Glacier snowmobiling turns a bus ride into a story. This 10-hour South Coast trip from Reykjavik takes you up to Mýrdalsjökull Glacier by a specially modified glacier truck, then puts you on a snowmobile for a thrilling (and safety-led) ride when conditions cooperate. The payoff is big: glacier scenery plus two of Iceland’s most camera-hungry waterfalls.

Two things I really like are the chance to see Skógafoss in person on the return drive and the solid gearing-up setup at Adventure Ground so you can focus on the experience instead of logistics. One caution: it’s a long day, and food and drinks aren’t included, so bring snacks and plan for limited chances to eat between stops.

Key Points Before You Go

• Mýrdalsjökull Glacier snowmobile time is the main event, with protective clothing and safety gear provided
• Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss are built into the route on the way back to Reykjavik
• Seljalandsfoss walk-behind depends on weather, so be ready for plan changes
• One snowmobile is shared by two people, so ride setup matters if you’re a nervous passenger
• Adventure Ground transfers use a modified glacier truck/monster-truck style ride, part fun, part practical

From BSI Bus Terminal to the South Coast Drive That Sets the Mood

This tour starts at the BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik, and the building is easy to spot once you’re there. From the first minutes on the bus, you’re trading city streets for the long, windy South Coast views. That matters because this isn’t a quick hop-and-skip tour. It’s a full-day loop, and the drive is half the atmosphere.

You’ll also have free Wi-Fi on board, which is handy if you want to load offline maps or share photos without draining your phone battery. The ride is scenic, and it tends to move fast when you’re watching the changing weather, the dark rock, and the snowy patches that signal you’re really heading for the glacier zone.

One thing to expect: the bus portion can feel more like transportation than like a nonstop lecture. Some groups end up with lots of info from the driver (names like Hermann/Herman and Marti pop up in past experiences), but in general you should assume the most detailed “how it works” talk happens closer to the snowmobiling. Think of the bus as your scenic pregame, not the main event.

Adventure Ground: Where You Gear Up and Meet the Glacier Crew

When you reach Adventure Ground, the tone shifts from “viewing Iceland” to “doing Iceland.” This is where you gear up with the protective clothing and the safety equipment for the snowmobile ride. The fact that this part is set up on-site is a real value point. You’re not hunting for the right jacket in Reykjavik and hoping it works in real glacier cold. You show up, suit up, and go.

After you’re geared, you’ll hop onto a specially modified glacier truck for the transfer to the snowmobile area. The truck ride is part of why this feels like a real expedition day instead of just a ride-and-go. It’s also the “practical” side: it gets you closer to where the snowmobile route starts, safely and efficiently, even when the roads get ugly.

At the glacier base, the staff and guides generally take over with the important details: how to handle the snowmobile safely, what pace to expect, and how to stay together as a group. In past experiences, guides were described as making people feel comfortable and safe, and that’s exactly what you want before you’re suddenly driving on ice.

Mýrdalsjökull Snowmobile Ride: Your One-Hour Reality Check (In a Good Way)

The heart of the day is the snowmobile tour on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. Expect a structured ride on the glacier with a briefing first, then time out on the ice. The exact timing can vary with conditions, but you’re not getting a token taste here. The ride is described as a highlight by people who were excited enough to say they’d pay more if they had to.

Here’s what I’d focus on if you want to enjoy it fully:

• You’ll share one snowmobile with another person. This is a big deal. If you’re thinking you’ll each be fully independent, adjust your expectations. The shared setup is why the briefing and teamwork during the ride matters.
• You’ll get protective clothing and safety equipment, so you can focus on riding instead of assembling gear.
• Cloud cover can change the view. The tour notes that if the clouds are favorable, views from the top are breathtaking. Even when visibility is limited, you still get that glacier-scale feeling.

On the ride itself, the best strategy is mental, not technical: keep your attention on the guide’s instructions and on staying stable. It’s fast enough to feel thrilling, but guided enough that it doesn’t turn into a chaos-fest. You’ll likely spend some time feeling the power of the machine, then feeling impressed by how big the glacier looks up close.

Weather can also affect the overall glacier conditions. Some past groups faced reduced visibility and still got the adventure, which tells you the operation is built for Iceland’s mood swings, not for perfect postcards.

If You’re Lucky: Extra Glacier Moments

Some groups have reported an added ice-cave-style moment as part of the glacier experience. That’s not something I’d promise, because it depends on what’s possible that day. But it’s worth being open-minded when you arrive—glacier operations sometimes include extras when conditions allow.

