Small-group South Coast & Glacier Hike Tour From Reykjavik

Wonderful experience, very knowledgeable and helpful guides. I had the most amazing time with Artic Adventures. From pickup to drop off , everything went smoothly. The hike was the peak of the day. I have no words, my guide also took the best photos. First time solo traveling and this was a beautiful way to start my trip.

For someone who has never done hiking before, not only did I faced my fears of heights, but it was 100% worth it in the end. I wouldn’t want to do any hiking again but this is the last time that I would like to hike as it ain’t my thing. I really loved the scenery at the end of it, we came at a good time of day and was also the 2nd to last people who were still present on the glacier, the scenery was beautiful to look at and take photos of. I liked how we were able to get a quick drink of the glacier water too using a sorta push-up pose with our pickaxe so we can get a quick sip of the water which tasted nice! Our tour guide - Lili was lovely to have, again I was with a really tidy and interactive group of people from around different parts of the world (minus the small slightly cramped bus with squeaky backseat chairs), our tour guides who I’m gutted in remembering the guy we had’s name was was great and patient as I try to really slowly climb down from the glacier as I have a fear of heights lol. I was kinda expecting it to be a lot worse like requiring to climb up to the top with 1 leg up and one hand on the other rock, but I’m glad that it was a simple (long) walk travel experience which was all worth it in the end. I wouldn’t want to do something like this again but I now have a bragging right to say to people that I have been on the glacier that in a year time will probably won’t be walkable on unfortunately Really great end to a Sunday - Thursday trip to Iceland, I have enjoyed it throughout the entire time and I already going to miss it, time goes by quick sadly.

Ok, so this tour was awesome and so fun, but you need to know, this is a HIKE! The original entry to the glacier melted, so they had to recently make a new entry point, which is a quite a climb over a mountain. You’re hiking for 1 hour up a mountain before you hit the glacier, so be ready. If you’re in any way questioning “am I fit enough to do this?”, skip it. If you know you’re fit enough to do it, GO! This tour really felt like Iceland, and you’ll love it.

Our glacier hike with Arctic Adventures was an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Walking across an actual glacier, surrounded by extraordinary ice formations and Iceland's dramatic landscape, was absolutely breathtaking. It was one of the highlights of our trip, and we couldn't recommend it more highly. A huge shout-out to our guide, **Josh**, who was absolutely phenomenal! He made the experience memorable while guiding us through an environment that requires respect, preparation, and attention to safety. One important thing future travelers should know: this is a physically strenuous excursion. Expect several hours of activity, including hiking over uneven terrain, walking uphill and downhill, getting fitted with your equipment, and making your way to and from the glacier. We spent approximately an hour and a half on the glacier itself, with the remainder of the experience involving preparation and hiking. It's absolutely worth the effort, but be realistic about your fitness level and ability to handle uneven, sometimes challenging terrain. Proper footwear, warm layers, and following your guide's instructions are essential. The scale, beauty, and sheer uniqueness of standing on a glacier are difficult to describe until you experience it yourself. We loved every minute and came away with memories we'll have forever. If you're visiting Iceland and want a genuine adventure, this is an experience we highly recommend. Arctic Adventures and Josh delivered an outstanding day!

Although the tour was well-organized with high safety standards and professional driver & guides, I was deeply disappointed by the overall experience. Some of the photos used for this booking are misleading, as it shows people inside an ice cave/glacier, whereas I only walked on top of the glacier and never actually went inside. Furthermore, the company's itinerary was poorly planned from the start, as visiting the final waterfall late at night in complete darkness meant I couldn't see anything. Given these major drawbacks and the high price paid, it is hard to give a higher rating

This was our second tour with Reykjavik Excursions/Icelandia and we can't recommend them enough. Our guide and driver, Dotir, kept us well informed without sounding pedantic or professiorial. All in all, it was a great way to discover the lay of the land and learn so much about Iceland and its truly remarkable people. No wonder the American chess master, Bobby Fisher retired here. If we had one complaint, it is that 10 hours can be a bit long, not matter how exciting the scenery and engaging the conversation.

