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

The most unusual part of this South Coast day is the two-hour ATV ride across Sólheimasandur, a broad black-sand plain leading to Iceland’s famous DC3 plane wreck. You share one quad bike with another person, cross a desert-like stretch of coast, and reach a crash site that feels stark and otherworldly.

I like the mix of active fun and classic Iceland sights. You get the rough-and-ready ATV ride, then time at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, two waterfalls with very different personalities. I also like that guides such as Henrik and Ragnar are singled out for being friendly, clear, and attentive. The main drawback is price: at $299 per person, this is a serious day-trip splurge, and odd-numbered groups may pay extra for a single ATV.

Key details before you book

• Two hours on an ATV: Ride with a partner over Sólheimasandur’s black sand toward the DC3 wreck.
• A valid driver’s license is required: Two people normally share one quad bike, with one person driving at a time.
• The plane wreck is reached by ATV: This saves you from treating the crash site as a separate walk.
• South Coast classics are included: Stop at Dyrhólaey, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss, with views toward Mýrdalsjökull Glacier.
• Warm clothing matters: Bring insulated layers and waterproof shoes. Coveralls, helmets, and balaclavas are supplied.
• The day lasts 10 hours: It starts and ends at the BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik.

Why the DC3 plane wreck makes this South Coast trip different

Many South Coast outings focus only on waterfalls, cliffs, and black beaches. This one adds a powered ride across Sólheimasandur, so the journey to the wreck becomes part of the attraction.

The DC3 aircraft crashed on the sand in 1973. The stripped metal fuselage now sits against a wide, empty stretch of coast. You do not come for a complete aircraft or a polished museum display. You come for the contrast: a man-made wreck surrounded by black sand, open sky, mountains, and the sea.

The ATV lets you reach the crash site as part of a guided ride rather than simply arriving by road. You’ll cross a stark, desert-like area and then stop near the plane for photographs and a look at the coastline.

I would set your expectations correctly. The wreck itself is fascinating because of its setting, not because the aircraft interior offers a long museum visit. The real experience is the combination of the ride, the remote-looking beach, and the view toward Iceland’s southern mountains.

The two-hour ATV ride across Sólheimasandur

At the Adventure Ground, you’ll receive safety equipment before setting out. The package includes an insulated coverall, helmet, and balaclava face mask. Boots may be available depending on the weather and your footwear, but you should still bring waterproof shoes.

The ride lasts about two hours, which is long enough to feel like a proper outdoor activity rather than a quick amusement ride. You’ll travel over black sand and open ground toward the DC3, with views of the coast, Dyrhólaey Peninsula, and Mýrdalsjökull Glacier.

The ATV arrangement matters. Two people share one quad bike, so you need to be comfortable taking turns driving. A valid driver’s license is required for anyone who drives. If your group has an odd number, or you want to ride alone, you must book a single-rider ATV and pay the extra charge on site.

That rule can affect the final cost. A pair of two gets the simplest setup. A group of three should budget for a single ATV unless someone is happy to sit out, which is not really the point of booking an ATV tour.

The ride is described as thrilling but safe, though Icelandic weather can make any outdoor activity feel demanding. Wind, cold, and wet ground are part of the setting. You’ll be glad to have more than the supplied coverall. Bring warm layers underneath, gloves, and waterproof footwear.

The driver takes the quad across the sand, while the passenger gets the easier job of watching the scenery and holding on. If both people want a lot of driving time, say so early and share the turns fairly.

Dyrhólaey and the view toward Mýrdalsjökull

The ATV route gives you views toward Dyrhólaey Peninsula, a dramatic piece of southern Iceland where the coast reaches into the sea. From the area around the beach, you can also look inland toward Mýrdalsjökull Glacier.

These views give the ATV ride more than a mechanical thrill. You’re not circling a closed track. You’re moving through one of southern Iceland’s most striking coastal settings, with black sand below and mountains and glacier country inland.

Dyrhólaey is especially useful as a sense-of-place stop. It helps you understand how the South Coast fits together: ocean to the south, open sand near the shore, steep volcanic country farther inland, and ice above the high ground.

The glacier may appear distant, depending on conditions and visibility. Do not expect a glacier walk or a close approach. The value here is the broad view and the chance to see Mýrdalsjökull as part of the region’s setting.

Skógafoss gives the day its big waterfall moment

On the return toward Reykjavik, the tour stops at Skógafoss. This is one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls, and it earns the attention.

Skógafoss drops in a broad curtain, creating a powerful wall of water that is easy to appreciate from the viewing area. The stop provides a welcome change after the ATV ride. Instead of focusing on driving and balance, you can simply stand near the falls and take in the scale.

The amount of time at each waterfall can matter on a long day. Ragnar, one of the named drivers associated with the tour, was praised for being kind, informative, and allowing a good amount of time at the waterfalls. That is useful because rushed photo stops can make a scenic day feel like a checklist.

You may get mist near Skógafoss, so keep a waterproof layer handy. The supplied ATV coverall is for the ride, not a substitute for your own rain gear during the rest of the day.

Seljalandsfoss lets you walk behind the water

Seljalandsfoss offers a different experience. Its most famous feature is the path behind the falling water, allowing you to see the cascade from an unusual angle.

