Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching Cruise from Reykjavík

A day that hits two Iceland classics at once. You’ll ride a small Icelandic horse through rugged, lava-scarred ground near Hveragerði, then switch gears to an Elding whale watching cruise in Faxaflói Bay with an onboard guide calling out what to look for. The big drawback is simple: whale sightings depend on nature, and weather can limit what you see.

What I like most is how the day balances adventure with comfort. The horse portion is guided for beginners, and the whale cruise includes onboard interpretation plus helpful spotting tips. Even in nasty weather, this tour is built around staying warm and safe, which matters a lot on Iceland days.

One more thing to know before you commit: there’s no lunch included, so plan for snacks after riding and either buy light refreshments on the boat or bring your own.

Key takeaways before you go

• Icelandic horses, guided for real beginners, with horses matched to experience level.
• Hveragerði lava fields and a 1.5 to 2 hour ride that feels like you escaped the city.
• Elding cruise time is a full 3 hours in Faxaflói Bay, guided from the water.
• Warm clothing and safety gear are included, which is a huge value in cold, wet months.
• Whale sightings are not guaranteed, but non-sighting trips come with a complimentary ticket for another boat ride.
• Maximum group size is 20, so you’re not lost in a crowd on the ride or on the boat.

Enter Hótel Eldhestar, then head to Hveragerði’s lava fields

Your day starts at Hótel Eldhestar, a natural first stop because it sets the tone for the whole outing. From there, you’ll get your horse riding portion, generally about 1.5 to 2 hours total, timed so you’re not exhausted before the cruise.

The ride itself takes you through hardened lava terrain around Hveragerði, a town famous for hot springs. Expect rough ground, big-open views, and that distinct Iceland feeling of rock, moss, and wind. This is not a flat, indoor-style “tour ride.” You’ll cross heathland and fields on a hardy Icelandic horse, the kind bred to handle Iceland’s conditions.

The guides do a lot of the heavy lifting for comfort. If you’re new, you get basic training so you know what your hands and legs should do. If you’re more experienced, you may be allowed more speed than a beginner pace, but no one is forced into anything risky or uncomfortable.

What the included “wildlife exhibition” admission actually gives you

The tour includes an admission ticket to a wildlife exhibition as part of the Hótel Eldhestar stop. That matters because it turns the wait around before or after your ride into something more than standing around and hoping you’ll remember to stretch.

If you like learning even while you’re moving through a day, this fits nicely with the whale cruise later. You get a chance to connect the animals you see on the water with what Iceland’s wildlife looks like on land and in exhibits.

Timing can be a little variable depending on how fast the riding groups move, but plan for this stop to feel like a short “learn and relax” window. You’re then heading straight into the next half of the day with a fuller context for what you might spot.

Whale watching with Elding in Faxaflói Bay: what to look for

After riding, you’ll shift from land to sea for a 3-hour whale watching cruise with Elding. The location is Faxaflói Bay, one of the best-known areas off Reykjavík for marine life, where you can often see whales and dolphins close enough to enjoy without frantic searching.

Your onboard guide provides insight during the cruise. That’s not just trivia. It changes your experience because you start scanning the water with purpose, not just watching randomly for “something to pop up.” You learn where to look, what behaviors might mean a whale is surfacing, and which sightings are more likely at that moment.

Common sightings in this area can include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises. Reviews also mention humpbacks and multiple mink whale sightings, including trips where whales surfaced repeatedly enough to get good photos.

Now, the reality check. Even with a strong guide and a solid plan, whales are still wild animals. Weather can make spotting harder, and some days simply produce fewer sightings. I’d treat “species listed” as a best-odds goal, not a promise.

How the guides and safety setup make the day feel easier

This is one of those tours where the staff quality really shows. On the horse ride, guides help people feel safe and comfortable, including those with little or no experience. One of the most reassuring details is that riders are matched with a horse based on experience, so beginners are not thrown onto the most energetic mount.

You’ll also be given necessary safety equipment for the horse portion. Add warm clothing on both tours and it becomes easier to focus on enjoying the ride instead of fighting the cold.

Photo opportunities come up in the experience too. One review specifically calls out picture breaks during the ride, and another notes guides helped keep the timing and comfort right even when rain fell all day.

For the whale cruise, the guide’s role continues. Reviews mention the guide helping the group spot whales and sharing tips on where to look. On a smaller boat, that kind of guidance can turn a slow scan into a focused watch, and it’s a big reason people describe the whale portion as well run.

Weather, warmth, and what to pack so you stay comfortable

Iceland weather is famous for switching moods. This tour helps you handle it because warm clothing is included for both activities, and safety gear is provided for riding. That reduces the chance you’ll arrive unprepared and then feel miserable half the day.