Fantastic experience from start to finish. Everything was super easy and convenient. Our tour guide Kjarton was phenomenal.

Sergei, our driver and day guide was fantastic! At the black sand beach, I turned to run from a wave too late and was pushed down. Yes, he warned us that the waves were sneaky. Sergei saw me faceplant and ran to help He helped me get my bag with extra clothes. and gave me a hug, even though I was soaked. The glacier experience is worthwhile, but you need to get over the fear of walking on ice. It was a tough hike in soaking wet boots and rain but just added to the adventure. Stephen, our Glacier guide, was safety minded and helped us at every step. He was skillful guiding some of the group who weren't listening.

Indra is a great guide! Knowledgable, friendly, great driver. Made the trip so interesting & fun. Recommend!

The scenery is beautiful. The black sand beach was gorgeous- it is at least 1/2 mile long. The views from the glacier were stunning. Overall a very worthwhile experience. In the description it states it’s good for beginners. This is a little misleading. At points you were traversing very narrow and steep inclines. Our guide (Pietro) was amazing. I wasn’t going to go out on the glacier because the path was very narrow and steep to get there but he was encouraging and try to make it as safe as possible. Not sure I would do it again but I’m glad I chose to go out on it.

one of the best tours i have been on!! Lucky was so amazing and knowledgeable. we had plenty of time at each place and the views were just breathtaking. she also made sure we had everything we needed when we needed it and gave us good laughs

Good experience, but did not like htat you were managing groups to multiple destinations/activities on our bus - it meant that we had to wait for other people to finish an activity before we could all do the glacier hike.

We did the glacier walk with 2 adults, 2 senior and a 12 year old. Monika, our guide, was great, and looked after our senior, and chatted to our 12 year old about berries at length which he loved. We felt very safe, and the glacier was amazing. It’s described as moderate and that’s accurate. Amazing experience, in would use Arctic Adventures again.

Had a great time on our tour with Arthur! He was really knowledgeable about and made our tour unforgettable!!

Arthur was a great guide for our trip! Super knowledgeable of the region and took us to such beautiful spots along the coast. Definitely would recommend this trip to anyone travelling to Iceland!

If you want to experience the sheer, untamed variety of Iceland’s landscapes in a single day, this full-day South Coast expedition delivers. Covering nearly 14 hours round-trip from Reykjavík, it’s an ambitious marathon of a day—packing in roaring waterfalls, moody black sand beaches, and a glacier trek across Sólheimajökull. The glacier hike was by far the highlight. My guide, Pietro, made every single hour worth it. Navigating glacier ice requires absolute precision, and Pietro kept safety front-and-center while pointing out deep crevasses, ice caves, and explaining the fascinating glaciology behind the landscape. Pro tip: Bring an extra pair of dry socks and a heavy-duty waterproof shell. Between the waterfall mist and glacier winds, staying dry is the secret to surviving the day. And pack plenty of water and snacks!

Our driver/guide Lucky and glacier hiking guide Steven are so nice and professional who made my day❤️

A beautiful hike through some stunning hillsides up to the glacier. Arctic Adventures was very easy to communicate with, and they made it easy to rent and equip specialized gear so we didn't have to buy (and travel with) a bunch of extra stuff. Our guide Danny was fun, informative, and kept a brisk pace while making sure everyone had time to take pictures and marvel at the scenery.

Edgar was a wonderful driver/guide, patient with our group’s questions-both logistics and about Iceland and the attractions we visited.

