17 Dec 2 Day South Coast Iceland Tour: Best + Unique Options
I compiled the best options for a 2 day south coast Iceland tour so you do not have to waste hours scrolling through TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, etc. They are listed below! Each of the tours are a bit different from one another as they highlight different attractions and/or excursions. As a bonus, each south coast Iceland tour offers pickup from Reykjavík. It does not get any more convenient than that!
The southern region of Iceland turned out to be my favorite region from when I road tripped around Iceland for nine days. There are so many attractions to see, including multiple magnificent waterfalls. It is thus no wonder why tour companies offer such an array of Iceland south coast tours.
Contents:
1) Best 2 Day South Coast Iceland Tour – All Around
2) Best 2 Day South Coast + Golden Circle Combo Tour
3) Best 2 Day South Coast + East Coast Combo Tour
4) Best 2 Day South Coast + Ice Cave Combo Tour
5) Best 2 Day South Coast + Northern Lights Combo Tour
6) BONUS: Best Things to Do in Southern Iceland
1) Best 2 Day South Coast Iceland Tour – All Around
First up on the list is the best all around option for a 2 day south coast Iceland tour. My recommendation is the 2 Day Ice Cave and South Coast: Glacier Hike, Jökulsárlón Lagoon, and Northern Lights Tour. Why is this the best all around option? Because it includes a little bit of everything. The tour includes attractions on the south coast as well as the east coast, a glacier hike, an ice cave excursion, and a chance to see the Northern Lights.
Price, Time, and Pickup
You need to budget approximately $595 per person for this Iceland 2 day south coast tour. I will say that this is a great price for the tour, especially given that it includes so many different attractions and activities. Moreover, the tour offers pickup from hotels within the capital city of Reykjavik around 8:00am. However, be aware that buses cannot drive on all roads within the city. Please confirm the pickup location with the tour company as needed.
Furthermore, the 2 Day Ice Cave and South Coast Tour includes lodging on the first night, breakfast on the second day, a guide, all necessary equipment for the glacier hike and ice cave, and entrance to all attractions. On the other hand, you need to purchase your own lunches and dinners.
Walking on the path behind Seljalandsfoss
Itinerary – 2 Day Ice Cave and South Coast Tour
The first day of the 2 Day Ice Cave and South Coast begins with a stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall. If you look closely in the picture below, you can see a path behind the falls. While you might get a bit wet, you also have the chance to see Seljalandsfoss from a unique perspective. Second, enjoy a stop at Skógafoss waterfall. Legend says there is a treasure chest hidden behind the falls, yet no one has found it to this day.
Third, visit Skaftafell National Park for glacier hiking and exploring an ice cave. The guide leads you on a hike across the glacier for an hour and a half before you then arrive at the ice cave. Step inside the natural wonder and listen to the guide as they offer fun facts and historical information. Your overnight stay then occurs in a prime location for spotting the Northern Lights. While a sighting is not guaranteed, your guides can advise on the chances for that specific night.
The second day begins with the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The lagoon never looks quite the same, for pieces of ice constantly break off from the glacier and/or float out to the ocean. Second, head across the street to Diamond Beach. You cannot find diamonds here, but instead you can find icebergs washed up along the shore. Third, enjoy your last stop at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach to stroll along the beach and admire the basalt rock columns.
Link to tour booking: 2 Day Ice Cave and South Coast: Glacier Hike, Jökulsárlón Lagoon, and Northern Lights Tour.
Front of Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
2) Best 2 Day South Coast + Golden Circle Combo Tour in Iceland
Another amazing 2 day south coast Iceland tour is the 2 Day Golden Circle, South Coast, and Black Beach Tour. That is right, you get to enjoy all of the main attractions within the Golden Circle AND along the south coast. What more could you want?
You can also look into the best Golden Circle tours in Iceland if you want to spend another day in the Golden Circle region.
