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

If you want a full-day mix of South Coast scenery and real adrenaline, this Reykjavik ATV trip hits the sweet spot. I love the black sand ATV ride on Sólheimasandur and the surreal stop at the DC3 plane wreck sitting on the beach. The only catch is the day runs long, so you’ll spend a good chunk of time in the vehicle between stops.

You’ll ride with an English-speaking guide, and riders have specifically praised guides like Henrik and Ragnar for making the experience feel organized and fun. One key detail matters early, a driver’s license is required if you want to drive the quad bike.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel Right Away

• Black sand ATV quad ride on Sólheimasandur, with insulated cover-alls and helmet gear provided
• DC3 Plane Wreck on the beach at the famous 1973 crash site
• Skógafoss waterfall stop that’s one of Iceland’s best-known photo spots
• Seljalandsfoss walk-behind viewpoint, where the waterfall is literally behind you
• Dyrhólaey Peninsula views plus a chance to see Mýrdalsjökull Glacier from the drive

South Coast ATV From Reykjavik, The Real Reason It Works

This is the kind of day trip that makes sense because it bundles big icons of Iceland into one long loop. You start in Reykjavik, head straight toward the South Coast, then spend time where Iceland looks otherworldly: black sand, glacier views, and major waterfalls.

What makes it feel worth your time is the variety. You get movement and freedom on the ATV, then the slower, classic stops at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. It’s not just sightseeing from a window. It’s a day where you earn the views.

For many people, the emotional peak is the beach portion. A black sand coast changes the vibe instantly. Then the DC3 plane wreck adds a strange, human story to the raw scenery.

Getting Geared Up for Sólheimasandur Black Sand

Before you even think about speed or fun, you’ll get kitted up for cold and wet weather. The tour includes insulated cover-alls, a helmet, and a balaclava face mask. Boots are optional, depending on conditions and what footwear you show up with, so you cannot fully assume you’ll be in the right gear unless you bring the basics.

I strongly suggest you plan for wind and spray. Even when the air feels tolerable in the city, black sand beaches are exposed. Waterproof shoes matter because you’ll be standing, walking around stops, and spending time on uneven ground.

Here’s what you should bring from home:

• Warm clothing you can layer under the cover-all
• Waterproof shoes (not sneakers you’re afraid to ruin)
• Your driver’s license, if you plan to drive

If you forget layers or waterproof footing, you’ll feel it fast. The ATV ride and beach stops are the core of the day, so don’t let comfort turn into a distraction.

The 2-Hour ATV Quad Ride, What It Feels Like and Why Guides Matter

The centerpiece is a 2-hour ATV ride on the black sand beach at Sólheimasandur. You’ll ride with gear that’s meant for Iceland weather, then you follow the guide along the terrain.

A couple of practical points make this smoother for first-timers:

• You ride an ATV shared by two people. One person drives, the other rides.
• Safety and control depend on the guide setting the pace and rules early.
• You get an experienced guide, and rider feedback highlights guides who are both fun and effective at keeping the day flowing.

You don’t need to be an off-road expert to enjoy it, but you do need to listen. When the ground is loose under you, smooth driving matters more than bravado. The ride is thrilling, yet the tour is set up to keep it controlled and safe.

Also, this is one of those experiences where the group flow matters. The best part is when you get enough time on the ATV to actually feel the terrain change, not just a quick spin around the starting area. The two-hour block is long enough to make it memorable.

The DC3 Plane Wreck Stop, The Moment This Trip Becomes More Than Fun

The DC3 plane wreck is one of the most iconic reasons to take a South Coast ATV day trip. After the ATV time, you’ll head across a desert-like area and then reach the famous DC3 aircraft crash site on the sands, tied to a 1973 crash.

This stop hits differently than a normal photo stop. You’re not just seeing a point on a map. You’re walking through a place where history and Iceland’s dramatic nature overlap in a very direct way.

A few things I like about this design:

• It breaks up the ride with a meaningful pause
• You can move at your own pace once you’re there
• It’s visually striking from multiple angles, because the black sand and the aircraft create strong contrast

If you’re the type who likes stories, this is the kind of stop that gives context to a place you’d normally just drive past. If you’re purely chasing adrenaline, the wreck also gives you something different to focus on between action moments.

Dyrhólaey and Glacier Views, The Scenic Bonus You Shouldn’t Skip

Between beach and waterfalls, you’ll also see viewpoints around the South Coast. The route includes the Dyrhólaey Peninsula, which is known as the southernmost tip of Iceland. You also get views of the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier off in the distance.

In other words, you’re not stuck with only one type of scenery. The day alternates between close-up experiences and wider outlooks. Glacier viewing from the road gives you a sense of scale, and Dyrhólaey adds that coastal drama that makes South Iceland feel special even when the light changes.

One review detail stands out here: you might get the chance to see the glacier from a viewpoint. That’s exactly the kind of bonus you want on a long day trip, because it boosts the reward for the time you spend traveling.

Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, Why These Waterfalls Are a Good Pair

The tour brings you to two of the most famous waterfalls, and the order helps. You’ll stop at Skógafoss and then Seljalandsfoss, with time to experience both.

