Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching Cruise from Reykjavík

Iceland gives you two very different kinds of wildlife in one day: the sure-footed Icelandic horse on land and the less predictable whales of Faxaflói Bay. This eight-hour outing pairs a 1.5 to 2-hour ride through Hveragerði’s hardened lava fields with a three-hour cruise from Reykjavík.

I like the gentle introduction for first-time riders, and I like that experienced riders may be offered a faster route. The provided overalls are especially useful in Icelandic rain. The main drawback is simple: whale sightings are never guaranteed, and rough weather can make the boat portion less rewarding.

At a glance: five things that matter

• Ride through Hveragerði’s lava fields: The horse outing takes place near Iceland’s hot-spring town, across heathland, fields, and old lava.
• Suitable for beginners aged 12 and up: Riders receive basic instruction, and horses are matched to experience level.
• Three hours on Faxaflói Bay: You may see minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, or porpoises, but nature sets the schedule.
• Warm clothing is supplied: Overalls and safety equipment help in rain and wind, though you should still dress warmly.
• A full day for $280: The price combines two paid activities, guides, equipment, and a wildlife exhibition, but lunch is not included.
• Maximum group size of 20: That keeps the outing smaller than a large bus-and-boat operation, though the day still involves fixed timing.

Why this combination works so well

I like this tour because the two activities balance each other. Horse riding gives you a close, quiet look at the countryside. Whale watching shifts your attention to open water and distant movement. You are not spending eight hours on one bus or hoping that a single stop carries the whole day.

The Icelandic horse is also a good match for a mixed group. The horses are small and hardy, and the ride is designed for people with little or no riding experience. At the same time, riders with more experience are not automatically stuck at a slow walking pace. Routes and gaits can vary with ability and conditions.

There is a practical catch. The tour does not include lunch. You receive snacks after riding, and light refreshments can be bought on the boat, but I would pack something more substantial. Eight hours is a long stretch, especially after time outdoors in cold weather.

The morning ride at Hótel Eldhestar

The horse portion takes place at Hótel Eldhestar near Hveragerði, known as the town of hot springs. The ride lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, with roughly two hours set aside for the stop itself. That extra time allows for instruction, fitting equipment, and getting comfortable with your horse.

You ride across hardened lava fields, heathland, and open fields. This is not a polished riding arena. The appeal is the rough Icelandic terrain and the chance to see how the horses handle ground that feels very different from a city stable or ordinary farm track.

If you have never ridden before, expect basic training before heading out. The guides focus on safety and comfort, then match you with a horse based on your experience. That matters because first-time riders need a calm introduction, while experienced riders may want more movement.

The ride can include all three common gaits, depending on ability and the conditions that day. Faster riding is optional. No one is forced to gallop, which makes the outing more welcoming for older riders, nervous beginners, or anyone who simply wants to enjoy the views at a calm pace.

The horses themselves are a major part of the experience. Icelandic horses are compact, sturdy, and well suited to the island’s rough ground and changeable weather. You will also hear about the breed from the guides, rather than simply mounting up and following a path without context.

Rain, wind, and the right riding clothes

Icelandic weather can change quickly, and rain does not automatically cancel the riding section. Warm clothing is supplied for both activities, and the riding overalls can make a major difference. They help keep you dry when the weather turns wet, which is more useful than carrying a stylish but thin jacket.

You should still wear warm layers underneath. Gloves and a face covering are sensible choices. Cold air can hit your face hard when the horses pick up speed, and one rider specifically found a face mask useful in chilly conditions.

The riding guides also adjust to the weather. When rain made some rivers and paths less suitable, the route could be changed. That flexibility is reassuring, but it also means the ride may not follow one fixed path every day.

Bring your phone or camera for the picture stops, but keep it secure. The guides make time for photographs, and they may help record the outing. You will want both hands free at times, especially if you are new to riding.

The move from countryside to Reykjavík harbour

The day links a countryside activity near Hveragerði with a boat departure in Reykjavík. That makes the combined tour efficient, but timing matters. The whale cruise finishes at the Old Harbour, while the horse stop is outside the capital.

Pickup is offered, but your hotel pickup may involve walking to a nearby bus stop. Check the voucher carefully for the exact pickup instructions. The listed start time is 9:00 a.m., and the day ends at Elding Whale Watching at Ægisgarður 5c in Reykjavík.

At the harbour, look for the Elding ticket office and follow the red colour marking to the departure point. Arrive with enough time to check in and board. Since the two activities run on a fixed schedule, a late arrival is more serious here than on a casual independent outing.

The group size is capped at 20 people. That is a useful limit for the riding portion, where too many people can make instruction feel rushed. It also gives you a better chance of hearing the onboard guide than you might on a much larger boat.

