South Coast & Northern Lights Small Group Tour from Reykjavík
by Arctic Adventures · Northern lights · Reykjavík
- Fine on your own
- Eco-certified
from €198.13 per person
Next departure: Mon 26 Oct
1 / 33
Duration
16 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Season
Sep – Apr
Starts in
Reykjavík
Pickup
Hotel pickup included
Guide
Guided in English
Departs
08:00, 09:00
Minimum age
6
Cancellation
Free until 24 hours before
About this experience
This combined tour gives you the opportunity to experience Iceland’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Begin your adventure along the untouched southern coast, where you’ll encounter majestic waterfalls, striking black sand beaches, and impressive glaciers. After returning to Reykjavík, enjoy some time for dinner before rejoining us for an unforgettable northern lights chase.
Sólheimajökull
Your adventure begins with a morning pick up in Reykjavik before we travel east over the scenic Hellisheiði mountain pass. As we journey through the southern lowlands, keep an eye out for steaming geothermal fields, wide open farmlands, and herds of Icelandic horses grazing peacefully along the way.
Our first destination is Sólheimajökull, a magnificent outlet glacier that branches from Mýrdalsjökull, Iceland’s fourth largest ice cap. This impressive glacier is constantly transforming, forming deep crevasses and mesmerizing blue ice ridges. You’ll have the opportunity to walk close to the glacier, admire its immense size, and learn how it connects to the island’s powerful volcanic forces.
Reynisfjara
We continue our journey to Reynisfjara, one of the most extraordinary beaches on Earth. Here, the jet-black volcanic sands, towering basalt columns, and roaring Atlantic waves create a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. Offshore, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise dramatically from the ocean. In the summer months, puffins and other seabirds can often be spotted nesting on the cliffs. The waves at this beach can be unpredictable and powerful, so stay alert as you take in the raw beauty of this remarkable spot.
Vík
Next, we pause in the charming seaside village of Vík, the southernmost town in Iceland. Surrounded by mountains and ocean views, this picturesque place offers a peaceful moment to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Skógafoss
On our return journey, we stop at Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. The powerful 65 meter (213 foot) cascade plunges down from the cliffs, filling the air with mist that often produces vibrant rainbows on sunny days. For those seeking a bit of adventure, climb the 527 steps to the viewing platform above for an unforgettable panorama of the waterfall and coastline. The climb is well worth the effort.
Seljalandsfoss
Our final stop along the south coast is Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall unlike any other. A small path behind the falls allows you to walk completely around the cascade, offering a breathtaking perspective from within. The trail can be slippery, but standing behind a curtain of rushing water is an experience you will never forget. Be sure to wear waterproof clothing as you are likely to get a little wet.
After exploring the south coast, we begin our return drive to Reykjavik, where you will be dropped off at your original pick up point. You’ll have time to enjoy dinner and explore the city before the evening portion of the tour begins.
Northern Lights
The Northern Lights experience depends entirely on weather conditions, so the exact viewing location will be decided closer to departure. The moment the sky begins to glow with shimmering colors is truly unforgettable. Shades of red, orange, rose, and violet often illuminate the night, and Iceland is one of the best places on Earth to witness this phenomenon. Make sure your camera is ready for this extraordinary display of nature.
After the light show concludes, we return to Reykjavik around midnight.
Pick Up
Pick-up is at 08:00 am from your hotel or a nearby meeting point in Reykjavík. Picking everyone up can take up to 30 minutes, your patience is much appreciated.
For the Northern Lights adventure, pick-up is at either 20:30 (8:30 p.m.) or 21:30 (9:30 p.m.), depending on the season. You’ll find the actual pickup time on your final voucher. Picking everyone up can take up to 30 minutes, your patience is much appreciated.
Available pick-up points: Arctic Adventures’ pick-up list.
Please Note
As the success of the northern lights tour is heavily dependent on weather conditions, we reserve the right to cancel the northern lights part of the tour until 18:15 on the day of the tour if the aurora forecast is not looking good. When this happens, we can rebook you for another tour or you can be fully refunded.
If no aurora is seen, you’ll have unlimited re-tries valid for up to 3 years. That’s right, you’ll be able to re-join the chase of Northern Lights until it’s a successful one.
What to do in this case? Our Customer Care is ready to help you and book your next re-try.
Please keep in mind that refunds are not issued when a tour takes place but no Northern Lights are seen.
Description from the operator, Arctic Adventures. Prices and availability in the booking panel are live.
Where you go
- Reykjavík
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skógafoss Waterfall
- Sólheimajökull Glacier
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Vík Village
- Reykjavík
- Northern Lights Hunt
Included
- Pick-up & drop off from Reykjavík
- Guided Visit to South Shore Highlights
- English Speaking Tour Guide
- Free WiFi on Board Your Bus
- Northern Lights photos
- Icelandic hot cocoa, chocolate & blanket
- Complementary retry valid for 3 years when no Northern Lights are seen on the tour
Not included
Food and beverages are not included.
