Quad bikes and waterfalls in one long day. This south coast outing from Reykjavik mixes a thrilling black sand ATV ride with the iconic DC3 plane wreck and two of Iceland’s most famous falls.

I especially like how the day is built around real variety. You get open-coast driving scenery, a desert-like crossing to the plane site, and then proper waterfall stops with time to actually enjoy them.

One consideration: you need a valid driver’s license to drive a quad bike, and rules for single riders can affect your cost.

Key highlights worth knowing

• 2-hour quad ride on Sólheimasandur black sand, with provided safety gear for comfort and warmth
• DC3 plane wreck stop on the sands, a dramatic, unforgettable sight
• Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss as the late-day anchor, including the chance to walk behind Seljalandsfoss
• Mýrdalsjökull glacier and Dyrhólaey Peninsula viewpoints that add big-picture Iceland vibes
• Experienced guides like Henrik and Ragnar, with a focus on fun plus safety
• Strong value in the all-in nature: guide, ATV, and gear are included, while lunch is the main extra

From Reykjavik to the South Coast: a day that packs in big scenery

The best part of this tour is the way it strings together Iceland’s “wow” factors without turning the day into a blur. You start in Reykjavik and head out into the Southern Region where the scenery shifts fast, from coastal views to wide-open black sand terrain.

Along the route, you’ll see the Dyrhólaey Peninsula area, including the southernmost tip of Iceland from a viewpoint. You also catch sight of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier in the distance, which helps break up the day so it feels like more than just a single stop-and-go activity.

Logistically, this is a long day at 10 hours, but the stops are grouped so the driving supports the experiences. If you’re the type who wants a lot of Iceland in one go, this works well.

Getting ready for the ATV ride: gear is included, comfort is on you

This is not a bare-minimum quad tour. You’ll get insulated cover-alls, plus a helmet and a balaclava face mask. That matters on Iceland’s south coast, where wind and cold can turn a fun ride into an uncomfortable one.

You’ll also have optional boots depending on weather and what you bring. The key thing for you to plan around is footwear. Bring waterproof shoes because the ride involves black sand and outdoor driving conditions.

To drive the quad, you need a valid driver’s license. The tour uses ATVs that are shared, with two persons per quad, so you’ll coordinate with your rider partner. If you’re traveling solo, there’s an important rule: single riders and odd-number groups must book a single-rider ATV and pay the extra amount on site.

On the safety side, the tour is described as thrilling but safe, and the guides get praise for being both experienced and genuinely fun. Names that came up include Henrik, who’s described as experienced and entertaining, and Ragnar, who’s noted as kind and informative.

Sólheimasandur black sand ATV: the ride people remember

The headline moment is the 2-hour ATV quad ride on the black sand beach of Sólheimasandur. This is where the tour earns its reputation. Black sand is dramatic on its own, but add quad tires cutting through it, and you get a type of Iceland you don’t see from the roadside.

The “feel” of the ride is different from typical sightseeing stops. You’ll be moving through open terrain, which means you get better personal scale, not just a glance at a viewpoint. It also makes the day feel active in a way that balances the later waterfall visits.

You should expect to spend time in the open. That makes your warm clothing choice matter, even with the cover-alls. If you run cold easily, plan for it. And if you wear clothing you don’t mind getting dusty, you’re better set for the black sand reality.

The tour also crosses a desert-like area on the way to the plane site. That part reinforces the change of scenery between coastal Iceland and this other-world black sand setting.

The DC3 plane wreck stop: odd, historic, and photogenic

One of the most memorable elements is the DC3 Plane Wreck stop on the sands. The crash dates to 1973, and the result is an eerie, very visual reminder of how Iceland can be both beautiful and harsh.

This is the kind of stop that hits on multiple levels at once:

• It’s a true destination moment, not just a quick photo.
• It gives context to the coastline and the black sand terrain you’re riding through.
• It’s visually striking from different angles, especially against the wide, dark beach.

If you care about photos, this is your “I can’t believe this is real” location. The plane gives scale to the setting, and the sand makes the scene look even more surreal. Just keep your expectations realistic: it’s outdoors, and wind and light can change fast, so dress for the conditions, not the forecast you wish you had.

Waterfall powerhouse: Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss with real time to enjoy them

After the action of the quad ride and plane wreck, the tour shifts gears into classic waterfall Iceland. Two stops do the heavy lifting here.

First is Skógafoss, one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland. The draw is obvious: it’s powerful, wide, and built for that feeling of standing near something massive. You’ll have a chance to see it up close as part of the return portion of the day.