This tour was the highlight of our stay in Reykjavik! The sights were beautiful, but having a small group was the best and made the trip so enjoyable. There isn't a better tour guide than Bruno. I knew from the moment he picked us up with his welcoming smile that it was going to be a great day! He was so thoughtful of his passengers and went out of his way to make sure we saw a much as possible, timing our stops to avoid the crowds as much as possible. He even made a surprise stop to see the puffins up close. Which wasn't even on our itinerary. . He is very knowledgeable of this area. He also shared his favorite Icelandic candy with us. I would love to go on another tour with him and highly recommend you go with him as well!!

This hike is NOT easy and very strenuous. The original, easy beginner path is no longer available due to glacial changes. A new path was created which the guides described as moderate/challenging. (Told this when we arrived) The hike is also 4 hours in total, which is an hour longer than originally displayed. We had fun, but be prepared for a very exhausting hike and climb to get to the glacier. The guides and tour were great, just prepare accordingly if you’re looking for something easy.

Our guide, Alex Hashu, was fantastic. He made our experience! We learned so much about Iceland as we traveled - very fun.

Excellent tour, small number in a minibus, informative and humorous guide, all to plan, despite poor weather. Glacier hike guide sensitive to his groups abilities, I made it to the top even though I am not fit. Saw puffins and amazing waterfalls. Recommend this trip!

The positives: Driver-guide, Gunn, provided lots of useful and interesting information throughout. Sites were beautiful as expected. The negative: We were at Bus Stop#1 30mins. before the tour start time at 730am but only got picked up at 845am so the 1hr, 15min wait wasn’t fun. Going back, we were dropped off last (when we were picked up 2nd to last).

Our guide Magnus Dan was excellent. His knowledge of Iceland was exceptional. It was the perfect tour to end our trip, go back home and hope for another trip to Iceland. Thank you very much magnus!

An unforgettable glacier hike! Daniel was an exceptional guide - attentive, patient, and genuinely invested in making sure everyone had an incredible experience. He balanced safety with fun, shared fascinating insights along the way, and made every member of the group feel comfortable and included. His enthusiasm and professionalism truly elevated the adventure. If you’re considering a glacier hike, ask for Daniel - you won’t be disappointed!

Fantastic experience! Our guide Sergio was very considering and had a lot of knowlegde about the area.

Amazing Trip!!! Would highly recommend for summer Iceland vacation. It’s worth money spent. Our guide Bruno was very helpful and friendly that made trip more enjoyable. Our first time Glacier hiking but with the help of tour guide it was so easy and full of fun activity day!!!

This is our second tour with this company. Both were great experiences, Mils was an exceptional guide. We really enjoyed the tour and he was very knowledgeable, and made the whole day a lot of fun. Would recommend a tour with him.

What an amazing tour!! Bruno was so informative and kind. Very in tune to the group's wants and needs. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone considering!

This was a great trip and experience. Our guide was very knowledgeable and provided a lot of history and information.

Lili was very professional and passionate about her job. She showed us a great time and was accommodating to our individual needs. It was a lot of fun! She also took us to each destination safely and had good driving skills and made it a smooth ride along the way.

Alex was an excellent guide. He was very knowledgeable & told interesting stories. He also managed the tour to work best with the weather to make sure we all had a good experience.

You have the opportunity to get wet so bring waterproof clothing and/or a change of clothes. Lunch was available at the Black Sand Beach Restaurant but it is a long day so bring snacks and water. You can leave your belongings in the van at each stop so you don’t have to worry about lugging around a large bag everywhere. For the glacier hike bring ankle supported hiking boots, otherwise you will have to pay about $15 to rent some when you get to the glacier. Our tour guide Sergei was so amazing and helped us so much during the trip! Overall it was an amazing experience and I would definitely recommend it!

