Reykjavik: Iceland South Coast & Glacier Snowmobile Tour

The best part of this 10-hour South Coast trip is the change of scale: you leave Reykjavik by coach, rumble up toward Mýrdalsjökull in a modified glacier truck, then ride a snowmobile across the ice. It is a big, dramatic day rather than a quick city excursion.

I like the pairing of the glacier ride with Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, since you get both an active experience and two of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. I also like that the snowmobile operator supplies protective clothing and safety equipment. The main drawback is the long bus journey for about an hour of snowmobiling, plus the fact that one snowmobile is shared by two people.

• Mýrdalsjökull by glacier truck: Reach the snowmobile base in a specially modified vehicle built for the rough climb.
• One snowmobile for two people: Share the machine, with the arrangement suited to couples, friends, or family groups.
• Two South Coast waterfalls: Stop at powerful Skógafoss and walk behind Seljalandsfoss when weather permits.
• English-speaking support: The activity includes a live English guide, with some departures also benefiting from informative drivers such as Herman or Marti.
• Practical winter gear: Protective clothing and snowmobile safety equipment are included, but bring warm personal layers.
• A full day from Reykjavik: The trip begins and ends at BSI Bus Terminal, with Wi-Fi on the coach.

The glacier ride is the reason to choose this day

Mýrdalsjökull is the star of the outing. You do not simply view a glacier from a roadside pull-off. You travel toward it, transfer to a glacier truck, climb onto the ice, and take part in a guided snowmobile ride.

That makes this a good pick if you want something more active than a standard South Coast coach tour. The ride is described as thrilling but safe, and the snowmobile guides give a safety briefing before you set out. They also help the group keep a comfortable pace, so you do not need to be an experienced rider to take part.

The snowmobile portion lasts about an hour, according to the practical details supplied by the operator and previous participants. That includes the ride itself, not the full time spent getting suited up, reaching the glacier, and returning to the base.

You should also expect to share one snowmobile with another person. That is important when judging the $332 price. Two people can alternate driving, but this is not a private machine for every participant. If you are booking alone, expect to share with another member of the group.

What the journey from Reykjavik feels like

Your day begins at BSI Bus Terminal, the home of Reykjavik Excursions in the city center. The building is marked, and the terminal staff can direct you to the correct coach. The coach returns to the same meeting point at the end of the day.

The ride south takes roughly two and a half hours to reach the snowmobiling area, with a service stop along the way. That is a long stretch of road, but it gives you a broad look at Iceland beyond Reykjavik. On clear days, the changing scenery helps the time pass, and the coach has free Wi-Fi.

Do not count on a full guided lecture during every mile. The quality of commentary can depend on the driver. Herman received especially warm praise for explaining landmarks and local life during the ride, while Marti was noted for handling difficult Icelandic weather with confidence. Other departures may be quieter, so you should treat the bus as transport first and sightseeing commentary as a welcome extra.

Bring snacks and drinks. Food is not included, and the stop may be short, around 30 minutes. You can buy something during the break, but a small supply in your day bag gives you more control, especially on a day with a long drive and cold-weather activity.

Reaching the ice in a modified glacier truck

At the Adventure Ground, you leave the coach and prepare for the glacier section. The transfer vehicle is a specially modified glacier truck, and getting into it is part of the experience. It carries the group up toward the snowmobile area, where ordinary road transport would not be suitable.

The truck ride adds useful context. You see how much work is needed to reach a glacier before the snowmobile even starts. In poor weather, this section can feel rugged and adventurous. One account describes a snow blizzard, limited visibility, and an off-road return after the truck became stuck in snow. That is a reminder that Iceland’s weather can alter the tone of the day quickly.

You should not book this expecting a guaranteed clear view from the glacier. When clouds lift, the views from the top can be breathtaking. When they do not, the experience becomes more about the snow, the machine, and the sense of being high on the ice. Both versions have value, but the scenery is naturally much stronger on a clear day.

Getting ready for the snowmobile

Protective clothing and safety equipment are included. The snowmobile team outfits you, explains how to operate the machine, and gives instructions before the ride begins. This makes the activity approachable for first-time riders.

Personal clothing still matters. One useful tip is to bring a neck warmer because the supplied balaclava may be thin. Warm gloves and thick socks are also sensible, as hands and feet can become uncomfortable quickly in exposed winter conditions.

You must bring a driver’s license. The tour does not list an exact minimum driving experience, so follow the snowmobile team’s instructions and ask at the time of booking if you have concerns about operating the machine.

The ride is shared by two people. You may need to coordinate who drives and when, rather than treating the outing as a private, uninterrupted ride. For many pairs, this works well. It also helps keep the price below what you would pay for two individually assigned snowmobiles.

The snowmobile ride itself

The ride is the most memorable part of the day for most people who choose this tour. You follow the guides across Mýrdalsjökull, with the glacier and surrounding mountains providing the setting. The route and visibility depend on current conditions, so the exact scenery is not fixed.

The guide-led format matters here. You are not simply handed a machine and sent out alone. The snowmobile staff explain the glacier, manage the group, and adjust the pace to suit different comfort levels. That balance is useful for a mixed group where one person wants speed and another would rather proceed cautiously.

An hour can feel short after the long transfer, especially if you have imagined spending half the day on the ice. Still, the total experience includes the truck ascent, preparation, instruction, and return. The ride is best understood as a concentrated glacier activity added to a full South Coast day, not as an all-day snowmobile expedition.

If your priority is driving a snowmobile for as long as possible, look for a dedicated snowmobile outing instead. If you want to combine the ride with major waterfalls and a coach trip from Reykjavik, this format gives you a more varied day.

