South Coast Highlights & DC-3 Plane Wreck Small-Group Tour

The DC-3 plane wreck is the unusual star of this South Coast day trip. An abandoned US Navy aircraft sits alone on Sólheimasandur’s black sands, far from the road. You can reach it by shuttle rather than walking almost two hours each way, then continue to waterfalls, a glacier, a sea arch, and one of Iceland’s most dangerous beaches.

I like the wide range of sights packed into one day, and I like having round-trip transport from Reykjavík in a small minibus. Guides such as Mitch, Jojo, Martin, Siggi, and Tomas have been praised for humor, local stories, and keeping the day moving. The main catch is time: shared transport with glacier hikers can create long waits, and the minibus seats may feel tight on a 12-hour outing.

Key points to know before booking

• The plane wreck comes with a shuttle: Ride about 15 minutes from the Sólheimasandur parking area instead of making the nearly two-hour walk across the sand.
• Seven major South Coast stops fit into one day: You visit Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, the DC-3, Dyrhólaey, Sólheimajökull, and Seljalandsfoss, plus a service stop at Hvolsvöllur.
• Reynisfjara needs serious caution: Sneaker waves can surge much farther up the beach than expected, even when the water looks calm.
• This is sightseeing, not glacier hiking: At Sólheimajökull, you view the ice from the lagoon area. No walk onto the glacier is included.
• The shared minibus can affect timing: Some departures combine plane-wreck visitors with people taking a glacier hike, which may add waiting time.
• Pack for wet, windy weather: Waterproof clothing, sturdy shoes, warm layers, snacks, and a dry change of clothes will make the day much easier.

Why the DC-3 wreck makes this South Coast tour different

Iceland’s South Coast already has enough scenery for a full day. The plane wreck adds a strange human detail to all that volcanic rock, black sand, and ice. The aircraft has become a cinematic landmark, but its appeal is not only photographic. It feels stark and isolated, with the empty sand stretching around the rusting frame.

The shuttle is a major practical advantage. From the Sólheimasandur parking area, you ride roughly 15 minutes across the sand to the wreck. You then have time to walk around the aircraft and take photographs before returning by shuttle. Without that ride, reaching the plane can take almost two hours on foot in each direction, a serious undertaking in strong wind or poor weather.

The aircraft itself is not the main attraction for everyone. If you are fascinated by aviation or abandoned places, it may be the day’s highlight. If not, the wide, nearly empty black-sand setting may interest you more than the metal shell. One useful point: the tour gives you access to the site without turning the whole day into a long hike.

A long but efficient ride from Reykjavík

Pickup begins at about 8:00 a.m. from selected Reykjavík stops, and the pickup process can take up to 30 minutes. Bring patience for the first part of the morning, especially if your pickup point is not first on the route.

The vehicle is a Wi-Fi-equipped minibus with a maximum group size of 19 people. That is more personal than a full-size coach and makes it easier to hear the guide and get on and off quickly. The tradeoff is space. Several departures used a very compact minibus, and taller people found the legroom uncomfortable during the long drive.

This is a 12-hour day, not a quick outing. The South Coast is far enough from Reykjavík that driving takes up a large part of the schedule. I consider the transport worthwhile if you want to see several famous sites without renting a car, checking road conditions, or managing Iceland’s changeable weather yourself.

The onboard Wi-Fi is useful for sending photographs, though it should be treated as a bonus rather than the reason to book. The real value is having a driver-guide handle the route and explain what you are seeing.

Hvolsvöllur: a useful first pause

The brief stop at Hvolsvöllur lasts about 20 minutes. This is mainly a practical break, with restrooms and a chance to buy snacks and drinks.

Use it well. Food is not included, and there is no separate lunch provided during the day. You will have an opportunity to buy food around Reynisfjara, but carrying a snack and a drink from Reykjavík or this first stop is wise.

Skógafoss: Icelandic water at full force

Skógafoss drops 60 meters in a broad, powerful sheet. You can walk toward the base, where spray fills the air, or climb the 527 steps to the viewing area above the falls.

