One morning of horses, then whales in Reykjavik.

This 8-hour Icelandic horse riding and whale watching day pairs a 1.5 to 2 hour ride in rugged lava country near Hveragerði with a guided cruise from Elding in Faxaflói Bay, all with warm clothing and an onboard guide. You’ll be riding on small, hardy Icelandic horses, then switching gears to scan the bay for minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises.

I like two things a lot: the ride is built for real beginners, with basic training and horses matched to your comfort level, and the boat trip includes extras that make the day easier, like free WiFi on board and crew help getting eyes on wildlife. Snacks after the horse ride keep you going too, even though lunch is not included.

One consideration, and it’s the big one: whale sightings aren’t guaranteed, since you’re reading the ocean and weather, not following a set parade schedule. If you do not see wildlife on your cruise, you get a complimentary ticket for another boat ride, but you should still accept that nature calls the shots.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Small group pace (up to 20 travelers), which usually makes it easier to get help on both the horses and the boat.
• Warm clothing for both parts means you can dress for comfort without overpacking.
• Whale cruise duration is about 3 hours in Faxaflói Bay, with a guide pointing out what to look for.
• Horses are Icelandic and hardy, and you’ll cross heathland and fields, not a paved arena.
• Snacks after the ride, but you’ll want a plan for lunch since it’s not included.
• Horse riding has limits: participants must weigh under 240 pounds (110 kg).

Reykjavík to Hveragerði and Back, How This Day Feels

This tour is the kind of Iceland day I’d recommend when you want variety without spending your whole vacation driving. You start in Reykjavík and head south for a ride near Hótel Eldhestar in the Hveragerði area. Then you return to Reykjavík for the whale watching portion with Elding, departing from their ticket office at Ægisgarður 5c by the Old Harbour district.

The total time is about 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am. Pickup is offered, but your pickup spot may include a short walk to the nearest bus stop, so check your voucher and give yourself a little extra buffer.

A full day like this is great because it balances effort and reward. The horse part gets your boots muddy and your lungs full of crisp air. Then the boat part shifts into a slower scan, with a guide helping you read the water.

Hótel Eldhestar Ride, Lava Fields, and Riding on an Icelandic Horse

Your horse time is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, with the setting described as rugged terrain around Hveragerði, including lava fields and open areas. Hveragerði is the hot springs town in South Iceland, so it’s a smart base for scenery that looks otherworldly without needing a long drive.

What you’ll actually do on the ride:

• You’ll learn the basics and get guidance before you head out.
• You’ll cross heathland and fields on a small and hardy Icelandic horse.
• You should expect a route that fits the group, with options for different speeds.

This is a highlight for a lot of people because the Icelandic horse is known for being gentle and sure-footed, even when the ground is rough. The tour is also designed so you’re not stuck doing only one pace. More experienced riders may get a chance to gallop, but you’re not pushed into anything beyond your comfort level.

Two practical notes that matter:

• There’s a weight limit of 240 pounds (110 kg) for the horse riding element, so check this before you book.
• You’ll want proper outer layers. Even with warm clothing provided, wind can cut fast, and the horses move quickly at their faster gaits.

Why This Ride Works for Beginners (and Still Feels Fun)

A good Iceland horse ride is equal parts safety and confidence. This one aims for that balance by matching horses based on experience level. If you’ve never ridden before, you still get enough instruction to feel in control. If you have experience, you get enough variety to feel like your skills matter.

One detail I really appreciate with tours like this is the emphasis on comfort and safety guidance during the weather. Rain is common in Iceland, and the tour is set up for it. In wet conditions, the guides can steer you away from the trickiest paths and keep the ride moving.

If you’re worried about cold faces, consider this small upgrade: bring or use a face covering and keep your face protected from the wind. Cold air on the move is no joke, even when the rest of your body feels fine.

Wildlife Exhibition and What It Adds to the Horse-and-Whales Day

You’ll also have entry to a wildlife exhibition as part of the overall experience. This is worth your attention because it helps connect what you learn to what you look for later at sea.

Even if you’re not a marine biology person, having a quick primer makes whale watching feel less random. You go from guessing to knowing what patterns to scan for, why certain species are more likely, and what the guide means when they point out behavior.

Think of it as a warm-up session for your attention, and for many people, that alone raises the chances you’ll actually enjoy the cruise even if conditions are gray.

Elding Whale Watching from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, What to Expect

After the morning and early afternoon activities, you head back to Reykjavík for the Elding whale watching cruise. The departure area is at Ægisgarður 5c, near the Old Harbour district. When you arrive at the pier, follow the red color guidance to find the ticket office location for check-in and boarding, and arrive early enough to get through that process without stress.

The cruise is about 3 hours and runs in Faxaflói Bay, with the possibility of going beyond the bay depending on where the animals are.

Species you’re looking for include:

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

The onboard guide plays a big role here. They help you spot what’s actually there, not what your mind wishes were there. If a whale comes close, you may stay in the area and get repeated chances to see it surface and photograph it.

A couple of reality checks, so you’re not disappointed:

• Whale watching is weather and luck dependent. Wind, waves, and visibility change the experience.
• In some conditions, you might get just one or a few sightings rather than a parade.

