3-Day South Coast & Golden Circle Adventure Exploration

From

kr.114990

Min Age

2 years

Duration

3 days

Overview

This short 3-day tour is perfect if you’re short on time but still want to experience the best of Iceland. We’ll take you to see some of the most stunning sights, like breathtaking waterfalls, thrilling glacier hikes, and the incredible ice caves at Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe. At night, you’ll get to enjoy the peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of towns, giving you the best opportunity to catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing Northern Lights during the winter months.

Highlights Of The Tour

✓  New Katla Ice Cave (summer season only)

✓  Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir)

✓ Geysir Hot Springs

✓ Gullfoss Waterfall

✓ Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

✓ Skógafoss Waterfall

✓ Skaftafell – Vatnajökull National Park

✓ Svartifoss Waterfall (summer only)

✓ Jökulsarlón Glacier Lagoon

✓ Diamond Beach

✓ Ice Cave Visit

✓ Reynisfjara – Black Beach & Basalt Columns

✓ Hekla – Volcano Views (weather permitting)

✓ Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (weather permitting)

✓ Eyjafjallajökull – Volcano / Glacier Views (weather permitting)

 

Included/Exclude

  • Pick-up & drop off from Reykjavík
  • Guided Minibus Tour
  • Golden Circle (Gullfoss, Geysir & Þingvellir)
  • Highlights of the South Coast
  • Ice Cave Visit and Glacier Hiking
  • Certified Glacier Guide
  • English Speaking Tour Guide
  • All Necessary Glacier Equipment
  • All Required Safety Equipment
  • Hotel Room with Private Bathroom for 2 nights
  • Hotel Breakfasts on Days 2 & 3
  • Free WiFi on Board Your Bus

Tour Amenities

Accepts Credit Cards
Car Parking
Free Coupons

Tour Plan

About the Tour

During this 3-day tour, you won’t have to make a tough decision between exploring the Golden Circle or the South Coast. You’ll get to experience both, allowing you to discover all the amazing sights these regions have to offer!

DAY 1 –  THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

The Golden Circle boasts three incredible natural wonders that you simply can’t miss on your trip to Iceland. At the Geysir Geothermal Area, you’ll be amazed by Strokkur, the most active hot spring in Iceland, shooting boiling water up to 25 meters high every 5 to 10 minutes!

Next, in Thingvellir National Park, you’ll have the unique opportunity to stand between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, framed by a striking cliff face. This is where Iceland’s historic parliament was established back in 930 CE, making it the oldest ongoing parliament in the world. Thingvellir is proudly recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Lastly, prepare to be awed at Gullfoss, also known as the Golden Falls, where you’ll witness misty golden sprays against rugged cliffs as powerful waters cascade through the canyon.

Afterwards, we’ll embark on a scenic drive along the Ring Road to the South Coast, stopping by Seljalandsfoss, one of the world’s most unique waterfalls. You’ll spend the night at a cozy country hotel, and if the weather forecast is favorable, keep an eye out for the enchanting Northern Lights between September and April.

Day Highlights
  • Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir)
  • Geysir hot spring area
  • Gullfoss Waterfall
  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • Hekla – Volcano Views (weather permitting)
Included
  • Guided Minibus Tour
  • The Golden Circle (Geysir, Gullfoss and Þingvellir)
  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • Northern Lights Hunting (During September-April in good conditions)
  • One night at a hotel
    Accommodation
    Adventure Hotel Geirland
    or similar

DAY 2 –  JÖKULSÁRLON GLACIER LAGOON AND ICE CAVING

Our journey takes us to the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, renowned as one of the most stunning glacier lagoons worldwide, before we continue to the picturesque Skaftafell Nature Reserve. If you’re traveling with us during the winter months (October to April), get ready for an unforgettable glacier hike led by a certified guide.

You’ll delve into the fascinating world of the glacier, learning about its constant changes and the intricate network of crevasses and moulins hidden beneath the surface. Your guide will illuminate the extraordinary features of the massive ice tongue and its captivating hues of white, blue, and black. In the summer, we’ll explore the Katla Ice Cave near Vik, the sole natural ice cave accessible during the warmer months.

Wrap up your day at a cozy hotel along the South Coast of Iceland, where you’ll have another fantastic opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights between September and April.

