Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching Cruise from Reykjavík

The most unusual part of this full-day outing is the combination: you ride a small, sturdy Icelandic horse across the hardened lava fields near Hveragerði, then head to Faxaflói Bay looking for humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises. I especially like the gentle introduction for first-time riders and the fact that experienced riders can take a livelier route. The warm riding overalls also matter in Iceland, where rain and wind can turn a pretty outing into a cold one quickly.

The main drawback is simple: whales do not follow a schedule. One trip may bring several humpbacks and minke whales, while another may produce only a distant sighting or none at all. At $280 per person, this is fair value if you want both activities and have one full day to spare, but it is less appealing if your main goal is guaranteed whale watching.

Key points to know before booking

• Ride near Hveragerði: Spend 1 to 1.5 hours crossing hardened lava fields, heathland, and open fields on an Icelandic horse.
• Suitable for beginners: You receive basic instruction, and horses are matched to your experience level.
• Room for experienced riders: Riders with more experience may be offered a livelier route, including faster gaits when conditions allow.
• Three hours at sea: The Elding boat searches Faxaflói Bay for whales, dolphins, and porpoises with an onboard guide.
• Warm gear is supplied: Riding overalls and safety equipment are included, but bring a face covering and warm layers.
• Plan for a long day: Snacks are provided after riding, but lunch is not included. You can buy light refreshments on the boat or bring your own.

Two Icelandic favorites in one long day

I like this tour because it gives you two very different views of Iceland without requiring two separate booking days. The morning is quiet and earthy, with hoofbeats, lava rock, open fields, and a close look at a uniquely Icelandic breed. The afternoon shifts to the sea, where your attention moves from the ground beneath you to the water around you.

The day lasts about eight hours and starts at 9:00 a.m. The horse riding takes place at Hótel Eldhestar near Hveragerði, while the whale cruise ends at Elding’s ticket office at Ægisgarður 5c in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour. Pickup is offered, but check your voucher closely because hotel pickup may involve walking to a nearby bus stop.

That one-way rhythm is worth noting. You begin outside Reykjavík and finish back in the city, rather than returning to your original starting point. The arrangement works well if you are staying in Reykjavík and want to continue with dinner or an evening walk around the harbour.

The group size is capped at 20 people, which should help keep the horse ride manageable and give you a reasonable chance of hearing the guides. The tour is offered in English.

Riding an Icelandic horse near Hveragerði

The horse portion takes place around Hveragerði, known as the town of hot springs. You ride through hardened lava fields, heathland, and fields, with Iceland’s stark volcanic scenery around you. It is not a polished riding arena experience. The setting is the point: you are outside, moving through the kind of rough ground that makes Iceland feel different from home.

You ride for around 1 to 1.5 hours, with the total stop lasting about two hours. The pace is adjusted to the group and the ability of the riders. Basic instruction is provided, so you do not need to be an accomplished equestrian to join. The horses are matched to your experience, a useful touch for anyone who feels nervous about handling an unfamiliar animal.

I particularly like the way the ride can serve both beginners and confident riders. Beginners are not pushed into faster riding, while more experienced participants may be able to take another route and use a quicker gait. That flexibility prevents the common problem of a mixed-ability ride feeling either too slow or too intimidating.

The horses themselves are small and hardy, with a calm reputation and a distinctive place in Icelandic culture. You also get an explanation of the breed, rather than simply sitting on a horse for a photo. For many people, that connection is more memorable than the riding distance.

If you have never ridden before, expect enough instruction to get comfortable, but do not mistake this for a full riding lesson. You will be learning the basics so you can take part safely during the outing. The staff focus on comfort and control, and no one is required to gallop.

Weather protection makes a real difference

Iceland’s weather can change fast, and horse riding exposes you to it for a sustained period. Warm riding overalls are provided, along with the necessary safety equipment. That is a major part of the value, especially if rain arrives and stays for the entire day.

Still, bring proper layers. You should dress warmly for both activities, and a face covering is a smart addition. Riders have found that the cold wind can sting your face when the horses pick up speed. Gloves, a warm hat, and waterproof footwear are sensible choices, even with outerwear supplied.

The guides also adjust to conditions. If rain affects paths or streams, they can steer the group away from unsuitable sections. That practical judgment matters more than a fixed route. The ride may not look exactly the same in dry and wet weather, but safety comes first.

A short photo stop is part of the experience. It gives you a chance to take pictures without trying to manage a horse, hold reins, and frame the view all at once. Snacks are available after the riding, but this is not lunch, so plan to eat before departure or carry something substantial.

You must be at least 12 years old to ride, and riders must weigh less than 240 pounds, or 110 kilograms. Those limits are firm planning details, not minor footnotes.

From lava fields to Faxaflói Bay

After the horse ride, the day shifts to Reykjavík’s Old Harbour for a three-hour whale watching cruise with Elding. You meet at the ELDING ticket office at Ægisgarður 5c. Once you reach the pier, follow the red signs to find the office and allow enough time to check in and board.

The boat heads into Iceland’s biggest bay, Faxaflói, or farther out when conditions and wildlife patterns call for it. The usual targets include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises. The route also gives you broad views of the sea and the surrounding scenery, although the wildlife remains the main reason to be onboard.

