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

The heart of this day is a two-hour ATV ride across Sólheimasandur, Iceland’s stark black-sand shore. You cross a desert-like plain toward the famous DC3 plane wreck, with Dyrhólaey and Mýrdalsjökull adding drama to the view. It is an unusual way to see the South Coast, not just another bus ride between waterfalls.

I like the way the tour combines an active outing with Iceland’s essential sights. I also like the practical gear: helmet, balaclava, and insulated cover-all are provided, which matters when wind sweeps across open sand. The main consideration is cost at $299 per person, plus an extra charge for a single-rider ATV if your party has an odd number.

Key points to know before booking

• Two hours on an ATV: Ride across the black sands of Sólheimasandur, with two people sharing each quad bike.
• The DC3 wreck is part of the ride: Reach the isolated 1973 aircraft wreck by ATV rather than visiting it as a separate walk.
• Three major South Coast views: See Dyrhólaey Peninsula, Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, and the broad southern shore.
• Two waterfalls on the return: Stop at powerful Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the falling water.
• Drivers need a license: Bring a valid driver’s license, and expect an on-site surcharge for a solo ATV.
• Winter clothing still matters: Cover-alls and safety gear are supplied, but extra warm clothing and waterproof shoes are your responsibility.

The Black-Sand Ride Is the Main Event

This 10-hour outing begins at Reykjavík’s BSI Bus Terminal, then heads south toward the ATV base known as Adventure Ground. The long drive is part of the deal. You are trading a short city excursion for a full day in one of Iceland’s most striking regions.

The ATV portion lasts two hours. You ride across Sólheimasandur, a wide black-sand area shaped by volcanic material, glacial water, wind, and the sea. Its open scale gives the ride a sense of freedom that is hard to get from a standard coach stop.

You share one ATV with another person. That keeps the listed price lower than a private quad for every participant, but it also means you need to agree on who drives and when. A valid driver’s license is required for anyone driving. Children under 8 cannot join, and the ride is not suitable for pregnant women.

The tour provides a helmet, balaclava face mask, and insulated cover-all. Boots may be supplied depending on the weather and your footwear. I would still arrive in warm layers and waterproof shoes, since Icelandic weather can make an exposed beach feel far colder than Reykjavík.

Reaching the DC3 Plane Wreck by Quad Bike

The DC3 aircraft wreck is one of the most unusual stops on Iceland’s South Coast. A United States Navy DC3 crashed on Sólheimasandur in 1973, and the stripped white fuselage now sits against the dark shore.

The ATV ride makes this stop more satisfying than simply arriving by transport. You cross the open sand under your own power, then stop at the wreck before continuing toward the coast. The aircraft is not a natural wonder, but its lonely setting gives the visit its force. The contrast is memorable: a man-made shell on volcanic sand, with Iceland’s mountains and glacier country behind it.

The route also takes you toward views of Dyrhólaey Peninsula, the southernmost tip of Iceland. From the beach area, you can look inland toward Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. The glacier is viewed from a distance, not visited directly, so keep your expectations in line. This is a scenic South Coast overview, not a glacier walk.

Your guide handles the ATV instruction and safety side of the ride. The names Henrik and Ragnar have been singled out for capable, friendly service. Henrik is described as experienced and good fun, while Ragnar is noted for being kind and informative. Guide quality matters here because an ATV outing is only as enjoyable as the briefing, pacing, and sense of control.

Why the Open Shore Makes the Ride Special

The beach is not a polished recreation area. That is exactly why the ATV section works. You get a broad, spare setting where the black shore, mountains, glacier, and wreck tell the story without much decoration.

The ride is thrilling, but the supplied information presents it as safe and guided rather than extreme. You do not need to be a professional off-road driver. Still, you should be comfortable operating a quad bike and following instructions. If you prefer quiet sightseeing, the engine noise and exposed conditions may be less appealing than a normal waterfall tour.

The two-person arrangement is worth considering before you book. Couples and friends can share the driving and the cost. Solo participants and groups with an odd number must book a single-rider ATV, with the extra payment made on site. That charge is easy to miss, so calculate the real price before committing.

At $299 per person, this is not a bargain day trip. The price covers transport from Reykjavík, an experienced English-speaking guide, the two-hour ATV outing, safety equipment, and several major South Coast stops. If you already plan to book a separate South Coast tour and a separate plane-wreck visit, the combined day can make financial sense. If you mainly want waterfalls, a less expensive sightseeing trip may suit you better.

Skógafoss Brings the Big Waterfall Moment

After the ATV ride and coastal views, the route returns toward Reykjavík with a stop at Skógafoss. This is one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls, and it earns that attention with its broad curtain of falling water.

Skógafoss has a more traditional waterfall feel than the remote wreck site. You get a strong, direct view of the water plunging down the cliff, with mist often adding to the scene. The stop gives you a chance to stretch after the ATV portion and shift from adventure mode to classic Iceland sightseeing.

Time at each stop matters on a long day. One practical detail from the available feedback is that the driver Ragnar allowed a good amount of time at the waterfalls. That is useful because rushed photo stops can make a full-day outing feel like a checklist. Exact timing can vary, but the route is designed to include both waterfalls on the way home.