We had an amazing experience with Arctic Adventures, and I cannot recommend them enough! A special thank you to Sergio, our bus driver, who was incredibly professional, respectful, and friendly throughout the entire trip. What really stood out was that while driving, he continuously shared fascinating history, culture, and facts about Iceland, which made the journey just as enjoyable as the destination. His knowledge and passion for Iceland added so much value to the experience. I also want to recognize Daniel, our glacier guide, who was absolutely outstanding. He made safety his top priority and provided clear, thorough instructions before and during the hike. He constantly checked on everyone in the group, making sure no one was left behind and that everyone felt comfortable and confident. My husband became a little tired during the hike, and Daniel was incredibly caring, compassionate, and attentive. He checked on him several times and made sure we took short breaks when needed so everyone could keep up comfortably. He was patient, encouraging, and genuinely concerned about the well-being of every person in the group. What impressed me most was how engaged Daniel was with everyone. He took the time to speak with all members of the group, answered questions, and made sure nobody felt overlooked or unattended. His professionalism, kindness, and leadership made the glacier experience unforgettable. Thank you, Sergio and Daniel, for helping make our Iceland adventure so memorable. We would absolutely book with Arctic Adventures again! Andrea and David.

This tour was amazing!! Our guide Asdis Greta, was fantastic! She was extremely knowledgeable about Iceland and super fun and energetic. This tour is perfect if you have a short amount of time. It’s a long day but you will be happy you did it! I highly recommend this tour, especially with Greta!

Driver/guide was friendly and knowledgeable - terrific safe driver as well. We enjoyed the pace of the tour and the sights! The van seating was like an airplane- if the van was full, we would not have been comfortable and we are not big people…

Organization: well-done Timing: slightly rushed so just walk fast! Information: numerous; informed historically and ecologically; safety tips provided as well Views: lots of chances to see sheep and horses!!! Drive: relatively long drive initially (about 2.5 hours) to the first site, but our driver, Dominica, was smart and we did Seljalandsfoss last so we were only damp/wet for the last hour ish of the trip Driver: fun; helpful; kind Recommend bringing waterproof jacket, pants, and shoes. Plenty of chances to eat and hydrate.

Edgar gave us a very interesting South Coast Tour. We especially enjoyed listening to his insightful commentaries. He has a very wide knowledge of Iceland. He's also got a good humor that made us all feel at ease.

Edgar was an excellent driver, very informative and did everything to make us happy

Amazing time with the wife. Saw a couple of waterfalls, black sand and vik beach, and an amazing glacier view.

Linus was a super friendly and knowledgable guide. We learned a ton about the country and he had great advice for the best way to see all the sights!

Paul’s knowledge and passion for Iceland really added to the enjoyment of this trip! The equipment problems were frustrating and caused some challenges. I could have listened to Paul even more. He was also very responsible.

Our host and driver Michele was fantastic! Thanks for being patient with 18 different personalities.. Got us to all locations safely and expeditiously.. Also was a wealth of knowledge and humor.. Our glacier hike guides Francois and Danny made sure we were all well equipped and safe! A once in a lifetime tour. Views were out of this world. Highly recommend! Worth. The Price!! Also. Don’t forget to tip!!

Amazing experience, our tour guide Magga was amazing and very knowledgeable. To see the glacier up close is staggering

Had a great time on this tour. Hiking on the glacier was the best bit. Daniel our guide was excellent. Very informative and with a good sense of humour, whilst maintaining a high level of safety for everyone. Never worn crampons or wielded an ice pick before, but the first time for everything. The facts which Daniel provided really brought home the effects of global warming. Highly recommended.

A superb tour. Lots of travel time but you are travelling a huge distance to take part and witness an amazing side of Iceland. Waterfalls were stunning. Our favourite was our glacier hike. Guides were fantastic, knowledgable and good fun. Would highly recommend.

Excellent tour. Glacier hiking was a definite highlight. Alex, our driver, was courteous and very helpful. Lukas did a great job gearing us up for the glacier hike. Nadio-awesome glacier guide!

This was the best tour! Our guide/driver Simon explained everything in detail and made our tour comfortable and fun. South coast was beautiful all the way, the scenery, waterfalls, Vik, Reynisfjara and finally the Glacier Hike. What a beautiful adventure this was for myself and my two kids 🥰