Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching Cruise from Reykjavík

One of the best reasons to do a day trip from Reykjavik is the mix of land and sea. This is Icelandic horse riding through the hardened lava fields near Hveragerði, then a whale watching cruise that scans Faxaflói Bay for minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises.

I really like how practical this tour is. You’re out for roughly 8 hours, you get warm clothing and safety gear for both activities, and the guides focus on keeping you comfortable and confident. The main consideration is that the whale portion depends on weather and timing, so you might not see as much wildlife as you hoped. It’s also a full day with snacks included after the ride, but no lunch.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Hardy 1.5 to 2-hour horse ride across lava fields near hot-springs Hveragerði
• Small Icelandic horses matched to your experience, with routes adjusted for beginners and more confident riders
• 3-hour Elding cruise from the Old Harbour area in Faxaflói Bay and beyond
• Onboard guide explanations plus spotting help, targeting minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and porpoises
• Warm clothing on both parts, plus safety equipment and trained staff
• A non-sighting backup: if you do not spot wildlife on your boat, you receive a complimentary ticket for another ride

Why This Reykjavik Combo Works So Well

Reykjavik can tempt you into doing one big thing per day, like just whales or just horses. This package is smarter because it gives you two very different kinds of Iceland at once, within one weather window. You start with the steady rhythm of a small Icelandic horse, then you end with open water views and marine-life scanning.

The value is not just that you get two activities. You also get guided structure for both, warm gear for both, and a full-day flow that feels efficient without being rushed. For me, the best part is the contrast. On land you’re moving through rugged, black lava terrain near a town known for hot springs. At sea you’re looking for breath-at-the-surface moments, guided by people who know where to focus.

One caveat: your whale results are not guaranteed. Even with good crew work, nature decides. If you’re the type who hates “wait and see,” plan your expectations for wildlife viewing as a bonus, not a promise.

Hótel Eldhestar and the Ride Through Hveragerði’s Hardened Lava Fields

Your day begins at Hótel Eldhestar, then you head into the area around Hveragerði, a town associated with hot springs. The riding time is about 1.5 hours, sometimes stated as up to 2 hours depending on how the group moves. This portion is about getting you out on a hardy Icelandic horse and into the rough, volcanic ground that makes the region feel so otherworldly.

What makes this stop special is the setting. You’re crossing heathland and fields, and you’ll spend time on the hardened lava fields around the area. That is a very Iceland way to ride, because the terrain feels dramatic and textured, even when the actual ride is calm and controlled.

There are also practical perks here. You get admission to a wildlife exhibition connected with the horse center experience, and you’ll have snacks available after the horse ride. That means you’re not left hungry as you transition to the sea part.

The potential downside is timing. You’re doing a full day, so you need to treat the ride as your “active” chunk. If you arrive tired or underdressed, you’ll feel it more here than on the boat.

Icelandic Horses: Small, Hardy, and Matched to Your Comfort

This isn’t a Hollywood-style fantasy ride where you hope for the best. The operation is built around matching you with a horse based on your experience level. That matters a lot if you’re a first-timer, because you want a steady partner when the weather is cold or the ground is uneven.

The Icelandic breed itself is part of the appeal. They’re known as gentle and hardy, and they’re built for these rugged surroundings. You’ll learn a bit about the breed, then you’ll practice the basics and get moving at a pace that fits the group. More experienced riders may be allowed to gallop, but no one is forced into anything beyond what’s comfortable for their level.

I also love the safety mindset that comes through in how the ride is handled. You’re given necessary safety equipment, and the staff keeps the group experience organized. One useful tip from past riders: a face covering can help on windy days, since horses can move faster at moments and the cold breeze can get sharp around your cheeks and nose.

If you’re wondering about whether you can physically join in, there are limits. The horse-riding component requires that you weigh less than 240 pounds (110 kg). There’s also a minimum age of 12 years for the overall tour.

Between Land and Sea: Snacks, Warmth, and a Reset Moment

After the ride, you’ll have snacks available. It’s a small thing, but in Iceland it matters because temperatures can drain your energy fast. You’ll also be using warm clothing during the riding segment, which helps you spend less time worrying about getting cold and more time actually enjoying the ride.

This is also when you can get your mental gear ready for the boat. The horse part is about footing, balance, and attention to where the horse is going. The whale part is about standing or sitting comfortably, keeping your eyes up, and staying patient for the next spout.

Because lunch is not included, I recommend planning for what you’ll eat during the transition. You can purchase light refreshments on board the whale watching cruise, or you can pack your own. Either way, have a plan, so hunger does not start steering your mood.

Elding Whale Watching from the Old Harbour: What You Might See in Faxaflói Bay

The sea portion is a 3-hour whale watching cruise run by Elding. You start from the pier area around the Old Harbour district, with meeting at the Elding ticket office at Ægisgarður 5c. The cruise heads through Faxaflói Bay and sometimes beyond, depending on where the animals are.

What you’re hoping for includes minke whales, humpback whales, and white-beaked dolphins and porpoises. Those are real possibilities in this area, but the key is that whale watching here is “conditions-dependent.” Weather, sea state, and the animals’ own movement patterns all affect what you see.

Even so, the guide work is a major reason to pick this tour. You don’t just sit there and hope. The onboard guide gives fascinating insights into whales and marine life and helps you spot what’s out there. Past experiences on this sailing style have included sightings where the crew keeps you in the right area long enough for multiple surface moments, which is exactly what you want for photos.

