Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching Cruise from Reykjavík

The best thing about this day is the contrast: in the morning, you ride a small Icelandic horse across old lava fields near Hveragerði; later, you search the open water of Faxaflói Bay for whales. I like the gentle, well-matched horses and the way the riding staff help first-timers feel safe. I also like that the boat ride includes an onboard guide, warm clothing, WiFi, and a wildlife exhibition.

The weak point is simple: whales do not follow a schedule. Some departures find humpbacks and minke whales several times, while others see one animal or none. Weather can also affect the cruise, and the full day includes only a snack after riding, not lunch.

Key points to know before booking

• Two very different Icelandic outings: Ride through hardened lava fields near Hveragerði, then cruise from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour.
• Good for mixed riding ability: Beginners receive basic instruction, while more experienced riders may be offered a faster route.
• Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed: You could see humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, or porpoises, but nature decides.
• Warm riding gear is supplied: This matters in Iceland, especially during wet or windy months.
• The day lasts about eight hours: It starts at 9:00 a.m. and ends at the whale-watching pier in Reykjavík.
• Check the restrictions: Riders must be at least 12 years old and under 240 pounds, or 110 kilograms.

Why this horse-and-whale combination works

Iceland offers plenty of day tours built around one headline attraction. This one gives you two very different ways to experience the country in a single day. You begin inland, surrounded by volcanic ground and open fields, then finish on the sea with Reykjavík and the coast behind you.

That variety is the main reason I see value here. Horse riding gives you an active morning and a close look at Iceland’s countryside. Whale watching slows the pace down, but adds the chance to see wildlife in its natural setting. If you want a day that feels more varied than a bus tour from one viewpoint to another, this is a strong option.

The price is $280 per person, which is not cheap. Still, it covers two paid activities, safety equipment, warm clothing for both, guides, the wildlife exhibition, and the whale cruise. You are also fitting roughly four and a half hours of activities into one day, before allowing for transfers and check-in.

I would compare the cost with booking a riding trip and a whale cruise separately. The combination is most useful if both activities appeal to you. If you only care about whales, paying for the horse ride may not feel worthwhile. If you already plan to ride an Icelandic horse, adding the cruise makes the day more efficient.

Riding an Icelandic horse near Hveragerði

The first stop is Hótel Eldhestar near Hveragerði, about 40 minutes from Reykjavík by road, though the tour information does not promise a fixed transfer time. Hveragerði is known as the town of hot springs, and the riding area takes you across hardened lava fields, heathland, and fields around the town.

This is not a polished ranch ride through manicured grounds. The appeal is the raw Icelandic setting. You see dark volcanic ground, wide open country, and the unusual profile of the Icelandic horse beneath you. The ride lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, with the full stop listed as roughly two hours to allow for preparation and instruction.

Icelandic horses are small and sturdy. For a first-time rider, their size can feel less intimidating than a tall horse. You receive basic training before setting out, and the staff match you with a horse according to your experience. That matching matters because the group may include people who have never ridden alongside confident riders.

The riding staff receive especially strong praise for safety and comfort. One rider described coping well with rain because the provided overalls stayed warm and dry. The guides also advised the group about paths and rivers affected by bad weather, then built in a photo stop.

That practical care is important in Iceland. The weather can change quickly, and a beautiful route can become unpleasant if you are cold, wet, or unsure of your horse. You should still wear warm layers beneath the supplied outer clothing. Bring gloves and a hat, and protect your face if the wind is sharp. One rider specifically advised carrying a face mask because the breeze can sting when the horses move quickly.

What beginners and experienced riders can expect

You do not need previous riding experience, but you do need to follow instructions and feel comfortable sitting on a moving animal. The minimum age is 12, and the riding weight limit is 240 pounds, or 110 kilograms.

The basic lesson is designed to get you moving safely, not to turn you into an expert rider. If you are nervous, tell the staff clearly. A first-time rider reported that the instruction was enough to make the outing comfortable, and that the horse selection helped.

More experienced riders are not simply parked behind beginners. Depending on the group and conditions, they may be allowed to use a different route and ride at a faster pace, including a gallop. That option is not forced on anyone, which is a real advantage for families or groups with mixed ability.

You should keep your expectations realistic. This is a guided trail ride, not a private riding lesson or a full day of advanced equestrian training. The point is to experience the Icelandic horse and the volcanic countryside safely. I would book it if you want an accessible outdoor activity, not if you need a technically demanding ride.

The break between activities

After riding, snacks are available. Lunch is not included, and this is one of the day’s practical drawbacks. The whale-watching portion lasts three hours, so I would pack something substantial unless you know you can manage the day on light food.

The boat offers light refreshments for purchase, but the supplied details do not promise a full meal. Bring water and food that can handle a day outdoors. A small packed lunch can make the transition easier, especially if your riding time or transfer leaves little room for a restaurant stop.

The activity begins at Hótel Eldhestar and ends at Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour. Pickup is offered, but your hotel pickup may involve walking to the nearest bus stop. Check the voucher carefully, since the exact pickup point matters.

Searching Faxaflói Bay for whales

The second half starts at the Elding ticket office in the Old Harbour. Look for the red color at the pier and arrive early enough to check in and board. The whale cruise runs for about three hours in Faxaflói Bay, Iceland’s largest bay, or farther out if conditions and wildlife require it.

The possible sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises. These are wild animals, so the cruise is best understood as a search rather than a guaranteed show. You may spend time scanning the water before an animal surfaces nearby. You may also get several good looks at one whale, which can be more memorable than a rushed sighting of many.

