Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik

This is the kind of day combo that feels extra efficient in Iceland. You get Icelandic horse riding across lava country, then you switch to a fast whale-watching boat headed for the feeding grounds in Faxaflói Bay. It is a practical way to see two sides of Iceland in one morning to afternoon block.

I particularly like the small-group size (max 5 travelers), because it makes it easier for guides to fit your pace and attention level. I also like that the day includes proper riding and weather gear, from helmet and rubber boots to warm overalls, so you are not scrambling for supplies. One thing to consider is that whale sightings are never guaranteed, and fog or rough conditions can cut the outing short, even if the crew still does everything right.

Key Highlights You Actually Feel on the Day

• Small-group riding, max 5 travelers, split by riding experience so you get a ride that matches you
• Tölt-friendly Icelandic horses, known for a smoother, four-beat gait across rough terrain
• Included gear for the ride (helmet, rubber boots, rainwear/warm layers) plus warm overalls on the boat
• Fast boat to Faxaflói Bay, cutting travel time so you spend more time looking for whales
• Wi-Fi on the boat and onboard commentary as you scan the water
• Try-again ticket if you do not spot wildlife on the whale portion

Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching From Reykjavik: How the Day Flows

The tour runs about 5 hours 30 minutes total, starting at 10:00 am. Your day is split into two guided experiences that complement each other nicely: a controlled, hands-on animal experience on land, then open-water wildlife viewing out of Reykjavik Old Harbor.

The ride portion starts with you heading to the stables just outside Reykjavik, then you return and shift gears to the harbor. After the whale cruise, you are brought back to the meeting point, and hotel drop-off may be available if you choose it.

If you love your days to feel structured, this is a good fit. You are not doing guesswork between two different tour operators, and you have guides with you on both halves.

Morning Logistics: Hotel Pickup vs Meeting at Ishestar Stables

The tour is built around a real-world schedule, not vague timing. The meeting point is Ishestar Horse Riding Centre, Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður. The tour also describes pickup from your Reykjavik hotel, but that depends on arranging hotel transfers in advance, which may cost extra.

If you have never used Iceland tour pickups before, I suggest you take the transfer question seriously. One review described how a missed pickup due to customs delays still got solved quickly, but that was stressful for the passenger. If you are arriving from a flight that day, build in margin.

In short: if you can, use the standard pickup option so you do not have to think about getting to Hafnarfjörður on your own.

Icelandic Horses and Tölt: Why This Ride Feels Different

This is not just horseback riding in a field. You ride Icelandic horses, a native breed with deep roots in Iceland, descending from horses brought to the island around the 10th century.

Here is the practical reason riders care: Icelandic horses are famous for the tölt, a four-beat gait that tends to feel smoother than a basic trot. That matters when you are moving across uneven lava terrain and moorland, because comfort can depend on your animal’s natural movement.

You also ride with real guidance. Expect a safety briefing with your helmet on before you head out, and expect your guide to help you manage the horse at a steady pace.

One small detail I appreciate from the experience reports: riders are often split into groups based on riding ability, so beginners do not get pushed into a faster rhythm. Some riders also noted that you are encouraged to take a moment with your assigned horse before mounting, which is a big help if you are a little nervous around horses.

Gear Included: Helmet, Rubber Boots, Rainwear, and Warm Overalls

I like tours that do the gear work for you, especially in Iceland. For the riding portion, you get a riding helmet, rubber boots, and rainwear and warm clothing for the ride. That means you can dress for comfort, not for guesswork.

Then the day flips to sea weather. The whale cruise includes warm overalls for the boat portion, which is a real advantage when you are out in cold wind.

Even with gear included, you should still dress in layers. Reviews repeatedly point out the cold factor on deck, and you will likely be outside for viewing moments.

Riding Route and Photo Stops: Lava Country Meets Remote Fields

The ride typically starts with you leaving the stables, following your guide out into the wider area. You make photo stops along the way, with a chance to frame lava-covered ground that looks almost moon-like in Iceland’s light.

The route described includes trails winding through remote moorland and fields. This is where the tour earns its day-combo value: you are not just riding in one scenic corner, you are crossing real terrain that feels like it is outside city life.

Because the group is small, the guide can slow down for photos or help riders who need a bit more time at the start. In multiple accounts, guides are described as patient and attentive with different experience levels, including riders who felt awkward at first.

Transition Time: Lunch Break and Getting to Reykjavik Old Harbor

After around 2.5 hours back at the stables, you switch to the boat portion and transfer to Reykjavik Old Harbor. You get free time for lunch, at your own expense.

This is your built-in buffer. Use it to warm up, eat something simple, and get a drink before the cruise. Iceland tours can stack back-to-back activities, so this is a good chance to avoid “hangry energy,” which is when people make careless clothing mistakes.

High-Speed Whale Watching in Faxaflói Bay: What You’re Looking For

The boat portion is the adrenaline switch, but it is also the more unpredictable half of the day. You board a high-speed, hi-tech boat that gets you to Faxaflói Bay in about 20 to 30 minutes.