Boat comfort also helps. The boat is sized so you can actually see around you without fighting for a view. That sounds minor until you’re on a choppy day and people keep shifting to block each other.

Staying Comfortable on the Water: Warm Gear and Onboard Extras

Cold water air can make even a calm cruise feel long. The good news is that warm clothing is provided for the whale watching portion too. You’re also given necessary safety equipment, which you’ll appreciate if the sea turns rough.

Another small but helpful inclusion is free Wi-Fi on board. You can use it to share a photo fast, or just check messages without draining your battery before you lose signal on land again.

The onboard guide plays a big role in how satisfying the experience feels. Instead of vague commentary, the guide is focused on helping you identify marine life and understand what you’re seeing. That turns the cruise from a random spotting exercise into something with meaning.

If you are sensitive to cold, dress like layers are required, not optional. Even with provided warm gear, you’ll feel better if you start with a base layer you trust.

Price and Value for an 8-Hour Full Day from Reykjavik

At $280 per person, this is not the cheapest thing you can do from Reykjavik. But it’s also not just a “two-for-one” sticker price. You’re paying for a guided horse ride on a working operation, warm clothing and safety gear, admission tied into the horse center experience, plus a branded whale watching cruise with onboard guiding for a full 3 hours.

The duration matters. You’re getting roughly 8 hours of structured activities instead of a quick stop. That reduces the time wasted on transit and makes it more realistic to experience both land and marine Iceland in one day.

Group size is also part of the value story. This tour has a maximum of 20 travelers, which usually means you spend more time receiving attention instead of waiting your turn. On the horse side, the staff can keep the group moving and handle safety checks without turning the ride into a long line.

Where you should watch your wallet is food. Lunch is not included, and that’s a real cost if you buy everything. The tour does include snacks after the horse riding, and it offers light refreshment options on the boat, or you can bring your own. If you pack something simple, you’ll likely feel better about the overall total cost.

What Can Go Wrong: Weather, Season, and the Non-Sighting Plan

The number one reality with whale watching is that you are not in control of animal behavior. Weather and sea conditions also matter. On some days you might get a lot of action, and on other days you might get only a little, or even none.

That said, this tour builds in a safety net for disappointment. If you don’t see wildlife on your whale watching sailing, you get a complimentary ticket you can use on another boat ride. This is one of the more reassuring inclusions because it acknowledges the randomness without leaving you empty-handed.

If the whole experience is canceled due to bad weather, you’re offered either an alternative date or a full refund. So you’re not stuck.

For horse riding, weather still matters because cold wind and rain can make comfort harder. The good part is that warm clothing and overalls are part of the plan, and guides can adjust the route to match conditions. If it’s rainy, expect the gear to do its job, and expect slower pacing where paths need it.

Who Should Book This Tour, and Who Might Skip It

You should book if you want a full day in Iceland that covers both classic animal experiences: horseback in volcanic terrain, then whales at sea. If you’re traveling with mixed experience levels, this works well because riders are matched to horses based on experience.

It also makes sense if you love guided interpretation. The whale portion includes marine-life explanations from the onboard guide, and the horse part includes learning about the Icelandic breed. You’re not just passing through. You’re understanding what you’re seeing.

Skip or reconsider if you have strict expectations about seeing whales. Even with great effort, you might not get major sightings due to conditions. If you’re someone who gets frustrated with that sort of uncertainty, plan another whale activity or build in buffer time on a different day.

Physical requirements are important too. You must weigh less than 240 pounds (110 kg) to take part in horse riding. And the minimum age is 12 years.

My Booking Advice: Should You Book This Horse and Whale Package?

Book it if you want one efficient day that feels like Iceland, not just a checklist. The combo works because it’s timed well and guided on both sides, with warm clothing, safety equipment, and trained staff included. The group limit helps keep the experience organized, and the whale cruise length gives the guide time to search.

I’d especially recommend it to first-time riders who want instruction without stress. You get basic training, you’re matched with a horse, and you can enjoy the ride whether you’re cautious or excited. And if whales are your priority, this is a strong choice because the crew actively helps you spot what’s out there, instead of leaving you to stare at the horizon.

The biggest reason not to book is if you cannot tolerate a “might not happen” wildlife outcome. If that sounds like you, consider booking a different day or pairing this with a more flexible plan.

FAQ

How long is the tour, and when does it start?

The tour runs about 8 hours. It starts at 9:00 am, with pickup available depending on where you stay.

Where does the tour start and end?

You start at Hótel Eldhestar (816 Sveitarfélagið Ölfus, Iceland). You meet Elding at the ticket office at Ægisgarður 5c in Reykjavík, near the Old Harbour district, and the whale watching portion ends there as well.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered. Some hotels require a short walk to the nearest bus stop, so it’s best to check your voucher for your exact pickup details.

What are the main inclusions besides the two activities?

You get experienced guides, warm clothing for both the horse riding and whale watching parts, safety equipment, snacks after the horse riding, entry to a wildlife exhibition, and free Wi-Fi on board the boat.

Do I need experience riding horses?

No. Most travelers can participate, and the riding is set up with basic training and horses matched to your experience level. Experienced riders may be allowed to gallop, but you are not forced into it.

What should I pack or wear?

Dress warmly. You will receive warm clothing for both activities, but you may still want extra layers and face protection for wind, especially on colder, breezier days.

What happens if we do not see whales or if it’s canceled for weather?

If the whale watching portion has no sightings, you receive a complimentary ticket to use on another boat ride. If the tour is canceled due to bad weather, you are offered an alternative date or a full refund.