Horseback Riding and Whale Watching from Reykjavík

You ride the horse yourself, then watch whales from the boat.

Combine horseback riding and whale watching on an 8-hour day trip from Reykjavík. After hotel pickup, ride a sturdy Icelandic horse for 1.5 hours across rugged moors and farmland with an expert guide, then return to the city for a 3-hour whale watching cruise in Faxaflói bay in search of humpback and minke whales, dolphins and porpoises. Light snacks follow the ride. Warm clothing and safety gear are provided for both activities.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horse riding and whale watching

• Pickup from accommodation
• Drive to stable outside city
• 1.5 hour Icelandic horse ride
• Return and enjoy light snacks
• Drive back to Reykjavík
• 3 hour whale watching cruise
• Return to harbour

The experience

The day splits into two distinct halves, each one a separate skill. You start with hotel pickup and a drive to a stable outside Reykjavík, where you mount a sturdy Icelandic horse and spend 1.5 hours riding established trails across the hardened lava fields and farmland. An expert guide leads the group, setting the pace and stopping to let you photograph the landscape. The horse does the work. You follow the guide's directions and enjoy the terrain.

After the ride, light snacks are served back at the stable, then you're driven back into Reykjavík to board a whale watching boat. The 3-hour cruise departs from the harbour and heads into Faxaflói bay, Iceland's biggest bay, where humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins and porpoises are sighted regularly. You stay on deck watching the water and the coastline. A wildlife exhibition is included on board, and you can buy light refreshments or bring your own. If whales don't appear, you get a complimentary ticket for another boat ride on a future date.

The full day runs 8 hours from pickup to harbour return. Warm clothing is essential for both the exposed moors and the open water, and the operator provides it along with safety equipment for riding. Children from age 12 can participate, though riders must weigh less than 240 pounds. The tour is not suitable for people with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers. Bad weather may trigger a reschedule or full refund.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return to Reykjavík.
• 1.5-hour guided horseback ride on an Icelandic horse across lava fields and farmland.
• warm clothing and safety equipment for riding.
• light snacks after the ride.
• 3-hour whale watching cruise in Faxaflói bay.
• wildlife exhibition on board the boat.
• English-speaking guide for both activities.
• free WiFi on the boat.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (12 to 15 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 20 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.Operator's directions: “Meet us in the ELDHESTAR stables located in Hveragerði. Be sure to arrive in good time before departure.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by Elding Whale Watching

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you can follow directions and commentary comfortably. This suits anyone age 12 and up who is comfortable in the saddle and on open water, though riders must weigh under 240 pounds and should not have spinal injuries or be pregnant.

Traveler reviews

4.07★★★★★★★★★★

15 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 15 years). Under 12: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How long do I actually spend riding the horse?

The horse riding portion lasts 1.5 hours on established trails across the lava fields and farmland outside Reykjavík, with an expert guide setting the pace and stopping for photos and rest.

What whales and marine animals might I see in Faxaflói bay?

Faxaflói bay is home to humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins and porpoises. Sightings are regular, though not guaranteed, and if none appear you receive a complimentary ticket for another boat ride.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to buy separately?

The price covers hotel pickup and return, both the horse ride and whale watching cruise, warm clothing and safety gear, light snacks after riding, a wildlife exhibition on the boat, and an English-speaking guide. Light refreshments are available for purchase on the boat, or you can bring your own.

Is there a weight or age limit for the horseback riding?

Riders must weigh less than 240 pounds (110 kg) and be at least 12 years old. The tour is not suitable for people with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad or the whales don't show?

In bad weather, you'll be offered an alternative date or a full refund. If whales are not sighted, you receive a complimentary ticket to use on another boat ride at no extra cost.