Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik

Two Icelandic icons in one day. This tour pairs a 2.5-hour ride through lava fields and moorland with a whale-watching cruise from Reykjavik Old Harbor. I like the small maximum group size, which keeps the riding personal, and I like the chance to see Icelandic horses in the country they helped shape. The main drawback is that whale sightings depend on weather and wildlife, so the second half can be wonderful or disappointing.

The horse ride is friendly to beginners, yet experienced riders can be placed in a faster group when conditions allow. The whale boat is warm and comfortable, with coveralls, Wi-Fi, commentary, and a return ticket if no whales or dolphins appear. At about $233.08 per person, it is not cheap, but combining two separate Iceland activities can make the price reasonable if you want a full half-day outside Reykjavik.

Key Points Before You Book

• Ride the Icelandic horse’s smooth tölt: This four-beat gait is one reason the breed is so comfortable for beginners.
• Small group, maximum five people: The limited size allows more attention from the riding guides.
• Expect two very different settings: First come lava fields, moorland, and horses. Then comes open water and wildlife.
• Wildlife is never guaranteed: Common sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, harbour porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins.
• Warm clothing matters: Helmets, boots, rainwear, and riding clothes are provided, along with warm overalls for the boat.
• Plan around the meeting point: The standard start is at Íshestar Horse Riding Centre in Hafnarfjörður at 10:00 am. Hotel pickup and drop-off require an extra arrangement.

Why This Combination Works So Well

I like this tour because the two halves show Iceland from opposite angles. On horseback, you move slowly through volcanic country and get a close look at the country’s famously sturdy horses. On the boat, you cover distance quickly and wait for movement in the bay.

That contrast gives the day a good rhythm. You are not spending five and a half hours on one bus, one trail, or one boat. You get a quiet outdoor ride first, a break for lunch in Reykjavik, then a sea trip with the possibility of whales, dolphins, puffins, and seabirds.

The small-group format is especially useful during the horse ride. The stated maximum is five people, and the riding team separates people by pace and ability when possible. Beginners can stay with a slower group, while more confident riders may get a livelier outing. That is a much better setup than forcing a first-time rider and an experienced equestrian into the same line.

The experience has earned a 4.7 rating from 48 reviews, with 90 percent recommending it. The strongest praise goes to the stable staff, the gentle horses, the scenery, and the effort made to help nervous or inexperienced riders.

From Reykjavik to Íshestar’s Lava Fields

The standard meeting point is Íshestar Horse Riding Centre at Sörlaskeið 26 in Hafnarfjörður, just outside Reykjavik. The tour starts at 10:00 am. Hotel pickup may be available for an extra fee, but you should contact the provider directly to confirm the details rather than assume it is included.

The ride begins with an introduction to Icelandic horses. These compact horses descend from animals brought to Iceland in the 10th century. They are often called ponies because of their size, but they are horses, and their strength and sure-footed nature suit Iceland’s rough volcanic ground.

You will receive a helmet, rubber boots, rainwear, and warm clothing for the ride. After a safety talk, you meet your horse before setting off. This short introduction matters, especially if you are nervous around horses. The stable team has been praised for pairing riders with suitable horses and giving people time to feel comfortable.

One especially helpful detail is the division into faster and slower groups. A first-time rider can enjoy a steady walk without feeling pushed. If you have more experience, ask how the groups will be arranged before leaving the stable. The exact pace depends on the people in your group and the conditions on the day.

The horses are the heart of this part of the experience. Many are calm and friendly, and staff can explain the character and background of individual horses. One rider singled out a horse named Bliki as especially gentle, while others praised the way the guides helped children and nervous adults.

Riding Through Lava Fields and Moorland

The route passes through lava-covered country, remote moorland, and open fields. This is not a polished riding arena with a few scenic views added on. You are out in the volcanic terrain that makes Iceland feel so different from mainland Europe.

Expect plenty of stops for photographs. The scenery is broad and stark, with dark lava, open ground, and changing weather. Snow, sunshine, fog, and rain can all alter the mood of the ride. One ride through snow was described as a memorable highlight, while another outing offered bright sun and clear views.

The Icelandic horse’s tölt is a special part of the ride. This four-beat gait can feel smooth because it reduces the bouncing found in some other horse gaits. Still, you should not assume every rider will spend the whole time tölting or moving quickly. The pace depends on your riding ability, the horse, the group, and the guide’s judgment.

That point matters to experienced riders. One person who wanted more variety in the gaits felt the ride was too restrained, while another experienced rider found the faster group exciting. If you are an accomplished equestrian, make your expectations clear at the start. The guides may be able to place you with a quicker group, but this is still a guided outing, not an independent trek.

After roughly two and a half hours, you return to the stable. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are included after the ride, a welcome touch in Iceland’s changeable weather. You may also find photographs and a small gift shop at the stable, based on the experience described by past participants.

The Transfer to Reykjavik Old Harbor

After the riding portion, you transfer to Reykjavik Old Harbor for the boat trip. The timing includes free time for lunch at your own expense, but the exact amount of free time can vary with the day’s schedule.

This is the least simple part of the outing. The horse riding operation and whale-watching company handle different portions, so transfers and payment arrangements may not feel perfectly unified. Confirm where you need to go after the ride and how the return transfer works if you have paid for hotel transport.

If you are staying in Reykjavik, the harbor is easy to use as a central stop for lunch. If you are relying on a hotel transfer, do not leave this detail until the morning of the tour. The standard activity ends back at the meeting point, while hotel drop-off is available only if that option has been selected and confirmed.

