There are two kinds of wonder on this day.

You start with Icelandic horse riding through rugged ground outside Reykjavík, then switch gears for a 3-hour whale watching cruise with a guide on board. It’s one full day built for people who want nature, but also want it organized and safe.

I especially like how this tour mixes practical animal time with real guidance. On the horse ride, you get matched by experience and basic training first, so both brand-new riders and more confident ones can enjoy the ride at their own pace. On the boat, you’re not just hoping for whales; the guide helps you spot what to look for.

One thing to keep in mind is that whales are not guaranteed. Weather and seasonal timing affect sightings, and even the best whale crew can come up empty on some days.

Key Takeaways Before You Go

• Small group feel (max 20 travelers) keeps the day from feeling like a cattle stampede.
• Warm gear is included for both the horse part and the boat part, plus safety equipment.
• Horse rides through hardened lava fields around Hveragerði lets you see a very Iceland kind of terrain from horseback.
• Elding’s whale spotting effort focuses on minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises.
• In a non-sighting day, you get a complimentary ticket for another boat ride.
• Snack support after the horse tour means you’re not stuck hungry before the cruise.

A Full Day of Horses and Whales from Reykjavík

This is the kind of day that makes Reykjavík feel like more than a base town. You get out of the city twice: first for a horse ride in the countryside near Hveragerði, then for a cruise out of the harbor area with Elding.

What makes it appealing is the pairing. Horses give you a close-up, hands-on Iceland experience—slow enough to notice details, but active enough to feel like you’re doing something. Then the boat flips the mood to open water, with wildlife viewing and marine-life talk.

At $280 per person for about 8 hours, you’re paying for two guided, transportation-connected activities in one package. For Iceland, that’s where value shows up: fewer separate bookings, fewer “where do we go now?” moments, and more time spent actually enjoying the day.

Horse Riding at Hótel Eldhestar: Lava Ground and the Icelandic Horse

The horse portion runs about 1.5 to 2 hours, starting at Hótel Eldhestar. The ride itself takes you through hardened lava fields in the Hveragerði area, crossing heathland and fields with Iceland’s small but sturdy Icelandic horse.

Two details matter here.

First, you don’t need to be an expert rider. You receive basic training before you set off, and the team matches you with a horse based on experience level. The result is a ride that feels controlled and friendly, even if you’ve never been on horseback.

Second, the Icelandic horse is built for this kind of terrain. Expect a steady, hardy pace rather than a fancy parade. In the ride reviews, people also mention that more experienced riders may be allowed to gallop—without forcing everyone else to do it. That flexibility helps a mixed group stay happy.

Practical rider limit: you must weigh less than 240 pounds (110kg) to take part in the horse riding element.

What the Wildlife Exhibition Adds Before You Saddle Up

You’ll also have entry included to a wildlife exhibition at the horse stop (Admisssion Ticket Included at Stop 1). This is a good buffer moment in the day, especially if you’re arriving a bit early or you want to get context before you’re out on the route.

Think of it as a quick mental warm-up: you’ll be closer to Iceland’s nature stories once you’re on the ground, and it keeps the start of the day from feeling purely logistical. If you’re the type who likes learning one or two facts that stick, this small added stop helps.

Elding Whale Watching Cruise: Faxaflói Bay and Real Marine Life

After the horse ride and a snack, you shift to Elding Whale Watching for a 3-hour cruise. The boat sets out from Reykjavík, and you’ll be searching for whales and marine life in Faxaflói Bay or beyond.

The guide on board is part of the value. You’re not just staring at water and playing luck roulette. You’ll look for:

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

Two things I like about this setup based on how it plays in the real world:

1. The cruise time is long enough to give the crew several chances at sightings.
2. The onboard guide actively helps you spot wildlife, and shares what you’re looking for. That matters because whales don’t always announce themselves with obvious blows from far away.

Some days you’ll see multiple species. Other days you might see just one whale, or a dolphin, or nothing at all. That uncertainty is real across all whale watching, and this tour handles it with a built-in remedy when there’s a non-sighting day.

Warm Gear, Safety Equipment, and the Comfort Factor

If you’ve spent any time in Iceland, you already know cold can sneak up on you. This tour gets that right by including warm clothing on both tours, plus necessary safety equipment.

On the horse side, comfort isn’t just about staying warm. It’s also about keeping you steady and relaxed. Rain and wind make small balance mistakes feel bigger—so having the right gear helps your riding feel easier.

On the boat side, warmth matters for two reasons:

• you’ll likely be standing or leaning to look,
• and you’ll want to stay outside longer without feeling miserable.

One review explicitly calls out that the overalls helped keep them dry and warm even with rain all day. That lines up with what you should expect: this is an outdoor day, and the weather in Iceland loves to change its mind.

Timing and the Two Meeting Points That Keep the Day Running

This is a full day tour with a 9:00 am start. The structure is simple: you meet for the horse portion first, then you head back toward Reykjavík for the whale cruise check-in.

Horse portion start

Start point is at Hótel Eldhestar, 816 Sveitarfélagið Ölfus.