The ground near the waterfall can be wet and slippery. Waterproof shoes are especially helpful here, and a hood or rain shell protects you from spray. Your camera or phone also deserves care.

I like the pairing of these two waterfalls because they do not feel interchangeable. Skógafoss gives you a broad, forceful front view. Seljalandsfoss gives you movement, spray, and the chance to walk behind the fall.

The stop also breaks up the drive back to Reykjavik. After a cold, active morning near the beach, a waterfall walk gives you a quieter way to enjoy the South Coast before the final ride.

What the 10-hour schedule feels like

This is a full day, not a quick side trip. You meet at the BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik at least 15 minutes before departure, then travel down the South Coast to the ATV base and return to Reykjavik after the waterfall stops.

The long duration is partly the price of reaching Sólheimasandur and fitting in two waterfalls. You should not book this if you want a relaxed morning or a short excursion. You’ll spend a meaningful amount of the day on the road.

That said, the schedule has a sensible rhythm. The drive carries you from Reykjavik into the South Coast, the ATV ride supplies the active centerpiece, and the waterfalls give you scenic stops on the way home.

The transport has been rated very highly, with 97 percent of ratings giving it a perfect score. That matters on a 10-hour outing because a poor vehicle experience can sour the whole day. Still, exact departure times vary, so check availability for your date.

The guide can shape the day as much as the scenery. Henrik was praised for being experienced and fun, while Ragnar was noted for being kind and informative. Their names suggest that the human side of the outing is an important part of its appeal, not just a pleasant extra.

Is $299 a fair price?

At $299 per person, this is expensive compared with a simple South Coast sightseeing bus. You are paying for transport from Reykjavik, an English-speaking guide, the ATV activity, safety equipment, and several major sights in one day.

The best value comes if you genuinely want to ride an ATV. If you only care about Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and the glacier view, a less costly sightseeing tour may suit you better. The ATV is the reason to choose this particular outing.

The price also includes coveralls, helmet, and balaclava mask, which reduces the amount of specialist gear you need to bring. Lunch is not included, and you should plan for that yourself. The supplied information does not specify a meal stop, so do not assume food will be provided.

The odd-number surcharge deserves attention. Two people sharing one quad is the standard arrangement. A solo rider or an odd-numbered group must book a single-rider ATV, with payment made on site. Ask about the amount before departure if your group is not arranged in pairs.

For an active day with a memorable destination, the price can make sense. For a casual sightseeing day, it is harder to justify.

Who should choose this tour?

This outing suits you if you want more than photographs from a coach window. It combines a major Iceland route with a real outdoor activity, and the ATV ride gives the black-sand coast a stronger sense of place.

It is a good match for:

• Adults and older children who meet the age rules and want an active day
• People who enjoy driving and are comfortable sharing a quad bike
• Visitors with only one day for the South Coast
• Anyone especially interested in the DC3 wreck
• You’re prepared for cold, wet, and changeable outdoor conditions

Children under eight cannot join, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women. You also need a valid driver’s license to drive the quad bike.

This is less suitable if you dislike wind, mud, or riding in cold weather. It is also not ideal if you want a slow, unhurried day with long stops at every sight.

Practical packing advice for a cold beach ride

Bring warm clothing even though the tour supplies insulated coveralls. Wear layers that allow movement, and pack waterproof shoes with a firm sole.

Your essential items are:

• Driver’s license
• Warm clothing
• Waterproof shoes
• Weatherproof outer layers for the waterfall stops
• A secure way to protect your phone or camera from spray

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That is both a tour rule and a sensible safety point for anyone operating an ATV.

The balaclava mask helps with cold air, but you’ll still want gloves and warm layers. Once you leave the quad, the coverall may be too much for walking near the waterfalls, so dressing in layers gives you more control.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Iceland plans depend on weather or changing transport arrangements, but you still need to check the available start time for your date.

Should you book this South Coast ATV tour?

Book it if the DC3 plane wreck and ATV ride are central to your Iceland plans. You’ll get a memorable black-sand outing, distant glacier and peninsula views, and two of the South Coast’s best-known waterfalls in one long day.

Think twice if you mainly want a cheap waterfall tour or if you are not comfortable sharing a quad. Also check the extra single-rider cost before booking if your party has an odd number.

For the right person, this is a strong choice: active, scenic, and different from a standard South Coast bus trip. The $299 price is easier to accept when you value the ATV ride as the main event rather than treating it as a small add-on.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from the BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

How long does the tour last?

The full experience lasts 10 hours.

How long is the ATV ride?

The ATV portion lasts about two hours.

Do two people share one ATV?

Yes. The standard arrangement is one ATV shared by two people.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. You need a valid driver’s license to drive a quad bike.

Can I ride an ATV alone?

Yes, but single riders must book a single-rider ATV and pay the additional charge on site. Groups with odd numbers also need a single-rider ATV.

What equipment is provided?

The tour provides an insulated coverall, helmet, and balaclava face mask. Boots may be available depending on the weather and your footwear.

What should I bring?

Bring your driver’s license, warm clothing, and waterproof shoes. Extra warm clothing is not included.

Are meals included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Are children and pregnant women allowed?

Children under eight and pregnant women cannot join this activity.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.