Do I need horseback riding experience?

No. This tour is designed for beginner and limited-experience riders. Icelandic horses are calm and stable. If you're an advanced rider, contact the operator to arrange a more challenging alternative.

What are the age and weight limits?

Minimum age is 8 years. Maximum weight is 110 kg (242.5 lbs) for horse riding. Age restrictions may differ for whale watching; check with the operator for passengers under 8.

Is hotel pickup really included?

Yes. You'll be picked up from the nearest bus stop to your hotel between 8:15–8:45 a.m. and returned after the riding tour. Make sure to select your hotel from the dropdown during booking.

How much time do I spend riding?

The horseback riding portion is 1.5–2 hours total, including stops and walk-throughs. The full tour runs 8 hours door-to-door.

What's included in the price (EUR 245)?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, whale-watching tour, seabird viewing, horseback riding, and guide services. Meals and any personal expenses are extra.

Waterproof jacket and warm layers for the boat; waterproof trousers or chaps for riding; closed-toe hiking boots or riding boots; hat and gloves (even in summer, ocean winds are cold). Avoid loose clothing that could frighten the horses.

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Reykjavík Whales & Horses

(3)

Reykjavík, Iceland

Horseback RidingWhale WatchingSafari & WildlifeNature Tours

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About this activity

Combine Iceland's most iconic wildlife experiences in one day: morning whale watching in Faxaflói Bay followed by afternoon riding on sure-footed Icelandic horses through volcanic landscapes. This dual-activity tour lets you encounter marine life and connect with one of the world's most distinctive horse breeds, all within a few hours of Reykjavík.

Whale Watching with Elding and Lava Horse Riding tour with Íshestar

This tour combines two fun activities that are perfect for nature and animal lovers! Before or after exploring the whales and seabirds of Faxaflói bay it is ideal to ride around on the Icelandic horse, on excellent riding paths, surrounded by beautiful nature all around you. The combo includes pickup, so please make sure to select your hotel from the dropdown list in the booking process.

The horse riding tour is for riders with limited experience and gives a fantastic opportunity to get to know the friendly, yet sturdy, Icelandic horse. For a more advanced riding experience, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will assist you with booking a more challenging tour.

Age limit: 8 yrs.

Weight limit: 110 kg. / 242,5 lbs.

09:00 departure Whale watching in the morning and an afternoon horseback riding.

You will be picked up from your the bus stop nearest to your hotel by Elding's shuttle bus between 8:15 and 8:45 for the whale watching tour starting at 9:00 from the Old Harbour. After exploring the wonders of the whales and seabirds Faxaflói offers, you return to the harbour around 12:00 and have some free time in the area to get ready for the next tour. Around 12:45 you'll be picked up in front of Elding's ticket office by Íshestar's shuttle bus for the horseback riding tour. The total riding time is 1,5 to 2 hrs. including stops. After the horseback riding you will be returned to your hotel or designated bus stop by Íshestar's shuttle bus.

Available: 1 February to 30 November

Duration: 8-9 hours (including transfers)

Pick up: 8:15-8:45 (please make sure to select your hotel from the dropdown list)

10:00 departure Horseback riding in the morning and whale watching in the afternoon.

You will be picked up from the bus stop nearest your hotel by Íshestar shuttle bus around 9:00-9:30 for the horse back riding. The total riding time is 1,5 to 2 hrs. including stops. After the horseback riding you will be driven back to Reykjavík's Old Harbour by Íshestar's shuttle bus for the whale watching tour starting at 13:00. After exploring the wonders of the whales and seabirds Faxaflói offers you return to the harbour around 16:00 where Elding's shuttle bus will be ready and waiting to drop you off at your hotel or designated bus stop.

Available: All year round

Duration: 8-9 hours (including transfers)

Pick up: 9:00-9:30 (please make sure to select your hotel from the dropdown list)

14:00 departure Horseback riding in the afternoon and whale watching in the evening.
You will be picked up from the bus stop nearest your hotel by Íshestar shuttle bus around 13:00-13:30 for the horse back riding. The total riding time is 1,5 to 2 hrs. including stops. After the horseback riding you will be driven back to Reykjavík's Old Harbour by Íshestar's shuttle bus for the whale watching tour starting at 17:00. After exploring the wonders of the whales and seabirds Faxaflói offers you return to the harbour around 20:00 where Elding's shuttle bus will be ready and waiting to drop you off at your hotel designated bus stop.
Available: 1 June - 30 September
Duration: 8-9 hours (including transfers)
Pick up: 13:00-13:30 (please make sure to select your hotel from the dropdown list)

Highlights

✓Whale and seabird spotting in Faxaflói Bay from a dedicated tour boat
✓Ride authentic Icelandic horses—small, sturdy, and perfectly suited to rough terrain
✓1.5–2 hour guided horseback tour through lava fields and natural Icelandic scenery
✓Hotel pickup and drop-off included; no need to arrange separate transport
✓Beginner-friendly riding; no prior experience required

Insider tips

★Bring layers and waterproof outer clothing for the boat—ocean conditions can be cool and spray is common even in calmer seas
★The free time between whale watching (ending ~12:00) and horse riding (starting ~12:45) is tight; grab a quick bite at Old Harbour cafés rather than venturing far
★Icelandic horses are calm and forgiving; their steady gait makes them ideal if you're nervous about riding

Good to know

•Minimum age 8 years; maximum weight 110 kg (242.5 lbs) for horse riding
•Hotel pickup runs 8:15–8:45 a.m. from the nearest bus stop to your accommodation; confirm your hotel in booking
•Wear warm, waterproof layers for both activities; the boat can be wet and the riding exposed
•Total time commitment is 8 hours including transport, breaks, and return to hotel

Who it's for

Wildlife enthusiasts wanting to maximize encounters in one outingFamilies with children aged 8+ who want a mix of active and observational activitiesBeginner horse riders seeking a non-intimidating introduction to horsemanshipNature lovers interested in Icelandic ecosystems and endemic horse breeds

Best time to visit

Spring through autumn (May–September) offers the best whale sightings and pleasant riding weather. Morning whale watches tend to have calmer seas; book earlier in the season for higher wildlife encounter rates.