The lower viewpoint gives you the strongest sense of scale. On a sunny day, the spray can produce a double rainbow, though Icelandic weather never promises cooperation. The upper viewpoint offers a broader view toward the coast and the Eyjafjallajökull glacier volcano.

The scheduled stop is about 45 minutes, which is enough for the base and some photographs. It may not be enough for a leisurely climb, long photo session, and extended time by the river. Wear waterproof clothing if you plan to approach the falls. The spray is not a minor detail.

Timing can be the weak point here. A few departures have reached Skógafoss with very little time available, so ask your guide clearly how long you have before walking away from the bus. Do not assume every stop will receive its full planned duration if weather, traffic, or delays earlier in the day have taken time.

Reynisfjara: beautiful, powerful, and not forgiving

Reynisfjara is the stop that demands the most care. The beach has black volcanic sand, tall basalt columns, and the jagged Reynisdrangar sea stacks offshore. It is visually dramatic and easy to reach, but the waves can be dangerous.

Listen closely to the safety briefing and respect the warning signs. Sneaker waves can rush much farther up the beach than the last wave did. Keep well back from the water, never turn your back on the sea, and do not treat a calm-looking moment as proof that the beach is safe.

The stop lasts about 50 minutes and also serves as the lunch break. That gives you time to walk, take photographs, and eat, but only if you manage the clock. Food and drinks are not included, so you will need to purchase lunch or bring something with you.

The basalt columns are especially worth seeing because they show Iceland’s volcanic character in a clear, almost geometric form. The sea stacks add scale, while the black sand makes the whole scene look severe rather than postcard-soft.

The DC-3: an easy visit to an isolated wreck

At Sólheimasandur, the shuttle takes you across the broad sand field to the aircraft. The ride itself is part of the experience, with the vehicle crossing a stark stretch of volcanic ground that feels very different from the green farmland near Reykjavík.

You have about 90 minutes for the plane-wreck stop, including the shuttle arrangements. That is generally enough for photographs and a walk around the aircraft. It is also far kinder to your legs than walking the full route.

The wreck can become crowded, and shared transport can complicate the schedule. Some departures combine people visiting the plane with people taking a glacier hike. That may mean waiting while the hiking group finishes, sometimes for an hour or more. One advantage is that the extra routing can bring you close to the glacier lagoon area, but the delay may feel frustrating if the aircraft is your main reason for booking.

Bring a book, a snack, or simply expect some idle time if your minibus is coordinating more than one activity. Ask your guide about the return plan before you leave the vehicle so you know exactly where and when to meet.

Dyrhólaey for the South Coast’s broadest view

Dyrhólaey means Door Hill Island, and the name refers to the large natural arch cut into the coastal headland. From this 120-meter-high point, you can look along the black shoreline in both directions and see the Reynisdrangar sea stacks to the east.

A white lighthouse adds a human detail to the exposed cliff top. The short 30-minute stop is mainly about viewpoints rather than a long walk, so it works well after the plane-wreck visit.

Wind can be fierce here. Keep your clothing secured, watch your footing, and follow the guide’s directions near cliff edges. The view changes quickly with the weather. On a clear day, you get a sweeping coastal panorama. In fog or heavy rain, the mood becomes more severe and mysterious, but visibility may be limited.

Sólheimajökull: glacier power without a glacier hike

Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier flowing from the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. The tour takes you on a scenic walk toward the edge of the retreating ice and its glacial lagoon.

This is a sightseeing stop, not an ice walk. You do not put on crampons or hike across the glacier. That distinction matters because some vehicles also carry people who have booked a separate glacier hike. Make sure you know which activity is yours before leaving the minibus.

The lagoon area gives you a close view of ice, dark volcanic material, and the rough edge of the glacier. The scheduled time is about 50 minutes, enough for the walk and photographs if conditions are reasonable. Sturdy shoes help, since the ground can be uneven.

