There are few places on Earth where you can kayak beside a glacier, touch thousand-year-old ice, and stand beneath thundering waterfalls—all in one day. But in Iceland, the impossible becomes reality. If you’re seeking a breathtaking combination of serenity, adventure, and natural wonder, the South Coast & Glacier Kayaking Tour is your dream day come true.
This full-day tour takes travelers deep into the soul of southern Iceland, with stops at iconic waterfalls, majestic glaciers, and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of kayaking on a newly formed glacier lagoon. With TPO.Travel’s comprehensive travel support, including Europe-wide transportation, hotel bookings, and custom sightseeing, your Icelandic journey is effortless, organized, and extraordinary.
South Iceland: A Land of Contrasts and Calm
The South Coast of Iceland is a magical stretch of coastline where lava fields, glacial rivers, black sand beaches, and vibrant farmland converge into some of the most spellbinding scenery you’ll ever witness. Unlike the rugged highlands, the south is relatively flat, which makes it ideal for agriculture—Iceland’s grain belt, as locals call it.
But nature never stays quiet for long here. Just beyond those farmlands rise towering volcanoes, sweeping glaciers, and waterfalls so mighty you feel them in your chest. And thanks to TPO.Travel’s logistics coordination, even remote gems like Sólheimajökull glacier and the nearby lagoon are accessible in a single-day itinerary.
First Stop: Seljalandsfoss – Walk Behind the Waterfall
After setting out from Reykjavík, your journey follows Route 1, Iceland’s Ring Road, heading east toward the stunning south. The first major stop is Seljalandsfoss, a 60-meter cascade that drops from a rocky cliff with a hidden surprise—you can walk behind it.
The mist, the roar of the falls, and the view from behind the curtain of water make this a moment to remember. It’s the kind of place where fairytales feel possible. Bring a raincoat or waterproof layer, because you will get wet—and trust us, it’s worth it.
Thanks to TPO.Travel’s flexible hotel booking options, many visitors opt to stay nearby the night before or after the tour, giving themselves more time to explore this magnificent region.
Next: Skógafoss – The Thunderous Icon
Not far from Seljalandsfoss lies Skógafoss, another towering waterfall, equally powerful but with a very different feel. At 25 meters wide and 60 meters high, it sends plumes of spray into the air, often creating double rainbows in sunny weather.
It marks the start of the Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail, one of Iceland’s best-loved trekking routes that winds its way into the mysterious valley of Þórsmörk. You might not be hiking the trail today, but just standing at Skógafoss’s base or climbing the stairs to its summit gives you a taste of Iceland’s vastness.
The Glacier Lagoon Kayaking Experience at Sólheimajökull
Now comes the heart of the adventure: the Glacier Kayaking Tour on Sólheimajökull. This glacier is an outlet tongue from the larger Mýrdalsjökull, and in recent years, a glacial lagoon has formed at its base as the ice slowly recedes.
Partnering with certified kayak guides from Icelandic Mountain Guides, the tour provides sit-on-top kayaks, which are extremely stable and beginner-friendly. Even if you’ve never paddled before, you’ll feel safe, especially with the included dry suit, safety briefing, and hands-on training before launch.
Kayaking in a glacial lagoon is not just scenic—it’s spiritual. Paddle among floating icebergs, some tinged with volcanic ash from past eruptions. Gaze up at jagged crevasses on the glacier’s face, listen to the sounds of dripping meltwater, and feel completely immersed in nature’s raw beauty.
This part of the tour is ideal for photographers, nature lovers, and peace seekers, and TPO.Travel can arrange private tours or VIP packages for those wanting to elevate the experience further.
Why Sólheimajökull is So Special
Sólheimajökull may not be Iceland’s largest glacier, but it’s among the most accessible and striking. Its proximity to Reykjavík makes it perfect for day trips, and its unique landscape—full of ice ridges, volcanic ash layers, and ever-changing formations—makes every visit different.
It’s also a climate change touchpoint. Guides often speak about the glacier’s rapid retreat and the environmental impact visible to the naked eye. It’s a sobering but important reminder that the beauty we admire today might not be here tomorrow.
Eyjafjallajökull: Iceland’s Most Famous Volcano
On the drive to and from the glacier, you’ll pass by Eyjafjallajökull, the infamous volcano whose 2010 eruption disrupted air traffic across Europe. Today, it looms peacefully in the distance, snowcapped and still.
The tour often pauses here for a photo stop and brief discussion of the eruption’s impact—not just geologically, but socially and culturally. It’s a moment that connects the natural world with global history, and TPO.Travel’s guides ensure it’s more than just a photo op.
Travel with TPO.Travel – From Reykjavik to Glacial Wonders
If you’re planning this experience through TPO.Travel, your entire journey is hassle-free. Their services go beyond basic bookings:
Hotel arrangements near Reykjavik or South Iceland tailored to your preferences
Sightseeing combinations to include the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, or Northern Lights
Private transfer options and luxury vehicles available for families or premium clients
Multilingual support and documents tailored to your language and needs
Round-the-clock coordination with local tour partners
For travel agents and tour planners, TPO.Travel offers customizable packages that can pair the kayaking experience with longer South Coast explorations, adding in options like the DC-3 plane wreck, Reynisfjara black sand beach, or even Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon for overnight trips.
What to Pack and Know
- Wear thermal layers, wool socks, and gloves for kayaking. You’ll wear a dry suit over your clothes.
- Bring sunglasses and sunscreen—glacier light reflects strongly!
- All kayaking equipment is included: helmet, paddle, kayak, dry suit, and life jacket.
- The kayaking portion lasts around 1.5–2 hours, with plenty of time for photos and learning.
A Tour Like No Other
The South Coast & Glacier Kayaking Tour is more than a sightseeing trip—it’s an immersive journey into Iceland’s elemental soul. From the thunder of waterfalls to the stillness of glacial waters, every part of the tour brings you closer to nature in its purest form.
And with TPO.Travel managing your logistics, you’re free to enjoy every moment, worry-free. Their trusted network of partners, real-time coordination, and commitment to quality ensure that this isn’t just a tour—it’s an experience that becomes part of you.
Whether you’re paddling through ancient ice or marveling at volcanic peaks, Iceland always delivers something unforgettable. Let TPO.Travel take you there.