Day Highlights
  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
  • The Diamond Beach
  • Natural Ice Cave
  • Glacier Hike (winter only)
  • Vatnajokull Glacier
  • Skaftafell Nature Reserve
  • Svartifoss Waterfall
Included
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Guided Minibus Tour
  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
  • Guided ice cave and glacier hike tour
  • Hike to Svartifoss Waterfall (summer only)
  • Northern Lights Hunting (During September-April in good conditions)
  • One night in a hotel
    Accommodation
    Adventure Hotel Geirland
    or similar

DAY 3-  SOUTH COAST SIGHTSEEING

The following day promises an adventure-packed exploration of the top highlights along the South Coast. Weather permitting, we’ll kick off with a brief detour to the enchanting Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. Then, we’ll have the opportunity to visit the iconic Eldhraun lava field before making our way to Reynisfjara black beach. Prepare to be mesmerized by the striking basalt Reynisdrangar sea stacks emerging from the coastline.

Our tour will culminate with a visit to the iconic Skogafoss Waterfall, a majestic cascade standing at an impressive 60 meters tall on the Skógará (the Forest River), fed by the Eyjafjallajökull glacier.

If the weather permits and skies are clear, we’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the volcano mountain, Hekla, as we journey to the unique Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. Here, you’ll have the thrilling opportunity to walk behind the powerful cascade, provided the path is free of ice.

For more details about the daily schedule and additional information on Iceland’s South Coast tour, please refer to the itinerary. This trip promises to be the highlight of your three-day guided tour of South Iceland!

Day Highlights
  • Eldhraun Lava Field
  • Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (weather permitting)
  • Skógafoss Waterfall
  • Reynisfjara Black Beach
  • Eyjafjallajökull Volcano/Glacier Views (weather permitting)
Included
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Guided Minibus Tour/Return to Reykjavík

Practical Information

Return Time: We anticipate returning to Reykjavík sometime between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., depending on the prevailing conditions.

Pick-up Details: We’ll be picking you up from your hotel or a nearby meeting point in Reykjavík at 9:00 a.m. Please be patient as the pick-up process may take up to 30 minutes. You can find a list of available pick-up points on Arctic Adventures’s website.

What to Bring: Be sure to dress warmly with layers, including thermal underwear, a waterproof jacket and pants, and don’t forget your headwear, scarves, and gloves. For glacier hiking, sturdy hiking boots are essential as they’re the only footwear suitable for ice crampons. You can rent hiking boots during the booking process or at the Glacier Guides Booking Center in Skaftafell. It’s advisable to arrange rentals in advance.

Don’t have all the necessary clothing items? No problem! You can rent sturdy hiking shoes, a waterproof jacket, and pants during the booking process. If you need additional items like hiking boots, waterproof jacket, and pants for the glacier hike, they can be rented at the Glacier Guides Booking Center on location. However, if you want to rent extras for the entire duration of the tour, please ensure you add this to your booking at least 48 hours before the tour begins.

What To Bring

  • Warm outdoor clothing including layers
  • Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
  • Waterproof jacket and pants
  • Headwear
  • Scarves
  • Gloves
  • Sturdy hiking boots are essential for glacier hiking

Cancellation Policy

More than 14 days’ notice                                           100% refund

Less than 14 days’ notice                                             50% refund

Less than 48 hours notice                                            No refund

Cancellations or amendments with more than 14 days’ notice before trip departure:

You will be refunded 100% of the total tour price.

Cancellations or amendments with less than 14 days’ notice before trip departure:

You will be refunded 50% of your total tour price. 50% is non-refundable, as this represents our direct cost of canceling any arrangements made for your tour.

Cancellations or amendments with less than 48-hours’ notice before trip departure:

No refund will be given if tours are canceled or if amendments are made with less than 48 hours’ notice, as Tourism Iceland will be charged for all costs such as guides, transport, etc.

Extras and rental gear, booked as part of a multi-day tour fall under the terms as stated here above.

Offered by Arctic Adventures, a partner vendor

Sea Kayaking

Sea Kayaking

One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond.

Sea kayaking holidays in the humbling wilderness of Antarcticathe Arctic, and some of the world’s most biodiverse regions, are guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes, absorbing the majestic scenery as it unfolds before you. 

In Antarctica, keep your camera on-hand for unforgettable encounters with penguins, seals and whales, and occasionally leopard seals or orcas. In the Arctic, prepare to  paddle under nesting bird colonies, past massive glaciers and around large iceberg. 

