22 May Best Options for 2 Day South Coast Tour in Iceland

The southern region of Iceland turned out to be my favorite region from when I road tripped around the country for nine days. There are so many attractions to see, including some magnificent waterfalls. It is thus no wonder why tour companies offer such an array of tours to southern Iceland. I compiled the best options for a 2 day south coast tour of Iceland, and they are listed below. As a bonus, they all offer pickup from Reykjavík. It does not get any more convenient than that!

Contents:

1) Best All Around 2 Day South Coast Tour

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

1) Best All Around 2 Day South Coast Tour in Iceland

First up on the list is the best all around option for a 2 day south coast tour in Iceland. 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, hiking on a glacier, exploring an ice cave, and a chance to see the Northern Lights.

Price, Time, and Pickup

You need to budget approximately $590 per person for the 2 day tour. I will say that this is a great price for the tour, given that it includes so many different attractions and activities. They do offer 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 them if needed.

Furthermore, the 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 will need to purchase your own lunches and dinners.

Itinerary

The first day 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.

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. Take a stroll along the beach, admiring the black sand and basalt rock columns.

Link to tour booking: 2 Day Ice Cave and South Coast: Glacier Hike, Jökulsárlón Lagoon, and Northern Lights Tour.

2) Best 2 Day South Coast + Golden Circle Combo Tour in Iceland

Second up for the best 2 day south coast tour options in Iceland is the 2 Day South Coast Trip and Glacier Hike Tour. That is right, you not only get to enjoy all of the main attractions within the Golden Circle and along the south coast, but you also get to experience hiking on a glacier!  What more could you want?

You can also look into tour options for the best Golden Circle tours in Iceland if you plan to spend another day in the region.

Price, Time, and Pickup

You need to budget approximately $430 per person for the 2 day 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 them if needed. On the other hand, you can opt to stay the night in a hotel within the Golden Circle to reduce your driving time in the morning.

Additionally, the tour includes a guide, all necessary equipment for the glacier hike, 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.

Itinerary

The first day includes all of the main attractions within the 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 the south coast as well as a glacier hike. First, marvel at Seljalandsfoss waterfall. There is a path behind the falls, and you can thus see it from a whole new point of view. 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 the glacier hike. Once you put on your equipment, the guide leads you on a short hike over the glacier. Fourth, the last stop is at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. This is the most well known beach in all of Iceland, and it even has a basalt rock column cave.

Link to tour booking: 2 Day South Coast Trip and Glacier Hike Tour.

3) Best 2 Day South Coast + East Coast Combo Tour in Iceland

Third on the list of the best tour options along the south coast of Iceland 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 the tour is approximately $540 per person for the full 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 them if 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 will need to purchase your own lunches and dinners.

Itinerary

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 and to get a misty shower. 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. Look along the shore to see some basalt rock columns and out into the water to see some interesting rock formations.

The second day begins with a short stop in the town of Vík. You can wander around some shops or take in more views of the black sand beach in the distance. 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. There is a path along the canyon’s edge with a few viewpoints. Fourth, appreciate the history of Hofskirkja Church. It was built with 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. Sixth, walk across the street to Diamond Beach to see some 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.

4) Best 2 Day South Coast + Ice Cave Combo Tour in Iceland

My fourth recommendation for the best 2 day south coast tour options in Iceland is the 2 Day Blue Ice Cave, Jökulsárlón, Black Beach, and Waterfalls Tour. The tour takes you to 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 $570 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 them if 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.

Itinerary

The first day of the tour highlights attractions along the south coast. First, stop by Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi waterfalls. You can walk on a path behind Seljalandsfoss to see it from a different angle. On the other hand, 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, the last stop is at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Walk along the sand and be sure to check out the basalt rock columns.

The second day includes a few more stops along the south coast as well as visits to a famous glacier lagoon and ice cave. First, stop in the town of Vík for a couple minutes to peruse the shops and restaurants. Second, see moss-covered lava formations at Eldhraun Lava Field. Third, admire Hofskirkja Church. The church was built with a turf roof, and it is the last one of its kind. 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.

Link to tour booking: 2 Day Blue Ice Cave, Jökulsárlón, Black Beach, and Waterfalls Tour.

5) Best 2 Day South Coast + Northern Lights Combo Tour in Iceland

Last on the list of the best 2 day south coast tour options in Iceland is the 2 Days Glacier Lagoon and Ice Cave with 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. It just 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

Prepare to spend approximately $520 per person for the 2 day 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 them if 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.

Itinerary

The first day includes all of the main attractions along Iceland’s south coast. First, marvel at Seljalandsfoss waterfall. There is a path that leads around the entire waterfall, including behind it. Second, enjoy a stop at Skógafoss waterfall. It is one of the most popular waterfalls in all of Iceland, and there is often a rainbow at its base. Third, walk along Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Be sure to check out the basalt rock column cave.

Fourth, stop in the town of Vík for a couple of minutes to shop or admire the views of the beach from afar. Fifth, explore Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. When you arrive, you will 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. Be sure to chat with the guides about any strategies to increase your viewing chances. 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. Unfortunately there are no diamonds here, but you can see icebergs washed along the shore.

Link to tour booking: 2 Days Glacier Lagoon and Ice Cave with Northern Lights Tour.

PIN IT to save it for later!

Do not miss out on other excursions in Iceland: 5 Best Iceland Tours for Excursions.

Book a separate Golden Circle tour today: 7 Best Golden Circle Tour Options in Iceland.