The South Coast Waterfalls: Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss (Plus the Weather Twist)

After the glacier fun, the day shifts back to sightseeing, and that’s where Iceland’s South Coast really earns its reputation.

Skógafoss: The One You’ve Seen Everywhere

You’ll stop at Skógafoss, often called the most photographed waterfall in Iceland for a reason. The falls are loud, powerful, and very “real,” not just a view from far away. The stop breaks up the long return drive and gives you a chance to stretch your legs and shake off the snowmobile day.

If you’ve only ever seen Skógafoss in pictures, this stop is the moment where you stop thinking in photos and start thinking in scale. The water hits differently when you’re standing next to it.

Seljalandsfoss: Walk Behind It If Conditions Allow

Next is Seljalandsfoss—famous because you can (weather permitting) walk behind the waterfall. The key word here is permits. On a day with wind, spray, or poor visibility, you might not be able to do the walk-behind safely. So treat this as a bonus if it’s open, not as a guarantee.

Even without the walk-behind, Seljalandsfoss is still a great stop. When you can go behind it, though, it adds that memorable “I’m inside the waterfall story” feeling.

Food, Warmth, and the Packing List That Actually Works in Iceland

This is where people either have fun or suffer. Since food and drinks aren’t included, you should plan for your own calories and hydration.

Also, don’t assume the provided gear means you’re fully set for cold. Reviews highlight that the balaclava can be thin, and that the gloves and socks matter. So here’s my practical advice based on what tends to make the biggest difference:

• Bring a neck warmer (or something similar). It’s often the quickest upgrade for comfort.
• Wear warm socks you trust. If your socks are only okay, you’ll feel it more than you expect.
• If you have them, bring extra glove liner or warmth layers you can tuck under what’s provided.
• Pack snacks and water for the day, especially if the timing between stops feels tight.

One more point: you’ll have time at the Adventure Ground where lunch may be available, but because food and drinks aren’t listed as included, don’t assume it’s covered. Treat the meal break as a chance to eat, not a guarantee your wallet is irrelevant.

Price and Value: Is $332 Actually Fair for a 10-Hour Glacier Day?

At $332 per person, you’re paying for three expensive things working together: transport out of Reykjavik, glacier access, and the snowmobile experience itself. When the snowmobile ride is the main attraction (and it is), that price becomes more reasonable because you’re not just paying for a view. You’re paying for time on ice with the right gear and the right operation behind it.

What you don’t get included is food and drinks. That’s not unusual for Iceland tours, but it does mean the real cost depends on how you handle meals. If you show up with no snacks, you’ll spend more later.

So here’s how I’d judge value before booking:

• If you want an active glacier highlight, not just waterfalls and photos, the cost makes more sense.
• If you mostly want a relaxed South Coast drive, you might get more value by doing the waterfalls on your own and choosing a shorter glacier activity.
• If you’re comfortable with shared equipment and a long day, this is a strong “one big ticket” experience that you’ll remember.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This is a great fit if you’re:

• A thrill-seeker who wants an organized way to drive a snowmobile on a glacier
• Interested in seeing the South Coast’s big hits, especially Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss
• Willing to handle a 10-hour day with cold conditions and lots of moving around

It’s not a great fit if you’re:

• Traveling with a child under 8 (this tour isn’t suitable for that age group)
• Expecting each person to drive their own snowmobile (you share one)
• Prone to getting cold easily and don’t want to pack smart layers

One more requirement to plan for: you’ll need a driver’s license. If you don’t have one, don’t assume you can improvise. Bring it.

Should You Book the Reykjavik South Coast & Glacier Snowmobile Tour?

If your idea of a perfect Iceland day includes doing something physical—driving across a glacier, seeing waterfalls up close, and spending hours outside instead of stuck in museums—then yes, I think this tour is worth booking. The combo of snowmobiling on Mýrdalsjökull plus two major waterfalls gives you a full, varied day that feels like you used your time well.

Book it with two realistic expectations: it’s long, and the weather can shift details like the ability to walk behind Seljalandsfoss. If you plan for warmth, snacks, and shared rides, you’ll get the kind of day that sticks.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik South Coast & Glacier Snowmobile Tour?

The tour duration is 10 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is at BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik, where Reykjavik Excursions operates and the building is marked.

What is included in the snowmobile experience?

You get a snowmobile ride on a glacier, plus protective clothing and safety equipment.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. You need a driver’s license.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is there Wi-Fi on the bus?

Yes. There is free Wi-Fi on board the bus.

What are the age requirements?

This activity is not suitable for children under 8 years.