This stop also shows how varied the South Coast can be in one day. You move from surf and basalt to ice and meltwater, with volcanic forces shaping both.

Seljalandsfoss: walk behind the water

Seljalandsfoss drops 60 meters from the cliff and is famous for the path behind its curtain. The cavern lets you circle much of the waterfall and look outward through falling water toward the coast.

The stop is shorter, about 25 minutes, so move promptly after getting off the bus. Waterproof trousers and a rain jacket are especially useful here. The spray can soak you even when the sky is dry, and wet rocks require care.

This is a sensory stop: the roar is close, the mist reaches the path, and the view changes as you move behind the falls. It is one of the best places on the route for a memorable photograph, but protect your phone and camera.

Late arrival can reduce the experience. Delays from pickup, weather, vehicle trouble, or the shared glacier schedule have sometimes pushed this stop toward dusk. If Seljalandsfoss matters most to you, ask during the day whether the schedule is changing.

Price, comfort, and the value question

At $195.51 per person, this tour is not the cheapest way to see the South Coast. You are paying for a full day of transport, a driver-guide, the plane-wreck shuttle, and a route that covers several major sights in one booking.

The value is strongest if you do not want to drive in Iceland or arrange separate transport to Sólheimasandur. The shuttle alone saves a long walk, while the minibus removes the work of navigating a broad route in uncertain weather.

The value weakens if you dislike long days in a compact vehicle or need strict control over your time. Shared departures can include glacier hikers, and waiting for another group may reduce time at later stops. The seats have also been uncomfortable for some taller people, so this is not the right choice if spacious transport is a priority.

The guides are an important part of the experience. Mitch has been praised for humor and useful tips, Jojo for warmth and energy, Martin for clear explanations, Siggi for keeping the group informed and entertained, and Tomas for attentive care. Guides change, so you cannot book a particular personality unless the operator confirms it, but good guiding can make a long driving day far more enjoyable.

What to pack for this exact day

I would bring:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm layers that you can add or remove
• Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
• Snacks and a refillable drink
• Spare socks and, ideally, a dry change of clothes
• Phone protection for spray at Seljalandsfoss
• A small book for possible waiting time

Weather can shift from rain to snow, fog, strong wind, or brief sunshine. One departure faced torrential rain and strong wind but still reached the planned sights. Another had a winter storm severe enough to make the plane wreck nearly invisible. The operator can cancel for poor weather and offer another date or a full refund, but conditions can also worsen during the day.

At Reynisfjara, clothing will not protect you from a sneaker wave, so distance from the sea matters more than waterproof gear. Keep children close and follow the safety briefing without exception.

Should you book this South Coast tour?

Book it if you want the classic South Coast in one long day, especially if the DC-3 is high on your list and you do not want the long walk across Sólheimasandur. The route gives you waterfalls, black sand, sea stacks, a glacier, a coastal arch, and the wreck without asking you to organize several separate bookings.

Think twice if you need generous legroom, dislike waiting, or want every stop to receive an exact amount of time. For the best chance of enjoying it, bring food, wear proper waterproof clothing, ask about the shared glacier schedule, and treat the itinerary as a flexible day rather than a minute-by-minute promise.

At 4.4 out of 5 from 63 ratings, the experience offers strong sightseeing value with real practical compromises. I would choose it for range and convenience, not for comfort or complete control over the timetable.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

Pickup begins at 8:00 a.m. from selected pickup points in Reykjavík. The pickup process can take up to 30 minutes.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, including the drive from Reykjavík and the return journey.

Is the walk to the DC-3 plane wreck included?

A shuttle from the Sólheimasandur parking area to the wreck and back is included. The shuttle ride takes about 15 minutes each way and avoids the nearly two-hour walk across the black sand.

Does the tour include a glacier hike?

No. The Sólheimajökull stop is for viewing the glacier from the lagoon area. A guided walk onto the ice is not included.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. There is a service stop at Hvolsvöllur, and the Reynisfjara stop also allows time for lunch.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 19 people and uses a small-group minibus.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

The experience requires suitable weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.