Good to know
- Hiking boots or very sturdy footwear
- Shoe Spike Grips (Oct-Apr)
- Warm outdoor layers
- Weatherproof top layer
- Headwear
- Gloves
- Scarves
- Camera
- These are two separate tours and if one of the tours gets canceled, the other will still be available for you to join.
- As the success of the northern lights tour is heavily dependent on weather conditions, we reserve the right to cancel the northern lights part of the tour until 18:15 on the day of the tour if the aurora forecast is not looking good. When this happens, we can rebook you for another tour or you can be fully refunded.
- If no aurora is seen, you’ll have unlimited re-tries valid for up to 3 years. That’s right, you’ll be able to re-join the chase of Northern Lights until it’s a successful one. What to do in this case? Our Customer Care is ready to help you and book your next re-try. Please keep in mind that refunds are not issued when a tour takes place but no Northern Lights are seen.
Cancellation for this tour
Free cancellation until 24 hours before departure; no refund after that. If the operator cancels for weather or safety, you get a full refund or a new date.
If the weather cancels this tour
Iceland's weather is real. What usually stops this one is a solid cloud forecast — most operators call it by late afternoon and let you rebook on a clearer night free of charge. Here is exactly what happens to your booking.
- 1Arctic Adventures decides, and tells us. Operators cancel when it is unsafe or pointless, and we back that call every time — we do not ask them to run anyway.
- 2We contact you by email, and by phone if your tour is the same or next day. You choose: another date if there is one you can make, or a full refund. There is no fee and nothing to argue.
- 3The refund goes back to the card you paid with, through Stripe, usually visible within a few working days. If this tour was one of several in your booking, the others are untouched.
What you do not get is the day back. If this is the only free day in your plan, put a spare day next to it — the planner leaves days free with the rest-day option. And if you want out because the forecast looks bad, that is your own cancellation: free until 1 day before departure, the operator's policy after that.
Questions on the day: [email protected] · +354 497 1373. How cancellations work in Iceland →
Why this one and not the cheaper one?
The nearest cheaper South Coast & Northern Lights Tour from BusTravel Iceland is €161 — €37 less. Here is every difference we can actually measure.
| Arctic Adventures · €198 | BusTravel Iceland · €161 | |
|---|---|---|
| How long it runs | 16 hours | 14 hours |
| Getting there | Picks you up | You make your own way |
The €37 buys you 2 more hours out and hotel pickup. Whether that is worth it is your call — but that is what the difference is.
Sold out on your date?
Seats come back — a cancellation, or the operator adding a vehicle. Tell us the date and we will check once a day and email you if one opens. One email, then we delete the address; nothing else is ever sent to it.
Who this is not for
- Children under 6 cannot join this one.
- Not a good fit if you want a relaxed day: 16 hours is a long time on the road, most of it spent getting there and back.
Read off the operator's own conditions. If none of it applies to you, this is a good one.
Why we list it
Arctic Adventures is one of 207 operators we work with — chosen for reliability, honest descriptions and how they treat guests when weather changes plans. We don't list everything; we list what we'd book ourselves. The six checks every operator passes →
What travellers say about Arctic Adventures
Read all 5,195 reviews on Google →Operator rating 4.6/5 from Google — these are reviews of the company, not this specific tour. Shown as Google returns them, unedited.
★★★★★ · 3 months ago
This was a phenomenal trip with AMAZING sights. Our tour guide was informative, friendly, and easy to listen to. You will learn a lot and see nature at its greatest. We absolutely loved this tour and would recommend it to anyone. The car ride is comfortable and there is wifi as well! Shout out to our tour guide, Magnus (I hope I’m spelling his name correctly), who told us some hilarious stories.
★★★★★ · 2 months ago
I spent six days on a bus tour around Iceland with a professional guide. It was an excellent opportunity to gain a comprehensive overview of Iceland's breathtaking nature while also learning about the country's history and the everyday lives of its people. Iceland's landscape and animals are truly unique, featuring magnificent waterfalls, geysers, whales, seals, puffins, volcanoes, glaciers, and mountains. Every day brought new and unforgettable experiences. Of course, none of this would have been possible without our guide, Viko. He not only drove the bus safely but also shared fascinating stories about Icelandic history, culture, and way of life. He was willing to tailor the itinerary to our group's interests and wishes, making the experience even more enjoyable. I am very grateful for his professionalism, knowledge, and enthusiasm in interpreting Iceland's natural and cultural heritage. He played a key role in making this tour such a memorable experience.
★★★★★ · 3 months ago
I did the Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik. Such an amazing tour and one of the highlights of my trip to Iceland! Our guide, Erik, was incredibly knowledgeable and shared so much interesting information about Iceland throughout the day. We visited some of the country’s most beautiful sights, including stunning waterfalls, Vik, black sand beaches, and other breathtaking stops along the South Coast. The pickup process was simple and organized, making the day completely stress-free. The scenery was incredible from start to finish, and Erik helped make the experience even better with his knowledge, friendliness, and enthusiasm. If you’re visiting Iceland, the South Coast is a must-do, and I highly recommend taking this tour with Erik as your guide!
