Private South Coast tour / Black Sand Beach, Waterfalls and more

A deep dive into Iceland’s south coast with a private guide reveals some of the country’s most iconic sights—from thundering waterfalls to otherworldly black sand beaches. This 10-hour tour, offered by Nordix Tours, is designed to give you a personalized journey through landscapes that often leave visitors speechless. With private transportation, flexible pacing, and an expert guide, you’ll get a more intimate and relaxed adventure compared to larger group tours.

Two things I particularly love about this experience: First, the ability to walk behind Seljalandsfoss and explore the secluded Gljúfrabúi waterfall, both offering unique perspectives of Iceland’s natural forces. Second, the fully private nature of the tour means you can tailor the day to your interests, avoiding the crowd and truly soaking in each breathtaking spot.

One consideration is the price, which at $523.60 per person, might seem steep compared to bus tours. However, the value lies in the personalized service, flexibility, and the depth of experience. This tour is especially well-suited for travelers who want a more relaxed, customized day with expert guidance. It’s perfect if you’re keen on photography, avoiding crowds, or simply prefer a more comfortable, door-to-door experience.

Key points / Takeaways

• Exclusive private tour offering flexibility and personal attention.
• Walk behind Seljalandsfoss for a memorable, immersive experience.
• Visit Gljúfrabúi, a hidden waterfall that feels like discovering a secret.
• See Eyjafjallajökull up close—combining glacier and volcano insights.
• Explore Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls, with rainbow photo opportunities.
• Experience Reynisfjara, Iceland’s stunning black sand beach, with basalt columns and sea stacks.
• Visit Dyrhólaey for panoramic views and birdwatching, especially if visiting in summer.
• Sólheimajökull glacier offers a vivid contrast of ice and volcanic ash, perfect for photography.

The Ultimate South Coast Experience: A comprehensive look

The Flexibility of a Private Tour

Taking a tour with Nordix Tours means avoiding the typical bus load of travelers. Instead, your group gets dedicated attention, allowing the guide to customize the pacing and focus on your interests. This is especially valuable for photographers or those keen on nature’s details. The tour lasts about 10 hours, and since transportation is private and air-conditioned, you stay comfortable all day, even in Iceland’s variable weather.

How the Day Starts: Seljalandsfoss

Your journey kicks off at Seljalandsfoss, an absolute Iceland icon for good reason. With a drop of approximately 60 meters, this waterfall’s claim to fame is the rare opportunity to walk behind it—walking behind the cascading water feels like entering the heart of Iceland’s wild landscape. The reviews highlight how magical this experience is, with visitors often saying, “Thank you so much,” or noting it as “the best tour so far in Iceland.”

Because the tour includes ponchos, you’re protected from spray, which is essential here. Expect about 40 minutes at this stop, giving enough time for photos, exploration, and perhaps a moment to marvel at the power of nature.

Discovering Hidden Gems: Gljúfrabúi

Just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss is Gljúfrabúi, often called Iceland’s hidden waterfall. This waterfall, partially concealed within a narrow canyon, offers a more intimate, mystical vibe. Access involves wading through a stream or climbing rocks—so bring sturdy footwear if you’re comfortable with a little adventure. Visitors frequently mention its secluded atmosphere, making it well worth the extra effort. The 20-minute stop here allows time to savor the quiet beauty and perhaps snap some photos of the shimmering water.

Eyjafjallajökull: The Volcano + Glacier Combo

Next, the tour takes you to Eyjafjallajökull, the glacier and volcano that famously disrupted European air travel in 2010. Here, you get to see this volcanic ice cap from a safe distance, appreciating its size and the volcanic ash layers visible within the ice. It’s a quick stop—just 10 minutes—but it’s a chance to connect with the volcano that changed the world’s travel plans once.

Skógafoss: A Classic Icelandic Waterfall

The mighty Skógafoss follows. At 60 meters tall and 25 meters wide, it’s a sight that demands attention. Visitors love getting close to the waterfall’s base, where mist often produces rainbows—an Instagram favorite. For those who want a higher vantage point, a staircase takes you to a viewpoint above the falls, offering sweeping vistas of the landscape. The review quotes highlight how accessible and awe-inspiring Skógafoss is, with about 40 minutes allocated here. The roar of the water and the spray add to the sensory experience, making it unforgettable.

