Reykjavik: Iceland South Coast & Glacier Snowmobile Tour

The best part of this day is the change in scale: you leave Reykjavik by bus, rumble up Mýrdalsjökull Glacier in a specially modified glacier truck, then ride a snowmobile across the ice. I like the mix of real adventure and easy transport, and I like that the return trip includes two of Iceland’s finest waterfalls, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. The catch is the long road journey for roughly an hour on the snowmobile.

I also like the practical setup. Protective clothing and safety gear are provided, the glacier crew gives a proper briefing, and the bus includes Wi-Fi. Guides and drivers such as Herman have added useful local detail and occasional surprises, but the bus portion is not always a full guided tour. Bring snacks, warm socks, gloves, and a neck warmer, and remember that one snowmobile is shared by two people.

Key points before you book

• The glacier ride is the main event: Expect about an hour on the snowmobiles, reached by a rough and memorable truck ride up the glacier.
• You share the machine: Two people use one snowmobile, so you should be comfortable taking turns.
• The drive takes time: The trip from Reykjavik to the activity area can take about two and a half hours each way, with a service stop.
• Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss finish the day: One is a broad, powerful curtain of water; the other may let you walk behind it if conditions allow.
• Gear is included, food is not: Protective outer clothing and safety equipment are supplied, but lunch, drinks, snacks, and warm personal layers are your responsibility.
• You need a driver’s license: The tour is not suitable for children under eight, and the guide speaks English.

Why this South Coast day is worth a full day

At $332 per person, this is not a cheap bus outing. You are paying for a glacier activity, specialist equipment, transport from central Reykjavik, protective clothing, and a separate waterfall visit. For someone who wants to combine Iceland’s famous South Coast with a proper snowmobile experience, the price can make sense.

The value depends on what you want from Iceland. If your priority is seeing as many South Coast sights as possible, a sightseeing-only day may cover more stops. This tour gives you fewer traditional attractions, but one of them is a hands-on glacier ride that is difficult to arrange on your own.

The day lasts about 10 hours, so plan for a long outing. The road trip is part of the experience, with open views and changing scenery, but you should not expect constant commentary. Some drivers provide lively explanations of landmarks and Icelandic life. Others keep the narration brief and focus on getting you safely to the glacier and back.

Leaving Reykjavik from BSI Bus Terminal

The meeting point is BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik, the home of Reykjavik Excursions. The building is marked, and staff at the terminal can direct you to the correct bus. It is a sensible departure point because you avoid a complicated hotel pickup system and can find the right vehicle inside a busy transport hub.

Allow time to locate the bus and driver. The vehicle should be identifiable by its sign and the timetables inside the terminal, but asking terminal staff is the quickest way to get your bearings.

Once aboard, settle in for a long first leg. The drive to the glacier activity area can take about two and a half hours. There is a stop at a service station, useful for bathrooms and buying food, but do not count on a long meal break. One account describes only about 30 minutes there, which is enough for a quick purchase rather than a relaxed lunch.

I would buy snacks and drinks before departure or at the service stop. Food and beverages are not included, and the schedule is built around reaching the glacier and returning to Reykjavik on time.

The South Coast drive to Mýrdalsjökull

The road south is one of the pleasant parts of the day, even though the tour is not designed as a nonstop sightseeing circuit. You will see Icelandic scenery from the bus window, and clear weather can make the journey pass quickly.

The views become more dramatic as you approach the glacier area. Weather matters greatly here. On a clear day, high views from the glacier can be breathtaking. In cloud, snow, or wind, the setting feels more rugged and adventurous, but visibility may be limited.

That uncertainty is normal in Iceland. You should book this for the activity, not for a guarantee of perfect mountain views. One group reached the glacier during poor weather and still had a thrilling outing, while another had broad, beautiful views from the snowmobile route.

The driver can shape this part of the experience. Herman is singled out for giving helpful explanations along the road and pointing out places of interest. Marti is praised for handling difficult Icelandic weather and challenging road conditions. You may not have either driver, so treat that as a pleasant possibility rather than a promised feature.

Riding the modified glacier truck uphill

At the Adventure Ground, you leave the regular bus and prepare for the glacier transfer. The specially modified truck is not just a shuttle. Its climb toward the snowmobile base adds a rugged, off-road feel before you even reach the machines.

The truck carries you across snowy ground where an ordinary vehicle could not go. This portion can feel bumpy and loud, but it helps explain why a glacier trip requires specialist transport. In difficult snow, the drive itself may become part of the day’s story.

At the base, staff organize the group and issue protective clothing and snowmobile safety equipment. The process is described as efficient, with the glacier crew getting people suited up and ready without wasting much time.

Wear warm personal layers beneath the supplied gear. A thin balaclava may not be enough around your neck, so pack a neck warmer. Warm socks and gloves are especially important. The glacier can feel cold even when Reykjavik seems manageable, and standing around during instructions can chill you quickly.

The snowmobile ride on the glacier

The snowmobile ride lasts about an hour, including the time spent traveling up and down the route. It is the clear highlight for anyone who wants speed, snow, and a little controlled risk.

You do not need to arrive as an expert driver. The glacier guides provide a safety briefing and explain how the machines work. They also keep an eye on the group and accommodate different comfort levels, so you can enjoy the ride without feeling forced to race.