One strong outing followed a single humpback for about 30 minutes and saw it surface five or six times. Another departure saw both humpback and minke whales. Those encounters show what a successful trip can offer: the guide helps you understand where to look, the boat follows carefully, and you get time to watch the animal’s behavior.

Other departures saw only one whale and one dolphin, or no wildlife at all. Bad weather can make the search harder and can limit visibility. That uncertainty is not a flaw in the crew, but it is a factor you must accept before paying for a whale cruise.

If no wildlife appears, a complimentary ticket for another boat ride is offered. That gives you another chance, but it does not solve every scheduling problem. You may have already left Reykjavík, moved on to another part of Iceland, or run out of time in your holiday. If whales are your top priority, ask yourself if you can return for another departure.

The boat, guide, and viewing conditions

The boat is described as a comfortable size for viewing, with enough room to see the water without feeling packed in. The maximum group size for the entire activity is 20 people, though the boat arrangement itself may differ from the riding group. That small overall cap is useful because the morning feels more personal than a large coach excursion.

An onboard guide explains what you might see and where to watch. The guide also shares information about Iceland’s whales and marine life. On one difficult-weather trip, the crew kept people entertained with humor and useful commentary when the conditions made wildlife harder to find.

Free WiFi is available on board, and warm clothing is supplied for both parts of the day. Still, do not treat those extras as a substitute for your own layers. Wear clothes that you can move in during the horse ride, then add insulation for the boat. The sea can feel colder than Reykjavík’s streets, especially when you are standing outside to watch for a blow or fin.

The staff may take and share photographs if you miss a sighting. That is helpful, but keep your own camera ready. Wildlife can appear with little warning and vanish before you have framed the shot.

Timing, transport, and the shape of the day

This is an eight-hour outing with a 9:00 a.m. start. The horse ride is scheduled first, followed by the whale cruise, and the day can bring you back to Reykjavík around early evening. One rider reported returning by about 6:30 p.m., which gives you time for dinner afterward, though exact timing depends on road, riding, and sea conditions.

The start and end points are different. You begin at Hótel Eldhestar in the Ölfus area and finish at Elding’s office in the Old Harbour. Since pickup is offered, the tour can work well if you are staying in Reykjavík, but hotel pickup may mean walking to a bus stop.

Do not schedule a tight evening flight, a separate tour, or a hard-to-change dinner reservation immediately after the cruise. The whale portion depends on the sea, and poor conditions may lead to a cancellation or a new date. Build in breathing room.

When the $280 price makes sense

At $280, the tour is a better deal for someone who genuinely wants both activities. You receive the horse ride, the cruise, guides, gear, safety equipment, WiFi, and entry to the wildlife exhibition. You also avoid spending two separate parts of your holiday arranging these activities.

The value drops if you are unsure about riding. The morning is not an optional warm-up. It is a major part of the package, and you must meet the age and weight requirements to take part. If you cannot ride, this combination is not the right purchase.

Season also matters. One person was told locally that the timing was outside the best whale season and saw no wildlife. The supplied details do not identify specific peak months, so I would ask the operator about expected conditions for your dates before booking. That is especially important if the whales are your main reason for choosing this day.

The horse ride is more dependable than the wildlife search, but rain and wind still shape it. Provided overalls help, and the staff can adjust routes for conditions. You will have a better time if you see bad weather as part of the setting rather than a reason to expect a dry, gentle outing.

Who should book this day

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want an approachable introduction to Icelandic horses.
• Families with children aged 12 or older, provided everyone meets the riding requirements.
• Couples or friends who want active scenery in the morning and wildlife viewing in the afternoon.
• Experienced riders who appreciate a guided route but still want the chance for a quicker pace.
• People with only one free day in Reykjavík who want two major activities in one booking.

I would hesitate if you dislike uncertain wildlife outings, need a guaranteed lunch, or have limited tolerance for cold and rain. I would also avoid it if your schedule cannot handle an eight-hour day with changing conditions.

Small details that improve the day

Wear warm layers for both activities, even if Reykjavík looks mild at breakfast. Bring a hat, gloves, and face protection for the horse ride, plus food and water because lunch is not included.

Arrive early at the Old Harbour for the cruise. Follow the red color to the Elding ticket office at Ægisgarður 5c, and allow time to check in and board. If you use hotel pickup, read the voucher for the exact bus stop rather than assuming the vehicle will pull up outside your hotel.

Keep your camera accessible, but do not spend the entire cruise staring at it. A whale may surface close by and stay visible for only a few seconds. Listen to the guide’s directions, since trained eyes can often spot a blow or dorsal fin before you do.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. If bad weather forces the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book the Icelandic horse and whale cruise?

Book it if you want variety and can accept uncertainty. The horse ride is the dependable core: Icelandic horses, volcanic ground, useful instruction, and staff who take safety seriously. The whale cruise adds real excitement, but it cannot promise a sighting.

For the best value, choose this tour when you have a full day available, you are happy to pack food, and both horses and marine life sound appealing. If you are booking mainly for whales, check the expected season first and consider how easily you could use a complimentary return ticket.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding portion last?

The ride lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours. Allow roughly two hours at Hótel Eldhestar for preparation, instruction, and the ride itself.

How long is the whale-watching cruise?

The cruise lasts three hours and operates from Elding Whale Watching at Ægisgarður 5c in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises. Sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if no whales are seen?

You receive a complimentary ticket that can be used on another boat ride.

What is the minimum age for the horse ride?

The minimum age is 12 years.

Is there a weight limit for riding?

Yes. To take part in the horse riding portion, you must weigh less than 240 pounds, or 110 kilograms.

Is lunch included?

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