One rider mentioned that rain gear kept them dry and warm all day, and guides adjusted routes based on weather conditions, advising which rivers and paths to avoid. That’s exactly what you want: small, practical decisions that keep the ride enjoyable instead of turning it into a struggle.

For what to bring, focus on warmth and dryness where it matters most:

• Gloves you can grip with comfortably
• A warm layer for wind on the boat
• Shoes with good traction for uneven ground

Also, one review recommends bringing a face mask because horses can go faster and the cold breeze can hit your face hard. Even if your tour day is not freezing, that wind off the water can sneak up on you.

Lunch is not included. You’ll have snacks after the horse riding tour, and during the whale watching cruise you can purchase light refreshments onboard or pack your own. I like having a small personal backup, because a full-day schedule can make you hungry at an inconvenient time.

Price and value: why $280 can feel fair here

At $280 per person, this is not a budget throwaway day. But when you break it down, the price starts to make more sense.

You’re paying for a full day with two guided activities:

• A guided horse ride through rugged Iceland terrain, plus warm clothing and safety gear
• A 3-hour guided whale cruise with an onboard guide, plus free Wi-Fi on board
• Entry to a wildlife exhibition
• Snacks after the horse riding portion

In Iceland, cold weather equipment and trained guiding are not optional extras. They’re part of what keeps things safe and comfortable, and that’s a big part of the “value” you’re buying, not just time on an itinerary.

The other value factor is group size. With a maximum of 20 travelers, you’re less likely to feel crowded during instruction or when you’re trying to see wildlife. It also helps the guide manage people more effectively, especially on the ride.

One more practical tip: this tour is commonly booked about 49 days in advance on average. That doesn’t mean you can’t find space later, but if you’re traveling in peak season or on popular weekdays, earlier booking can reduce stress.

Whale sightings and the season reality you can plan for

Let’s be honest: you are going to Iceland for the whales, but you can’t control whale behavior. This tour does include a couple of protections.

First, it requires good weather for the experience to run as planned. If conditions are poor enough that the tour is canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Second, if you have a non-sighting situation, you receive a complimentary ticket to use on another boat ride. That’s a meaningful safety net, because it acknowledges the core issue: wild animals and variable conditions.

One review raised a concern about timing and season when no wildlife was seen, and another trip had only one whale and one dolphin. The takeaway for you is simple. Pick a realistic window for whale watching, and don’t build your entire itinerary around one single hope of perfect sightings.

Who this tour suits best in South Iceland and Reykjavík

This is a strong match if you want a single day that includes both land and sea, without having to coordinate separate activities yourself.

It’s especially appealing if you like guided experiences but don’t want something overly technical. For horse riding, the tour is designed so most travelers can participate, including people with little to no riding experience. Guides provide basic training so you’re not starting from zero with zero help.

It can also be a good family option in the right age range. The minimum age is 12 years, and reviews include a grandparent and granddaughter mix that worked well, with staff keeping everyone safe and comfortable.

The main limitation is the horse riding weight requirement. To take part in the riding element, travelers must weigh less than 240 pounds (110 kg). If you’re above that limit, you’ll need to skip the riding part, because that condition is part of eligibility for the horse portion.

Should you book this Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching combo?

If you want a full, high-contrast Reykjavík day that pairs hands-on Icelandic riding with a guided sea-watch, I think this is a solid choice. The combination is efficient, and the included warm clothing, safety gear, and guided instruction make it much easier to enjoy even if the weather turns wet or windy.

Book it if you:

• Want both the horse experience and the Elding whale cruise in one day
• Like the idea of a small group, up to 20 people
• Are okay with the reality that whale sightings are not guaranteed

Skip it or reconsider if:

• Your schedule is extremely tight and you cannot handle a different date if weather cancels the tour
• You’re counting on a specific whale species with zero flexibility
• You need lunch included, because only snacks are provided after riding

If you’re prepared for nature’s odds, dress warm, and show up on time, this tour is the kind of day that makes Iceland feel close-up, not packaged.

FAQ

What time does the Icelandic horse riding and whale watching tour start?

The tour start time is 9:00 am.

How long is the horse riding portion?

The horse riding portion is about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the flow of the day.

How long is the whale watching cruise?

The whale watching cruise is 3 hours.

Where do I meet for the whale watching part in Reykjavík?

You meet at the Elding ticket office located at Ægisgarður 5c, by the Old Harbour district.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered, but your pickup location may include a walk to the nearest bus stop. Check your voucher for details.

What is included for the horse riding experience?

You get entry to the wildlife exhibition, warm clothing, necessary safety equipment, snacks after the horse riding, and an experienced guide.

Is lunch included?

No. You get snacks after the horse riding, and you can purchase light refreshments on board the whale watching tour or pack your own.

What are the age and weight requirements for horse riding?

The minimum age is 12 years, and for the horse riding element you must weigh less than 240 pounds (110 kg).