The silver lining is this: if your cruise ends up being a non-sighting tour, you’ll receive a complimentary ticket to use on another boat ride. That’s a meaningful safety net, and it shows the operator is thinking about fairness when nature doesn’t cooperate.

Boat Comfort You Can Control: Dress, WiFi, and Photo Breaks

You can’t control the sea state, but you can control how you show up.

This tour includes warm clothing for the whale watch, which is a big deal on a cold North Atlantic day. Still, dress in layers so you can adjust. If you overheat inside and then freeze outside, you’ll be miserable fast.

Also: the boat includes free WiFi on board. That helps you share photos right away, check weather updates, or keep your phone useful instead of dead.

The crew’s job is not just spotting whales, it’s keeping the experience smooth. If the guide takes time to point out what to look for, you’re more likely to see it. And when animals do appear, you typically get the kind of repeated surfacing opportunities that make photos easier.

Timing and Food: Snacks After the Ride, Lunch on Your Own

The tour is designed as a full day, and lunch is not included. You’ll have snacks available after the horse riding portion, but after that, you’ll need a plan.

On the whale cruise, you can usually purchase light refreshments on board, and you can also pack your own if that fits your style. For me, the simplest plan is to eat a solid breakfast, then bring a snack or two you love for later on. That way you’re not hunting for food when you’re already cold and tired.

This also matters because a day like this runs on momentum. If you get hungry and cranky mid-cruise, you’ll miss details the guide is pointing out.

Price and Value: Is $280 for Horses plus Whale Watching Fair?

At $280 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement activity. But it does pack a lot of value into one day.

Here’s where the price is doing work:

• Two major activities in one package: roughly 1.5 to 2 hours riding, plus about 3 hours whale watching.
• Experienced guides for both parts.
• Warm clothing and safety equipment included.
• Free WiFi on board during the cruise.
• Entry to a wildlife exhibition.
• Pickup offered, which can save time and hassle.

So you’re paying for more than just the horses and the boat. You’re paying for guided structure, safety gear, and the effort to make a long cold day comfortable.

What you should remember: you’re still responsible for lunch, and whale watching remains dependent on conditions. If you’re okay with that trade-off, the price feels reasonable for an operator like Elding pairing a serious whale watch with an Iceland horse experience in one tight schedule.

Weather and Season Reality: Plan for Gray Skies

Iceland can flip from calm to windy fast. This tour requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund. That’s the right framework for whale watching because the ocean doesn’t care about itineraries.

For your own planning, keep two things in mind:

• Dress for cold wind, not just cold air.
• Be mentally flexible about wildlife results.

Even when whales are present, you might not see them immediately. Good guide spotting makes a difference, and the cruise length gives you time for the right moment to happen.

Who Should Book This Tour, and Who Might Want Another Option

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• A one-day Iceland mix of land and sea.
• A horse experience on real Icelandic horses, with training and guidance.
• A guided whale watch from a major Reykjavík operator.

You’ll likely love it if you’re traveling with mixed experience levels, since beginners get instruction and more advanced riders can get a fuller ride without being forced into unsafe choices.

You might want to reconsider if:

• You’re over the 110 kg weight limit for the horse riding part.
• You hate cold weather activities and feel you’ll be miserable without control over gear.
• You only want a whale-focused day and would be happier with a longer cruise or multiple departures (since wildlife sightings can vary).

Should You Book This Reykjavik Horses-and-Whales Day?

Yes, I’d book it if you’re the type who enjoys being outside for hours and you want a structured day that feels very Iceland. The real win is the pairing: a ride through lava country on a small Icelandic horse, then a guided scan for whales in Faxaflói Bay with a backup plan if you get unlucky.

Before you go, do two things:

1) Confirm you meet the horse weight requirement.

2) Plan your food and layers for a long cold day, and accept that whales are wild, so your joy should come from the experience too, not only a guaranteed sighting.

If that sounds like your travel style, this is a solid use of a single day in Iceland.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and where do you end?

The tour starts at Hótel Eldhestar at 816 Sveitarfélagið Ölfus, Iceland. It ends at Elding Whale Watching at Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, near the Old Harbour district.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Is pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered. Your pickup location at your hotel may include a walk to the nearest bus stop, so check your voucher details.

How long is the horse riding and how long is the whale watching?

Horse riding runs about 1.5 to 2 hours. The whale watching cruise is about 3 hours.

What is included in the price?

Included are experienced guides, free WiFi on board the boat, the 3 hour whale watching portion, the 1.5 to 2 hour horse riding portion, warm clothing on both tours, necessary safety equipment, entry to a wildlife exhibition, and snacks available after the horse riding tour.

Is lunch included?

No. Only snacks after the horse riding are included. Light refreshments may be available on the whale watching boat, and you can also pack your own.

What happens if you do not see wildlife on the whale watching cruise?

If it is a non-sighting tour, you will be given a complimentary ticket to use on another boat ride.

What are the age and weight requirements for horse riding?

The minimum age is 12 years. For horse riding, travelers must weigh less than 240 pounds (110 kg).

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English. Confirmation is received at booking time.