The onboard guide helps you know where to look and explains the marine life you may encounter. That guidance is useful because a whale’s back can appear for only a few seconds, often at a distance from the boat. You may see the animal first as a dark shape, then watch for a blow or the curve of its back.

A three-hour cruise gives the crew time to search rather than turning around after a short loop. It does not guarantee sightings, though. On one outing, a single humpback surfaced five or six times nearby and stayed in the area for roughly 30 minutes. On another, the only wildlife seen was one whale and one dolphin. Some trips produce several humpbacks and minke whales, while poor weather can limit what the crew and passengers can see.

That uncertainty should guide your expectations. This is a wildlife search, not a performance with scheduled appearances. If you need a guaranteed attraction, this may frustrate you. If you enjoy the process of scanning the water and waiting for a sudden blow, the time at sea can be rewarding even when sightings are limited.

What happens when whales do not appear

Elding provides a complimentary ticket for another boat ride if no wildlife is sighted. That helps soften the risk, but it may not solve your problem if you are leaving Iceland soon or have no spare time in your schedule. Check your plans before booking if the cruise is the main reason you are considering the package.

Weather can affect the cruise in other ways. Wind and rain may reduce comfort and visibility, even when the boat still operates. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered an alternative date or a full refund.

The boat has free WiFi, and light refreshments can be purchased onboard. You can also bring your own food. Since lunch is not included and the horse ride plus cruise fill most of the day, I would pack a real snack or sandwich rather than relying only on the food available after riding.

Is $280 a good price?

At $280 per person, this is not a budget activity. The price makes more sense when you count what is bundled together: a 1.5-hour horse ride, a three-hour whale cruise, guides for both activities, warm clothing, safety equipment, and admission to the wildlife exhibition.

It is good value if you already want to do both a horse ride and a whale cruise. Booking the combination saves you from arranging two separate activities and gives you a full day with a clear plan. The maximum group size of 20 also keeps the experience from feeling like a huge coach excursion.

The value is weaker if you are interested mainly in horses or mainly in whales. The riding portion is relatively short, and the whale cruise may produce no sightings. You are paying for two chances at memorable experiences, not two guaranteed results.

I would also compare the cost with your time. You will spend around eight hours on the outing, and the day includes transfers or movement between Hveragerði and Reykjavík. That is efficient for a short Iceland visit, but it leaves little room for other sights that day.

Who will enjoy this most?

This tour suits families with children aged 12 and older, couples, and mixed groups where some people ride and others are curious about marine life. It is especially useful when you want an active day but do not want a demanding hike.

First-time riders are well served by the basic training and horse matching. Older riders can participate too, as long as they meet the age and weight requirements and feel comfortable with a 1.5-hour ride. No one is forced to ride at speed.

Experienced riders should ask about the faster route and available gaits at the start. The experience may not satisfy someone seeking a long, technical riding expedition, but it offers more flexibility than a one-speed beginner ride.

The cruise suits anyone who enjoys wildlife watching without needing a guaranteed sighting. Bring patience. You may spend long stretches scanning calm water before a whale surfaces.

Practical details that can make or break the day

Wear warm layers for both activities, even if the forecast looks mild. Waterproof outerwear is supplied for riding, but the boat can still feel cold, so do not treat the provided gear as a replacement for all your clothing.

Pack food. Snacks are available after riding, and light refreshments can be purchased on the boat, but lunch is not included. A packed sandwich and water will make the long middle of the day easier.

Arrive in good time for the whale cruise. The meeting point is the ELDING ticket office by the Old Harbour, and you need time to check in and board. If you use pickup, read the voucher carefully because the pickup point may be a bus stop rather than your hotel entrance.

The tour has free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. Bad weather is handled separately, with an alternative date or a full refund if the operator cancels.

Should you book this horse and whale combination?

I would book this if you want variety and have one open day in Reykjavík. The horse ride gives you a close, calm encounter with Iceland’s countryside, while the cruise offers a chance to see whales, dolphins, or porpoises in their natural setting. The warm gear, careful horse matching, and flexible pace make the riding accessible to beginners.

I would skip it if you need certainty, dislike cold and wet weather, or want a long riding session. Whale sightings are never promised, and the full day can feel expensive if only one half appeals to you.

For the best chance of enjoying it, arrive prepared for wind and rain, bring lunch, cover your face on the horse ride, and treat the whale cruise as a search rather than a show. That mindset matches what this experience really offers: two well-run outdoor activities, with nature making the final decisions.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The full experience lasts approximately eight hours. Horse riding takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, and the whale watching cruise lasts three hours.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 9:00 a.m.

Where does the horse riding take place?

The ride takes place at Hótel Eldhestar near Hveragerði, around hardened lava fields, heathland, and fields.

Where does the whale watching cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Elding’s ticket office at Ægisgarður 5c in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour. Follow the red signs at the pier.

Is pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered. Your hotel pickup point may require a walk to the nearest bus stop, so check the details on your voucher.

Is lunch included?

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

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 12 years.

What happens if no whales are seen?

If no wildlife is sighted, you receive a complimentary ticket for another boat ride. If the cruise is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered another date or a full refund.