Black sand ATVs break the Reykjavík routine. You’ll get a 2-hour quad ride on Sólheimasandur, plus big, classic stops at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. The only real trade-off is the long 10-hour day, so you’ll want to dress for wind and wet ground.

This trip is built around variety: driving south for views, then switching gears to real action on the sand, and finishing with two of Iceland’s most photogenic waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll also pass the Dyrhólaey area and see Mýrdalsjökull glacier from a viewpoint when conditions allow.

The guide experience matters here. A skilled, English-speaking leader keeps the ride safe and the timing sensible, and it’s the kind of day where you can end up learning from guides like Henrik or Ragnar, who mix fun with real know-how. Because lunch isn’t included, plan for snacks and keep moving outdoors-ready.

Key things I’d focus on before you go

• A real ATV ride: 2 hours on Sólheimasandur black sand, not just a quick demo lap
• DC-3 plane wreck on the beach: a dramatic stop tied to the 1973 crash
• Two waterfall icons in one day: Skógafoss plus Seljalandsfoss with walk-behind access
• South Coast viewpoints included: Dyrhólaey Peninsula and distant Mýrdalsjökull glacier views
• Gear is provided: helmet, balaclava face mask, and insulated cover-all (boots depend on weather)
• Shared ATV setup: two people per quad, and you need a driver’s license if you’ll be behind the wheel

The South Coast Route That Packs Action Into One Day

If you only have limited time in Iceland, this style of tour is a smart way to stack highlights. You’re not just seeing waterfalls from the bus window. You’re getting out, moving around, and doing something physical on the sand while the South Coast scenery keeps unfolding outside.

The route also makes practical sense. You start in Reykjavík at the BSI Bus Terminal, then head out through the southern region where the big waterfall names and the black sand coast are all within a workable day trip radius. The day ends with the waterfalls on the return side, so you’re not trying to squeeze the best photo stops into the dark or into a rushed schedule.

One more thing I like: transport is rated highly. The info notes 97% of reviewers gave transport a perfect score, which matters when you’re doing a full day and want your ride to feel smooth rather than chaotic.

ATV Setup: License Rules and How the Gear Actually Helps

ATVs are the heart of the tour, but Iceland takes safety seriously. You’ll ride with an experienced, qualified guide, and the equipment list is built for cold and wet conditions you can’t fully predict.

Here’s the key practical point: a valid driver’s license is required to drive a quad bike. Since two people share the same ATV, someone on your quad needs a license if you plan to take turns driving. If you don’t have one, you should treat the license requirement as non-negotiable rather than a detail you can wing.

What you get included is also worth paying attention to:

• Helmet and a balaclava face mask
• Insulated cover-all
• Boots optional, depending on weather and what you bring
• Your own normal outer layer needs may still vary, because extra warm clothing isn’t included

Also check what’s required in your packing. You’ll want warm clothing and waterproof shoes (the tour specifically calls them out). A waterproof shoe helps more than you’d think because you’re on black sand where water and grime are part of the deal.

And yes, there’s a comfort detail that makes a difference: if your guide is experienced and focused—people like Henrik and Ragnar have been praised for being both capable and fun—you tend to get clearer instruction and a calmer ride, which keeps the whole day enjoyable.

Sólheimasandur Black Sand + the DC-3 Plane Wreck

This is the stop that gives the day its headline. The ride itself is the big draw: about 2 hours on the black sand of Sólheimasandur. The texture and color of the sand change the whole feel compared to driving on trails inland. It’s loose, it’s dramatic, and it turns the quad experience into something visually memorable.

Then you’ll stop for the DC-3 Plane Wreck, the famous aircraft crash that happened in 1973. The combination is part of the magic: a real piece of aviation history sitting out on stark black sand. Even if you’re not a plane person, the scene reads instantly as cinematic, because the plane feels completely out of place in such open, windy country.

What I’d tell you to prepare for is conditions. Black sand can be cold, wet, and windy, and even with the insulated cover-all you’ll still feel the weather on your face and hands between riding and walking around the wreck area. Your helmet and balaclava help, but this is still an outdoor moment—bring a warm layer mindset.

Timing-wise, this area is also useful for photos. You’re not stuck looking at the plane from one angle only. You get time to get close, explore your preferred viewpoints, and take pictures that actually show the scale.

Waterfall Pairing: Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss

The tour finishes with two waterfalls, and the order matters. You’ll stop at Skógafoss first, then Seljalandsfoss. That’s a good pairing because Skógafoss tends to feel powerful and open, while Seljalandsfoss is more about your access—specifically the chance to walk behind it.

Skógafoss is described as one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland. That tracks with how it feels: strong water, wide views, and photo angles that work even when you’re not chasing the perfect rainbow shot. This is a great stop if you want to feel the scale without needing technical hiking skills.

Then you’ll hit Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the waterfall. That access is the difference-maker. Many tours stop at waterfalls; fewer give you that behind-the-water moment. When it’s working well, you can get photos that feel like you’re standing inside the falls, not just watching them from the edge.

