Reykjavik: Iceland South Coast & Glacier Snowmobile Tour

The big draw here is the glacier snowmobile ride. You travel from Reykjavik into Iceland’s South Coast, switch to a specially modified glacier truck, and climb toward Mýrdalsjökull for a thrilling ride across the ice. With clear skies, the views from the glacier can be superb.

I like the smart mix of adventure and sightseeing. You get protective clothing, a proper glacier transfer, and two famous waterfalls in one day. I also like that guides such as Herman and Marti have been praised for keeping people comfortable, explaining sights along the road, and handling rough weather calmly.

The tradeoff is the long bus journey. Expect about 10 hours overall, with roughly two and a half hours each way to the snowmobile base. The glacier ride is a highlight, but the day leaves limited time for other South Coast stops.

Key points to know before you go

• Mýrdalsjökull by glacier truck: Reach the snowmobile area in a specially modified vehicle, adding a rugged part to the adventure.
• One snowmobile for two people: You share the machine, so this is not a solo ride for every person.
• Protective clothing included: Outer gear and safety equipment are supplied, but bring warm socks, gloves, and a neck warmer.
• Two classic waterfalls: Stop at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss on the return to Reykjavik.
• A full day on the road: The 10-hour schedule includes long driving time, a service stop, the glacier activity, and waterfall visits.
• Good value for an active day: At $332 per person, the price covers transport, glacier access, the snowmobile ride, equipment, and onboard Wi-Fi.

The glacier ride is the main event

If you want a South Coast day with a real shot of adventure, this tour puts the snowmobile first. You leave Reykjavik and head toward Mýrdalsjökull, one of Iceland’s large ice caps, where the road journey gives way to a rougher transfer by glacier truck.

That truck is not just a shuttle. It is a specially modified vehicle built for the climb toward the snowmobile area. The ride adds a sense of occasion before you even reach the machines. You are not simply stepping off a coach beside a paved parking lot. You are heading onto high ground in a vehicle made for the conditions.

At the glacier base, you receive protective clothing and safety equipment. The staff get the group prepared before the ride begins, and the snowmobile guides explain how to operate the machines. You need a driver’s license, so bring it with you.

One important detail can affect your expectations: one snowmobile is shared by two people. You should plan on taking turns rather than assuming you will drive for the entire activity. For couples or friends, that can work well. If you are hoping for a long solo ride, this setup may feel less generous.

The ride itself is described as thrilling but safe, with guides looking after the group at different speeds. You might find the weather changes quickly at glacier height. On a clear day, the views from the top can be spectacular. In poor weather, snow, wind, or low cloud may limit what you see, but the conditions can also make the outing feel more like a true Arctic expedition.

What the Mýrdalsjökull section feels like

The snowmobile ride is the part that justifies the price and the long drive. You get the unusual combination of speed, open snow, mountain views, and the sense that you are far from ordinary roads.

The length of the actual ride is not stated precisely in the tour details. One account describes about an hour on the snowmobile, with additional time spent traveling up and down in the glacier vehicle. Treat the snowmobile portion as the centerpiece of the day, but not as a full-day motor sport session.

The guides at the glacier base are an important part of the experience. They explain the glacier and the machines, help with clothing, and make sure the group is ready before setting out. This is useful if you have never driven a snowmobile before. You get excitement without being left to work out the basics on your own.

Weather matters here more than it does at a city attraction. One outing reached the glacier in snow blizzards and poor visibility, while the group still had a memorable time. Another had clear skies and beautiful views. You should pack for both possibilities, and understand that Iceland can change the character of the experience without notice.

Bring warm gloves and thick socks. A neck warmer is a particularly good idea because the supplied balaclava may be thin. Protective outer clothing is included, but your own base layers still matter. You will be much happier on the glacier if you can focus on the ride instead of cold fingers.

The South Coast drive from Reykjavik

The bus leaves from the BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik. The building is marked, and the terminal staff can direct you to the correct coach. The bus has free Wi-Fi, though the scenery outside is likely to be more interesting than the connection inside.

The drive to the glacier takes time. Plan for about two and a half hours before reaching the snowmobile location, with a service stop along the way for bathrooms and food. The stop is useful, but do not count on a long meal break. Bring snacks and drinks because the included package does not cover food.

This is not primarily a narrated sightseeing coach tour. Some guides give plenty of information on the road, while others may offer only limited commentary. Herman is specifically praised for explaining landmarks, describing Icelandic life, and making the drive feel more connected to the places outside the window. Marti is also credited with handling difficult weather and driving conditions well.

That difference matters. If you want a detailed South Coast lecture throughout the journey, this may feel light on commentary. If your main goal is the glacier ride and you are happy to watch the country pass by, the bus is a practical way to reach a remote activity without renting a car.

The scenery helps break up the travel time. The South Coast is known for broad views, open farmland, and mountain country, though the exact visibility depends on weather. The long drive is the price you pay for reaching the glacier in a single day from Reykjavik.