Price, Time, and Pickup
You need to budget approximately $400 per person for the 2 Day Golden Circle, South Coast, and Black Beach Tour. They do offer pickup from hotels within the capital city of Reykjavik around 8:30am. However, be aware that buses cannot drive on all roads within the city. Please confirm the pickup location with the tour company as needed. On the other hand, you can opt to stay the night at a hotel within the Golden Circle to reduce your driving time in the morning.
Additionally, the Iceland south coast tour includes a guide, lodging for the first night, breakfast on the second day, and entrance fees to all attractions. On the other hand, lunches and dinners are not covered.
Strokkur erupting at Geysir Hot Springs
Itinerary – 2 Day South Coast Trip and Glacier Hike Tour
The first day includes all of the main attractions within Iceland’s Golden Circle. First, stop by Thingvellir National Park. The park exists on the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Second, visit Geysir Hot Springs to see a variety of geysers, boiling mud pits, and fumaroles. Additionally, Strokkur is the largest active geyser in the area. It erupts every five to 15 minutes.
Third, enjoy a visit to Gullfoss waterfall. There is a path along the side of the falls, and you can thus see the water cascading down into the canyon below. Fourth, the last stop on the first day is at Kerid Crater. The crater formed thousands of years ago when a cone shaped volcano collapsed upon itself.
The second day includes all of the main attractions along Iceland’s southern coast as well as a glacier hike. First, marvel at Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi waterfalls. There is a path behind Seljalandsfoss, and you have to enter a small gorge to see Gljúfrabúi. For a fun fact, Gljúfrabúi is my favorite waterfall in Iceland as well as one of my favorite Iceland hidden gems.
Second, enjoy a stop at Skógafoss. You can often see a rainbow at the base of the falls due to the extensive mist spraying outwards. Third, head to Sólheimajökull Glacier for stunning views of one of the largest glaciers in Iceland. Fourth, the last stop of the tour is at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. It is the most popular beach in all of Iceland, and it even has a basalt rock column cave.
Link to tour booking: 2 Day Golden Circle, South Coast, and Black Beach Tour.
Snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park
3) Best 2 Day South Coast + East Coast Combo Tour in Iceland
Third on the list of the best options for a 2 day south coast Iceland tour is the 2 Day Jökulsárlón with Glacier Hike and South Coast Waterfalls Tour. The tour allows you to visit all of the main attractions along the south coast of Iceland, hike on Sólheimajökull Glacier, and take a boat ride on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Price, Time, and Pickup
The price of this Iceland south coast tour is approximately $605 per person for the full 2 days. They offer pickup from hotels within the capital city of Reykjavik around 8:30am. However, be aware that buses cannot drive on all roads within the city. Please confirm the pickup location with the tour company as needed.
Furthermore, the tour includes lodging for the first night, breakfast on the second day, a guide, all necessary equipment for glacier hiking, a boat tour on Jökulsárlón, and entrance to all attractions. On the other hand, you need to purchase your own lunches and dinners.
View of the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach from Dyrhólaey Viewpoint
Itinerary – 2 Day Jökulsárlón with Glacier Hike and South Coast Waterfalls Tour
The first day begins with a stop at Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi waterfalls. Walk on the path behind Seljalandsfoss to see the falls from a new angle. Then walk into a small gorge to see Gljúfrabúi in all its glory. Second, stop by Skógafoss waterfall. You can view the falls from the base or walk up a staircase for a view from above. Third, enjoy a glacier hike on Sólheimajökull Glacier. Once you have all of your equipment in place, the guide leads you on a hike for about an hour along the glacier. Fourth, take a relaxing stroll along Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach where you can see basalt rock columns and sea stacks.
The second day begins with a short stop in the coastal town of Vík. Second, inspect lava formations covered in moss at Eldhraun Lava Field. Third, feel as though you stepped into an animated Disney movie at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. Fourth, appreciate the history of Hofskirkja Church, which has a turf roof.