The one consideration: wet spray. With any waterfall access, you’ll want waterproof footwear and be ready for damp clothing around the lower half. Also, if the day is windy, the area can get chilly fast—so keep your warm layer handy.

Dyrhólaey and Mýrdalsjökull: The Views Between Big Stops

Between the action and the waterfall icons, the drive includes viewpoints connected to the southern coast. You’ll see the Dyrhólaey Peninsula, including the southernmost tip of Iceland, and you’ll also get a distant view of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier.

These aren’t “stand in one spot for ten minutes and leave” stops. They give context. When you see the glacier far off, it changes how you understand the day’s geology and weather. When you see Dyrhólaey, you’re reminded that the South Coast isn’t only waterfalls—it’s also open coast, big skies, and exposed headlands.

The practical advice here is simple: don’t plan on every view looking postcard-perfect. Iceland weather can shift quickly. If visibility is decent, you’ll appreciate these stops. If it’s not, you’ll still enjoy that the tour is moving through meaningful geography rather than only focusing on one type of attraction.

How the 10-Hour Day Feels (and Who This Suits)

A 10-hour day is a real commitment. You’re out from Reykjavík for most of the day, with a mix of driving time and several stops where you’ll be outside. If you like full-day itineraries that keep you active—rather than slow sightseeing—this fits your style.

The tour isn’t positioned for everyone. It’s not suitable for children under 8 and it’s not suitable for pregnant women. Also, alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed, which is typical for active adventure days but still worth noting so you can plan your energy and mood accordingly.

Group dynamics are part of the experience. Since two people share one quad, it helps if your group is comfortable with a shared setup and with turning driving responsibility into a team effort. If you prefer solo control, there’s a workaround mentioned: single riders (and groups with odd numbers) are required to book a single-rider ATV and pay an additional fee on site.

From a “will I enjoy this?” standpoint, this is best for you if:

• You want a high-adrenaline element paired with famous sights
• You’re comfortable being outside for long stretches in cold weather
• You like the idea of combining ATV + black sand + aircraft wreck + waterfalls in one pass

If your ideal Iceland day is mostly relaxed and indoors, you may find the pacing a bit intense.

Price and Value: Is $299 Actually Reasonable Here?

At $299 per person, this isn’t a bargain. But it’s also not just paying for a ride. You’re buying a whole package: transportation from Reykjavík, an experienced English-speaking guide, and equipment that’s specifically meant for cold weather ATV driving.

Here’s where the value comes from:

• You’re included for the ATV ride plus gear (helmet, balaclava mask, insulated cover-all)
• You get multiple major stops in one day: black sand plane wreck area, Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss
• You’re not doing logistics yourself (finding the beach access, coordinating timing, navigating)

The two cost-side gaps are clear. Lunch isn’t included, and extra warm clothing isn’t provided. Boots are optional depending on conditions, so you might need to bring or rent what you’ll feel comfortable in.

If you compare it to buying separate tickets for transport plus a guided activity plus two waterfall stops, the price starts to look more sensible. If you only care about one or two highlights, you could spend less by choosing a smaller, lighter tour. But if you want a day that delivers variety and action, $299 is in the “pay for convenience and equipment” category—and that’s what you’re doing here.

One extra pricing note that can matter: single riders or odd-number groups may pay an additional fee for a single ATV on site. If you’re traveling solo, it’s worth budgeting for that possibility before you arrive.

Should You Book This South Coast ATV, Plane Wreck, and Waterfall Tour?

Book it if you want your South Coast day to feel like a mix of adventure and famous Iceland sights. The combination of the black sand ATV ride, the DC-3 plane wreck stop tied to the 1973 crash, and the waterfall pair with Seljalandsfoss walk-behind access is the kind of lineup that’s hard to reproduce on your own in one day.

Skip it if you can’t handle cold outdoor time, if you don’t meet the ATV requirements (like having a driver’s license for driving), or if you’re looking for a gentle, slow pace. Also think twice if you’d be uncomfortable with the spray and damp that comes with waterfall access.

If your goal is to make the most of limited time and still feel like you did something unforgettable, this is a strong choice. It’s active, it’s guided, and it brings together the South Coast’s best-known contrast: big water, black sand, and a plane that should not be there.

FAQ

How long is the From Reykjavik: South Coast, Plane Wreck, & Beach ATV Tour?

The tour duration is 10 hours.

Where do I meet the tour in Reykjavik?

You meet at the BSI Bus Terminal in the city centre of Reykjavik. Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

How long is the ATV riding time?

You can expect a 2-hour ATV quad ride on the black sand beach.

Is a driver’s license required?

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

What gear is included for the ATV portion?

The tour includes a helmet and balaclava face mask, plus insulated cover-alls. Boots are optional depending on weather and guest footwear.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included.

Can children or pregnant women join this tour?

Children under 8 are not suitable, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant women.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring warm clothing and waterproof shoes, and don’t forget your driver’s license.

Is there an extra cost for solo riders?

Yes. Single riders and groups with odd numbers are required to book a single-rider ATV, payable on site.

Is cancellation possible if plans change?

There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.