Horses first, whales later. Hard to beat that. This Reykjavik small-group combo blends a smooth Icelandic horse ride with a high-speed whale boat in Faxaflói Bay, so you get two very different sides of Iceland in one efficient morning-to-midday plan. I also love that they supply the key safety kit—helmet and riding boots—so you don’t have to guess what to pack.

My second favorite part is the way the whale portion is set up for real spotting. You’ll head out fast, then spend time scanning the feeding grounds with onboard commentary and a local focus on the most common species. If wildlife doesn’t show, you get a complimentary ticket to try again.

One consideration: whales are never guaranteed, and weather (including fog) can make sightings tougher or even cancel the cruise. If you’re only in Iceland for one very tight day, build in some flexibility.

Key Things You’ll Love About This Reykjavik Combo

• Up to 5 people max keeps the ride and boat feel calmer than big bus-tour chaos
• Icelandic horse tölt helps many riders feel steadier over rough ground than they expect
• Provided gear covers helmet, rubber boots, rainwear, and warm layers so you travel lighter
• Local guidance for whale spotting gives you your best odds in Faxaflói Bay
• High-speed boat run reaches the feeding grounds in about 20 to 30 minutes
• Free return if no whales/dolphins turns disappointment into a second chance

Why This Horse + Whale Schedule Works (And Feels Less Commercial)

This tour is built like two short, focused missions in one block of time. You ride first, when you’ll be freshest (and the stables are close to Reykjavik), then you switch gears at the Old Harbor and go after whales on a fast boat.

The value isn’t just that you get two activities. It’s that the logistics are matched to how Iceland actually runs. The ride is weather-dependent but manageable (you’re on land with gear). The whale cruise is the wildcard—so the tour plans a fast route to the bay and adds a practical safety net if you don’t get sightings.

Also, I like the group size. A maximum of 5 travelers means you’re less likely to spend time waiting around or getting shuffled through a crowd. That matters with both horses and boats, where small details like timing and attention make a big difference.

Getting From Reykjavik To Íshestar Stables: Meeting the Icelandic Horse On Its Terms

You start at Íshestar Horse Riding Centre, Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, with a 10:00 am start. If you bought hotel pickup, you’ll be collected in Reykjavik and transferred to the stables just outside the city.

Here’s what makes the pre-ride portion useful: you learn about the Icelandic horse before you get on one. This native breed traces back to horses brought to Iceland around the 10th century. That background turns the ride from a simple activity into something you can actually connect with while you’re out there on lava fields and open ground.

Then comes the safety briefing. You’ll wear a helmet and they’ll fit you with the riding essentials. You don’t need to bring your own boots or rain gear—at least not for this part. The tour includes rubber boots and rainwear/warm clothing for the ride, plus whatever else you need to stay comfortable.

You’ll also get your horse based on experience. That sounds basic, but it’s the difference between feeling nervous the whole time and feeling like you’re in capable hands. One name that comes up in rider feedback is Sarah, highlighted for being patient and supportive, especially for nervous or brand-new riders.

The Ride Itself: Tölt, Lava Fields, and Photo Stops That Feel Real

Plan on about 2.5 hours on horseback. The ride starts at a steady walk, and then the group splits based on ability, with a faster option for confident riders and a slower option for beginners. It’s not about showing off. It’s about keeping everyone safe and still letting you enjoy the motion instead of fighting it.

The big Icelandic-horse feature you should know is the tölt—a four-beat gait that’s designed for comfort across rugged terrain. If you’ve ridden horses before and are used to trot and canter, tölt can feel like a smoother alternative that travels well over rough ground.

Expect the terrain to include lava-covered areas plus trails that wind through remote moorland and fields. That combination is why the ride is such a strong first act of this tour: you’re outside Reykjavik quickly, but you’re not in a giant vehicle for hours. You’re moving slowly enough to notice details—like rock textures, open skies, and the way the terrain changes.

