Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik

Horse and whales, timed perfectly. This Reykjavik combo sends you out of town for a small-group ride on Icelandic horses, then follows with a high-speed boat cruise into Faxaflói Bay for a serious shot at whales and dolphins. You’ll get local guidance all day, so it feels less like ticking boxes and more like getting two genuinely Iceland experiences in one run.

I like that the ride is built for real humans, not just experts: helmets, rubber boots, and rain gear are provided, and the Icelandic horses’ smooth tölt gait makes the rough ground easier on your body. I also like the way the staff adjust the pace, often splitting riders into slower and faster groups, so beginners aren’t stuck feeling out of control. The main consideration is that wildlife viewing is never guaranteed, and fog or weather can mean fewer sightings or even a cancellation.

Key things I’d watch for

• Small group size (max 5) for a calmer horse experience and more attention from your guide
• Tölt gait on Icelandic horses for a smoother ride over lava and moorland
• Photo stops built into the route, so you’re not just riding straight past the good stuff
• Fast boat to feeding grounds (about 20–30 minutes) in Faxaflói Bay
• Warm overalls and Wi‑Fi so deck time isn’t miserable and you’re not stuck offline

Why This Reykjavik Combo Feels Less Like a Factory Tour

This tour works because it’s paced like a real day, not an assembly line. You’re picked up in Reykjavik, driven out for the horse part, then sent back toward the Old Harbor for the whale cruise. The timing is tight, but it’s also efficient in a good way: you spend daylight doing things that are hard to DIY.

The other big advantage is the group size. With a maximum of 5 people, you’re less likely to feel swallowed by the crowd. That matters twice: first when you’re handling horses with a guide nearby, and again when everyone is trying to find whales through wind, spray, and moving water.

From Hotel Pickup to Ishestar Stables: The Morning Setup

Your day starts at 10:00 am, typically with hotel pickup around Reykjavik. You’ll head to Ishestar Horse Riding Centre (Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður). In other words: you’re not stuck in central Reykjavik the whole time. You’re leaving the city early enough to reach proper countryside riding before the weather shifts.

At the stables, the tour focuses on getting you ready fast and safely. Expect a helmet to go on before you ride, plus a safety briefing from the guide. For comfort, the experience includes riding helmet, rubber boots, and rainwear/warm clothing during the ride. That’s a big deal in Iceland, because it’s easy to show up wearing the wrong layer and then spend the next two hours shivering.

There are also clear rider requirements:

• Minimum age to ride: 7 years old
• Weight limit: 110 kg / 240 lbs
• Kids 14+ need written parental permission to ride alone

Helmet On: Icelandic Horses and the Smooth Tölt

This is the kind of riding tour where the horses do most of the work for you. Icelandic horses are known for their tölt, a four-beat gait that tends to feel steadier than many other riding gaits. In plain terms: your seat has a better chance of staying relaxed while you cross uneven ground.

The guide matches you with a horse based on experience, and then you’re given time to settle in. One review story highlighted how helpful the staff were for someone nervous around horses, including a guide named Sarah who made the experience feel easier from the start. That kind of support is exactly what you want on a first Iceland ride.

After you’re equipped and briefed, you ride out along trails through remote areas. You can expect a photo-friendly pause now and then, but the ride also stays active enough that it doesn’t feel like a sightseeing walk with a saddle strapped on.

The Lava-Field Trails and the Photo-Friendly Ride Pace

You’ll spend about 2.5 hours riding after your arrival at the stables. The route takes in lava-covered ground, plus moorland and fields that feel far from the city. Even if you’re not a hardcore photographer, this area is built for pictures: dark lava textures, pale skies, and the contrast of bright horses moving across the ground.

One of the most appreciated details is how the guides handle pace. Many rides split into two groups: a steadier group and a faster group. That setup helps you avoid the most common mismatch in horse tours, where beginners end up stressed trying to keep up. It also gives more confident riders room to move at a pace that feels like fun instead of frantic.

A small but telling detail from feedback: if a child was nervous, staff could hand-walk the horse for that rider. That doesn’t turn the day into a watered-down experience. It just keeps everyone safer and calmer.

Coffee Break and the Quick Transfer to Old Harbor

When you return to the stables after the ride, you don’t just rush out and disappear. You get coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. It sounds small, but it’s smart after cold, damp riding time. It also keeps the transition smoother before the whale part.

Next comes the transfer back to Reykjavik, landing you at Old Harbor. The plan includes free time for lunch (you pay for your own food). This is one of the few gaps in the schedule where you can decide what you want, rather than eating whatever is closest to the dock.

High-Speed Whale Watching in Faxaflói Bay: What You Can See

The whale watching portion uses a high-speed boat designed for comfort and quick access to whale areas. After boarding, it’s about 20–30 minutes out to the feeding grounds. That matters because time on the water is the whole game, and whales move on their own schedule.

Once you’re underway, you’ll put on warm overalls and either sit in the cabin or head out to the deck. You can also use onboard Wi‑Fi, which is handy if you’re planning the rest of your Reykjavik evening. The boat has commentary during the cruise, so you’re not just staring at water like it’s a TV screen. You’ll be guided on what to watch for and what sightings can look like at different distances.