Skógafoss:

This is one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls. The attraction is the sheer visual power. Even if you’ve seen pictures before, being near it changes your sense of scale. Expect it to feel like one of those places you instantly understand why photographers obsess over it.

Seljalandsfoss:

Here’s where the day gets extra fun. Seljalandsfoss is famous because you can walk behind it. That means you’re not only viewing water from the front, you’re getting an unusual perspective, with the noise and mist surrounding you.

A key practical note: Seljalandsfoss can be wet. Your waterproof shoes and warm layers matter again. If you dress for comfort, you can spend more time there without rushing off because your feet or clothes are getting soaked.

Also, time allocation matters. Some riders specifically appreciated a good amount of time at each waterfall stop. That suggests this trip aims to avoid the “see it for 20 seconds, now move on” feeling.

Duration and Timing, How to Make a Long Day Feel Easier

The tour runs 10 hours from Reykjavik. That’s a full day, not a quick taste. You should plan your expectations around that reality.

For most people, the day works because the stops are spaced to keep variety high:

• ATV ride and beach time give you a physical experience
• The plane wreck gives a story and a unique photo subject
• Waterfalls give classic Iceland payoff with time to actually see and walk around
• Viewpoints add wider context between the heavier stops

To make the day easier, I’d recommend you:

• Arrive at the meeting point early, so your gear-up time stays calm
• Keep your clothing layered so you can adjust if the day warms up
• Bring footwear you can handle getting damp or muddy

If you hate long drives or you’re prone to getting cold quickly, this is the only part that might feel like a downside. The rest of the trip is built to keep you engaged.

Price and Value for $299, What You’re Really Paying For

At $299 per person, this is not a budget excursion. But it can be good value because a lot is included, and the day is packed.

Here’s what you’re getting for the price:

• An experienced guide and live English support
• ATV use with two people per ATV
• Insulated cover-alls, plus helmet and balaclava face mask
• Boots may be provided depending on weather and footwear needs

Lunch is not included, and you’ll need extra warm clothing and waterproof shoes. But even with those add-ons, you’re paying for a structured, guided, equipment-supported day. You’re not just buying a drive along the coast. You’re paying for the ATV access to Sólheimasandur and the guided stops at the waterfalls and viewpoints.

If you want the beach ATV experience plus the two major waterfalls in one shot, you’re often saving effort and transport planning compared to building your own route. For people with limited time in Iceland, that’s a real value advantage.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This works especially well if you:

• Want a hands-on adventure, not only photos
• Like mixing adrenaline with classic Iceland landmarks
• Are comfortable spending a full day traveling and outdoors
• Have a driver’s license and are okay sharing an ATV with another rider

It may be a bad fit if:

• You’re traveling with children under 8, because the tour is not suitable for them
• You’re pregnant, since the tour is not suitable for pregnant women
• You’re expecting a relaxed, short outing. This is active and schedule-tight

Also, single riders should know the rule ahead of time. If you are solo or your group has an odd number of people, you’ll need to book a single-rider ATV, with the extra cost paid on site. That’s not a reason to avoid the tour, just something to plan for.

Planning Details That Can Save Your Day

A few details are worth noting because they can affect how smooth your morning feels.

Meeting point:

You’ll depart from BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik. You should be there at least 15 minutes prior to departure.

Driving requirement:

A valid driver’s license is required to drive the quad bike. If you plan to be the passenger, you still need to be aware of the driver rule, since riding is set up as two per ATV.

On the day:

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. Iceland weather is variable, so waterproof shoes and layered warmth are the safe move.

Guide and language:

The guide is English-speaking, and the transport quality is highly rated, with 97% of reviewers giving transport a perfect score.

Should You Book This South Coast ATV Day Trip?

I think you should book it if you want one ticket that delivers a full South Coast highlight day, with the rare bonus of riding ATVs on black sand and then stepping into major waterfall scenery. The two-hour beach ride plus the DC3 plane wreck is a specific combo you won’t find by just doing a standard waterfall loop.

Skip or reconsider if you dislike long days, you get cold fast in wind, or you need a very family-friendly option. And if you’re traveling as a solo rider, factor in the single-rider ATV cost that’s handled on site.

If your ideal Iceland day includes action, iconic stops, and a guide who keeps things moving, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the From Reykjavik: South Coast, Plane Wreck, & Beach ATV Tour?

It lasts 10 hours.

Where is the meeting point in Reykjavik?

The meeting point is at BSI Bus Terminal in the city centre of Reykjavik.

What do I need to drive the quad bike?

A valid driver’s license is required to drive a quad bike.

What is included with the ATV riding gear?

The tour includes an insulated cover-all, helmet, and a balaclava face mask. Boots may be provided optionally depending on weather and your footwear.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring warm clothing, waterproof shoes, and your driver’s license.

Are children allowed on this tour?

It is not suitable for children under 8 years old.

Are solo riders allowed?

Single riders are required to book a single-rider ATV, and the additional fee is payable on site. Odd-number groups follow the same rule.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.