Searching Faxaflói Bay by High-Speed Boat

The whale-watching boat is designed to reach the feeding grounds quickly. The stated travel time is about 20 to 30 minutes, which gives you more time in the bay rather than spending the whole trip getting there.

You can sit outside for the best viewing opportunities or use the indoor cabin when the wind and spray become too much. Warm overalls are provided, but I would still dress in layers. Several people found the boat comfortable and enjoyed the café, while others stressed that the open deck can feel cold even when the day begins pleasantly.

The common species in Faxaflói Bay are minke whales, humpback whales, harbour porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins. Puffins and other birds may also appear, as they have on some trips. No wildlife encounter follows a script. You might see one whale at a distance, several humpbacks close to the boat, or nothing large at all.

The captain and guide point out activity on the water and provide commentary during the cruise. On one successful trip, three or four juvenile humpbacks swam near the boat, surfaced repeatedly, and moved around each other for about an hour. On another, the only clear sightings were a few dolphins and a distant minke whale.

That range is the reality of whale watching. A boat can search carefully and still find little. Fog can make a sighting hard to confirm, and rough weather may lead to cancellation. If nothing is seen, you receive a complimentary ticket for another trip on the next available day. That is useful if your schedule allows a second attempt, but it does not fully solve the problem if you are leaving Iceland soon.

The trip also takes animal welfare seriously. One captain explained that tail slapping can signal the boat to back away and used whale bones to show the size of these animals. That kind of explanation adds value because it helps you watch without treating the animals like a show.

What the $233.08 Price Really Buys

At $233.08 per person, this is a substantial Iceland expense. The price becomes easier to justify if you would otherwise book horse riding and whale watching separately, since the tour includes professional guides for both, riding equipment, post-ride drinks, boat coveralls, Wi-Fi, and the return whale-watching ticket if no wildlife appears.

The small group is another part of the value. A five-person maximum is far more intimate than a large coach-and-trail operation, particularly during the riding portion. You get a better chance to ask about the horses, your riding pace, and the volcanic setting.

The value is weaker if whale watching is your main reason for booking. Wildlife cannot be guaranteed, and several trips have been affected by fog or poor weather. A person with only one free day in Reykjavik should understand that the horse ride may be excellent while the whale portion is canceled or produces limited sightings.

You also need to budget for lunch and any food or drinks bought on the boat. Hotel transfers are not included in the listed price unless you select and arrange them separately. Iceland is expensive, but this can still be a fair deal for someone who wants two major activities in one organized day.

Who Should Book This Tour?

I would choose this for a first visit to Iceland if you want a taste of both land and sea without planning two separate excursions. It suits couples, families with older children, and people who want a guided introduction to riding rather than an advanced equestrian trip.

Children must be at least seven years old to ride. Children aged 14 and older need written parental permission to ride alone. The horse weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 240 pounds, so check this before paying.

Beginners should feel comfortable booking it. Guides have helped people mount, calmed nervous riders, and even hand-led a horse for a child who was frightened. You do not need to arrive as an experienced rider, though you should be honest about your ability.

I would be more cautious if you are an advanced rider seeking long periods of independent riding or a full range of gaits. You may enjoy the faster group, but the route remains controlled and suitable for a mixed audience.

The tour also works best for people with a flexible schedule. The complimentary whale ticket has real value only if you can return another day. If you have a tightly packed itinerary, poor weather or a canceled sailing can leave the day feeling incomplete.

Practical Tips for a Better Day

• Wear layers from the start. You receive warm riding clothing and boat overalls, but the open deck can still feel cold.
• Bring gloves if you have them. They are useful for both the reins and the boat rail, though the supplied gear may cover some needs.
• Tell the stable your riding level. This gives the guides a better chance to place you in the right group.
• Keep your camera ready on the horse ride. The lava fields and changing weather create the clearest photo opportunities of the land portion.
• Confirm transfers before the morning begins. Hotel pickup and drop-off cost extra and need direct confirmation.
• Leave room for a second whale trip if possible. The free retry is helpful, but only if you are still in Iceland.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made inside that window are not accepted. If poor weather cancels the experience, you are offered another date or a full refund.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The standard meeting point is Íshestar Horse Riding Centre, Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland. The start time is 10:00 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfers are not included in the listed price. They may be available for an additional fee, but you must contact the provider directly to confirm pickup and drop-off details.

How long is the horse riding portion?

The riding portion lasts about two and a half hours, including the route through lava fields, moorland, and fields.

What riding equipment is provided?

A riding helmet, rubber boots, rainwear, and warm clothing are provided. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are also included after the ride.

What whales and other animals might I see?

The most common species in Faxaflói Bay are minke whales, humpback whales, harbour porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins. Puffins and other birds may also be seen.

What happens if no whales or dolphins appear?

You receive a complimentary ticket to try the whale-watching trip again on the next available day. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

What are the age and weight limits for horse riding?

Riders must be at least seven years old, and the riding weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 240 pounds. Children aged 14 or older need written parental permission to ride alone.

Should You Book It?

Book this tour if you want two distinctly Icelandic experiences in one organized outing, especially if you are a beginner rider or prefer a small group. The horses, lava fields, helpful staff, and smooth transfer to the harbor make the day easy to enjoy.

Think twice if a whale sighting is essential or your schedule has no room for a second attempt. The horse ride is the dependable half. The sea trip is a genuine wildlife search, with all the uncertainty that brings. For most visitors who accept that gamble, the combination offers good variety and a memorable look at Iceland beyond Reykjavik.