Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik

Experience the thrill of horseback riding through Icelandic moors and lava fields, then embark on a whale watching cruise in Faxaflói Bay. Suitable for all abilities.

Duration: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Begin your adventure with a pickup from your Reykjavik hotel and head to the stables located just outside the city. During the drive, discover fascinating facts about Iceland’s native horses, a breed that traces its lineage back to horses brought to the island in the 10th century. These small horses are renowned for their tölt, a four-beat gait that ensures a smooth ride over the rugged landscape.

After donning your helmet, listen to a safety briefing, and then follow your knowledgeable guide out of the stables. Pause to capture photos of the lava-covered scenery, and continue along trails that meander through remote moorland and fields.

After approximately 2.5 hours, return to the stables and transfer to Reykjavik Old Harbor. Enjoy some free time for lunch (at your own expense), and then board your high-speed boat. Ideal for whale watching, this modern boat is both fast and comfortable, reaching the feeding grounds in just 20-30 minutes.

Put on your coveralls and choose a spot on deck or in the indoor cabin. Then, take in the views and listen to informative commentary as you cruise into Faxaflói Bay. The bay is home to four commonly sighted species: minke whales, humpback whales, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins. Keep your camera ready to capture these magnificent creatures! In the rare event that no whales or dolphins are spotted, you will receive a complimentary ticket for another trip.

Refresh yourself with snacks and drinks from the onboard cafe, if desired, and then return to the harbor. Conclude your tour with a hotel drop-off (if the option is selected).

Points of Interest

  • Special Tours

  • Hafnarfjordur

What's Included
  • Onboard Wi-Fi
  • Use of warm overalls during the boat tour
  • Free retry ticket for the whale watching tour if no sightings occur
  • Complimentary hot beverages post-horse riding tour
  • Expert guides on all tours
  • Provided gear for horseback riding, including helmet, boots, and all-weather clothing
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks (unless otherwise stated)
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel transfers (available for an additional fee - please contact supplier directly).
Additional Information

Embark on an Icelandic horse riding adventure and whale watching expedition, all in one day trip from Reykjavik. This experience, which is appropriate for any skill level, begins with a serene 1.5-2 hour horse ride through tranquil moors and rugged lava terrains. Take a leisurely lunch break at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour before setting sail across the expansive Faxaflói Bay towards popular whale sighting locations. Keep an eye out for spectacular whales, playful dolphins, and elusive porpoises!

  • Operates in a variety weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Please note that sightings of wildlife cannot be guaranteed - if there are no sightings on your tour you will receive a complimentary ticket to try again on the next available day!
  • Hotel pick up: please contact supplier directly to confirm pick-up details if you would like to purchase hotel transfers.
  • Horse Riding Tour: The age limit to ride on this tour is 7 years old. Children 14 years or older need written parental permission to ride alone.
  • Horse Riding Tour: The weight limit for riding our horses is 110 kg/240 lbs.
Location
Ishestar Horse Riding Centre
Sörlaskeið
If you would like the optional hotel pick-up for an additional fee (3.500 ISK per person), Íshestar will pick you up starting at 9:00. If you are self-driving we kindly ask that you arrive to the stables no later than 9:30. The stables are a 20 minute drive from the city center.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(39 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Nancy_v
Jul 7, 2024
Riding and whale watching ! - We had an amazing ride and the landscape was beautiful ! The guides were friendly and helpful. They even split us into groups based on riding experience and ability so I would recommend this to even experienced riders. Icelandic ponies are so much fun to ride! We had four whale sightings on our tour too !
Review provided by Viator
Martha_r
Apr 19, 2024
Full day - I thoroughly enjoyed riding the horses. I wish we could’ve tried out more gaits than we did. And we found a few humpbacks and spent time with them and the birds. We also saw a porpoise and some puffins.
Review provided by Viator
Juliet_m
Dec 29, 2023
Sunrise horse riding experience-amazing! - The guides on the riding experience….. amazing team effort from the all, even with the most awkwardly inexperienced rider like me…… they were great and very attentive. Watching the sun rise on a horse; beautiful scenery and snow was a memory I’ll never forget.
Review provided by Viator
Christopher_r
Dec 18, 2023
Horse riding - Whale watching was unfortunately cancelled due to the weather but horse riding in the snow was amazing. Staff were brilliant.
Review provided by Viator
Srinivas_m
Nov 11, 2023
Great experience - Very good locations and operators were really good in their service! Everything is expensive in Iceland but thinis worth it. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Polly_b
Oct 6, 2023
The boat was very... - The boat was very comfortable, the commentator was fun and knowledgeable. I appreciated the efficiency of your whole operation.
Review provided by Viator
Elizabeth_m
Sep 24, 2023
Horses and Volcanoes - This excursion was amazing! The staff at the stable was kind and patient with inexperienced riders while letting equestrians have a truly exhilarating experience. Do not miss this!
Review provided by Viator
Vladislav_k
Jan 15, 2024
Horses was great... - Horses was great experience, just a horses I would rate all 5 stars Whale watch was not good due to fog weather and I believe they was supposed to cancell( never saw whales) they said I can reschedule for free next time but I had no availability in my schedule due other activities were scheduled I dont think I will be in Island soon again , disappointed
Review provided by Viator
Dennisdonald
Sep 18, 2023
Nice horse riding experience. - Horseback riding was very well done and an enjoyable experience. Guide even took me on a solo ride in order to ride faster than the group. Unfortunately, we saw NO whales on the whale watching trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Barbara_m
Sep 17, 2023
1st part excellant, 2nd part failed - The horses were fabulous. I really enjoyed going through all 5 of the horses gaits. If it weren't for the whale watching, I would have rated 5 stars. No whales sighted which would seem to be almost impossible since this is the largest whale colony of these whales. There were 5 large boats chasing each others tails like the kids in a Pee Wee soccer game. HUGE disappointment. I would recommend taking separating tours for the horses from the whales and take independent tours. Whales were spotted in the morning tours -- this tour had the whales in the afternoon
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today