Once you are on the water, you can look from the deck or use the indoor cabin. The tour includes onboard Wi-Fi, and there is commentary as you head into the bay and scan for whales.

The tour specifically calls out four common species in the bay:

• Minke whales
• Humpback whales
• Harbour porpoises
• White-beaked dolphins

In real conditions, your sightings can vary. Some reports include additional wildlife like seabirds, and at least one description highlights humpbacks close enough to feel truly electric from the boat.

Boat Comfort and the Crew’s Role: Scanning, Talking, and Staying Respectful

Iceland whale watching works best when the captain and crew are tuned in. This tour aims to give you both speed and time on the water, and it sounds like the crew tries hard to locate animals, not just offer a drive.

A few accounts talk about captains who actively search for whales and then provide extra context once sightings happen. In one case, the captain explained what they were seeing and discussed whale size using physical reference pieces on board, plus guidance on keeping distance and not stressing the animals.

That kind of approach matters. You get better viewing when the boat is positioned correctly, and you get a more thoughtful experience when people treat the animals like living neighbors, not trophies.

When Fog or Weather Hits: The Try-Again Ticket Works as a Safety Net

Here is the reality check: wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Weather, especially fog, can reduce visibility and make it harder to find whales.

When wildlife is not seen on your whale cruise, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again. This is a meaningful policy because it acknowledges that the sea has its own schedule.

If your schedule is tight, this policy helps, but it still requires you to be in Iceland again on another day. So plan with flexibility if you can, and expect that the whale portion is more weather-dependent than the horse portion.

Price and Value: Is $233 Worth It for a Double Adventure?

At $233.08 per person for about 5.5 hours, this is not a budget activity. But it also is not a bare-bones transfer.

You are paying for:

• A professional guide on both parts
• Riding gear (helmet, rubber boots, rainwear/warm layers)
• Boat warm overalls
• Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate after the ride
• Onboard Wi-Fi
• The chance of whales in Faxaflói Bay, plus a try-again ticket if none are spotted

On top of that, you get a small group max of 5, which usually means less waiting and more guide time. If you’ve ever tried to self-schedule horse riding and then rushed to catch a whale cruise, you know the hassle factor can eat the day.

One caution: transfers and hotel drop-offs may involve extra cost. If you want the simplest door-to-door day, confirm the pickup and return options before you commit.

Who This Tour Suits Best, and Who Might Want a Different Plan

This combo tour is a good match if you want variety without going full multi-day. If you like animals, enjoy being outdoors, and you want one day that covers both Icelandic horseback riding and whale watching, this is a strong choice.

It also fits families and mixed skill levels better than most, because the ride can split into groups by ability. Reviews highlight guides who handle beginners with patience and keep more capable riders from feeling stuck.

Consider another option if:

• You are set on seeing whales no matter what. The bay can be stingy on some days.
• Your schedule is extremely inflexible. The try-again ticket only helps if you can return.
• You are sensitive to weather changes. The tour runs in a variety of conditions, so you need to dress for cold wind and wet.

Practical Packing Tips That Make This Day Much Easier

Dress for the kind of day where the wind can hit suddenly, even if the sun shows up. Since gear is provided for both halves, your biggest job is wearing sensible layers under it.

Bring:

• Warm base layers you feel comfortable in
• Waterproof outer layers if you already own them, just in case
• Gloves or mittens if you run cold
• A hat or something to cover your ears for the boat

Keep an eye on the included gear and do not overpack for the ride portion, because rubber boots and warm layers are already provided. You can focus on warmth and dry comfort for the boat deck time.

Booking Decision: Should You Choose This Iceland Double Tour?

I would book this tour if you want a single-day plan that feels real, not rushed, and if you value small-group attention. The Icelandic horse experience is the kind of thing you cannot replicate from a city sidewalk, and the ride is supported with proper gear and structured guidance.

I would also book it if you can handle the whale-watching uncertainty. The try-again ticket is a smart backup, and the crew’s job is clearly to search actively, not just run a route.

I would hesitate if whales are the only reason you came. In that case, I would build in extra time in Reykjavik so you can repeat the whale cruise if the first attempt falls flat.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Icelandic horse riding and whale watching tour?

The tour is about 5 hours 30 minutes long (approximately).

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Ishestar Horse Riding Centre, Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Do you pick up travelers from Reykjavik hotels?

Hotel pickup is available for an additional fee. You need to contact the supplier directly to confirm pickup details.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 5 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What riding gear is included?

You are provided with a riding helmet, rubber boots, and rainwear or warm clothing for the horse ride.

What whale watching gear and comfort items are included?

For the boat, you receive warm overalls. The boat also has an indoor cabin area and onboard Wi-Fi.

Will I get lunch during the tour?

Lunch is not included. There is free time for lunch at your own expense.

What animals might you see in Faxaflói Bay?

The most common species listed are minke whales, humpback whales, harbour porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins.

What happens if no whales or dolphins are spotted?

If you do not see any whales or dolphins, you get a complimentary ticket to try another whale watching trip on a next available day.