Reykjavik South Coast Small Group Tour: A Detailed Review

Alright, planning a trip to Iceland? That’s awesome! More or less, there’s probably a good chance that the South Coast is right at the top of your ‘must-see’ list. I mean, who can resist the allure of gigantic waterfalls, black sand beaches that are otherworldly, and glaciers that shimmer with ice? You probably know already, trying to cram all of that natural beauty into a single day sounds a bit overwhelming, I get that. This review takes a look at the ‘From Reykjavik South Coast Day Tour in a Small Group,’ and gives you the scoop, almost like your traveling buddy whispering advice in your ear.

Why Opt for a Small Group Tour of the South Coast?

So, why bother with a smaller group to get around the South Coast? Well, think of those gigantic bus tours, right? You’re squished in like sardines, and then it feels almost like you’re fighting through crowds at each stop. Honestly, it’s a bit stressful! A small group is way better, I promise! It tends to feel so much more relaxed and that you’re getting a much more personalized experience. A smaller vehicle means you can stop at places that the big buses just simply can’t reach, meaning there’s likely some off-the-beaten-path gems thrown into your trip too! Plus, having, say, just around ten to twenty people really makes it super easy to chat with your guide and ask loads of questions. It turns into more than just a tour; rather, it turns into this real adventure with some newfound friends. Is that something you’d be interested in?

Stops Along the Way: What You’ll See

Okay, so this particular tour, more or less, hits all the high points that make the South Coast so captivating. First off, you’re seeing Seljalandsfoss. The neat thing, too, it’s almost like you get to walk behind this thundering curtain of water, which can be seriously breathtaking (and a little bit damp, mind you!). Then there’s Skógafoss, super wide and powerful, arguably like something straight out of a movie. If you’re up for it, that is, there’s stairs climbing up the side and reward you with a killer view from the top. Dyrhólaey is next, usually! It’s this rock arch reaching out into the sea, and you are able to get awesome views of the coastline, very picturesque. And then, there’s Reynisfjara, that black sand beach with the basalt columns. Just a heads-up: the waves can be seriously unpredictable there, so it’s best you listen closely to your guide about staying safe!

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss isn’t just any waterfall, right? It’s the one that gives you that amazing chance to walk behind the cascading water. When the sun is out, too, it’s almost as if rainbows pop into existence right before your eyes. Is that not enough? I mean, you should prep yourself, because you might just get splashed, so it’s best that you bring a waterproof jacket. In a way, that is kind of part of the thrill though, and getting an awesome photograph is pretty rewarding. I suggest, rather, going earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon; it feels slightly less crowded. As I was saying, a great shot with no random people in the background? Priceless!

Skógafoss Waterfall

Skógafoss has a real different vibe compared to Seljalandsfoss. It’s way wider and it has, almost, this raw power about it. When the sun’s out and shining, you are probably likely to see double rainbows forming in the mist, and that is an incredible sight, that’s for sure. You may be able to challenge yourself to those stairs up to the top? And at the very top, you see the views for literally miles, as far as the eye can see. The path that carries on from the top leads on further, usually. This gives you that sneak peek at some of Iceland’s Highlands; I’d also consider it for a trip the next time around if you like this.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara is just something else; yet, with its black sand and the basalt columns, you probably won’t find a coastline as dramatic as this anywhere else. Is that true? It has got some real strong currents here, too, so keep your distance from the water’s edge – the waves sometimes arrive quickly, I’m talking sneaker waves, you dig? It is best, naturally, you’re taking pictures of the basalt columns and admiring the view of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, I advise that you just keep a watchful eye out, alright?

