Glacier snowmobiles hit different in Iceland. I like this day trip because you get a guided glacier snowmobile ride paired with classic South Coast waterfalls in one long day. You start in Reykjavik, head out with the group, gear up at the base, then spend real time on the ice near Mýrdalsjökull.

The main downside is the commitment level: it is a long bus day, and you will feel it on the return drive unless you dress for cold and plan your snacks. If you want comfort, you have to come prepared with warm layers and good socks, not just the provided basics.

Key things that make this tour work

• Mýrdalsjökull glacier ride: the highlight is time on the ice, not just photos from the road.
• Adventure Ground + glacier truck: you swap from bus to specially modified vehicles before you ride.
• One snowmobile for two people: you will share equipment, so expect a partner setup rather than solo driving.
• South Coast waterfall pair: you hit Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, with the behind-the-waterfall walk dependent on weather.
• Plan for meals: lunch is part of the day, but food is not included, and there can be long stretches between chances to eat.

From BSI Bus Terminal to the Adventure Ground, the drive is part of the day

Your tour starts at BSI Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik, and you return to the same meeting point. That is convenient because you do not have to manage separate transport later, and it keeps the day simple if you are staying in the city.

Once you board, you get a bus ride south with a few structured breaks. There is free Wi-Fi on board, which sounds small until you realize you might actually need it for maps or ride-share planning later. Most of all, this portion matters because it is how you reach the glacier base and the waterfall stops without renting a car and committing to Iceland winter roads.

A realistic heads-up: the bus ride can feel like a long stretch. Some departures feel more like a scenic transfer than a fully guided lecture, so I suggest treating the ride like transit plus views, not a guaranteed nonstop commentary. The scenery helps, but comfort still depends on how warm you dress.

Adventure Ground and the specially modified glacier truck

After the long drive, you reach the Adventure Ground area where the day shifts gears. This is where you gear up, get safety instructions, and then move to the glacier area using a specially modified glacier truck.

The value here is not just logistics. The truck segment helps you actually transition from ordinary road travel into true glacier terrain. It also keeps the group together, and it sets expectations for safety, since you are going from snow-covered ground to a working glacial environment.

Before you ride, you need a driver’s license. That is a big deal for a glacier activity, and it is also a reminder to bring the real thing, not a photo. You also get protective clothing and safety equipment for the snowmobile portion, and you will likely get a balaclava or head covering as part of the cold-weather setup.

One more detail that affects how the ride feels: one snowmobile is shared by two persons. That means the experience is built around partnership, not a solo machine for each adult. If you are the kind of rider who wants full control the entire time, you should know ahead of time that it is a shared setup.

The glacier snowmobile ride on Mýrdalsjökull: what you should expect

This is the heart of the tour: a snowmobile ride on the glacier with a guide and safety briefing. In practice, the guiding is there to help you ride confidently at speeds that match the group, and that is exactly what you want on ice that looks calm but can be intense under your tires.

Timing varies by conditions and group flow, but the experience is described as a substantial glacier ride, including a briefing, riding time, and guided management of the group. Some departures have been described as about one hour snowmobiling, with additional time before and after on the glacier approach and activity area.

What I really like about this part is that you are not just seeing Iceland’s ice, you are moving across it. You also get the chance for views from higher ground when clouds and visibility cooperate. On a clear day, the contrast is wild: dark volcanic terrain, bright ice, and that open, cold sky feeling that makes Reykjavik seem like a different universe.

Dress matters more than people expect. Even with provided gear, you will want your own cold-weather backups:

• Neck warmer (more than one rider noted the provided balaclava can be thin)
• Warm socks and gloves that actually stay warm
• Layers you can breathe in, not just thick coats you cannot move in

And yes, I have to say it: the glacier air can bite. Cold hands ruin photos and riding. If you bring the right warm bits, you will enjoy the whole experience more.

A note on guides, pacing, and what happens if weather changes

The tour is run by ICELANDIA, with an English live tour guide listed for the experience. In the day-to-day reality of group tours, bus information can depend on who you get driving the coach.

Some groups have praised bus driver Hermann/Herman for being informative and fun, and one report even described a northern lights stop opportunity when skies aligned during the return. Another report credited driver Marti for getting everyone ready at camp even under harsh weather, plus extra off-road moments on the monster truck return when the schedule and conditions allowed.