Then comes Seljalandsfoss, where the highlight is that you can walk behind the waterfall. This is one of those experiences that feels different from most sightseeing because it changes your perspective. Instead of only looking at the falls, you move into the environment created by the water.

What I like about this pairing is the contrast. Skógafoss gives you scale and drama. Seljalandsfoss gives you the interactive moment, the chance to experience the falls from a different viewpoint.

Also, keep an eye on timing. This tour is designed so you spend a good amount of time at each waterfall rather than racing through them. That pacing matters because waterfalls are not just a quick checkmark. They take patience, and the weather can shift while you’re there.

Dyrhólaey and Mýrdalsjökull: big Iceland views between the stops

In between the adrenaline and the waterfalls, the day includes strong viewpoint moments.

You’ll see the Dyrhólaey Peninsula, including the southernmost tip of Iceland. Even without a long hike described, the perspective you get from a viewpoint helps you understand how far south you are and how the coastline shapes the land.

You’ll also get a glacier viewpoint for Mýrdalsjökull. You’re not walking on the ice on this tour, but seeing it from the distance anchors the day in Iceland’s larger story. It reminds you that the south coast scenery is powered by ice, weather, and geology working together.

If it’s cloudy, you’ll still get value because the ocean and coast remain visible even when visibility is reduced. If it’s clear, you’ll feel the difference immediately. Either way, these stops add variety so the day does not become only sand and waterfalls.

Price and value: what 299 USD really buys you

At $299 per person for a 10-hour day, you’re paying for a bundle: guided logistics, the ATV activity, and the safety gear. You’re also getting transport that’s been highly rated, with 97% of reviewers giving it a perfect score.

What’s included:

• An experienced, qualified guide
• ATV use shared by two persons
• Insulated cover-alls
• Helmet and balaclava face mask
• Boots are optional depending on conditions and your footwear

What’s not included:

• Lunch
• Extra warm clothing

That last point matters for budgeting. You should plan to eat on your own or bring a strategy for food during the day. Because lunch isn’t included, the true cost depends on your preferences.

Also, don’t forget the single rider pricing rule if you’re not traveling with a partner. Odd-number groups or lone travelers need a single-rider ATV booking, payable on site. If you’re cost-sensitive, it’s worth planning your group size.

Is it good value? For me, yes, because it’s not just a drive to waterfalls. You’re getting an actual ATV experience and the DC3 plane wreck stop tied into the same day, plus gear that takes care of a lot of the cold-weather friction.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This tour is a strong match if you want action on the south coast and you’re happy to spend most of the day outdoors.

It’s best for:

• Adults and older kids who can handle ATV driving and outdoors time
• People who want both adrenaline and classic sights in one trip
• Anyone who likes the idea of riding on black sand, not just standing near it

It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 8
• Pregnant women

And it depends on your comfort level with rules and coordination:

• You need a driver’s license to drive
• You share an ATV with a second person
• Single riders can be required to pay the single rider ATV fee on site

Also, alcohol and drugs are not allowed, so keep the day focused.

Practical tips before you go: small prep, big payoff

You’ll want to show up ready to drive and ready to stay warm.

Bring:

• Driver’s license
• Warm clothing
• Waterproof shoes

On clothing, the good news is you’ll get insulated cover-alls, plus helmet and balaclava. That reduces the guesswork. But your base layers matter because Iceland wind doesn’t care how insulated the cover-alls feel if you show up underprepared.

If you’re traveling with someone, coordinate so you both understand the shared ATV setup. If you’re solo, plan ahead for the possibility of the single rider ATV option and the on-site payment requirement.

Finally, pick this tour when you want a full day outdoors. It’s not a gentle stroll. The quad ride is a core part of the value, and the rest of the day supports it.

Should you book this South Coast ATV and DC3 tour?

If you’re excited by the idea of a black sand ATV ride, the DC3 plane wreck, and two major waterfalls, this is an easy yes. The experience is built for people who want variety and movement, not just scenic stops. The included gear and experienced guides, including names like Henrik and Ragnar, make it feel safer and more fun than a do-it-yourself plan.

Skip it if you do not have a valid driver’s license and you’re hoping to drive anyway, or if you fall into the tour’s non-suitable categories. Also think twice if you really hate long outdoor days, because the experience spends real time outside.

If you want one practical south coast day that hits the highlights and adds an ATV element you will not forget, this is a strong choice.