Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching Cruise from Reykjavík

An Icelandic horse ride across the old lava fields near Hveragerði followed by a whale cruise from Reykjavík gives you two very different sides of Iceland in one day. You start on land with a small, hardy horse, then head out across Faxaflói Bay looking for minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and porpoises.

I like the careful matching of horses to riding ability, and I like that beginners get a proper safety briefing without holding back more experienced riders. The warm overalls are another real plus, especially in rain and wind.

The catch is simple: whale watching is never guaranteed, and the horse ride has a 240-pound, or 110-kilogram, weight limit. This is also a full day with only snacks included, so you should plan your food and clothing with care.

Key points before you book

• Ride across Hveragerði’s hardened lava fields: The horse outing lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours and crosses heathland, fields, and rough volcanic ground.
• Suitable for first-time riders: Basic instruction and horse matching make the riding accessible, while more experienced riders may be offered a livelier route.
• Three hours on Faxaflói Bay: The cruise searches for minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises.
• Warm gear is supplied: Riding overalls and necessary safety equipment help in Iceland’s wet, cold weather.
• No lunch is included: You receive snacks after riding, and light refreshments are available on the boat, but bringing food is sensible.
• A no-sighting ticket helps: If the boat finds no wildlife, you receive a complimentary ticket for another boat ride.

Why this combination works so well

Iceland can tempt you into filling every day with waterfalls, hot springs, and long road trips. This tour offers something different. It gives you time with an animal that is closely tied to Icelandic rural life, then sends you onto the sea with a guide explaining the marine life around the country.

The two activities also balance each other. Horse riding is active and close to the ground. Whale watching is slower and more open-ended. You may spend part of the cruise scanning the water, then suddenly see a whale surface nearby. That change of pace is part of the appeal.

The day lasts about eight hours and begins at 9:00 a.m. The horse ride is near Hveragerði, southeast of Reykjavík, while the boat leaves from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík. Pickup is offered, but your hotel pickup may involve walking to a nearby bus stop. Check the voucher carefully so you know where to wait.

The day finishes at Elding’s ticket office at Ægisgarður 5c. Follow the red signs at the pier, and arrive early enough to check in and board. This is not a tour where you should arrive at the last minute.

Riding an Icelandic horse near Hveragerði

The first stop is Hótel Eldhestar, in the Hveragerði area. Hveragerði is known as the town of hot springs, and the ride takes place among hardened lava fields, heathland, and open fields. You get a close look at Iceland’s volcanic ground rather than viewing it through a bus window.

The horses are small, sturdy Icelandic horses. Their size can feel reassuring if you are new to riding, though you should not mistake small for delicate. These horses are bred for Iceland’s rough conditions and are well suited to uneven ground and changing weather.

Before you set off, the guides give basic instruction and help match you with a horse suited to your experience. That matters. Several parts of the day’s feedback point to the riding staff as a major strength, especially their attention to comfort and safety.

If you have never ridden, you should feel able to take part. The basic training is described as enough for beginners, and no one is forced to ride faster than feels comfortable. More experienced riders are not simply left bored, either. Depending on the group and conditions, they may be offered a different route or the chance to use more of their ability.

The ride itself lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours, although the stop is scheduled for about two hours to allow for preparation and instruction. Expect the weather to shape the outing. In rain, the guides may advise you about which paths and river crossings to avoid. That practical judgment is more valuable than a rigid route.

You will have a chance to stop for photographs. Bring a face covering if the weather is cold or windy. One useful tip from the riding experience is that the horses can move quickly, and the breeze can sting your face even when the rest of you is warm.

The supplied riding overalls are particularly helpful. In persistent rain, they can keep you dry and warm far better than ordinary city clothing. You still need to dress properly underneath. Wear warm layers, and do not assume that summer in Iceland means mild conditions.

There is a strict weight limit of 240 pounds, or 110 kilograms, for the riding portion. This is not a restriction you should leave until the morning of the tour. If you are close to the limit, confirm your eligibility before booking.

The gap between the horse ride and the boat

The two activities use different meeting points. You begin at Hótel Eldhestar and finish at the Elding whale-watching office in Reykjavík. Pickup is offered, but the provided details do not describe every transfer step between the riding center and the harbour.

That makes this an experience where you should read your voucher closely. Know the pickup instructions, allow time to reach the Old Harbour, and keep your phone charged. The operation is designed as one combined day, but the locations are not the same.

Food also needs a little planning. Lunch is not included. You receive snacks after the horse ride, and you can buy light refreshments on the boat, but this is not a full meal plan. I would pack something substantial for the long middle of the day unless you are happy with a light snack and boat refreshments.

The day can still fit well into a Reykjavík visit. One account describes getting back to the city around 6:30 p.m., which leaves the evening free, though exact timing can change with weather, traffic, and conditions at sea.

Three hours searching Faxaflói Bay

The whale-watching boat leaves from Elding’s office at Ægisgarður 5c in the Old Harbour. The cruise lasts about three hours and heads into Iceland’s largest bay, or farther out if conditions and wildlife make that worthwhile.

The usual targets include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises. You may see several species, one animal, or nothing at all. That uncertainty is not a flaw in the operation. It is the nature of wildlife watching.

A good guide makes the search more rewarding. The onboard guide explains what to look for, where to scan, and how Iceland’s whales and other marine life fit into the wider setting. The guide’s role becomes especially important when sightings are brief or far away.

