Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching Cruise from Reykjavík

Two tame thrills, one wild day. This 8-hour combo pairs an Icelandic horse ride through rugged countryside near Reykjavík with a 3-hour whale watching cruise in Faxaflói Bay. It’s built for people who want big nature moments without juggling two separate tours.

What I love most is how the horse part actually works for different comfort levels, with guides keeping things safe and organized. I also like that the day isn’t just “get on, get off”: you get a wildlife exhibition entry and a guide on the boat who talks you through what you’re looking for.

One thing to plan around: whale spotting is always nature’s call. Even with a solid crew and good effort onboard, you might end up with fewer sightings (or none), especially if conditions aren’t ideal.

Quick Take: What Makes This Day Work

• Max 20 travelers means less crowding and easier help when you need it.
• Warm clothing on both tours is a real lifesaver in Reykjavik wind and rain.
• Horse matching by experience helps beginners feel secure and lets experienced riders push pace.
• Onboard guide + free Wi‑Fi on the boat makes the cruise feel practical, not just scenic.
• Non-sighting coverage: if you don’t spot wildlife on the whale cruise, you get a complimentary ticket for another boat ride.
• Snacks after the horse ride keep your energy up while you wait for the boat part.

Entering The Day: How the 9:00 AM Flow Feels

This runs as a full day starting around 9:00 am. If you opt for pickup, you’ll meet the group and then head to Hótel Eldhestar area for the horse portion. Just read your voucher closely: the pickup location at your hotel may include a short walk to the nearest bus stop.

The pacing is smart. You do the higher-energy activity (riding) first, then switch gears into the whale cruise when everyone’s warmed up and ready for the sea air. You should still expect a long day—about 8 hours total—but it’s the kind of long that stays fun because you’re always moving between experiences.

At the end, you’ll finish back by the Elding Whale Watching pier area around the Old Harbour district (the tour ends at Elding’s ticket office address in Reykjavík). In other words: you’re not dropped off miles away from the city center.

Stop 1: Hótel Eldhestar and the Ride Through Lava Fields Near Hveragerði

The horse portion starts at Hótel Eldhestar, near Hveragerði, the town known for hot springs. Expect about 1.5 hours up to 2 hours riding, with time and routes based on your group and conditions.

This is not a flat arena parade. The ride takes you through hardened lava fields, plus heathland and fields around the countryside. That matters because it changes how the horse feels under you. On these Icelandic horses, you’re not just sitting—your body naturally adjusts to the terrain, the footing, and the pace the guide chooses for safety.

One of the best parts here is that it’s designed to teach you as you go. You’ll get basic training if you’ve never ridden before. And if you’re more experienced, you’re typically given options to ride more actively—some routes and faster gaits can be allowed depending on your level. That balance showed up in the best kind of way in people’s feedback: beginners felt supported and older riders didn’t feel rushed, while more confident riders still had something to look forward to.

Your Icelandic Horse: Gentle Breed, Real Personality

Icelandic horses have a reputation for being hardy and steady. In practice, that means you’re dealing with a small horse built for Iceland’s tough ground—so you get the authentic experience without needing riding talent just to enjoy it.

The key for your comfort is how the guides match you. The tour doesn’t treat everyone as the same rider. If you’re a first-timer, you’ll be set up to learn and feel in control. If you can ride more confidently, you may be offered different routes to keep things interesting.

Safety gear is included, and you’ll be given warm clothing for this portion as well. Several people pointed out that even when rain showed up all day, the overalls kept them dry and warm enough to stay comfortable. One extra tip I’d follow: protect your face from the cold breeze. Horses can pick up speed at times, and wind in the open countryside can freeze you fast if your face isn’t covered.

You can also expect a photo moment. Some riders describe a picture break arranged by the guides, which is nice if you want more than a shaky phone video.

Stop 2: Elding Whale Watching From Reykjavík’s Biggest Bay

Next comes the whale part with Elding Whale Watching. You board for around 3 hours on the water, sailing out from Reykjavík into Faxaflói Bay and possibly beyond, depending on where the whales are.

This is where the tour earns its keep as a “combo day.” You’re already in a nature rhythm from the ride, then you switch to a slower, observational experience with expert help onboard. The guide gives insights about whales and marine life, and they point you toward what to watch for—breaches, blows, and feeding behavior.

What you’re hoping to see is specific:

• Minke whales
• Humpback whales
• White-beaked dolphins
• Porpoises

And yes, you might also see just one standout animal. That’s not a failure state—what matters is that you’re out there for long enough, with enough searching, for the sea to give you a real moment.

One strong theme from feedback: the boat size and crew effort help you spot and follow animals. People described a humpback whale they tracked for about 30 minutes, with multiple surface appearances close enough for great photos.

You’ll also get practical extras that improve comfort:

• Free Wi‑Fi on board
• Warm clothing for the whale cruise
• Snacks available after the horse ride (and you can buy light refreshments on the whale boat, or bring your own)

What About Sickness, Seasickness, and Weather?