Skógafoss, Iceland’s powerful waterfall stop

On the return journey, the bus stops at Skógafoss. This is one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls, and it has the kind of scale that works well even during a brief visit.

The water drops in a broad curtain, creating spray and a strong sense of force. You can admire it from below, where the falls fill the view, and the stop gives you a chance to stretch after the glacier drive.

Skógafoss is a good first waterfall stop because it feels open and dramatic. You do not need a complicated plan to appreciate it. Get your photos, enjoy the sound and spray, and keep an eye on the time so you return to the bus as directed.

The stop also helps solve one of the tour’s main weaknesses. After hours on the road, a short walk beside a major natural sight gives the return journey a welcome break. You are not spending the whole day seated.

Walking behind Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss offers a different experience. When weather and conditions permit, you can walk behind the falling water. That gives you a changing view of the cascade and the surrounding countryside, rather than the straight-on spectacle of Skógafoss.

Expect to get wet near the falls. Even if rain is not falling from the sky, spray can reach the path. Waterproof layers and sensible footwear will make this stop more enjoyable. The tour information specifically notes that going behind the waterfall depends on weather, so the path may not be available every time.

This is a short sightseeing stop, not an extended visit to every nearby waterfall. You will see two major South Coast sights after the glacier activity, but you should not book this tour if your main goal is a slow, detailed waterfall circuit.

The contrast between the two falls makes the return route worthwhile. Skógafoss gives you width and power. Seljalandsfoss gives you the chance to get close and look from behind. Together, they add classic Iceland scenery without requiring a second touring day.

How the $332 price works out

At $332 per person, this is not a cheap bus excursion. It is also more than a simple South Coast waterfall tour because the price includes a specialist glacier activity.

Included are the bus fare, free Wi-Fi onboard, protective clothing and safety equipment, the glacier truck transfer, and the snowmobile ride. You do not need to arrange separate transport to Mýrdalsjökull, which is a major benefit if you are visiting Reykjavik without a car.

Food and drinks are not included. That is easy to overlook on a 10-hour outing, so plan to buy something at the service stop or bring provisions with you. The available details do not promise a full meal break.

I think the value is strongest if you specifically want snowmobiling. Paying $332 for two waterfalls alone would be hard to defend, especially with the long drive. Adding a glacier ride, supplied equipment, a specialized vehicle, and transport to and from Reykjavik makes the cost easier to understand.

You should also value your time. The tour gives you an active day without needing to rent a car or arrange a separate glacier transfer. In return, you spend much of the day on the road and have only brief stops at the waterfalls.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this tour if you have limited time in Iceland and want one major adventure rather than several quiet sightseeing stops. It suits couples, friends, and active families with children aged eight or older.

It is especially useful for people who do not want to drive Icelandic roads or manage glacier logistics themselves. The driver takes care of the long route, the glacier team handles the safety briefing and equipment, and you get a clear plan for the day.

You should think twice if you dislike long bus rides or want a relaxed pace. You will spend about 10 hours away from Reykjavik, and the snowmobile activity is shared between two people. It is also less suitable if your priority is detailed guiding all day, since the level of road commentary can vary.

The tour is conducted in English. Guides such as Herman have added useful explanations and personal care to the day, but the format is still an activity tour, not a fully narrated cultural trip.

Weather, clothing, and small practical tips

I would pack more warmly than you think you need. Bring a neck warmer, warm gloves, thick socks, and layers that can handle cold conditions. The operator provides protective outer clothing and safety equipment for the snowmobile ride, but supplied gear does not replace your own warm clothing.

Carry a driver’s license. It is listed as required for the activity, even though the snowmobile is shared by two people.

Bring water and snacks. The bus stops for food, but the break can be short, and food and drinks are not part of the price. A small day bag should be enough for personal layers and supplies.

Keep your schedule flexible around weather. The tour can run in snowy or windy conditions, and the glacier views may be limited. The waterfall walk behind Seljalandsfoss is also weather dependent.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful when Iceland’s weather makes planning uncertain.

Is this glacier snowmobile tour worth booking?

Book it if the thought of driving a snowmobile on a glacier is the reason you are coming to Iceland. The ride, glacier truck, supplied gear, and South Coast waterfalls create a strong one-day package, and guides such as Herman and Marti can make the long transfers much more pleasant.

Skip it if you mainly want to explore waterfalls at an unhurried pace, or if sitting on a bus for several hours sounds worse than missing the glacier. For a dedicated snowmobile adventure with two famous waterfall stops, though, this is a practical and memorable use of a day from Reykjavik.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik. The building is marked, and it is the home of Reykjavik Excursions.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the BSI Bus Terminal meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts 10 hours. Check availability for the exact starting time.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The live tour guide service is in English.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring snacks or plan to buy food during the service stop.

Is the snowmobile ride included in the price?

Yes. The price includes the glacier snowmobile ride, protective clothing, and safety equipment.

Do I ride a snowmobile alone?

No. One snowmobile is shared by two people.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. You should bring your driver’s license.

Can children join the tour?

Children under eight years old cannot join this activity.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.