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

The main draw here is a two-hour ATV ride across Sólheimasandur, a stark black sand coast where a stranded DC3 aircraft has become one of Iceland’s most unusual sights. You’ll also see Dyrhólaey Peninsula, Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss in one long South Coast day.

I like the way this combines an active outing with Iceland’s best-known waterfalls, and I like that the ATV route reaches the plane wreck by quad bike rather than by another long vehicle ride. The catch is simple: two people share one ATV, and anyone riding alone, including odd-numbered groups, must pay extra on site.

Key points to know before booking

• The ATV ride lasts two hours, giving you real time on the black sand rather than a quick photo stop.
• The DC3 plane wreck is reached by quad bike, adding a sense of adventure to an already unusual sight.
• Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss come later, making the return journey as scenic as the outward trip.
• A valid driving license is required for anyone operating an ATV.
• Henrik and Ragnar receive special praise for being friendly, capable, and informative guides.
• Bring warm clothing and waterproof shoes, since the tour operates in Icelandic weather.

From Reykjavik to Iceland’s black sand coast

Your day starts at the BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik. Be there at least 15 minutes before departure, then settle in for the drive south toward the Adventure Ground near Sólheimasandur.

The full outing lasts about 10 hours. That is a long day, but the route covers several major South Coast sights that are spread far apart. You are not booking a short ATV session with a little sightseeing added on. You are setting aside most of a day for a mix of transport, outdoor activity, dramatic coastal views, and waterfall stops.

I like this format if you have limited time in Iceland. It gives you a taste of the South Coast without asking you to arrange separate transport, ATV hire, and waterfall visits. The tradeoff is that you will spend a good part of the day on the road, so this is not the right choice if you prefer slow stops or long walks at each location.

The drive itself leads through some of southern Iceland’s most memorable scenery. You can expect broad black sand, mountains, and views toward the glacier region. The setting feels spare and open, with very little to interrupt the view. That makes the ATV ride feel like part of the place rather than a track built beside it.

Preparing for the two-hour ATV ride

At the Adventure Ground, you gear up for the quad bike section. The tour provides a helmet, balaclava face mask, and insulated cover-all. Boots are available if needed, depending on the weather and your own footwear.

Bring warm layers anyway. The provided cover-all helps, but it does not replace proper clothing for a full day outdoors. Waterproof shoes are specifically recommended, and extra warm clothing is not included. Icelandic weather can change quickly, so you will be happier with more clothing than you think you need.

Each ATV is shared by two people. Both riders should understand this before booking, especially if you are traveling with an odd number of people. Single riders and groups with an odd number must book a single-rider ATV, with the extra cost paid on site.

A valid driving license is required to drive. The supplied information does not say that every person in the group must drive, so if you want to take turns, confirm the arrangement with the operator before departure. The important point is that the person operating the quad must have a license.

The activity is not suitable for children under eight or for pregnant women. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, which is sensible for a motorized outdoor activity.

Riding across Sólheimasandur

The ATV route crosses the black sands of Sólheimasandur, a broad coastal area shaped by volcanic forces, glacial water, and the harsh weather of southern Iceland. Riding here gives you a different view of the coast than you get from a bus window or a roadside lookout.

I like that the route lasts two hours. That gives the experience enough weight to feel like the main activity of the day, not a five-minute novelty. You have time to get comfortable with the quad, take in the open surroundings, and reach the plane wreck as part of the ride.

The terrain is described as desert-like, which is a good way to picture it. Do not expect green fields or a polished park. The appeal comes from the contrast between dark sand, open sky, distant mountains, and the glacier beyond. It is stark, spacious, and very Icelandic.

The guide leads the ride and keeps the activity focused on safety. Henrik is specifically praised for being experienced and fun, while Ragnar is described as kind and informative during the wider day. Since the tour operates in English, you can expect instructions and guiding in English.

This is still a motorized activity, not a relaxed beach stroll. You should be comfortable handling a quad bike and following directions in exposed conditions. If the weather turns rough, the experience may feel more demanding than the photos suggest.

The DC3 plane wreck on the sand

The DC3 aircraft is the ride’s most unusual stop. It crashed on Sólheimasandur in 1973 and remains on the black sands, where its stripped metal body has become an iconic Iceland sight.

Reaching it by ATV makes the stop more memorable. You cross the open sand rather than simply arriving at a roadside parking area. The wreck also fits the setting in a strange way: a broken aircraft sitting far from ordinary roads, backed by wide coastal views and mountains.

You should think of this as a powerful photo stop, not a museum visit. The value is in the combination of the wreck, the empty surroundings, and the journey across the beach. The supplied information does not promise interior access or a long guided history of the aircraft, so keep your expectations focused on seeing the plane and its setting.

The ride also provides views toward the coastline, Dyrhólaey Peninsula, and Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. Weather will affect how clearly you see the glacier, but the route is designed to give you a look inland as you explore the coast.

Dyrhólaey and the view toward Mýrdalsjökull

Dyrhólaey Peninsula marks the southernmost tip of Iceland. From the coastal area, you can look toward this distinctive headland and out across the shore. The peninsula gives the day a wider geographical sense, showing how the beach, sea, mountains, and ice all meet in this part of the country.

Mýrdalsjökull Glacier lies farther inland. Seeing it from the route adds another layer to the day, since the tour takes you from a dark coastal plain toward views of ice-covered mountains. One stop does not turn this into a glacier expedition, but it gives you a useful look at the scale of Iceland’s natural scenery.