Photo breaks are part of the experience. You’ll stop for pictures and you’ll have moments where the view opens up enough that you can actually frame the horse against the volcanic setting. It’s not just a quick scenic stop from a bus window.

Age and Weight Limits You Need to Respect

This ride isn’t for tiny kids. The minimum riding age is 7. If a child is 14 or older, they need written parental permission to ride alone. There’s also a weight limit of 110 kg / 240 lbs, so if you’re near that range, double-check before booking.

Back to Old Harbor: Lunch Time Without Losing the Whale-Spotting Window

When the ride wraps up, you return to the stables and transfer toward Reykjavik Old Harbor. You’ll then have free time for lunch—food is at your own expense.

This is one of those practical details that can make or break your day. Don’t over-plan lunch here. You want to eat enough so you’re warm and fueled, but not so slowly that you feel rushed. If you’re sensitive to cold on boats, timing your meal so you’re not hungry but also not bloated from a heavy lunch can help you feel better once you’re in sea air.

After lunch time, you board a high-speed boat designed for comfort and efficiency. The trip to the feeding grounds takes about 20 to 30 minutes, which is important because whales don’t wait for your schedule.

If you bought the optional transfer, you’ll finish with a hotel drop-off (otherwise, the activity ends back at the meeting point).

Whale Watching in Faxaflói Bay: What You Might See and Why Fast Matters

Faxaflói Bay is where your whale hunt happens. You’ll put on warm overalls, settle on deck or in the indoor cabin, and listen to commentary as the boat speeds into the bay.

This is the part where the tour turns from “active sightseeing” into “wildlife waiting with a plan.”

Common Species in the Bay

The tour description calls out four species that are most commonly seen here:

• Minke whales
• Humpback whales
• Harbour porpoises
• White-beaked dolphins

Keep your camera ready. When sightings happen, they can happen close enough that you’ll want a quick reaction time—especially if you’re spotting a cluster of animals rather than one clear, predictable surface blow.

Comfort and Tech on the Boat

The boat is described as high-tech, fast, and comfortable. You’ll also have onboard Wi‑Fi, which can be useful for uploading quickly or checking maps while you wait.

The deck is great for open-air viewing, but you’ll be in cooler conditions than you think. Warm suits help a lot, but you’ll still want to dress for cold wind and sea spray. In fact, it’s a good idea to pack like you’re going to be outside for long stretches, even if the cabin is cozy.

The Reality Check: Wildlife Isn’t Guaranteed

The tour is clear that sightings can’t be guaranteed. If you don’t see whales or dolphins, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again on the next available day.

This policy changes how I’d think about booking. It doesn’t remove the uncertainty, but it reduces the risk that you’ll lose your money and your whole morning if the bay is quiet.

Price and Value: Is $233.08 a Smart Deal or Just Another Tour?

At $233.08 per person for roughly 5 hours 30 minutes, this combo isn’t cheap—but it’s not just two random activities stacked together.

Here’s what you’re actually getting for the price:

• Helmet, rubber boots, and rainwear/warm clothing for riding
• A guided horse experience with safety briefing and horse assignment
• Warm overalls for the boat portion
• Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate after the ride
• Onboard Wi‑Fi during the cruise
• A free return whale ticket if you see nothing

When Iceland prices everything high, the inclusion list matters. The main “you pay extra” items are the meals and any hotel transfers you didn’t already book. But compared to doing a horse tour and then a separate whale tour where you might still pay for transfers, gear, and refills, the combo has real efficiency.

Also, the tour tends to book ahead (about 58 days in advance on average). That usually means the schedule is popular and seats fill. If you have a narrow travel window, don’t leave it to the last minute.

Weather, Fog, and Cancellations: How to Plan Without Getting Stressed

This is Iceland, so you should expect weather to shape the day.

The tour operates in a variety of weather conditions, but the whale cruise specifically requires good conditions. If weather makes spotting tough or unsafe, the whale portion may be canceled. In that case, you may be offered a different date or a full refund, depending on what happens.

