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

The star of this day is the two-hour ATV ride across Sólheimasandur, a broad black-sand shore with the abandoned DC3 plane wreck as its unusual prize. You cross stark volcanic ground, look toward Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, and reach the coast near Dyrhólaey Peninsula. It is a memorable way to see the South Coast, not just another stop beside a tour bus.

I like the smart pairing of outdoor action with Iceland’s two famous waterfalls, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. I also like that the ATV operator supplies a helmet, balaclava, insulated cover-all, and boots when needed. The main drawback is simple: two people share one quad, and an odd-numbered party must pay extra for a single-rider ATV on site.

Key points at a glance

• Ride to the DC3 plane wreck: The ATV route crosses Sólheimasandur’s black sand and includes a stop at the well-known 1973 crash site.
• Two hours on the quad: This is a real riding segment, not a quick photo stop with a short vehicle spin.
• South Coast landmarks included: You visit Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, with views toward Dyrhólaey and Mýrdalsjökull Glacier.
• Cold-weather gear is supplied: Expect a helmet, face-covering balaclava, and insulated cover-all, with boots available depending on conditions and footwear.
• A driver’s license is required: Two people normally share one ATV, but solo riders can book a single quad for an extra on-site charge.
• A long but useful day: The full outing lasts about 10 hours, leaving room for several major sights without requiring another South Coast excursion.

Why the ATV section is the main event

Many South Coast tours focus on waterfalls, cliffs, and viewpoints. This one adds a hands-on way to cross the strange, open terrain of Sólheimasandur. The black sand gives the area an almost desert-like feel, while the sea, mountains, glacier, and wreck add strong visual contrast.

You ride an ATV quad bike for about two hours. That matters because the route has enough time to feel like an activity rather than a brief add-on. You can expect safety instructions and a guide-led ride, with an experienced English-speaking guide managing the route.

The quads are normally shared by two people. One person drives, then the pair can switch if the operator allows it during the outing. Since a valid driver’s license is required, you should bring yours even if you expect to spend only part of the ride at the controls.

The tour supplies an insulated cover-all, helmet, and balaclava face mask. Boots may be available depending on the weather and your own footwear. I would still wear warm layers and waterproof shoes, since Icelandic weather can make a short outdoor stop feel much colder than expected.

This is not a quiet stroll along a beach. The ATV section brings noise, machinery, and a set route. If you want a completely still, solitary experience in nature, a walking excursion may suit you better. If you like a bit of speed and want to cover more ground than you could on foot, this is the stronger choice.

Sólheimasandur and the stranded DC3

The DC3 plane wreck is one of Iceland’s most recognizable sights. The aircraft crashed on Sólheimasandur in 1973, and its bare fuselage now rests on the dark sand. The story is dramatic, but the setting is what makes the stop memorable: a weathered plane body against a wide, nearly treeless stretch of volcanic shore.

The ATV route takes you across the sand to the wreck, so you are not simply looking at it from a distant roadside pullout. You can stop and see the aircraft up close as part of the guided ride. The combination of old metal, black sand, and distant mountains gives the visit a stark, almost otherworldly look without needing any special effects.

The stop is also a reminder that Iceland’s natural sights are spread out. Sólheimasandur is not a compact town attraction where you can wander between several sites in minutes. The ATV is useful because it turns the distance into part of the experience.

You should expect the weather to shape this section. Wind, cold, and damp conditions are part of the South Coast, so the provided gear helps, but it does not replace a warm base layer. Keep your phone or camera protected from spray and sand, and listen closely to the guide’s instructions around the vehicle and wreck.

Dyrhólaey, the black beach, and glacier views

The route continues toward the coast near Dyrhólaey Peninsula, the southernmost tip of Iceland. From here, you look out over the sea and back toward the South Coast’s mountains and volcanic terrain. The exact view depends on weather, but the itinerary includes the chance to see Mýrdalsjökull Glacier inland.

That glacier is important to the character of this part of Iceland. It gives the broad black-sand shore a dramatic backdrop and shows how closely the region’s fire and ice exist side by side. You do not visit the glacier itself on this tour, but seeing it from the route helps explain the scale of the South Coast.

I like this portion because it slows the experience down after the ATV ride. You get a chance to take in the setting rather than focusing only on steering and following the guide. It also gives you more than one type of scenery in a single day: open shore, mountain views, a glacier, and waterfalls.

The tradeoff is time. A 10-hour excursion covers a lot, but you are still moving between several major places. This is a good sampler of the South Coast, not a deep visit to each site. If you want long walks at Dyrhólaey or extended time at the waterfalls, a private tour or overnight stay would give you more freedom.

Skógafoss brings the classic waterfall moment

On the return to Reykjavik, the tour stops at Skógafoss. This is one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls, and it is easy to understand why. Water drops in a broad curtain, creating a powerful view that works from a distance and up close.

The stop gives you a welcome change from the open beach. After the ATV ride, Skógafoss feels more lush and enclosed, with falling water and a clear focal point. You should bring waterproof outerwear even if the day begins dry, since spray can reach the viewing area.

Recent guide feedback gives special credit to the amount of time spent at the waterfalls. Ragnar is praised for being kind and informative while allowing a good amount of time at each stop. That is useful on a long day, since rushed waterfall visits can leave you with little more than a hurried photograph.

Still, the exact length of each stop can depend on traffic, weather, and the day’s operating schedule. The advertised route includes Skógafoss, but it does not promise an extended hike or a long break at the falls. Think of it as a well-chosen sightseeing stop within a larger active tour.