Fifth, hop aboard a boat for a ride around the famous Glacier Lagoon, also known as Jökulsárlón. The captain guides the boat around the lagoon, highlighting the largest icebergs currently there. For a fun fact, my partner and I booked a kayaking tour of the Glacier Lagoon. To this day, it is one of the best things on which I have spent money. Sixth, walk across the street to Diamond Beach to see icebergs washed along the shore. When the sun hits them just right, they shine like diamonds.
Link to tour booking: 2 Day Jökulsárlón with Glacier Hike and South Coast Waterfalls Tour.
Basalt rock columns at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
4) Best 2 Day South Coast + Ice Cave Combo Tour in Iceland
My fourth recommendation for an unforgettable 2 day south coast Iceland tour is the 2 Day Blue Ice Cave, Glacier Lagoon, and South Coast Tour. The tour visits all of the main attractions along the south coast of Iceland in addition to the famous Glacier Lagoon and an ice cave in Vatnajökull National Park.
Price, Time, and Pickup
The tour costs approximately $680 per person for the 2 days. They do offer pickup from hotels within the capital city of Reykjavik around 8:30am. However, be aware that buses cannot drive on all roads within the city. Please confirm the pickup location with the tour company as needed.
Furthermore, the tour includes breakfast on the second day, a guide, lodging for the first night, and entrance to all attractions. On the other hand, lunches and dinners are not included.
View from the top of Skógafoss Waterfall
Itinerary – 2 Day Blue Ice Cave, Glacier Lagoon, and South Coast Tour
The first day of the tour highlights attractions along Iceland’s southern coast. First, stop by Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi waterfalls. You can walk on a path behind Seljalandsfoss, and you have to enter a small gorge to see Gljúfrabúi. Second, enjoy a quick stop at Írárfoss waterfall. Third, marvel at the powerful Skógafoss waterfall, for it is one of the most visited waterfalls in all of Iceland. Fourth, walk along a path at the edge of Sólheimajökull Glacier. Fifth, stop at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach to walk along the sand and check out the basalt rock columns.
The second day includes a few more stops along the south coast of Iceland as well as stops at a famous glacier lagoon and ice cave. First, stop in the town of Vík to peruse the shops and restaurants. Second, see moss-covered lava formations at Eldhraun Lava Field. Third, admire Hofskirkja Church, which is the last of its kind with a turf roof. Fourth, stop by the famous Glacier Lagoon, also known as Jökulsárlón, and Diamond Beach. Watch icebergs break off from the glacier and float ashore or out into the ocean.
Fifth, head to Vatnajökull National Park to visit an ice cave. Board a super Jeep to drive across the glacier and to the entrance of the cave. Then step inside and stare in awe at all of the beautiful blue colors within the cave.
For a fun fact, this tour includes three of my favorite attractions in Iceland, for they made it on my list of the top 10 things to do in Iceland. Interested in which ones? Read the article to learn more!
Link to tour booking: 2 Day Blue Ice Cave, Glacier Lagoon, and South Coast Tour.
Rainbow at the base of Skógafoss
5) Best 2 Day South Coast + Northern Lights Combo Tour in Iceland
Last on the list of the best options for a 2 day south coast Iceland tour is the Private 2 Day Glacier Lagoon, Ice Cave, and Northern Lights Tour. You might be thinking…but southern Iceland is not even mentioned in the name? Well, that is true. BUT the tour stops at a majority of the main attractions along the south coast and also includes a few more attractions and activities, such as the chance to see the Northern Lights, as a bonus.
Why not make this a romantic getaway with your partner and stay at one or more of the most romantic hotels in Iceland?
Price, Time, and Pickup
The tour costs a total of $6,900 per group, with a maximum group size of two. I know, that is really expensive. But read the reviews – they speak for themselves on why it is rated with five stars. The tour offers hotel pickup within the capital city of Reykjavik around 8:30am. However, be aware that buses cannot drive on all roads within the city. Please confirm the pickup location with the company as needed.
Furthermore, the tour includes breakfast on the second day, all necessary glacier and ice cave equipment, lodging for the first night, a glacier guide, and entrance to all attractions. On the other hand, lunches and dinners are not included.