What’s Included and What’s Not

Alright, let’s see what you can expect when booking this South Coast tour. Usually, tours like this give you pickup and drop-off right from your hotel in Reykjavik. The small-group part, that is, means you will get around in a super comfy minibus, with space for everyone and their bags, obviously! The guide will really know a bunch about Iceland, the terrain, and tell you all these stories and bits of info as you drive. Typically, you are not getting food included in the tour price, alright? That means you’re likely going to want to pack up your own snacks and water, and that’s a fact. Very often, you stop off at a local spot where you are able to get lunch. The thing about Iceland is it’s a little bit expensive, alright? So you know in advance. I want you to think, too, to check if things like glacier hikes or ice cave visits are included, as you very often have to pay extra for those separately.

The Guide Makes a Big Difference

Really, how good your tour turns out often comes down to who’s actually leading it. I think you’ll find, the real great guides do loads more than just drive. They’re seriously passionate about Iceland, and I believe they really love to share all these little gems with everyone. I have noticed the very, very best ones are packed with local stories and facts that just aren’t in the guidebooks. They tend to be so tuned into what everyone in the group’s after that it feels like they actually custom-build the tour right on the go. Plus, they are keeping an eye on what the weather’s doing, so that they might switch up the schedule to miss the biggest crowds.

What to Bring for Your South Coast Tour

Okay, let’s run down that checklist, alright? Number one has to be layers, more or less! Weather shifts in a heartbeat down there. It makes sense to bring a waterproof jacket; just in case you’re thinking of going behind Seljalandsfoss, and pack sturdy hiking boots, mainly because you’re doing a bit of walking over uneven terrain, typically. Throw a beanie and gloves into the backpack, mostly if you’re travelling outside the summer, alright? And sunglasses! On the glaciers, even, or with the sun sparkling on the ocean, it can be almost very bright. And very important, arguably, your camera with loads of extra batteries!

Is This South Coast Small Group Tour Worth It?

So, the biggie: is the ‘From Reykjavik South Coast Day Tour in a Small Group’ worth your hard-earned money? Arguably, it kind of depends on what you are really wanting to get out of the trip. If being cramped into a gigantic bus and rushing through the spots isn’t your jam, I highly recommend this. Do you have it in your budget for a smaller group that moves on its own? And gives you much more freedom? More or less, you probably will not regret that bit of an upgrade. Having someone else take care of driving and planning is also a stress reliever, right? When you factor it all in, a well-led tour means you are likely getting more than just the basic tourist experience.

The Good and the Bad

The Good:

Small groups feel way more relaxed.
Hitting off-the-beaten-path spots, like your local area.
Tour guides who live and breathe the culture and geography.

The Bad:

It tends to be slightly more costly.
Food is usually excluded, not always ideal.
Weather in Iceland isn’t very friendly and very, very prone to changes and sudden storms.

Booking Tips and Things to Consider

So you’ve got an Iceland trip brewing? Great! To max it out, here are some points that you want to note down when booking your accommodation to prevent any disasters.

Seasons are different there. If you can, booking through Spring or Summer makes any form of tours a hundred times easier in terms of navigating across terrains as compared to harsher seasons. In any case, Iceland looks so much better with longer exposure from the sun.
You will want to see glacier lagoons too! This gives a different feeling from seeing standard South Coast Iceland that you won’t want to miss. Look for packages with such flexibility if your itinerary allows.
Pack, unpack and repack! Depending on where you come from, you may want to invest in good, layered and all-weather appropriate clothing as you will never know when rain is going to be a thing. Best to pack light if possible to prevent incurring additional luggage weight fees.
Check customer reviews. Customer reviews will definitely speak volumes if you can get a hand of enough of them as any shady suppliers with extremely horrible reviews are usually not worth spending money and effort with!

So, getting around in a small group gives you a real opportunity for the beauty of the South Coast, more or less! Having it organized properly and getting taken care of gives a real chance to unwind and experience everything. This guide can hopefully enable you, mostly to plan your big Icelandic escape, and that it will become unforgettable for you. Happy and safe travels, right?
#Iceland #SouthCoast #TravelReview #SmallGroupTour #AdventureTravel