavik, an experienced and qualified guide, the ATV activity, safety equipment, and visits to two major waterfalls. An ATV is provided per two people, and the package includes an insulated cover-all, helmet, and balaclava face mask. Boots may be available depending on the weather and your footwear.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Those waterfalls can be part of other South Coast tours, so you should not choose this outing for the waterfall stops alone.

Lunch is not included. At 10 hours, you need to plan for food, and the details provided do not specify a supplied meal or a particular lunch stop. Bring something suitable unless you know the schedule will offer a place to buy food.

The single-rider surcharge is another value issue. Two people sharing a quad keeps the listed price clearer for couples and even-numbered groups. Solo participants and odd-numbered groups should budget for the extra ATV cost paid on site.

The tour has a 4.9 rating from 44 reviews, and 97 percent of ratings for the transport are perfect. The consistently positive feedback focuses on the ATV ride, the guides, the route, and the time spent at the waterfalls. Those strengths support the higher price, but only if the adventure element is central to your plans.

Who should choose this tour

I would choose this for an active couple or small group that wants one full South Coast day with a distinctive main event. It works especially well if the DC3 wreck interests you and you want to reach it by ATV rather than treat it as a simple photo stop.

It also suits you if you want a guide-led experience and do not want to arrange a rental car, driving route, or separate ATV booking. The transport and the activity are bundled into one day from Reykjavik.

You should think twice if you dislike cold weather, wet paths, or long days. The tour lasts 10 hours, and southern Iceland can be exposed. Pregnant women and children under 8 are not permitted.

You also need to be ready to share a quad bike. If you are traveling alone or in an odd-numbered group, the additional single-rider fee may change your calculation.

The English-speaking format is straightforward, and the guides are there to help you manage both the driving and the sightseeing. If you want a tour in another language, this is not the right fit based on the information provided.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Arrive at BSI Bus Terminal at least 15 minutes early. Keep your driver’s license somewhere easy to reach, since you need it to drive the ATV.

Wear layers and choose waterproof shoes with a firm sole. The supplied helmet, balaclava, and cover-all handle part of the gear, but they do not replace warm clothing.

Pack lunch or snacks. No lunch is included, and the day is long enough that you will want food along the way.

Do not bring alcohol or drugs. They are not allowed on the activity.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, with a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility is useful when Icelandic weather may affect your plans, though you should still read the current booking terms before paying.

Should you book the ATV and plane wreck tour?

Book it if you want the South Coast with a real activity at its center. The two-hour ATV trip across Sólheimasandur, the DC3 wreck, black sand, Dyrhólaey, and views toward Mýrdalsjökull give the day a clear identity. Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss then supply the classic waterfall stops.

Skip it if you want the cheapest way to see the waterfalls, if you do not want to drive, or if you are traveling in an odd-numbered group and dislike the extra ATV fee. At $299, the tour earns its price through the ATV experience, not simply through coach transport.

For an active first look at southern Iceland, I think the combination is strong. Just bring warm layers, waterproof footwear, food, and a valid driver’s license, then check the single-rider cost before booking.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from BSI Bus Terminal in the city center of Reykjavik. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

How long does the full tour last?

The full day lasts 10 hours.

How long is the ATV ride?

The ATV portion lasts about two hours.

Do I need a driver’s license?

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

How many people share an ATV?

Two people share one ATV.

What happens if I am traveling alone or in an odd-numbered group?

Single riders and groups with odd numbers must book a single-rider ATV. The additional cost is paid on site.

What equipment is provided?

The tour includes an insulated cover-all, helmet, and balaclava face mask. Boots may be available depending on the weather and your footwear.

What should I bring?

Bring your driver’s license, warm clothing, and waterproof shoes. Lunch is not included, so you should also plan your own food for the long day.

Can children or pregnant women join?

Children under 8 and pregnant women are not permitted on this tour.