Spend a day with two of Iceland’s iconic animals: ride a sturdy Icelandic horse across lava fields and farmland, then search Faxaflói Bay for humpback and minke whales on a 3-hour cruise. Practical, accessible, and rich with geological and cultural context.
Spend a day with two of Iceland’s iconic animals: ride a sturdy Icelandic horse across lava fields and farmland, then search Faxaflói Bay for humpback and minke whales on a 3-hour cruise. Practical, accessible, and rich with geological and cultural context.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Elding Whale Watching · Reykjavík, Capital Region
A cold wind slides off Faxaflói Bay as you step from Reykjavík’s harbor into a day that moves from turf to tide. First, a short drive east drops you into raw, dark fields where the compact, sure-footed Icelandic horse picks its way across hardened lava and grazing farmland. The horse walks with a calm confidence; its small hooves and smooth tölt gait make long views over moss and steam vents feel easy rather than strenuous.
moderate.
8 hours.
Suitable for most people with basic mobility; you'll spend 1.5 hours on horseback and several hours standing or moving on deck.
No—this is a guided ride suitable for beginners; guides match pace to group ability and the Icelandic horse offers a smooth tölt gait.
Common sightings include minke and humpback whales, harbour porpoises and occasionally white-beaked dolphins, though sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Tours typically include hotel or central pickup in Reykjavík; check your booking confirmation for exact pickup points and times.
Minimum age is usually 12 and maximum rider weight is around 110 kg (240 lb); confirm when booking and disclose weight for safety.
Icelandic horses descend from Norse imports brought by settlers in the 9th–10th centuries; the breed has been protected from outside bloodlines since the 19th century.
Operators follow a wildlife-watching code—keep distance from whales and avoid disrupting feeding; stay on established trails at stables to protect fragile moss and geothermal ground.
Elding Whale Watching operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




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