Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik

Reykjavik , Iceland

Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik

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(48 reviews)

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

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About this experience

Combine an Icelandic horseback riding tour and a whale watching cruise on a day trip from Reykjavik. Suitable for all abilities, the experience starts with a 1.5-2 hour ride through moors and lava fields on the sturdy Icelandic horse. Enjoy free time for lunch at Reykjavik Old Harbour, and then board a ship to take you across Faxaflói Bay to the whale watching sites. Look for whales, dolphins and porpoises and more!

Available options

Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik

What's included

Onboard Wi-Fi

Use of warm overalls during the boat tour

Free ticket to try again if nothing is seen on your whale watching tour!

Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate after your horse riding tour

Professional guide on both tours

Use of riding helmet, rubber boots, and rainwear/warm clothing during the ride

What you'll see

Start with a pickup from your Reykjavik hotel and travel to the stables, just outside the city. On the road, learn about Iceland’s native horses, a breed that descends from horses brought to the country in the 10th century. The small horses are known for being easy to ride due to their tölt, a four-beat gait that makes for a smooth ride across the rugged terrain.

With your helmet on, listen to a safety briefing, and then follow your experienced guide out of the stables. Stop to take photos of the lava-covered landscape, and make your way along trails that wind through remote moorland and fields.

After around 2.5 hours, return to the stables and transfer to Reykjavik Old Harbor. Enjoy free time for lunch (own expense), and then board your high-speed boat. Perfect for whale watching, the hi-tech boat is fast and comfortable, and will get you out to the feeding grounds in only 20-30 minutes.

Put on your coveralls and settle on deck or in the indoor cabin. Then, enjoy the views and listen to commentary as you speed into Faxaflói Bay. The four most common species that are seen in the bay are minke whales, humpback whales, harbour porpoises and white-beaked dolphins. Keep your camera ready to photograph these magnificent creatures! In the unlikely event you don’t spot any whales or dolphins, receive a complimentary ticket for another trip.

Refuel with refreshments from the onboard cafe, if you wish, and then return to the harbor. Finish with a hotel drop-off (if option selected).

What's not included

Food and drinks (unless otherwise stated)

Gratuities

Hotel transfers (available for an additional fee - please contact supplier directly).

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

32 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.8

16 reviews

5★

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Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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.

Meeting point

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.

Important notes

For the horseback riding, please show your voucher for direct entry.

For the Whale Watching, please check in at the Special Tours ticket office to exchange your voucher for a boarding pass for the boat.

About Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital city, known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural surroundings, and unique Icelandic charm. It offers a blend of modern amenities and ancient geothermal wonders, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Top Attractions

Hallgrímskirkja

This iconic church is a landmark of Reykjavik, known for its distinctive architecture and towering spire. It offers panoramic views of the city from its tower.

Architecture/Religious 1-2 hours Moderate (ISK 1000 for the tower)

Harpa Concert Hall

A stunning modern concert hall with a glass facade that reflects the surrounding landscape. It hosts a variety of performances and events.

Architecture/Entertainment 1-2 hours Free to enter, performance tickets vary

Blue Lagoon

A geothermal spa known for its milky-blue waters rich in minerals. It's a popular spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Nature/Relaxation Half a day Expensive (ISK 49,900 and up)

Reykjavik Art Museum

A museum showcasing contemporary Icelandic and international art. It's housed in a striking building with a glass facade.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate (ISK 1400)

Perlan Museum

A unique museum located in a glass dome that offers a variety of exhibits, including a glacier exhibit and a planetarium.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate to Expensive (ISK 3,990 and up)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Plokkfiskur

A traditional Icelandic fish stew made with mashed potatoes, white fish, onions, and béchamel sauce.

Main Course Contains fish and dairy

Hákarl

Fermented shark, a traditional Icelandic delicacy known for its strong smell and taste.

Snack Contains fish

Skyr

A thick, creamy Icelandic yogurt-like dairy product, often served with berries or cream.

Dessert Contains dairy

Rúgbrauð

A dense, dark rye bread traditionally baked underground using geothermal heat.

Bread Vegan

Popular Activities

Glacier hiking and ice climbing Whale watching Snowmobiling on a glacier Caving and lava tunnel exploration Visiting geothermal spas like the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon Enjoying a traditional Icelandic massage or spa treatment Taking a leisurely walk around Tjörnin Lake in Reykjavik Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest time of the year with long daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is lively with numerous festivals and events.

8°C to 13°C (46°F to 55°F) 46°F to 55°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Icelandic
Widely spoken: English, Danish, German
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Icelandic Króna (ISK)

Time Zone

GMT+0

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Iceland is a very safe country with low crime rates. However, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Be cautious when using ATMs, and only use ATMs located in secure, well-lit areas
• Research tour operators and rental companies before booking to ensure they are reputable and legitimate

Getting there

By air

Keflavík International Airport • 50 km (31 miles) from Reykjavik

By bus

BSÍ Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is efficient and affordable, with frequent services and easy-to-use ticketing.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bustravel, Uber (limited availability)

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Reykjavik Hlemmur Vesturbær

Day trips

Golden Circle

230 km (143 miles) from Reykjavik • Full day

A popular day trip route that includes three of Iceland's most famous attractions: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

South Coast

150-200 km (93-124 miles) from Reykjavik • Full day or overnight

A scenic drive along Iceland's south coast, offering a variety of attractions, including waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

240 km (149 miles) from Reykjavik • Full day or overnight

A scenic peninsula known as 'Iceland in Miniature' due to its diverse landscapes, including mountains, glaciers, lava fields, and beaches.

Festivals

Reykjavik Arts Festival • Late May to early June Iceland Airwaves • Early November Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival • Late January to early February

Pro tips

Visit the Blue Lagoon or another geothermal spa for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience
Explore Reykjavik's street art and murals, which can be found throughout the city
Take a day trip to the Golden Circle or another nearby attraction for a taste of Iceland's natural wonders
Try traditional Icelandic food, such as lamb soup, fish stew, and fermented shark
Visit a local brewery or distillery and sample Icelandic craft beer or spirits