Reynisfjara: The Black Sand Beach

Moving along, you’ll visit Reynisfjara, the iconic black sand beach. The dark volcanic sands, basalt columns, and Reynisdrangar sea stacks create that surreal landscape that photographers chase. Due to strong currents, swimming isn’t advised, but the scenery is enough to take your breath away—just watch your step on the uneven basalt formations. This stop lasts about 40 minutes, plenty of time to walk along the shore, snap photos, and soak in the atmosphere.

Dyrhólaey: Impressive Coastal Promontory

From Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey offers panoramic views of the coastline, with the natural arch carved through the promontory. It’s also a prime birdwatching spot, especially for puffins in summer. The 30-minute stop gives you a chance to take in the sweeping vistas, appreciate Iceland’s rugged coastline, and perhaps spot some seabirds nesting in the cliffs.

Sólheimajökull Glacier: The Icy Highlight

The tour concludes with Sólheimajökull, an accessible glacier tongue that offers a vivid, icy contrast to the volcanic ash layers. It’s a photographer’s dream—deep blue ice, crevasses, and volcanic deposits in every direction. Visitors say it’s “the most accessible glacier in the country,” and the hour-long stop lets you really take in the icy wonderland. The guide will point out features and share insights about the glacier’s ongoing changes, making it both visually and educationally rewarding.

Price and Logistics: Worth the Investment?

At $523.60 per person, this tour isn’t cheap, but it’s important to consider what’s included: private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, admission to key sites, and the ability to customize your route. Many reviewers emphasize the comfort and ease of having a dedicated driver and guide—especially for a full day of sightseeing—without the hassle of navigating or waiting in lines.

Compared to larger group excursions, the private experience offers more flexibility—you can spend more time at your favorite spots or skip ones less interesting to you. The reviews also mention how the guide, Sergey, is especially accommodating, making the long day comfortable and informative.

Who is this tour best for?

This tour appeals especially to those who value comfort, personalized attention, and flexibility over cost. It suits travelers who want to avoid crowded bus tours, enjoy a leisurely pace, or focus on photography and natural beauty. It’s ideal if you’re traveling with family, a small group, or simply prefer a more intimate experience with Iceland’s landscapes.

Summary: What makes this tour stand out?

The private setup with flexible pacing and expert guiding turns a typical sightseeing day into a memorable, tailored adventure. Walking behind Seljalandsfoss and visiting Gljúfrabúi offer rare, photo-worthy moments that you won’t get on larger tours. The stops at reliable landmarks like Skógafoss and Reynisfjara deliver iconic Icelandic scenery, while the glacier and volcano stops add an educational element.

The tour is well-paced, with enough time at each site to appreciate the natural beauty without feeling rushed. The inclusion of water, ponchos, and private transportation only enhances the comfort, making it a worthwhile investment if you’re eager for a detailed and relaxed exploration of Iceland’s South Coast.

Who should consider this tour?

If you’re looking for a comfortable, private experience that combines Iceland’s best known natural sights with a personal touch, this is a strong choice. It’s suitable for those who want to avoid the crowds, enjoy flexible scheduling, or are interested in capturing stunning photographs. However, if you’re budget-conscious or prefer a quick overview, a larger group tour might suit you better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and the private nature makes it flexible for different ages and mobility levels.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch isn’t included. The guide can recommend places to eat, but you’ll need to pay separately.

What should I bring for the glacier visit?
While the tour provides ponchos for waterfalls, you might want sturdy shoes and warm layers for Sólheimajökull, especially in colder months.

How long is the total transportation time?
Transportation between locations totals about 7 hours, providing a comfortable ride with scenic views.

Are the waterfalls and beaches crowded?
Larger group tours are often busier, but this private tour allows for more relaxed visits and better photo opportunities.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the private nature of this tour means you can tailor the stops and pace to your interests.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews praise guides like Sergey for being accommodating and informative, making the day both fun and educational.

What about weather?
Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable; the tour includes ponchos and flexible timing to help you enjoy the day regardless.

In all, this private south coast tour offers a well-rounded, personalized adventure through Iceland’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. It’s perfect for travelers who want comfort, flexibility, and a chance to see nature’s masterpieces up close—whether you’re after perfect photos or just want to relax and soak in the scenery.