★★★★★ · 2 months ago
What a wonderful adventure! The 3 Day South Coast/Golden Circle tour included all of the sites we wanted to see and it did not disappoint. We were picked up at a bus stop in downtown Reykjavik and our journey began with about 16 other guests, a good group size. Our tour guide "Good" John did an excellent job teaching us about the history of Iceland and the sites we saw. The tour is well organized with just enough time at each site. He also made adjustments to the itinerary based on the weather as well as including sites not on the tour to give us more to see, which we loved! There were plenty of bathroom/food breaks as needed and we loved that we could just sit back, relax, and enjoy the views outside the window rather than worrying about driving and parking. Our multi-day tour included a 2 night stay at Adventure Hotel Geirland, which Arctic Adventures owns. Such a quiet hotel, convenient location with beautiful views. Our only complaints were that the shower leaked and made the floor wet, and that dinner at the restaurant was expensive with limited options. However the food was good and breakfast was included. The Katla Ice Cave was our favorite part, which was partnered with Southcoast Adventure, and our guide Inga was very friendly and knowledgeable. We did pay for a hiking boot rental for my husband but never received the boots. We did not ask our tour guide so we are not sure what happened with that. Overall we absolutely loved this tour and would highly recommend Arctic Adventures to anyone visiting Iceland for the first time!
Reviews from Google · updated 23 Oct 2026
Read before you book
- Best Northern Lights Tour in Iceland (2026): 5 PicksThe northern lights tours we would book ourselves from Reykjavík and Akureyri, by minibus, super jeep and boat, with real prices and honest odds.
- Blue Lagoon and northern lights: one day or two?Do them on different days. The one-day combo is 15 hours and €306; the lagoon fits your arrival or departure, and a €73 lights bus fits any clear night.
- Northern lights tour: bus, boat or super-jeep?Bus, boat and super-jeep lights hunts from Reykjavík compared on real odds, comfort and price, with the one we'd book first.
Reviews from our travellers
Only people who booked this tour through us can write here. We publish every review in full — good or bad.
Reviews arrive the day after each trip — none yet for this one. After your tour we send one email asking how it was, and what you write goes here, unedited.
Northern lights — questions people ask
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Iceland?
September to April, when the nights are dark enough. Within that, late September to March gives the longest dark hours, and the equinox months, September and March, often have active skies. There are no lights in June or July; the sky never gets dark. Anyone selling you a June lights tour is selling you a bus ride. Give yourself at least three nights, because clouds, not the aurora, are the usual reason people miss them.
Are the northern lights guaranteed on a tour?
No. Nobody can promise them, and we will not. Two things have to line up: a clear sky and solar activity. Guides check the cloud forecast at vedur.is and drive to gaps, which is the real value of a tour over standing outside your hotel. What most operators do promise is a free second attempt if the lights do not show. Check the exact retry policy on the tour page, because the number of retries and the validity period vary.
Is a northern lights bus tour or a boat tour better?
Bus, if you want the best odds. A minibus can drive an hour inland to find a clear patch; a boat stays in Faxaflói and sees whatever sky is over Reykjavík. Boats are shorter, about two hours, and pleasant with hot chocolate, and Reykjavik Sailors' cruise (/experience/6637/) includes a free retry. For a serious hunt, a small-group minibus like BusTravel's (/experience/150646/) or a 4x4 tour (/experience/1088067/) is the better bet.
Can I see the northern lights from Reykjavík itself?
Yes, on strong nights. The city is small and the sky over the sea to the north is fairly dark. Grótta lighthouse at the western tip and the Ægisíða shoreline are the usual spots, twenty minutes' walk from the centre. On average nights the street lights drown out a faint aurora, which is why tours drive out. If the forecast shows high activity and clear sky, walk to Grótta first and save the tour money.
Hotels
Where to stay for this tour
From the cheapest to the top end of what is near Reykjavík, from our hotel partners. Rooms are booked on our hotels site.
from 16.181 kr.Lowest price
Guesthouse · Reykjavík
Old Town Reykjavík
under 1 km away · a night for two, indicative
from 40.115 kr.Mid-range
Hotel · Reykjavík
Black Pearl Reykjavik
under 1 km away · a night for two, indicative
from 60.840 kr.Top end
Hotel · Reykjavik
Hótel Holt
under 1 km away · a night for two, indicative
One checkout, any number of operators
Rankings are not for sale
206 operators vetted, and not all of them accepted
If it falls short, we fix it
Pairs well with
Add any of these to this tour and 3 % comes off both at checkout — about €10 on the cheapest pair. One basket, one payment, however many operators they come from.
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