Horseback Riding South Iceland: Black Sand Beach & Glacier Views

Icelandic horses move with a smooth, four-beat gait that makes riding feel effortless even across rough terrain.

A 3-hour guided horseback ride across South Iceland's black sand beaches and volcanic landscapes on traditional Icelandic horses matched to your riding level. You'll ride with ocean views toward the Westman Islands and Eyjafjallajökull glacier-volcano, with a local guide leading the way and helmets and rain gear provided. The experience suits both first-time and experienced riders, ages 10 and up.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horseback ride on black sand beach

• Meet your Icelandic horse
• Attend safety introduction
• Begin horseback ride with guide
• Ride across volcanic black sand
• Enjoy views of Westman Islands
• See Eyjafjallajökull glacier-volcano
• Experience Icelandic horse gait
• Complete approximately 3-hour ride

The experience

You meet your horse before the ride begins and get a short safety introduction from your local guide. Each horse is matched to your riding experience, so beginners and confident riders alike can settle into a comfortable pace. The ride itself lasts around 3 hours, crossing the striking volcanic black sands that define this stretch of South Iceland's coastline. As you move through the landscape, the Westman Islands come into view offshore and Eyjafjallajökull rises in the distance: the same glacier-volcano that disrupted European air travel in 2010.

What separates this from simply visiting the black sand beaches is that you're experiencing them from the saddle. Icelandic horses are known for their sure-footedness and gentle temperament, traits that matter when the ground beneath you shifts between sand and rougher terrain. The fresh ocean air and wide, rugged scenery unfold around you at a pace that lets you take it in rather than rush through it. Helmets and rain gear are provided if you need them.

What’s included

• Guided horseback ride on an Icelandic horse matched to your riding level.
• helmet and rain gear provided as needed.
• local English-speaking guide leading the 3-hour experience.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (under 18)

GroupUp to 10 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Sunday Stories

Is this one for you?The guide leads in English, so you'll hear commentary and safety instructions clearly throughout. This works well for English-speaking riders of any experience level, from first-timers to those who've ridden before.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 18).

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 24 h before the start.

What are Icelandic horses like to ride?

Icelandic horses have a uniquely smooth, four-beat gait and are known for their gentle temperament and sure-footedness, making them suitable for both first-time and experienced riders. They're matched to your riding level so you can ride at a comfortable pace.

What will I see during the 3-hour ride?

You'll ride across South Iceland's volcanic black sand with sweeping views of the Westman Islands offshore and Eyjafjallajökull glacier-volcano in the distance, along with open coastline and ocean views throughout the experience.

Do I need riding experience to book this?

No. Horses are matched to each rider's experience level, so the ride is suitable for both beginners and more confident riders. A short safety introduction is given before you set off.

What's provided and what should I bring?

Helmets and rain gear are provided if needed. The guide is included and leads the ride. Gratuities are not included in the price.