From Reykjavik: Katla Ice Cave and South Coast Day Tour
Description
Join a guided tour on a minibus to the South Coast most popular sites & explore the magnificent Katla Ice Cave on super-jeep ride through an off-road. Join an expedition to explore the South Coast and the magnificent Katla Ice Cave. Enjoy the most famous locations in the South Coast like Seljalands waterfall, where you can walk behind in the summer time, Skogafoss waterfall, and the black sand beach, with fun and creative guides. Hop on a super-jeep and take a seat with your fellow adventurous companions. Make sure to fasten your seatbelt for a 40-minute off-road bumpy ride into the outstanding wilderness. On the way to the ice cave, your guide will share with you interesting stories about the Katla volcano, its destructive eruptions, and irreversible consequences. The views on the way are breathtaking, you will feel like you are on the moon. Once the exploration has finished your driver guide will be waiting for you to guide you back to Reykjavik capital area.
Tour Options
Itinerary
This is one of the most powerful glacier waterfalls in Iceland, with a dramatic 60-meter drop. You can walk behind it in the summer time since the its waters fall from a cliff that forms a wide cave behind it.
This is one of the most famous glacier waterfalls in Iceland, must see when travelling to the South Coast. Skógafoss – which means “forest waterfall’ in Icelandic’, is one of Iceland’s largest and most beautiful waterfalls, with another dramatic 60-meter drop (197 feet), and one of few waterfalls that can be viewed from the top.
Reynisfjara – also known as the Black Sand Beach. formed after numerous volcanic eruptions in the area, slowly eroding the lava over millions of years. At this breathtaking place, you will also be welcomed by massive basalt columns. Basalt columns have a special shape because of the way the lava cools. They are shaped in the form of a cave, perfect spot for pictures! Mind the waves at this location: you will see the power of the Atlantic ocean there! usually this is the place where you can grab some lunch at the restaurant you will find at location.
Hop on a super-jeep and take a seat with your fellow adventurous companions. Make sure to fasten your seatbelt for a 40-minute off-road bumpy ride into the outstanding wilderness. On the way, your guide will share with you interesting stories about the Katla volcano, as well as tales and facts related to this fascinating and remote area in the South of Iceland. The views on the way are breathtaking, you will feel like you are on the moon. Before entering the cave, your guide will provide you with all the safety gear needed before accessing the ice cave. Pay attention to your guide's safety instructions. Reach up the glacier hill to access the majestic Katla ice cave. Underneath the glacier waits the mighty volcano Katla where the both the glacier and the ice cave takes their name from. Once the exploration has finished, start making your way back to the meeting point in Vik, where your driver guide will be waiting for you to guide you back to Reykjavik capital area.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Please be ready at 8:00 AM at your designated pick up location. We start picking up at the bus stops around downtown Reykjavik and then move on to locations outside the centre. The pick up process usually takes up to 30 minutes. Due to traffic regulations, we can't stop at all hotel entrances downtown, so please read carefully if you will be picked up at your hotel or at the nearest designated Bus Stop (usually no further than a couple of mins walk). For walking distance to bus stops, please check the bus stop site added to your voucher for your guidance. Hiking boots are mandatory (available also for rental at Katla cave location)
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Age limit for this tour is 8 years
- The total duration includes travel time
Reviews(132)
Bjorn is a great guide. Super friendly, professional, and informative. Definitely recommend this tour.
Bjorn was an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable and funny!
Branimir was our driver and guide they made our last full day on the Island very fun and memorable. Great stories, Island info, courteous and funny. Our Captain ran a tight ship and we will be back again and will use this expedition service for sure! Iceland is my new favourite!
The whole day was fantastic! We were picked up by our hotel by our guide Branimir and spent the day driving along the south coast making stops at beautiful locations. The weather was lovely too. Bran was super entertaining and knowledgeable and made the day very enjoyable. The locations we stopped at were iconic locations to see on our trip. We were dropped off in Vík to wait for our second guide where we got free biscuits and hot chocolate. We were then collected by Frederico in the super jeep and we drove to the ice cave. The drive was scenic and Frederico told us a lot about the area. There was a small hike up the glacier to the ice cave that was beautiful and Frederico gave us a lot of facts and information about the glacier and its formation. The ice cave was beautiful and an incredible experience. We weren’t rushed and could take our time and as many photos as we wanted. We went back to Vík where wr were collected by Bran again to drive back to Reykjavik. He made a surprise stop for us at an outlook over the sea to try and spot some puffins. The whole day was incredible, but was definitely made by the two guides we had. Safety was paramount to the guides but they also made sure everyone was having fun while staying safe. Definitely bring waterproof clothing if going on this trip to fully experience walking around the waterfalls!
This was the coolest thing I did. Our driver handled some tricky terrain like a champ. Our Katla Cave jeep driver/ guide was also amazing. Just book it!
Unfortunately this was the worst tour experience we’ve had while traveling. We understand Icelandic weather can change quickly and safety must come first. The issue was the lack of communication and organization throughout the day. Nearly 1.5 hours was lost due to repeated stops, phone calls with the office, and sitting pulled over on the side of the road with no explanation. Because of these delays, we were given only about 25 minutes to order food, see the stop, and use the facilities. With long lines, several of us couldn’t use the restroom and didn’t eat until almost 2pm. At one point the guide even mentioned that “maybe a more experienced driver will take you further,” which did not inspire confidence. We were picked up by different drivers on the side of the road but later placed back in the original van with the same guide. Later we were brought to the entrance of Reynisfjara but refused the short remaining drive to the famous basalt columns — the main reason many of us booked the tour — despite other tour vehicles continuing. We were told that “the beach is ruined anyway.” Adding to the confusion, during similar conditions on the drive back the guide had no issue passing other vehicles at high speeds in the dark. The entire experience felt chaotic and poorly managed rather than professionally guided. We also shared more detailed feedback directly with the company but never received a response. We hope they review how situations like this are handled in the future. The only positive part of the day was Ricardo, who was excellent and the reason we are giving this at least one star.
If you’re visiting Iceland, I highly recommend doing the Katla Ice Cave tour. It’s a truly unique natural wonder and something you won’t forget. The super jeep ride across the rugged landscape to reach the cave was an adventure in itself and really added to the experience. It was beautiful with all the snow. Our guide was fantastic—knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about the glacier and the area. They explained how the cave forms under the glacier and made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable throughout the tour.
The tour and Ice Cave was great. The Operators were fun but also professional. I'm glad I didn't decide to hire a car myself in these winter conditions. Big thanks to our guide Max.
Fantastic day trip from Reykjavik! Our bus driver Egill picked us up directly in front of our hotel in a very comfortable sprinter van. He provided very informative and funny commentary during the ride to Vik. We stopped at a supermarket for snacks and a bathroom break. In vik we met up with Martin who drove us in a small group in a super jeep to the Katla ice caves! What an experience! Once in a lifetime experience. Martin was funny, informative and fun!! Highly recommend!! One of our favorite tours in Iceland
Long day but wonderful! The ice caves were really incredible. Was about a 20 minute walk (not difficult) up to the cave. Took this tour because it included the caves- and it didn’t disappoint.
