Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching Cruise from Reykjavík

This is a fun one-day combo if you want two very Iceland things in a tight schedule, a ride on hardy Icelandic horses plus a whale watching cruise from Reykjavík. The timing is built for a full day, but it still feels split into two clear chapters, get on the horse in the south, then get out on the water to scan for spouts.

I love how the horse part is set up for different skill levels, with real safety guidance and matching horses to riders. Whale watching in Faxaflói Bay is the second big draw, with an onboard guide and free Wi-Fi so you can check in with folks back home between sightings. One consideration is that whale sightings are never guaranteed, and weather can affect what you see that day.

Key highlights to know before you go

• A full-day 2-in-1 experience: horse riding near Hveragerði plus a 3-hour cruise off Reykjavík
• Small group feel with a maximum of 20 travelers, which helps with safety and attention
• Warm clothing on both activities, plus safety equipment for the ride
• Faxaflói Bay wildlife focus: look for minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises
• Good odds with guided spotting on the boat, plus free Wi-Fi to keep you sane while waiting
• No-sighting support: if whales are not seen, you get a complimentary ticket for another boat ride

Riding Icelandic horses through hardened lava near Hveragerði

Your day starts around the Hotel Eldhestar area, with horse time planned at about 1.5 to 2 hours on the ground around Hveragerði. This part is not a flat, beginner-only trail. You’ll ride through hardened lava fields and cross heathland and fields, so you get a real sense of how Iceland looks and feels outside the city.

I like that the tour treats this as an experience, not a test. You get basic guidance before you go out, and the staff pays attention to safety first. If you are a total beginner, you’ll be coached enough to feel comfortable. If you ride more often, you may get options to go faster, including the chance for galloping for experienced riders, but it is not something they force on everyone.

A practical note: there is a weight limit of 240 pounds (110 kg) for the horse riding. If you are close to that threshold, check early so you are not stuck making last-minute changes.

What makes the horse guides and training work

The best part of this section is how the guides keep things controlled while still letting you enjoy the ride. You get necessary safety gear and you’ll have instruction on how to manage the horse at different paces. I also like that the staff can adjust the route and guidance depending on conditions.

If it’s cold or rainy, you are not just left to suffer. Warm clothing is provided, and the overall setup is designed for messy weather. One smart piece of advice from real-world experience is to protect your face. Cold wind plus a horse that can pick up speed means your cheeks can feel it fast, so bring a scarf or face mask if you run cold.

You’ll also get a picture break during the ride, which is a small thing that makes a big difference. It’s the moment you can stop thinking about control for a second and just enjoy where you are.

Wildlife exhibition stop: a quiet but useful add-on

Between the horse portion and the whale watching, the tour includes entry to a wildlife exhibition. The exact exhibits aren’t described in detail here, but the value of this stop is simple: it helps you understand what you’re looking for later.

Even if you’ve read online about Icelandic whales and marine life, seeing it in a local setting makes the cruise feel more meaningful. You’ll be less likely to miss key details because the guide can connect your observations on the water to what you saw on shore.

Cruising Faxaflói Bay with Elding: what to look for

Next up is the Elding Whale Watching cruise. This is a 3-hour outing on the water from Reykjavík, and it’s focused on Faxaflói Bay and waters beyond, depending on where the animals are.

You’ll be scanning for:

• minke whales
• humpback whales
• white-beaked dolphins
• porpoises

The onboard guide matters here. The guide’s job is not just to name species, it’s to help you learn how sightings happen. That includes telling you where to watch, what behaviors can give clues, and when to be ready for a spout.

One practical comfort win is that you get free Wi-Fi on board. On a day when wind and waves make you want a moment to reset, that can be handy for messaging, checking a map, or looking up context for what you just heard.

When you see whales, what it can feel like

On a good day, you can get a lot of repeated sightings. Whale watching is still nature’s call, but when you are on target, the cruise can turn into a session of following the same animals for long enough to get multiple chances for photos.

On other days, you might see less. That’s not a failure, it’s just how wildlife spotting works. If you are going in with flexible expectations, the experience still has value because you’re out on the bay with a guide who actively helps you look.