Led by experienced guides, you and your small group of like-minded adventurers will paddle between ice floes, brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes. Paddling is one of the best ways to access and intimately explore the beautiful coastlines we visit and therefore make the most of your time in the wild and remote destinations we visit

Top reasons to choose a Sea Kayaking holiday

Annotation 2023-04-28 030538

See wildlife unobtrusively

Kayaking is one of the best ways to spot rare wildlife, from penguins to puffins.

Annotation 2023-04-28 030913

Better access

Access intimate bays and coves that bigger crafts can’t reach.​

Annotation 2023-04-28 030939

Knowledgeable guides

Our experienced sea kayak guides will help bring your chosen destination to life.

Annotation 2023-04-28 031035

Become an expert

Hone your kayaking skills and gain a hobby for life!

Annotation 2023-04-28 031035

Make friends

Become lifelong friends with your small group of like-minded adventurers.

Annotation 2023-04-28 031119

Stay fit on your holiday

Being active every day on your holiday means you don’t have to feel guilty about being spoilt by our expert chefs!

Annotation 2023-04-28 031119

Enhance your experience

Add another layer to your once-in-a-lifetime holiday and make the most out of your time in some of the most remote places on earth.

Annotation 2023-04-28 031213

It's fun!

Have the time of your life exploring some of the wildest places on earth from the water.

FAQs

Our guide to paddler ratio is 1:10 and we provide an accompanying safety Zodiac. There are 26 places available in Antarctica and tropical voyages, 20 in temperate regions, South Georgia and all Arctic trips except in Franz Josef Land where the maximum is 16 kayakers.

Kayakers must be 14 or over.

Sea kayaking is offered in place of regular shore excursions. We aim to paddle as often as possible. Depending on the voyage, we generally aim to paddle twice per day.

We will give you a drybag for extra clothing, binoculars and anything that needs to be kept dry. You should also carry a water bottle. We recommend bringing a waterproof camera or phone, or ensuring you have a good quality waterproof case.

If the weather changes during our outing we will head back to the ship and perhaps join a shore excursion. The ship’s captain, expedition leader and kayak guide always maintain close contact to ensure a safe paddling experience. We do not attempt to paddle too far away from the ship. The emphasis is on experiencing the destination rather than travelling long distances.

The kayaks are made with a hard plastic and are easily paddled in swell and conducting shore landings, and through small patches of brash ice. We manoeuvre around the larger ice chunks and floes.

Polar regions

Kayaking in the poles offers a unique wildlife viewing experience. In Antarctica, we have many opportunities to encounter penguins, seals and whales, and occasionally we may even spot leopard seals or orcas. In the Arctic, we’ll paddle under nesting bird colonies, past massive glaciers and around large icebergs, however we maintain a safe distance from polar bears and walruses. Our guides carry rifles and flare guns in the Arctic to ensure your safety against polar bears.

Temperate regions

Kayakers in wild temperate regions will have a unique wildlife experience, with possible encounters with seals and basking sharks. You will have the opportunity to view some of the largest sea bird colonies in the northern hemisphere.

Tropical regions

The superb wildlife-viewing opportunities are endless in the astonishingly biodiverse nature reserves we visit. Kayaks offer a unique opportunity to view marine and land mammals, coral reefs, tropical fish, sea birds and an astonishing range of rainforest birds. We will bring our snorkelling gear with us during our paddles and take advantage of any opportunities to view marine life up close.

In the unlikely event of a capsize, your experienced guide will assist by righting the kayak, stabilising it then pumping it out. Paddlers will re-enter with the guide’s help, or with a support Zodiac. With drysuits and warm clothing underneath you will be comfortable in cold water for up to half an hour. Note that the kayaks have separate compartments with bulkheads, which means they will float after a capsize.

No. Each kayaking place is for one person only. Passengers are unable to share a kayaking place as we customise the kayaks and dry suits for each individual kayaker at the beginning of each voyage.

Contact Us

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Balcony Stateroom Superior

Deck: 4 & 6

Cabin and balcony combined size: 29.2m² – 35.2m² (314.3ft² – 378.9ft²)

Beds: 
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King bed

 
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Twin beds

Features

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Private en-suite (wheelchair accessible)

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Private balcony

Icon

Full size window

Icon

Desk area

Icon

Closet space

Icon

Room-controlled thermostat

Icon

Room safe

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42″ flat-screen TV

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Mini bar*

Cabin Inclusion

  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite

Sea Kayaking

Sea Kayaking

One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond.