There is one practical limitation: each snowmobile is shared by two people. If you are traveling with a partner or friend, you can take turns driving. If you are traveling alone, the operator will pair you with another person. The supplied information does not specify how long each person drives, so ask the glacier crew when you arrive.

A driver’s license is required. Bring the physical license with you, even if you are not sure how closely it will be checked. That requirement suggests the operator expects riders to take an active driving role rather than simply sit as passengers.

The glacier guides are a strong part of the activity. They explain the glacier and the route, give clear instructions, and help riders feel safe. Some outings have included an unexpected look inside an ice cave, but this is not listed as a guaranteed part of the tour. Do not book expecting it.

The ride can be exciting in poor weather, too. Snowstorms and reduced visibility may limit the views, but they can make the truck transfer and snowmobile outing feel more wild. If seeing distant peaks is your main goal, choose your expectations carefully and understand that weather can change the character of the experience.

Lunch at the Adventure Ground

After the ride, you return to the Adventure Ground and have time to eat before heading back toward Reykjavik. Lunch is not included, so carry something substantial.

This break matters because the day is physically more demanding than an ordinary waterfall tour. You will be outside in cold conditions, handling equipment, and spending many hours on the road. A sandwich, fruit, chocolate, and a drink will serve you better than relying on a quick service-station snack.

Do not expect a long restaurant meal unless the schedule specifically allows it. The tour information only promises time to enjoy your own lunch, not a catered meal or a particular dining venue.

Skógafoss: Iceland’s broad curtain of water

The return route stops at Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls. It is easy to see why. Water drops in a wide, powerful sheet, creating a bold view that works in almost any weather.

Skógafoss is a good stop after the glacier because it offers a different kind of Icelandic drama. The glacier ride gives you motion and height; here, you get the steady force of falling water. You can take in the main view without needing a long hike, though the exact time available at the stop matters.

Bring waterproof clothing. Spray can reach the viewing area, and the weather may already have soaked the ground. Keep your camera protected and wear shoes with good grip.

Seljalandsfoss and the chance to walk behind the falls

Seljalandsfoss gives the day a more intimate waterfall stop. If the weather and trail conditions permit, you can walk behind the falling water. That route gives you a different angle, with the rock wall and water curtain wrapping around the path.

The phrase if weather permits matters. Strong wind, ice, heavy spray, or unsafe footing can close the path. Even when it is open, expect to get wet. A waterproof jacket is useful, and your phone should be protected before you approach the falls.

The stop may be shorter than you would choose on a private South Coast trip, but it is a smart pairing with Skógafoss. The waterfalls look and feel different, so the return journey does not become only a long ride home.

Some accounts refer to additional waterfall viewing during the return, but the stated itinerary specifically identifies Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Plan around those two stops rather than expecting a fixed list of extra sights.

How the bus service affects the experience

Free Wi-Fi on board is a small but useful inclusion during the long drive. You can check messages, review photos, or pass time between stops. It does not change the fact that the journey is long, but it makes the transport easier.

The bus fare is included, and the activity ends back at BSI Bus Terminal. That central return point is convenient for reaching accommodation or continuing an evening in Reykjavik.

The bus should be viewed mainly as transport. Some drivers offer plenty of commentary, while others give basic instructions and let you enjoy the view. If you want a detailed South Coast lecture throughout the drive, this may feel light on guiding.

That is not necessarily a problem. The most specialized guiding takes place at the glacier, where safety and local knowledge matter most. Just know that this is an activity-focused day, not a fully narrated sightseeing tour from start to finish.

Who will get the most from this tour

This outing suits you if you want one major adventure during an Iceland visit and prefer not to arrange glacier transport, clothing, and equipment yourself. It is also a good fit if you want famous waterfall stops without giving up a full day to sightseeing alone.

You should be comfortable with a long bus ride and changing weather. The snowmobile portion is thrilling, but the total time on the machine is much shorter than the total time spent traveling.

The tour is not suitable for children under eight. Anyone taking part should bring a driver’s license, and both people sharing a snowmobile should be ready to take turns.

I would choose another South Coast excursion if your main aim is a long list of landmarks, relaxed stops, or plenty of time at each waterfall. I would choose this one if the glacier ride is the reason you are considering the trip in the first place.

Booking details and practical choices

The tour costs $332 per person and lasts 10 hours. You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Iceland schedule is still moving around. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

The activity is conducted in English. Protective clothing and snowmobile safety equipment are included, along with bus transport and Wi-Fi. Food and drinks are not included.

Before booking, check the available starting time and make sure it fits your plans for the evening. You return to the same BSI Bus Terminal meeting point, not to a separate end location.

Pack:

• A driver’s license
• Warm socks and gloves
• A neck warmer
• Waterproof outer layers for the waterfalls
• Snacks and drinks
• Shoes with a firm grip
• A small bag for personal items

Should you book the glacier snowmobile day?

Book it if you want a genuine glacier activity and are willing to spend much of the day reaching it. The snowmobile ride, modified truck transfer, and specialist glacier crew give this outing a clear purpose, while Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss add two memorable South Coast sights.

Skip it if you want a gentle sightseeing day, dislike long bus journeys, or want to see many more attractions. At $332, the value rests on how much you want the snowmobile experience. For thrill seekers, it can be the most memorable part of an Iceland trip. For everyone else, a standard South Coast tour may offer more sights for less money.