A viewpoint later in the day may also provide a glacier view, as happened during one outing when the route allowed time to see it clearly. Conditions matter here. Clouds can obscure distant ice, and the experience cannot control the weather.

Skógafoss, the powerful waterfall stop

After the ATV ride and the plane wreck, the tour returns toward Reykjavik 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 and dramatic setting.

Skógafoss is a good counterpoint to Sólheimasandur. The beach is open, dark, and spare. Skógafoss is concentrated and forceful, with water dropping in a single striking wall. You can expect time to look at the falls and take photographs, though the exact stop length can vary with the day’s schedule.

The stop is more than a quick add-on. One particularly good feature of this tour is that the waterfall visits are not treated as rushed drive-by views. Ragnar is specifically praised for giving a good amount of time at each waterfall, which matters on a 10-hour route with several major stops.

Bring your waterproof shoes here. Water spray and wet ground can make ordinary sneakers a poor choice, especially if you want to get close to the falls.

Walking behind Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is the final major sight listed on the return route. Its special feature is the path that allows you to walk behind the waterfall, creating a very different experience from standing in front of Skógafoss.

This stop is more interactive, but it is also wetter. Waterproof shoes and a rainproof outer layer will make a real difference. The supplied tour gear includes an insulated cover-all for the ATV section, but you should still bring clothing suited to spray at the waterfalls.

I like the way the two falls are paired. Skógafoss gives you a front-facing view of a large, powerful drop. Seljalandsfoss lets you move around the water and see the falls from behind. Together, they give the return drive a strong finish.

The exact time at each waterfall is not guaranteed as a fixed number of minutes. The day includes a lot of driving and a two-hour ATV ride, so you should not book this expecting unlimited time at every location.

What the $299 price includes

At $299 per person, this is not a budget sightseeing bus. The price needs to be judged against what you are combining: transport from Reykjavik, an experienced English-speaking guide, a two-hour ATV activity, protective gear, the plane wreck, two major waterfalls, and views of Dyrhólaey and Mýrdalsjökull.

The ATV is priced per person, but the vehicle is shared by two people. That makes the cost easier to accept for couples or friends traveling together. Solo riders pay extra for a single ATV, and odd-numbered groups should budget for that additional on-site charge.

Lunch is not included. Pack food and water for the day, since the schedule is long and the tour information does not include a provided meal. Extra warm clothing is also your responsibility.

For me, the price makes the most sense if you specifically want the ATV ride and the plane wreck. If you only want Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, a standard South Coast sightseeing trip may be better value. If you want a full day with a strong outdoor activity at its center, this package offers more than a typical waterfall route.

Who should choose this South Coast day?

I would recommend this for adults and older children who want an active outing rather than a purely scenic drive. It suits couples, friends, and small groups who are comfortable sharing an ATV and spending a long day outdoors.

It is also a smart option for a first visit if you want several famous South Coast sights in one booking. The day gives you a useful sample of black sand coast, glacier views, a strange piece of aviation history, and two waterfalls with very different personalities.

I would hesitate if you dislike motorized activities, need a slow pace, or want a long lunch and plenty of free time. The route covers a lot, and the ATV section adds excitement but also requires attention, warm clothing, and a valid license.

The guide quality matters on a day this full. Henrik’s experience and humor are singled out, while Ragnar receives praise for being kind, informative, and generous with waterfall time. Those details suggest that the human side of the tour can make a real difference when weather, timing, and road conditions shape the day.

Practical details to settle before you go

Meet at the BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik at least 15 minutes before departure. The tour is conducted in English and lasts 10 hours, with starting times available according to the date you choose.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility is useful in Iceland, where weather can affect outdoor plans.

Pack the following:

• A valid driving license
• Warm clothing
• Waterproof shoes
• Food for lunch
• Clothing that can handle spray and wet ground

Remember that boots may be available for the ATV section, but they depend on weather and your own footwear. Do not rely on that option as your only protection for the day.

Should you book the ATV and plane wreck tour?

Book it if the idea of riding a quad across black sand toward a stranded DC3 sounds like the highlight of your Iceland trip. That is the distinctive part of the day, and the two-hour ride gives it enough time to feel substantial.

The waterfalls make the price easier to justify, especially if you want Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss but also want something more active than a standard coach excursion. Just budget for lunch, dress warmly, and account for the extra single-rider ATV charge if your group cannot pair off.

Skip it if you want a quiet, flexible day or if no one in your group wants to drive. For the right person, though, this is a strong South Coast combination: black sand, a plane wreck, glacier views, and two very different waterfalls in one memorable day.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts 10 hours, including transport from Reykjavik, the ATV ride, the plane wreck visit, and stops at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.

Where does the tour begin?

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

How long is the ATV ride?

The ATV portion lasts two hours and takes place on the black sand beach of Sólheimasandur.

Do I need a driving license?

Yes. A valid driving license is required to drive a quad bike.

How many people share one ATV?

Two people share one ATV. Single riders and groups with odd numbers must book a single-rider ATV and pay the extra cost on site.

What clothing should I bring?

Bring warm clothing and waterproof shoes. The tour provides an insulated cover-all, helmet, and balaclava face mask. Boots may be available depending on the weather and your footwear.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so you should plan to bring or buy food before the day begins.

Can children or pregnant women join?

Children under eight and pregnant women cannot take part in this activity.