If you like animals and big Iceland views, this day works. It pairs a guided horse ride on hardy Icelandic horses with a 3-hour cruise to look for whales and dolphins.

The best part for me is the hands-on horse time: you ride in rugged lava country near Hveragerði, usually with enough coaching for beginners to feel in control. I also like that the whale cruise is run by Elding with an onboard guide, plus onboard WiFi and warm gear so you stay comfortable.

One thing to plan around: whale sightings depend on the day and the weather, so you may leave with fewer animals than you hoped.

Key moments to look forward to

• Icelandic horses matched to your experience, so beginners can take it slow and confident riders can go faster
• Warm clothing on both parts, plus safety gear, which matters fast in Reykjavík-area wind and rain
• 3 hours on the water with Elding, in Faxaflói Bay and possibly beyond
• Onboard whale and marine-life guide, with practical help for spotting blows and surfacing
• Wildlife exhibition entry included, so you get context before you scan the water
• Max 20 travelers, which keeps the day from feeling chaotic

Price and what you get for $280

At $280 per person for an 8-hour day, this tour is priced like a true full-day activity, not a quick add-on. You are paying for two guided experiences that both require staff, boats, safety systems, and cold-weather gear.

What’s included is important:

• 1.5–2 hours of horse riding with training and safety equipment
• 3-hour whale watching cruise with an onboard guide and free WiFi
• Warm clothing for both tours
• Entry to a wildlife exhibition and snacks after the horse ride
• Staff support throughout, with guides focused on keeping everyone safe

Two small trade-offs to be aware of. Lunch is not included, so plan to eat before you start or buy something during the cruise when options are available. And since whales are wild animals, the day can range from amazing sightings to just a few animals.

Entering the day at Hótel Eldhestar (with real time to gear up)

Your day starts at 9:00 am at Hótel Eldhestar in Ölfus (near Hveragerði, the hot springs town). If you get pickup, remember there may be a walk from your hotel to the nearest bus stop. You’ll want to arrive early enough to check in and get settled.

Once you’re there, you’re not thrown straight onto a horse and hoped for the best. The setup is built for a mixed group, including complete beginners, so you get instruction and safety guidance first. That matters because riding in Iceland isn’t just a flat trail stroll. You’re heading into uneven ground and weather can turn quickly.

Then you’re off—first with the horses, and later with the boat.

Icelandic horses at the ready: training, safety, and comfort

The horse element of this tour is built around the idea that the Icelandic horse is hardy and manageable, and the guides treat it like a coaching session, not a test. You’ll ride small, hardy Icelandic horses and you’ll be given the necessary safety equipment.

The tour also has a clear physical requirement: to ride, you must weigh under 240 lb (110 kg). The minimum age is 12 years. Most people can participate, but if you’re on the edge of the weight limit, double-check your status before you book.

Comfort details are not an afterthought here. You get warm clothing and the guides help you avoid trouble spots when conditions are rough. Even on rainy days, the day is designed so you stay warm enough to enjoy the ride, not just endure it.

Riding through Hveragerði’s lava fields and hot-springs countryside

You’ll spend roughly 1.5–2 hours riding through rugged terrain around Hveragerði. The route is described as hardened lava fields, with heathland and fields you cross on horseback.

In practical terms, what that means for you:

• You’ll see Iceland in a different way than from a car—closer to the ground, and with more time to notice textures in moss, rocks, and lava formations.
• The pace feels steady and varied. Guides can route you based on experience, so you don’t get stuck on the same slow pattern if you’re comfortable riding.
• You can still have fun if you’re new. Training is basic but real, and you’re not expected to already know horse language.

A nice detail to plan for: this is the part of your day where you might want to stop and look around. You’re moving through a place that feels otherworldly, and horses make you slow down in a good way.

Whale watching with Elding: 3 hours in Faxaflói Bay

After the horse ride, you shift to the harbor side of Reykjavík and meet Elding Whale Watching at the ticket office at Ægisgarður 5c, near the Old Harbour district. Once you’re there, you’ll follow the red signage to find the right place at the pier.

The cruise runs for about 3 hours. You’re in Iceland’s biggest bay system for whale watching, commonly associated with Faxaflói Bay, and the guide may take you farther if conditions allow.

What you can look for includes:

• Minke whales
• Humpback whales
• White-beaked dolphins
• Porpoises

And yes, you’re not just scanning with your own eyes. The onboard guide shares facts about whales and marine life, and the guide also helps you know where to look for surfacing and blows. That guidance can make a huge difference when the action is brief.