Skógafoss brings a powerful finish to the return

After the glacier activity and a chance to eat at the Adventure Ground, you begin the return toward Reykjavik. The first major waterfall stop is Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most photographed falls.

Skógafoss has the kind of scale that works well after a day on the ice. Water drops in a broad curtain, and you can take in the force of the fall from close range. The stop also breaks up the long return drive, which is welcome after the early start and cold-weather activity.

The exact amount of time at each waterfall is not specified, so keep your visit focused. Wear shoes with a good grip, stay aware of spray, and protect your phone or camera. Icelandic weather can turn a calm viewing stop into a wet one in minutes.

Seljalandsfoss and the walk behind the water

Seljalandsfoss offers a different experience. Its claim to fame is the path that can take you behind the falling water, but this is only possible if weather and trail conditions permit.

Do not assume the rear path will always be open. Wind, ice, spray, or other conditions may make it unsafe. Even when it is available, you should expect to get wet. A waterproof outer layer is more useful than a normal winter coat alone, and you should protect cameras and phones before approaching the fall.

The contrast with Skógafoss makes the two-stop combination worthwhile. Skógafoss gives you a broad frontal view and heavy volume. Seljalandsfoss offers a closer, more enclosed perspective, with the chance to walk behind the curtain. Together, they add variety to a day whose main focus is the glacier.

Some accounts refer to three waterfall stops, but the stated itinerary specifically names Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Treat those two as the reliable core of the return journey rather than planning around an additional stop.

What the $332 price includes

At $332 per person, this is not a cheap bus tour. The price needs to be judged against what is bundled: return transport from Reykjavik, the glacier truck transfer, snowmobile use, protective equipment, safety gear, and stops at two major waterfalls.

The strongest value comes if you would otherwise book separate transport and a glacier activity. The day removes the need to arrange a rental car, navigate unfamiliar roads, or find a way to reach the snowmobile base. You also get the waterfalls without paying for a second South Coast excursion.

The value is weaker if you mainly want to see waterfalls. A simpler South Coast tour may cover more stops for less money and spend less time on the road to the glacier. You are paying for the specialized vehicle and the snowmobile experience, not just for sightseeing.

Food and drinks are not included. Plan for that extra cost, and bring snacks for the coach. The included Wi-Fi is a small but useful benefit during the long transport sections.

Weather, comfort, and physical demands

Icelandic weather is a major part of the calculation. Clear skies can reveal wide views from the glacier, while cloud, snow, and wind can reduce visibility. The activity may continue in rough conditions when it is safe to do so, but the visual payoff can vary sharply from day to day.

You will spend a lot of time sitting on the coach, followed by time putting on gear, riding in the glacier truck, and operating a snowmobile. This is not a relaxed sightseeing loop with frequent short stops. It suits you if you are comfortable with a long day and a little physical adventure.

The experience is not suitable for children under eight. Every participant needs to follow the snowmobile operator’s rules, and the driver’s license requirement means you should bring it even if you expect to share the machine.

The supplied outer gear helps, but your base layers still affect comfort. Wear warm clothing that can handle wind, and add a neck warmer, warm gloves, and thick socks. For the waterfalls, a waterproof layer is useful for spray, particularly if the path behind Seljalandsfoss is open.

Who will get the most from this tour

This outing fits you well if you want one major active experience during an Iceland visit and prefer organized transport. Couples and friends can share a snowmobile easily, and the two-person arrangement may suit you if neither rider needs to operate continuously.

It is also a good choice for thrill seekers who want more than a photo stop. The glacier truck, snowmobile, and changing weather give the day a sense of adventure that a standard coach excursion cannot match.

I would think twice if you dislike long bus rides, need a slow and flexible schedule, or want extensive commentary throughout the journey. The coach ride is necessary to reach the glacier, and the snowmobile segment is relatively brief compared with the total 10-hour day.

The tour can work for families with older children, but the age limit matters. Children under eight cannot join, and all participants should be prepared for cold conditions and a full day away from Reykjavik.

Practical booking advice

Book only after checking the forecast and your own priorities. A clear day can improve the glacier views, but no forecast can guarantee perfect conditions. The activity can still be worthwhile in poor weather, though you should be comfortable with a more rugged experience and less visibility.

The meeting point is easy to identify at BSI Bus Terminal, and the activity ends there as well. Arrive ready for a long day, with your driver’s license, food, drinks, warm layers, and waterproof clothing for the waterfalls.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Iceland schedule depends on weather or other activities.

Should you book the Mýrdalsjökull snowmobile tour?

Book it if the glacier ride is the main reason you came to Iceland and you want Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss included. The snowmobile guides, protective equipment, modified glacier truck, and organized transport make the experience easy to arrange, while the waterfalls give the day more variety.

Skip it if you want a fuller South Coast sightseeing route, more time at waterfalls, or a shorter day. You will spend many hours getting to and from the glacier for roughly an hour on the snowmobile.

For the right person, $332 buys a memorable combination: a real glacier activity, a rough ride to the ice, and two classic waterfalls. Just bring food, dress warmer than you think necessary, and remember that Iceland controls the views.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

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

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik city center.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Bus fare and free Wi-Fi on the bus are included, along with the transfer by specially modified glacier truck to the snowmobile area.

Is food included?

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

Is the snowmobile private?

No. One snowmobile is shared by two people.

What should I bring for the snowmobile ride?

Bring your driver’s license. Warm personal clothing is also important, especially gloves, thick socks, and a neck warmer.

Can I walk behind Seljalandsfoss?

You may be able to walk behind Seljalandsfoss if weather and conditions permit. The path may not always be available.

Can children join the tour?

Children under eight are not permitted to take part.