The bay’s most common species listed for this area include:

• Minke whales
• Humpback whales
• Harbour porpoises
• White-beaked dolphins

You might also catch seabirds and other wildlife along the way, based on sightings people have reported during their time on the boat. If you’re coming for whales specifically, keep your camera ready, but also keep your eyes up when your phone battery is fighting for survival.

No Whales, No Problem: The Try-Again Ticket and Weather Reality

Here’s the truth about whale watching: your odds are good, not guaranteed. Even with a guide who actively searches, whales can be far from the boat, and weather can change what you can see.

This tour includes a very practical safety net: if you don’t see whales or dolphins, you’ll receive a complimentary ticket to try again. That’s a real value add, because whale watching is the one part of the day you can’t fully control with planning.

That said, some people have experienced disappointments due to weather like fog, including cases where whale watching didn’t happen as expected. So if your travel schedule is tight and you can’t flex on another day, I’d treat this like an exciting bonus rather than a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

Price and Value: What Your $233 Is Actually Buying

At $233.08 per person for roughly 5.5 hours, this combo has a lot going for it, especially because it bundles two activities that are usually sold separately.

What you’re paying for isn’t just the view. You’re getting:

• A professional guide for both parts
• Riding gear (helmet, boots, rainwear/warm clothing)
• Warm overalls for the boat
• Hot drinks after the ride
• Onboard Wi‑Fi
• A try-again ticket if there are no sightings

If you booked horseback riding and whale watching separately, you’d typically pay separate guide services, separate equipment needs, and separate transport coordination. Here, the value is in the setup: you get one day plan that links the two experiences.

Also, the small group size is a hidden cost saver. It doesn’t make the trip cheap, but it changes the feel. When there are only up to 5 people, the guide can actually watch you, talk with you, and adjust the ride without it turning into a rushed herding situation.

What to Wear and Bring for Deck Time and Saddle Time

Dress like Iceland can’t decide on the weather. The tour operates in a variety of conditions, so layering is your friend.

For the ride, the tour provides rainwear/warm clothing, plus rubber boots. Still, I’d wear clothes you can move in easily and accept that you might get damp. Helmets and boots take care of the big-ticket items, but your base layers matter.

For the boat, you’ll get warm overalls, but you should still plan for wind and cold deck conditions. Even when you use the indoor cabin, you’ll likely want some deck time for spotting whales. Reviews consistently stress bringing warmth seriously, because it can feel chilly once you’re out on the water, even if you’re not freezing the whole time.

Bring:

• A warm layer for under the overalls
• A hat or hood you don’t mind losing to Icelandic wind
• Gloves you can use with a camera

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This combo is a good fit for people who want variety without spending the whole day on logistics. The horseback portion works well for beginners because the staff can match your horse to experience and can split riders into different pace groups.

It’s also a good match if you like photo opportunities. Between lava-field riding and the high-speed boat ride, you’ll have multiple chances to catch the scenery and wildlife.

It may be less ideal if you’re coming only for whale sightings with zero tolerance for disappointment. The whale portion is subject to weather and animal behavior. If your schedule doesn’t allow flexibility, you’ll still enjoy the boat ride and the search, but you shouldn’t bank on always seeing whales or dolphins.

How to Avoid Common Day-Trip Problems Like Missed Pickups

This tour runs on a schedule, so small delays can matter. One story shared that a missed pickup due to time lost during airport customs turned into a scramble. The staff helped sort it out by calling and coordinating a workaround so the rider could still reach the stables.

That’s comforting, but it also means you should plan smarter than you think you need to. If your day includes flights or late arrivals, aim to build extra time. For the whale portion, you also want to arrive on time at Old Harbor so you’re not sprinting across the dock in wind.

If you want hotel transfers, note that they may involve an extra fee and you should confirm details directly with the supplier. It’s one more reason to check everything the day before.

The Bottom Line: Book It or Skip It?

I’d book this if you want an efficient Reykjavik day that hits two iconic Iceland experiences: riding Icelandic horses with a smooth gait and then searching for whales in Faxaflói Bay on a fast, comfortable boat. The small-group setup and provided gear make it feel more manageable, and the try-again ticket helps protect you against the one thing you can’t control.

Skip it if whales are your only goal and you cannot handle the reality of fog, distance, or a no-sighting day. In that case, pick a plan that gives you more backup options that fit your schedule.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Icelandic horse riding and whale watching tour?

The duration is about 5 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the horse riding part start?

Horse riding starts at Ishestar Horse Riding Centre, Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

How many people are in the group?

This experience has a maximum of 5 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What are the age and weight limits for riding?

The age limit is 7 years old to ride. The weight limit is 110 kg / 240 lbs.

What gear is included for horseback riding?

You’ll be provided with a riding helmet, rubber boots, and rainwear/warm clothing.

What should I wear for the boat portion?

You’ll get warm overalls for the boat tour. You should still dress warmly because you may spend time on deck.

What whale species might you see in Faxaflói Bay?

The listed common sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, harbour porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins.

What happens if no whales or dolphins are spotted?

If nothing is seen on the whale watching tour, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again on the next available day.

FAQ