You’ll also get free WiFi on board, which is handy if you want to share photos immediately while the moment is still fresh.

How the spotting game actually works (and how to stay sane)

Whale watching is one of those activities that feels simple until you’re out there in real wind, real spray, and real water patterns. The important thing to know is that sightings are never guaranteed—and the same trip can look wildly different from one day to the next.

Here’s how to tilt the odds in your favor without stressing:

• Dress for cold and wet. Even when it’s not freezing, Reykjavík-area wind makes it feel sharp fast.
• Stay ready during the whole 3-hour period. Animals can show up early or late.
• Listen to the guide. Quick changes in direction and focus are often the key to spotting.

If a day ends up being a low-sighting one, there’s a clear safety net: in the case of non-sighting tours, you’ll receive a complimentary ticket to use on another boat ride.

Small group energy: why max 20 travelers matters

This tour is capped at a maximum of 20 travelers. That may not sound huge, but on a full-day tour it makes your experience calmer.

You get:

• More personal attention during the horse training and safety checks
• A better chance of hearing the guide’s instructions clearly on the boat
• Faster movement through the day, with less time waiting around in the cold

The group size also supports photo moments. The horse guides often create a picture break so you can capture the ride without abandoning your safety instructions. On the cruise, the guide may also help with spotting so you spend less time guessing and more time watching.

Timing and flow: a true 8-hour day that still feels manageable

You’re out for about 8 hours total. The structure is simple: horse riding first, then whale watching. You’ll be back in Reykjavík by the early evening, which makes this a good choice if you don’t want to lose your whole day to one long transit.

A realistic way to plan your day around it:

• Have breakfast before you go (since lunch isn’t included).
• Expect that the horse portion is active, even with beginners.
• On the whale cruise, keep your hands free for viewing and photos. You’ll want both eyes on the water.

Snacks are provided after the horse ride, so you’re not left totally empty-handed between activities.

What could go wrong (and what to do about it)

The biggest risks here are predictable and worth planning around:

Weather: This is an outdoor day. You’ll still ride and cruise if conditions are safe, but cold rain and wind are part of the Iceland package. The tour includes warm clothing for both activities, and the guides can advise where to go or avoid based on conditions.

Whale sightings: This is the nature part. You might see multiple whale types in one day, or you might see only one animal. Either way, you’re getting a guided cruise experience with marine-life interpretation, so you come away with real learning, not just hours of staring.

Personal fit for horseback riding: The 110 kg weight limit is firm, and it’s best to respect it. Also, if you’re very unsure on horseback, ask for help during the training stage—guides are set up for mixed experience levels.

Who should book this horse-and-whale combo?

You’ll probably love it if:

• You want two guided animal experiences in one day: horses and whales
• You’d like help for spotting on the water, not just a free-for-all
• You appreciate cold-weather comfort—this tour provides warm clothing and safety gear
• You can handle an active outdoor day in Iceland wind and possible rain

This is also a strong pick for families and mixed-age groups, since the experience is designed for a range of riding comfort and includes structured instruction.

If you’re traveling with only one day available for nature activities, this combo can give you more variety than a single-only tour.

Should you book Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching from Reykjavík?

I think this is a smart booking for most people who are visiting Reykjavík and want more than one kind of Iceland nature in a day. The value isn’t just the price—it’s the fact that both parts include real guidance, warm clothing, and safety support, plus a structured whale cruise with a knowledgeable guide.

Book it if you want:

• A guided horse ride through lava-and-heath country with coaching for beginners
• A focused whale cruise where the guide helps you spot what’s there
• A full day that ends with you still having energy to enjoy Reykjavík later

Skip it (or adjust expectations) if you only want whale sightings as a must-have and you’d be disappointed by a low-sighting day. Nature doesn’t schedule your itinerary. But you do get a backup ticket if you hit a no-sighting outcome, and you still get a guided cruise experience.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

How long is the horse riding portion?

You’ll ride for about 1.5–2 hours.

How long is the whale watching cruise?

The whale watching portion lasts about 3 hours.

Where do I meet for the whale watching part?

You meet at Elding Whale Watching at Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, near the Old Harbour district. You’ll follow the red colour to find the ticket office area.

Is warm clothing included?

Yes. Warm clothing is provided for both the horse riding and whale watching parts.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch isn’t included. Snacks are provided after the horse ride, and you can purchase light refreshments on the whale cruise.

Is whale watching ever canceled or replaced?

If the tour doesn’t produce sightings, you’ll receive a complimentary ticket to use on another boat ride. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.