Three hours searching Faxaflói Bay

The whale cruise lasts about three hours and heads into Faxaflói Bay, Iceland’s biggest bay, or farther out if conditions and sightings call for it. The open water gives you broad views back toward Reykjavík and the surrounding Icelandic scenery.

Possible sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises. Minke whales can appear briefly, while a humpback may surface several times in one area. One particularly good outing followed a humpback for about 30 minutes, with several close enough surfacings for photographs.

That kind of encounter is possible, but it should not be treated as the normal result. On another outing, only one whale and one dolphin appeared. Some trips produce no wildlife at all. This is not a flaw in the boat operation. It is the basic risk of any wild-animal cruise, and the season and weather can affect your chances.

The crew helps by telling you where to look and explaining what you may see. The onboard guide also shares information about Icelandic whales and marine life. If you miss a surfacing, crew photographs may help fill the gap.

A wildlife exhibition is included as well. It gives you something useful to see before or after the cruise, especially if the sea stays quiet. WiFi is available onboard, though I would spend more time scanning the water than checking a signal.

What happens if the whales stay away

The operator offers a complimentary ticket for another boat ride if no wildlife is sighted. That softens the risk, but it does not solve every problem. You may not have another free day in Reykjavík, and a second cruise still depends on weather and animal behavior.

This is why timing matters. Some periods are better for particular whale sightings than others, and you should ask about current conditions before booking if whales are the main reason for choosing this tour. A local comment about the wrong season made one outing especially disappointing, so do not assume the whale portion is equally strong all year.

Bad weather can also cancel the boat trip. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same practical rule applies: keep some space in your schedule if this is an important part of your Iceland trip.

Is $280 a fair price?

At $280 per person, this is not a budget day. I think the value is reasonable if you want both a riding experience and a whale cruise and would otherwise book them separately. The price includes the guides, horse riding, three-hour whale watch, warm clothing, safety gear, and admission to the wildlife exhibition.

It also saves you the trouble of arranging two unrelated activities. The pickup option may help, and the maximum group size of 20 is a useful feature. You are paying for a full day with two specialist activities, not just transport to a photo stop.

The value drops if you mainly want to see whales. A quiet sea can leave you feeling that the horse ride carried the day. If riding does not interest you, book a whale cruise on its own instead. If you are keen on both, the combination makes better financial and practical sense.

Remember to budget for lunch. Snacks are available after the riding, and the boat sells light refreshments, but no full meal is included. Packing food is the simplest way to avoid losing time or spending more onboard.

Who should book this day?

I would suggest this tour to families with older children, couples, first-time riders, and small groups who want a mix of countryside and sea. The minimum age is 12, and the horse section can work for people with little or no riding experience.

It also suits older riders who want a safe introduction without pressure to ride fast. The guides can keep the experience calm, while more experienced riders may have a chance to use different gaits or a more active route.

You need to weigh less than 240 pounds, or 110 kilograms, to take part in the riding portion. That restriction is important and should be checked before booking. Most people can participate, but the weight limit and minimum age are firm planning details.

This is less suitable for anyone with only a short time in Reykjavík, anyone who dislikes long days outdoors, or anyone who would be deeply disappointed by an empty sea. The tour requires patience, warm clothing, and a willingness to let the weather set the tone.

Booking and cancellation details to know

Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Confirmation arrives at booking. Since pickup may require a walk to a bus stop, read the voucher rather than relying only on your hotel address. Start times, harbour check-in, and the transfer between Hveragerði and Reykjavík all matter on this tightly planned day.

Should you book the Icelandic horse and whale tour?

Book it if you want two distinctly Icelandic experiences in one day and can accept that the whale portion may produce little or nothing. The horse ride is the more dependable part, with patient instruction, adaptable routes, and useful weather gear. The whale cruise adds real excitement when the animals appear, but it cannot promise a show.

For the best chance of enjoying the day, dress warmly, pack lunch, ask about current whale conditions, and leave room in your schedule for a repeat cruise if sightings are poor. At $280, it is a fair choice for an active full-day outing that combines land and sea. It is not the right pick if whales are your only priority.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?

The price includes experienced guides, 1.5 to 2 hours of horse riding, a three-hour whale watching cruise, warm clothing for both activities, necessary safety equipment, WiFi on the boat, and entry to a wildlife exhibition.

Is lunch included?

No. Snacks are available after the horse ride, and you can buy light refreshments onboard the whale watching boat. You can also bring your own food.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 12 years.

Is there a weight limit for horse riding?

Yes. To take part in the riding section, you must weigh less than 240 pounds, or 110 kilograms.

What happens if no whales are seen?

You receive a complimentary ticket for another boat ride if there are no wildlife sightings. The ticket is useful only if you have time to take another cruise.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered an alternative date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.