The boat is described as a comfortable size for viewing. That is useful because a whale can appear on either side of the vessel, and you want enough room to move without feeling packed in. Free WiFi is available on board, though I would treat it as a convenience rather than the reason to choose the cruise.

The best sightings can be surprisingly focused. One successful outing followed a humpback for about 30 minutes, with the whale surfacing five or six times close enough for good photographs. Other outings found several humpbacks and minke whales. These are memorable encounters, but they cannot be promised.

Conditions can turn quickly. Rain and poor weather may limit visibility and make the cruise less comfortable, even when the crew does everything possible to keep the mood up. Bring warm layers, and use the supplied clothing where offered. Iceland’s wind feels much colder on open water than it does on a city street.

What happens if no whales appear

The operator provides a complimentary ticket for another boat ride if the cruise produces no wildlife sightings. That policy reduces the risk, but it does not solve every problem.

You may have only one day in Reykjavík, or your schedule may not allow another cruise. A return ticket is most useful if you have enough time in Iceland to use it. Before booking, ask yourself how flexible your schedule is.

It is also worth thinking about the time of year. Whale sightings depend on season, migration, sea conditions, and luck. One poor experience came during a period when whale watching was considered out of season locally. The practical lesson is to check current seasonal expectations before paying for a combined activity built partly around wildlife.

Even without a whale, the cruise gives you open-water views, marine information, and a different view of the Reykjavík area. Still, if seeing a whale is your main reason for booking, do not treat the ticket guarantee as the same thing as a guaranteed sighting.

The value of $280 for a full day

At $280 per person, this is a costly day by Iceland excursion standards. The price becomes easier to justify if you want both activities and would otherwise book separate tours, arrange transport to Hveragerði, and organize your own harbour departure.

The package includes the horse ride, the three-hour whale cruise, experienced English-speaking guides, warm clothing for both activities, safety equipment, and admission to a wildlife exhibition. Those inclusions cut down on the extra costs and planning that can make Iceland tours expensive.

The strongest value comes from convenience. You are combining a countryside activity and a sea trip in one booking, with the day organized around both. You also avoid needing riding clothes or specialist safety gear.

The value is weaker if you are mainly interested in whales. In that case, a dedicated cruise gives you more control over your schedule and avoids paying for a horse ride you may not want. The same is true if you already have riding plans elsewhere.

You should also budget for food. Snacks after riding are helpful, but lunch is not part of the price. Boat refreshments are available for purchase, or you can pack your own.

Who should book this day

I would recommend this combination for families with children aged 12 or older, couples, and mixed-ability groups where one person is an experienced rider and another is a beginner. The age minimum is 12, and the horse operation appears comfortable handling a wide spread of riding ability.

It also suits anyone who wants a day with real variety. You are not spending eight hours on a bus or repeating the same kind of sightseeing. The ride gives you fresh air, animals, volcanic ground, and a little physical activity. The cruise gives you quiet watching and the possibility of a rare sighting.

Older riders can take part if they are comfortable in the saddle and meet the weight requirement. A 72-year-old rider was able to enjoy the outing without being pushed into a fast pace. That said, you should be honest about your comfort level before you start.

I would hesitate to recommend it if you dislike uncertain wildlife trips, have limited mobility for riding, need a guaranteed meal, or are visiting during a period with weak whale activity. The riding itself is more predictable than the cruise, but weather can affect both.

Clothing, timing, and small practical tips

Dress for wet and cold conditions even if Reykjavík looks pleasant when you leave. The supplied overalls help, but warm base layers, gloves, and protection for your face are still wise.

Give yourself time at both ends of the day. Pickup may be from a bus stop rather than directly outside your hotel. At the harbour, follow the red markings to the Elding office and arrive early for check-in.

Bring a camera, but keep watching even after you take the first picture. A whale may surface several times, and the most interesting moment can come after the initial sighting. The boat guides may also take and share photographs, which can help if you miss a quick surfacing.

The group size is capped at 20 people. That is small enough to feel more manageable than a large coach excursion, while still being large enough to include a mix of riding abilities.

The tour is offered in English. Confirmation arrives at booking. Most people can participate, but the horse ride has the stated weight limit and a minimum age of 12.

Should you book the Icelandic horse and whale cruise?

Book it if you want a well-organized full day that combines two classic Iceland experiences, and you are comfortable with the fact that whale sightings are uncertain. The horse ride is the safer bet, with careful instruction, useful weather gear, and options for both beginners and experienced riders.

Think twice if your main goal is a whale. Check the season, keep your schedule flexible, and understand that the return ticket only helps if you can use it. If you do book, bring food, dress for rain and wind, and allow extra time around the transfers.

For the right visitor, $280 buys more than two tickets. It buys a varied day with less planning, a close look at Icelandic horses, and a genuine chance to see marine life in Faxaflói Bay.

FAQ

How long does the Icelandic horse riding and whale watching tour last?

The full experience lasts about eight hours. The horse riding portion 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 begins at Hótel Eldhestar near Hveragerði, the town known for its hot springs. The route crosses hardened lava fields, heathland, and fields.

Where does the whale-watching cruise end?

The cruise finishes at Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, in the Old Harbour area of Reykjavík.

Are beginners allowed to join the horse ride?

Yes. Basic training is provided, and the horses are matched to your experience level. More experienced riders may be offered a different route or a chance to ride at a faster pace.

Is lunch included?

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

What happens if no whales are seen?

You receive a complimentary ticket for another boat ride if the cruise produces no sightings. If poor weather cancels the tour, you can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience begins. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted for a refund.