You don’t control weather. But you can control how you show up.

The tour requires good weather to run properly, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll get an alternative date or a full refund. That matters because sea state affects both comfort and search quality.

For your own comfort, dress like wind is coming to get you—because it usually is. The tour provides warm clothing, but you’ll still want layers that you can adjust. Bring gloves if you run cold, and consider a face covering if you’re sensitive to wind.

The other weather issue is visibility and animal movement. Even in good conditions, whale sightings are never guaranteed because whales move. In the quieter moments, crews do their best and onboard staff keep things lively so you’re not stuck waiting in silence.

If you do experience a non-sighting day, there’s a safety net: in the case of non-sighting tours, you’ll receive a complimentary ticket to use on another boat ride. That’s the kind of policy that helps you book with less stress.

Price and Value: Is $280 Really Worth It?

At $280 per person, this isn’t a cheap afternoon. But when you zoom out, the price starts to make sense because you’re paying for two guided nature activities in one organized package.

Here’s what you’re getting that supports the cost:

• A guided 1.5–2 hour Icelandic horse ride
• A guided 3-hour whale watching cruise with an onboard marine guide
• Warm clothing on both segments
• Safety equipment
• Admission to a wildlife exhibition
• Free Wi‑Fi on board
• Snacks after the horse ride
• A cap of 20 travelers, which usually means more attention and less chaos

What you should plan for: lunch isn’t included. That’s the main extra cost to budget. You can buy light refreshments during the whale cruise or pack your own—so either way, eat before you arrive or plan a midday snack strategy so you don’t run on empty.

Also, a subtle value factor: you’re not spending your day negotiating transport between two separate operators. Pickup is offered, and the schedule is built into one flow.

If your priority is authentic Iceland experiences—horses plus whales—this combo is strong value compared to paying separately and then trying to sync timing.

Logistics That Actually Matter (Pickup, Timing, Capacity)

A few practical notes that can save you stress:

• Start time: 9:00 am. Arrive early enough to check in and board without rushing.
• Pickup may include a walk to the nearest bus stop. If you’re staying far from the pickup point or traveling with mobility limits, confirm it in your voucher.
• The group is capped at 20 travelers. This helps with organization during horse training and usually keeps the boat experience more manageable.
• Minimum age is 12 years, and horse riding has a weight limit of 240 lb / 110 kg.

These aren’t small rules—they determine who can actually ride and how smooth your day will be.

What to Pack: The Stuff That Makes the Day Easier

Because Iceland weather loves surprises, think comfort first. The tour provides warm clothing on both activities, which reduces what you must bring. Still, I’d add these:

• Face protection (mask or scarf) for wind on the horse
• Gloves if you feel cold easily
• Waterproof layers under the provided gear if you run cold in rain
• A light snack plan since lunch isn’t included
• A phone or camera strap—you’ll want both hands on balance at times during the ride

If you’re hoping for photos on the whale cruise, keep your camera ready once the guide starts spotting behavior. The best moments come quickly when a blow appears and the crew reacts.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This works especially well if:

• You want two big nature experiences without moving between different day trips.
• You want a guided whale hunt where the guide helps you look smarter, not just stare.
• You want an Icelandic horse ride even if you’ve never ridden before—basic training is part of the deal.

It may not be ideal if:

• You’re hoping whales are guaranteed. They’re not.
• You can’t meet the 110 kg weight limit for horse riding.
• You need a short day. This one is long by design.

Should You Book This Icelandic Horse and Whale Cruise?

My take: book it if you want one full day that feels authentically Iceland—land on a hardy Icelandic horse, then sea with real marine guidance. The combination is efficient, the group size stays small, and the included warm clothing makes the experience workable even when the sky doesn’t cooperate.

But book with your eyes open about whale sightings. Nature controls the outcome. Still, the tour is set up to handle that with an effort-focused crew and a complimentary ticket if wildlife isn’t spotted.

If you’re traveling with a range of ages or riding experience, this is one of the better ways to keep everyone included—beginners get training, more experienced riders can have options, and safety stays front and center.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding portion?

The horse riding portion runs about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the day’s schedule and conditions.

How long is the whale watching cruise?

The whale watching cruise lasts about 3 hours.

Is pickup from Reykjavík offered?

Pickup is offered, but your voucher may include a short walk to the nearest bus stop—check your confirmation details.

Is lunch included?

No. Snacks are provided after the horse riding portion, and you can purchase light refreshments on the boat or pack your own.

What animals can you look for during the whale watch?

You’ll be looking for minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises in Faxaflói Bay or beyond.

What happens if no wildlife is seen on the whale tour?

If the whale watching part is a non-sighting tour, you’ll receive a complimentary ticket to use on another boat ride.

What are the age and weight limits for the horse riding?

Minimum age is 12 years. For the horse riding element, travelers must weigh less than 240 pounds (110 kg).

What if the tour is canceled due to bad weather?

If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.