So here is the practical takeaway: expect a briefing and safety focus around the glacier ride, then expect variable bus commentary depending on the driver. Either way, the crucial parts are consistent: get suited up, follow guide instructions, and keep moving at the pace that feels right for you.

Weather can also affect the behind-the-waterfall walk at Seljalandsfoss, so it is worth remembering that Iceland runs on conditions, not promises.

Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, two very different waterfall styles

On the return, you visit two icons of the South Coast, and they complement each other better than you might think.

Skógafoss: the big, classic curtain of water

Skógafoss is usually the waterfall people recognize first. It is described as probably the most photographed waterfall in Iceland, and for good reason: the scale is immediate and the mist makes it feel alive even when you are standing still.

I like this stop because it is visually strong from multiple angles. You do not have to chase tiny details to enjoy it. Even if the weather is moody, Skógafoss still hits.

Seljalandsfoss: the one you can walk behind, if conditions allow

Seljalandsfoss is the interactive one. If weather permits, you can walk behind the waterfall, which is a rare kind of sightseeing in Iceland that turns a quick photo stop into a physical experience.

The trade-off is simple: you are dealing with spray, slippery ground, and changing visibility. If it is too wet or unsafe, the behind-the-falls option may be limited. Either way, it is still a great waterfall stop, because the viewpoints are dramatic even from the front.

Lunch and the real food gap on a 10-hour day

The tour includes time at the Adventure Ground where you can enjoy lunch after the snowmobile session. That matters because it means you are not spending the whole day running on coffee and hope.

But food and drinks are not included. One review described a quick stop pattern that can feel short for grabbing snacks, so I recommend bringing a small stash of backup energy. Even if lunch is coming later, you will enjoy the day more if you have something in your bag for the long transfer and the waiting times.

Practical plan:

• Bring water if you can manage it for the day
• Pack quick snacks you can eat cold
• Consider a warm drink in a thermos if that fits your style

This is the kind of day where you burn energy without realizing it, since you are bundled up, moving around a bit, and mentally focused on the glacier ride.

Price and value: is $332 a fair deal for this kind of day?

At about $332 per person, you are paying for more than a view. The cost is tied to three expensive ingredients in Iceland travel: transportation from Reykjavik, glacier activity operations, and the gear plus safety system that makes snowmobiling work safely.

What pushes value here is the combination. You get a full glacier experience (not just a roadside photo), plus two major waterfalls built into the same route. That means you are not trying to stitch together glacier time and South Coast stops with separate bookings or driving yourself.

Is it expensive? Yes, compared to a pure sightseeing bus tour. But if your goal is adrenaline plus iconic Iceland scenery, this price starts to make sense. You are also not paying separately for protective clothing and safety equipment and you do get free Wi-Fi on board, which helps on a long day.

For who it is worth it:

• Thrill seekers who want a real glacier ride, not just a walk
• Couples and friends who are okay sharing a snowmobile setup
• Visitors who want a structured day when daylight is limited

For who it may not be ideal:

• People who hate long coach rides
• Anyone unwilling to manage cold properly with gloves, socks, and extra warmth

Should you book this Reykjavik glacier snowmobile and South Coast waterfalls tour?

I would book it if you want a day that mixes earned adventure with recognizable Iceland icons. The snowmobile ride is the main event, and the South Coast waterfalls give you payoff after the adrenaline, with Skógafoss for scale and Seljalandsfoss for the memorable behind-the-waterfall moment when conditions allow.

I would hesitate if you are sensitive to long transit time or if you expect lots of food included. Also, since one snowmobile is shared by two persons, make sure you are comfortable with a partner riding setup before you commit.

If you show up dressed for real cold, bring a neck warmer and warm socks, and plan for snacks, this is one of those days that feels like it belongs in your Iceland story, not just your itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is listed as 10 hours. Exact starting times can vary, so it is best to check availability for the departure options.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik city centre, and it ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the snowmobile ride on a glacier, protective clothing and safety equipment, bus fare, and free Wi-Fi on board.

Do I need to bring anything?

You should bring your driver’s license for the snowmobile portion. Dress warmly, since glacier and waterfall conditions can be cold.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though there is time for lunch during the day at the Adventure Ground.

Can I walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall?

You can walk behind Seljalandsfoss if weather permits, so it is dependent on local conditions at the time of your visit.