Seljalandsfoss and the walk behind the water

Seljalandsfoss offers a different view from Skógafoss. The key feature is the path that allows you to walk behind the waterfall. That makes this stop more interactive, but it also means you should expect spray and wet ground.

Waterproof shoes are especially important here. The tour specifically asks you to bring them, and that advice makes sense. Even with supplied outer gear, damp footwear can make the rest of a long day uncomfortable.

The walk behind Seljalandsfoss is weather dependent in practical terms. Conditions can affect how wet or slippery the path feels, and you should follow the guide’s directions rather than forcing the route. If you prefer to stay dry, you can still view the waterfall from outside the spray zone.

Together, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss give the day a good contrast. Skógafoss offers a large, direct wall of water. Seljalandsfoss gives you a route around and behind the fall. You get two major waterfalls without spending the entire day at similar viewpoints.

What the 10-hour schedule feels like

The tour starts at Reykjavik’s BSI Bus Terminal. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. From there, transport takes you along the South Coast to the ATV operation, followed by the ride and the waterfall stops on the return journey.

Ten hours is a full day. I would not schedule another major activity for the evening, especially if you are visiting Iceland in cold or windy weather. The pace combines bus travel, gear-up time, a two-hour ATV ride, coastal views, the plane wreck, and two waterfall visits.

The benefit is efficiency. You can see several South Coast highlights in one booking instead of arranging separate transport and an ATV outing. The drawback is that you spend much of the day on the move, with limited control over how long you stay at each stop.

The transport has a strong reputation, with 97 percent of ratings giving it a perfect score. The overall experience rating is 4.9 from 44 ratings. Those figures point to a well-liked operation, but they do not change the basic nature of the day: it is structured, active, and fairly busy.

Price, gear, and the real value

At $299 per person, this is not a budget bus ride. The price makes more sense when you count what is bundled together: transport from Reykjavik, an experienced English-speaking guide, the two-hour ATV ride, safety equipment, the plane wreck, coastal scenery, and visits to two major waterfalls.

You are also avoiding the need to arrange a separate South Coast transfer and a separate quad-bike booking. For a visitor with limited time in Iceland, that combined format can be good value. It gives you both sightseeing and an activity, rather than asking you to choose one.

The ATV arrangement is the most important price detail for couples and groups. Two people share one quad as standard. If you are traveling alone, or if your group has an odd number, you need to book a single-rider ATV and pay the extra charge on site.

That cost can catch you off guard if you read only the headline price. I would confirm the single-rider supplement before departure if your group is not divisible by two. Couples and even-numbered groups have the simplest arrangement.

Lunch is not included. Bring food or plan to buy something if a stop allows it, but the provided information does not promise a specific lunch stop. Pack snacks that are easy to eat during a long outing, and bring water.

Who will enjoy this South Coast day?

I would choose this tour if you want a major dose of scenery with a real outdoor activity. It suits couples, friends, and active families with older children who meet the age rules. Children under eight cannot join, and pregnant women should not book this activity.

You also need a valid driver’s license to operate a quad bike. If you are not comfortable driving, you can still share with another person, but you should understand that the tour is built around the ATV segment.

This is a strong pick for a first South Coast visit when you want to see the plane wreck, Dyrhólaey area, glacier views, and both waterfalls in one day. It is less suitable if your priority is a slow pace, extensive hiking, or a private itinerary.

The guides are a meaningful part of the experience. Henrik is praised for being experienced and fun, while Ragnar is praised for being kind and informative. Those qualities matter here because the day includes equipment, driving instructions, weather exposure, and several moving parts.

Practical tips before you go

Wear warm layers rather than relying only on the supplied cover-all. Icelandic wind can cut through light clothing, and you will appreciate an extra layer during photo stops.

Bring waterproof shoes with a solid grip. They are useful for the beach, waterfall viewpoints, and the path behind Seljalandsfoss. Boots may be available, but the tour specifically tells you to bring waterproof footwear, so do not count on borrowing a pair.

Pack your driver’s license in an easy-to-reach place. You need it to drive, and forgetting it could limit your participation in the main activity.

Plan for shared driving if you are with a partner or friend. The standard ATV is for two people, and you should discuss who wants to drive before the tour begins. Odd-numbered groups should budget for the extra single-rider fee.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. This is a safety rule that matters on a motorized outing, particularly in cold conditions and on unfamiliar terrain.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility helps if your Iceland schedule is still changing, but it does not remove the need to check the start time and arrive at BSI at least 15 minutes early.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if the DC3 plane wreck and a two-hour ATV ride appeal to you as much as the waterfalls. The best part is the mix: you get a motorized outing across black sand, striking coastal scenery, and classic South Coast sights in one long day.

Skip it if you want a relaxed waterfall tour, dislike sharing a quad, or do not want to pay extra for a single rider. At $299, the value depends on using both halves of the day: the ATV adventure and the sightseeing route.

For an active first look at southern Iceland, I think the combination is convincing. Bring warm clothes, waterproof shoes, a license, and a realistic expectation of a full schedule. If those basics suit you, this is a memorable way to reach the South Coast’s most unusual sight and still return to Reykjavik the same day.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

How long does the activity last?

The full tour lasts about 10 hours. The ATV ride itself lasts about two hours.

How many people share an ATV?

One ATV is provided for two people. Single riders and groups with an odd number must book a single-rider ATV and pay the extra charge on site.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. A valid driver’s license is required to drive a quad bike.

What gear is included?

The tour includes a helmet, balaclava face mask, and insulated cover-all. 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.

Can children or pregnant women join?

Children under eight and pregnant women are not permitted to take part.