The meeting points and timing that keep your day smooth

Start time is 9:00 am, and pickup may be offered from your hotel. Keep in mind that pickup might include a walk to the nearest bus stop, so don’t plan to be lounging in your room until the last minute.

For the horse portion, you’ll start at Hotel Eldhestar in the Hveragerði area. For the whale cruise, the end meeting point is at Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, near the Old Harbour district. When you reach the pier, follow the red direction signage to the ticket office.

Also, arrive with time to check in. Whale cruises run on a clock, and the earlier you are settled, the less stressful it is if the weather shifts.

Price and value: what the $280 buys you

At $280 per person, this is not a casual add-on. But it is not just one activity priced high either. You’re paying for two major parts that cost real money on the ground: guided horse riding plus a guided whale watching cruise.

Here’s what you get included:

• 1.5 to 2 hours horse riding with warm clothing, safety equipment, and entry to a wildlife exhibition
• 3 hours whale watching with an onboard guide and free Wi-Fi
• snacks after the horse riding tour
• warm clothing on both tours

What’s not included is lunch. You can buy light refreshments on the boat, or pack your own. I recommend having a plan here. If you show up hungry, the value of a guided day drops fast.

Given you’re spending most of the day in two different environments, the included warm clothing and safety setup are a big part of the value. You are paying for convenience as much as for the animals and the ride.

Weather reality: dress warm and manage what you can control

This is Iceland, so assume wind, rain, and cold can all show up. The good news is you’ll have warm clothing for both parts, and you’ll have safety equipment for the ride. The better news is the guides can help you choose paths and routes that make sense in bad weather.

Still, bring your own sensible layers. If you run cold, protect your face and neck. If you get motion sick easily on boats, consider what you normally use, because you are on open water for 3 hours.

And remember, whale watching is not something you can force. Even with the best guide, you might have days with fewer sightings. That’s why this tour offers a backup option if you do not see wildlife.

Who should book this, and who might want a different plan

This tour works especially well if:

• you want one full day that mixes land and sea without juggling separate bookings
• you want guided help for both horse riding and whale spotting
• you’d rather go in a small group than feel lost in a crowd
• you like the idea of seeing multiple species and learning on the go

It may not be the best match if:

• your main goal is guaranteed whale sightings. Nature decides the schedule.
• you can’t meet the horse riding weight limit.
• you are expecting lunch to be included and you don’t want to plan snacks or onboard purchases.

Should you book this Icelandic horse and whale combo?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a high-value, guided day that turns Iceland into motion. The horse riding is built for real comfort and safety, and the whale cruise has the right ingredients too, time on the water, a guide, and gear that keeps you warm.

Book it especially if you’re the type who enjoys working with a guide to improve your odds. Just go in knowing that whales are not a sure thing, and plan food for the day since lunch is not included. If you’re flexible on sightings and you dress for wind and rain, this is the kind of day that makes Reykjavík feel like more than a stopover.

FAQ

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

The tour runs about 8 hours total, including roughly 1.5 to 2 hours of horse riding and a 3-hour whale watching cruise.

What time does the tour start, and is pickup included?

The start time is 9:00 am. Pickup may be offered from your hotel, but it can include a walk to the nearest bus stop, so check your voucher details.

Where do I meet for the whale watching portion?

Meet at the Elding ticket office at Ægisgarður 5c in Reykjavík, near the Old Harbour district. Follow the red signage to find them at the pier.

What age is the minimum for this tour?

The minimum age is 12 years.

What should I wear, and is warm clothing provided?

You should dress warmly for both activities. Warm clothing is provided on both the horse riding and whale watching parts.

Is lunch included?

No. Only snacks after the horse riding portion are included. You can buy light refreshments on the boat or pack your own.

What species might you see on the whale watching cruise?

The cruise is set up to look for minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises in Faxaflói Bay or beyond.

What happens if there are no wildlife sightings?

If the tour is a non-sighting trip, you will be given a complimentary ticket to use on another boat ride.

Are there any limits for horse riding?

Yes. To take part in the horse riding element, travelers must weigh less than 240 pounds (110 kg).