Sea kayaking holidays in the humbling wilderness of Antarcticathe Arctic, and some of the world’s most biodiverse regions, are guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes, absorbing the majestic scenery as it unfolds before you. 

In Antarctica, keep your camera on-hand for unforgettable encounters with penguins, seals and whales, and occasionally leopard seals or orcas. In the Arctic, prepare to  paddle under nesting bird colonies, past massive glaciers and around large iceberg. 

Led by experienced guides, you and your small group of like-minded adventurers will paddle between ice floes, brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes. Paddling is one of the best ways to access and intimately explore the beautiful coastlines we visit and therefore make the most of your time in the wild and remote destinations we visit

Top reasons to choose a Sea Kayaking holiday

Annotation 2023-04-28 030538

See wildlife unobtrusively

Kayaking is one of the best ways to spot rare wildlife, from penguins to puffins.

Annotation 2023-04-28 030913

Stay fit on your holiday

Being active every day on your holiday means you don’t have to feel guilty about being spoilt by our expert chefs!

Annotation 2023-04-28 030939

Knowledgeable guides

Our experienced sea kayak guides will help bring your chosen destination to life.

Annotation 2023-04-28 031035

Enhance your experience

Add another layer to your once-in-a-lifetime holiday and make the most out of your time in some of the most remote places on earth.

Annotation 2023-04-28 031035

Make friends

Become lifelong friends with your small group of like-minded adventurers.

Annotation 2023-04-28 031119

Better access

Access intimate bays and coves that bigger crafts can’t reach.​

Annotation 2023-04-28 031119

Become an expert

Hone your kayaking skills and gain a hobby for life!

Annotation 2023-04-28 031213

It's fun!

Have the time of your life exploring some of the wildest places on earth from the water.

FAQs

Our guide to paddler ratio is 1:10 and we provide an accompanying safety Zodiac. There are 26 places available in Antarctica and tropical voyages, 20 in temperate regions, South Georgia and all Arctic trips except in Franz Josef Land where the maximum is 16 kayakers.

Kayakers must be 14 or over.

Sea kayaking is offered in place of regular shore excursions. We aim to paddle as often as possible. Depending on the voyage, we generally aim to paddle twice per day.

Sea kayaking is offered in place of regular shore excursions. We aim to paddle as often as possible. Depending on the voyage, we generally aim to paddle twice per day.

If the weather changes during our outing we will head back to the ship and perhaps join a shore excursion. The ship’s captain, expedition leader and kayak guide always maintain close contact to ensure a safe paddling experience. We do not attempt to paddle too far away from the ship. The emphasis is on experiencing the destination rather than travelling long distances.

The kayaks are made with a hard plastic and are easily paddled in swell and conducting shore landings, and through small patches of brash ice. We manoeuvre around the larger ice chunks and floes.

Polar regions

Kayaking in the poles offers a unique wildlife viewing experience. In Antarctica, we have many opportunities to encounter penguins, seals and whales, and occasionally we may even spot leopard seals or orcas. In the Arctic, we’ll paddle under nesting bird colonies, past massive glaciers and around large icebergs, however we maintain a safe distance from polar bears and walruses. Our guides carry rifles and flare guns in the Arctic to ensure your safety against polar bears.

Temperate regions

Kayakers in wild temperate regions will have a unique wildlife experience, with possible encounters with seals and basking sharks. You will have the opportunity to view some of the largest sea bird colonies in the northern hemisphere.

Tropical regions

The superb wildlife-viewing opportunities are endless in the astonishingly biodiverse nature reserves we visit. Kayaks offer a unique opportunity to view marine and land mammals, coral reefs, tropical fish, sea birds and an astonishing range of rainforest birds. We will bring our snorkelling gear with us during our paddles and take advantage of any opportunities to view marine life up close.

In the unlikely event of a capsize, your experienced guide will assist by righting the kayak, stabilising it then pumping it out. Paddlers will re-enter with the guide’s help, or with a support Zodiac. With drysuits and warm clothing underneath you will be comfortable in cold water for up to half an hour. Note that the kayaks have separate compartments with bulkheads, which means they will float after a capsize.

No. Each kayaking place is for one person only. Passengers are unable to share a kayaking place as we customise the kayaks and dry suits for each individual kayaker at the beginning of each voyage.

Contact Us

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