South Coast Waterfalls, Black Sand & Glacier review
Our verdict: Iceland’s best-selling day tour, with a staggering 11,935 reviews at 4.8, and the cheapest way to sample a glacier from Reykjavík at $107. Be clear on one thing though: the “glacier” here is a short guided walk up to and onto Sólheimajökull, not a full crampon hike. Best for travellers who want the classic south-coast sights with a glacier photo stop, on a budget.
What the day is actually like
The format mirrors the classic south-coast run: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black-sand beach, and a stop at Sólheimajökull glacier. The difference from the dedicated hike above is the glacier portion — on most departures this is a guided walk to the glacier edge and a short stretch on the ice rather than a 1–2 hour crampon hike. With nearly 12,000 reviews it’s a slick, reliable operation, and it’s the lowest-priced way to combine the big sights with any glacier time at all.
Who it suits — and who should look elsewhere
What works
- Cheapest glacier-inclusive day from Reykjavík ($107)
- Iceland’s most-reviewed tour — 11,900+ at 4.8
- Covers the south coast’s headline sights
- No car needed, beginner friendly
- Runs year-round
Worth knowing
- Glacier portion is a short walk, not a full hike
- Long day with significant coach time
- Big operation — can feel busy
- Not for anyone whose main goal is a proper ice hike
If the glacier is your priority, spend the extra and pick a tour that lists “1–2 hours on the ice” or crampons in the itinerary. This one is best understood as a sightseeing day with a glacier bonus.
Is it worth it?
As a value-packed first day in Iceland, absolutely — the rating and review count speak for themselves and the price is unbeatable. Just book it for what it is. If you specifically came to hike a glacier, choose the Skaftafell Blue Ice hike or the Reykjavík glacier hike combo, both of which give you real crampon time.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a real glacier hike?
Not in the full sense. On most departures the glacier portion is a short guided walk to and onto Sólheimajökull, not a 1–2 hour crampon hike. It’s a sightseeing day with a glacier stop.
Why does it have so many reviews?
It’s the south coast’s best-selling day tour and has run for years, so it has accumulated nearly 12,000 ratings — an unusually large and consistent 4.8 sample.
What’s included for the price?
Round-trip transport from Reykjavík, a guide, and stops at the waterfalls, black-sand beach and glacier. Food and any optional glacier gear are extra; check the booking page for the exact inclusions on your date.
Should I pick this or a dedicated glacier hike?
Pick this for the cheapest sightseeing day with a glacier taste. Pick a dedicated hike (Skaftafell or the Reykjavík glacier combo) if your goal is real time on the ice in crampons.