Sun shining down on the icebergs washed ashore at Diamond Beach
Itinerary – 2 Days Glacier Lagoon and Ice Cave with Northern Lights Tour
The first day of the tour includes all of the main attractions along Iceland’s south coast. First, marvel at Seljalandsfoss waterfall and walk on the path that leads behind it. Second, enjoy a stop at one of the most popular waterfalls in all of Iceland: Skógafoss waterfall. There is often a rainbow at its base. Third, walk along Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and check out the basalt rock column cave.
Fourth, stop in the town of Vík to shop or admire the views of the beach from afar. Fifth, explore Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. When you arrive, you might feel as though you entered an animated Disney movie. The accommodation for the first night is in a quiet area with little light pollution, thus increasing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. While it is never guaranteed to see the Northern Lights, the tour guides will do everything they can to help make your dreams come true.
The second day includes a few attractions on Iceland’s east coast. First, stop by Jökulsárlón, which is the most famous glacier lagoon in Iceland. Second, enjoy a super Jeep ride as well as a short walk along Vatnajökull Glacier. You then reach the entrance of an ice cave, where you can stare in awe at the wondrous blue colors inside. Third, the last stop is at Diamond Beach. While there are no diamonds here, you can see icebergs washed along the shore.
Link to tour booking: Private 2 Day Glacier Lagoon, Ice Cave, and Northern Lights Tour.
Kayaking around the Glacier Lagoon
6) BONUS: Best Things to Do in Southern Iceland
I know, all of the tours above sound AMAZING. How can you possibly choose between them? Well, I cannot make that decision for you. However, I can list out the best things to do in southern Iceland so you can look at them and determine which are your top priorities. Then you can find a tour including them – done and done!
- Seljalandsfoss + Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls: a waterfall with a path behind it + a waterfall hidden in a small gorge
- Seljavallalaug Pool and Hidden Hot Springs: geothermal pool + small, hidden geothermal pools
- Skógafoss Waterfall: one of the most popular waterfalls in all of Iceland
- DC-3 Plane Wreck: US Navy plane wreckage on a black sand beach
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: black sand beach with basalt rock columns and sea stacks
- Vík: small, coastal town near Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Yoda Cave: also known as Hjörleifshöfði Hellir
- Laufskálavarða: lava ridge with stone cairns
Best Things to Do in the Golden Circle
While the below attractions are some of the best things to do in the Golden Circle and not in southern Iceland, they are still sometimes included on an Iceland south coast tour. The Golden Circle and the south coast are pretty close to each other, so tour companies often include a few Golden Circle attractions on their Iceland south coast tour to attract more customers.
- Kerid Crater: volcanic crater with a lake
- Silfra Snorkeling: snorkeling in the Silfra fissure between tectonic plates in Thingvellir National Park
- Öxarárfoss Waterfall: waterfall in Thingvellir National Park
- Almannagjá: rift between tectonic plates in Thingvellir National Park
- Geysir Hot Springs: geothermal area with Strokkur
- Gullfoss Waterfall: waterfall with a trail alongside it
- Flúðir Tarn: trail to a lake on top of a mountain
Best Things to Do in Eastern Iceland
Here I go again – listing out attractions not even in southern Iceland. Below is a brief list of the best attractions in eastern Iceland. However, some tour companies include an attraction or two from eastern Iceland on their 2 day south coast Iceland tour. For example, the Glacier Lagoon is one of the best things to do in all of Iceland, and it is located on the eastern coast. For that reason, multiple of the tours detailed above include a stop there.
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon: canyon trail with multiple waterfalls
- Svínafellsjökull Vegur: glacier viewpoint
- Svartifoss Waterfall: waterfall with basalt rock columns
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon + Diamond Beach: most popular glacier lagoon + a beach with icebergs washed ashore
- Stokksnes / Vestrahorn: peninsula with mountains and black sand dunes
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Do not miss out on other excursions in Iceland: 5 Best Iceland Tours for Excursions.
Book a separate ice cave tour today: 5 Best Iceland Ice Cave Tour Options.
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