Pickup is offered, but you should check your voucher because pickup at your hotel may include a walk to the nearest bus stop. That’s common in Reykjavík, and it’s worth planning for so you’re not rushing in cold weather.

Whale cruise check-in

For the whale portion, you’ll meet at Elding Whale Watching ticket office at Ægisgarður 5c, near the Old Harbour district. Once you’re at the pier, follow the red color to find the group location.

Arrive early. You want time to check in, get your bearings, and settle before boarding. On a day that already includes two activities, a smooth start is half the fun.

Price and Value: Why This Package Can Make Sense at $280

$280 sounds like a lot until you price out what you get. You’re buying:

• guided horse riding for 1.5 to 2 hours
• warm clothing and safety equipment
• admission to the wildlife exhibition at the horse stop
• snacks after the horse ride
• 3 hours on a whale watching cruise with an onboard guide
• warm clothing again for the boat portion
• free WiFi on board

And importantly, the tour runs with a small maximum group size (20 travelers). In Iceland, that’s not guaranteed across all tours. Smaller groups tend to feel calmer, and they help staff manage safety and attention on both the horse and boat sections.

Lunch is not included, so plan for a light meal strategy. You can purchase light refreshments on board the whale tour, or you can pack your own—either way, you’ll want something ready before the cruise if you tend to get hungry.

Best Season Notes: What Affects Whale Sightings

Here’s the honest part: whale watching is seasonal and weather-dependent. The tour notes that the experience requires good weather, and reviews back up the reality of variation in sightings.

A few patterns you should plan around:

• Some months are simply better for spotting whales than others due to migration timing.
• Bad weather can reduce visibility or make the cruise harder, even if the crew tries their best.
• Even on a good day, wildlife timing is unpredictable—so you should keep expectations flexible.

The good news is that the tour includes a backup if you don’t see wildlife. If it’s a non-sighting tour, you’ll get a complimentary ticket to use on another boat ride. That’s a strong safety net.

Also, if the tour is canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund. In other words, you’re not left hanging with only regret.

Who This Tour Suits (and Who Should Skip the Horse Part)

This tour is a great match if you:

• want one day that mixes land animals and marine wildlife
• like guided experiences where you’re not guessing what to look for
• have at least moderate comfort outdoors in cold and wind
• want small-group attention rather than a huge bus-and-boat crowd

It’s especially good for people who have little or no riding experience. You get basic training, and the horse matching system helps. Reviews also mention that older riders appreciated that galloping isn’t forced on everyone.

Skip or rethink the horse riding part if:

• you’re above the 110kg (240 lb) weight limit
• you have medical concerns that make horseback riding unsafe (the tour only states the weight rule, so you should still judge your own situation carefully)

For whale watchers, this is a reasonable choice if you understand that sightings aren’t guaranteed. You’re still paying for a guided cruise experience, not a promise of whales in every situation.

Tips That Make This Day Easier

A few small choices can make a big difference.

• Dress for wind, not just cold. A cold breeze on a boat can feel sharper than you expect.
• Bring a face covering if you’re sensitive to wind. One review recommends walking with a mask because horses can pick up speed and the cold breeze freezes faces fast.
• Expect rain at some point. Even if the forecast looks fine, Iceland loves to show up with wet weather.
• For snacks: the tour provides snacks after horse riding, but since lunch isn’t included, you’ll likely want a plan for food before or during the whale cruise.

Should You Book This Tour?

If you want a horse ride + Reykjavík whale watching day that’s organized, warm-clothing supported, and run by Elding, I’d book it. The best part is the structure: guided horse work on the lava fields, then a guided boat cruise with a realistic shot at wildlife in Faxaflói Bay.

Book it with two expectations: first, you may see multiple whales—or just one, or dolphins, depending on conditions. Second, the experience is still worthwhile even when sightings aren’t perfect, because the day includes real animal time, strong guide support, and a sensible backup plan when wildlife is limited.

If you’re chasing guaranteed whale photos every time, no company can promise that. But if you want your Iceland day to feel active, authentic, and well-managed, this is a strong use of a full day.

FAQ

How long is the Icelandic horse riding and whale watching tour?

The tour is about 8 hours total, including 1.5 to 2 hours of horse riding and a 3-hour whale watching cruise.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Do I get pickup from my hotel?

Pickup is offered, but your hotel pickup may include a walk to the nearest bus stop. Check your voucher for the exact details.

Where do I meet for the whale watching portion?

Meet at Elding Whale Watching ticket office at Ægisgarður 5c, near the Old Harbour. At the pier, follow the red color to find the group.

What’s included in the price?

Included features are horse riding, 3-hour whale watching, experienced guides, warm clothing for both parts, safety equipment, entry to the wildlife exhibition, snacks after the horse ride, free WiFi on board the boat, and admission tickets as stated for both stops.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You can purchase light refreshments on board the whale watching tour, or pack your own.

What animals might we see on the whale cruise?

You’ll look for minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises in Faxaflói Bay or beyond.

Is whale watching guaranteed?

No. In the case of non-sighting tours, you’ll 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, you must weigh less than 240 pounds (110kg).

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to bad weather conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.