Here’s my practical advice: if whale watching is a must-do for you, build in enough time that a reschedule doesn’t wreck your whole itinerary. And if you see fog and reduced visibility signals, don’t assume you’re unlucky. It’s simply harder to find animals when the water becomes a gray mirror.

One more note from rider experience: some people felt the whale portion can be affected by crowding or audio setup on board, depending on conditions. If you’re sensitive to loud commentary, you’ll likely feel better choosing seats where you can hear comfortably but still enjoy the viewing.

Who This Tour Is Best For (And Who Should Consider a Separate Booking)

This combo fits best when you want a full Iceland morning without getting stuck on one type of activity.

It’s especially good for:

• First-time riders and nervous beginners (the small-group approach and ride splitting by ability help)
• People who like hands-on nature: horses, lava terrain, then wildlife at sea
• Visitors who want a whale chance but also want a Plan B through the complimentary return ticket
• Travelers who prefer guided scanning rather than just a passive boat ride

You might consider alternatives if:

• Whales are your absolute only goal, and you can’t handle the risk of fog or a no-sighting day
• You’d rather control the timing more tightly with a dedicated whale-only tour (which can reduce the chance that your day depends on two moving parts)

Practical Tips Before You Go (So Your Day Feels Smooth)

A few things will make this tour more comfortable and more fun right away:

• Dress warm even if you think you’ll be fine. The boat is wind-heavy. Warm overalls help, but your base layer matters.
• Tell your guide your comfort level upfront. You’ll be split into riding groups, and that’s how you avoid feeling over-faced.
• Bring a camera and keep it reachable. The best moments can be short, and you’ll want to shoot quickly.
• Plan lunch to be quick. You’ll have free time, but the schedule keeps moving.
• Remember the limits. Rider age is 7+, rider weight max is 110 kg / 240 lbs, and 14+ riders need written parental permission to ride alone.

If you do those things, you’ll spend less time troubleshooting your own comfort and more time enjoying Iceland on two wheels and two species at once.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Horse Riding and Whale Watching Tour?

I think this is a strong pick if you want a memorable mix of Icelandic nature with real guidance, and you like the idea of a small group.

Book it if:

• you want a comfortable, beginner-friendly horse experience with safety gear provided
• you want a serious shot at whales with a fast route and onboard commentary
• you’re okay with the reality that wildlife is unpredictable, and you like that there’s a free return ticket if you see nothing

Skip or rethink it if:

• your schedule is extremely inflexible
• whales are the one and only thing you can’t miss, and you can’t handle possible fog-related disappointment

For most visitors, this combo is a practical way to turn a short stay in Reykjavik into a day that feels like you traveled beyond the city—without spending all day on a bus.

FAQ

Where does this tour start?

The tour starts at Íshestar Horse Riding Centre, Sörlaskeið 26, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 10:00 am.

How long is the tour?

It runs about 5 hours 30 minutes.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What should I wear for the horse riding portion?

You’ll be provided with a helmet, rubber boots, and rainwear/warm clothing for the ride. You still should dress appropriately for Icelandic weather.

What are the age and weight limits for riding?

The minimum age to ride is 7 years old. The rider weight limit is 110 kg / 240 lbs.

Is the lunch included?

No. There’s free time for lunch during the Old Harbor portion, but food and drinks are at your own expense unless otherwise stated.

What boat ride conditions should I expect?

You’ll be provided with warm overalls and can choose to view from the deck or from the indoor cabin. The tour operates in a variety of weather conditions.

Can I guarantee whale sightings?

No. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. If you don’t spot whales or dolphins, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again.

Do hotel transfers cost extra?

Hotel pickup/drop-off options may be available for an additional fee. If you want transfers, you should confirm pick-up details directly with the supplier.

You Might Also Enjoy

Whale Watching Mirissa with Eagle EyeSEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOURWhale Watching in Puerto VallartaRoyal Delfin – 4’5H Dolphin & Whale Watching – Los Gigantes Masca – Lunch & Swim