Bring waterproof outer layers for Skógafoss. Even when the weather is fair, spray can reach the viewing area. Your phone or camera should be protected, and waterproof shoes will be more useful than ordinary trainers.

Walking Behind Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss gives the return journey a different kind of waterfall stop. Here, you can walk behind the falling water, an option that makes the visit more active than simply viewing the cascade from the front.

The path behind the falls can be wet, so this is where waterproof shoes and a rainproof jacket really earn their place. The provided cover-all is intended for the ATV ride, not as a substitute for all your personal weather gear. Bring clothing you can move in and do not mind getting damp.

I like having Seljalandsfoss after Skógafoss because the two stops do not feel identical. Skógafoss delivers scale and force from the front. Seljalandsfoss gives you a closer, more enclosed view from behind. Together, they round out the day and keep the return trip from becoming just a long drive back.

A Full Day Means Limited Flexibility

The schedule lasts about 10 hours, including travel from Reykjavík, the ATV ride, and the waterfall stops. That makes this a strong choice if you have one open day and want to combine several South Coast highlights without arranging separate transport.

The trade-off is pace. You cannot linger indefinitely at the plane wreck, Dyrhólaey, the glacier viewpoint, or the waterfalls. You are following a set route, and the ATV session anchors the day. A private car would give you more freedom, but it would not provide the same guided quad-bike outing.

The meeting point is BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavík. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. Lunch is not included, so plan for the fact that you will be out for most of the day. The supplied details do not specify a meal stop, so carry food or confirm the arrangements before departure.

This is also a weather-dependent kind of day in the practical sense, even though the cancellation terms are flexible. Iceland’s South Coast can be windy, wet, and cold, especially on an exposed beach. The tour supplies protective ATV gear, but your own warm clothing remains important.

Who Will Get the Most From This Tour

I would choose this outing if you want more than scenic stops from a South Coast day. The ATV ride gives you a physical activity, while the plane wreck adds a strange historical touch and the waterfalls deliver Iceland’s familiar natural highlights.

It suits:

• Adults and older children who meet the minimum age of 8 and are comfortable with a guided quad-bike ride.
• Couples or friends who can share an ATV.
• People with a valid driver’s license who want to drive rather than only watch.
• Visitors with one free day in Reykjavík who want several South Coast sights in one package.
• Anyone interested in unusual locations, especially the DC3 wreck on Sólheimasandur.

It is less suitable if you want a relaxed, low-cost sightseeing day, dislike cold or wet outdoor conditions, or do not want to share a quad. Pregnant women cannot participate, and anyone without a driver’s license cannot drive the ATV.

The transport rating is very strong, and the overall score is 4.9 from 44 ratings. That lines up with the parts that matter most on a long excursion: dependable pickup, a capable ATV guide, and enough time at the waterfalls. Still, a high score does not change the basic realities of price, weather, and the single-rider surcharge.

Booking Details That Affect the Real Cost

The advertised price is $299 per person. Two people share each ATV, while solo riders and odd-numbered groups need a single-rider quad and pay an additional amount on site.

The package includes an experienced qualified guide, transport, ATV use, an insulated cover-all, a helmet, and a balaclava. Boots may be available depending on conditions and what you are already wearing. Lunch and extra warm clothing are not included.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps payment flexible. The activity is offered with an English-speaking live guide.

I would check the party size carefully before booking. A group of four fits the two-per-ATV arrangement neatly. A group of three does not, unless one person accepts the added solo-rider cost. That small detail can make a noticeable difference to the final bill.

Should You Book This South Coast Day?

Book it if the DC3 wreck and ATV ride are the reason you are looking at this outing. The waterfalls are excellent additions, but the distinctive feature is crossing Sólheimasandur by quad bike to reach the isolated aircraft.

I would also book it if you value convenience. One long day covers transport from Reykjavík, the black-sand shore, Dyrhólaey, a distant glacier view, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss. The cost is high, but the combination is difficult to arrange as neatly without your own vehicle.

Skip it if waterfalls are your only priority, if $299 feels too steep for a day trip, or if your group cannot share an ATV comfortably. Also budget for warm layers, waterproof shoes, lunch, and possibly a single-rider surcharge. For the right person, this is a memorable mix of Iceland’s wild coast and hands-on adventure. For everyone else, a simpler South Coast sightseeing tour may offer better value.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet in Reykjavík?

The meeting point is BSI Bus Terminal in the city center. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

How long does the tour last?

The full activity lasts 10 hours.

How long is the ATV ride?

The ATV portion lasts two hours.

Do two people share one ATV?

Yes. One ATV is provided for every two people.

Is a driver’s license required?

Yes. You need a valid driver’s license to drive a quad bike.

What happens if my group has an odd number?

Single riders and groups with odd numbers must book a single-rider ATV. The additional amount is payable on site.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes an insulated cover-all, helmet, and balaclava face mask. Boots may be provided depending on the weather and your footwear.

What should I bring?

Bring a valid driver’s license, warm clothing, and waterproof shoes. Lunch and extra warm clothing are not included.

Can I visit the DC3 plane wreck and waterfalls on this tour?

Yes. The route includes the DC3 wreck on Sólheimasandur, plus stops at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. It also includes views of Dyrhólaey Peninsula and Mýrdalsjökull Glacier.