THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend a half-day riding Iceland’s unique horses across lava fields, then switch to a high-speed boat to hunt for whales in Faxaflói Bay. Ideal for first-time riders and wildlife lovers who want an efficient, outdoors-packed day from Reykjavik.
Spend a half-day riding Iceland’s unique horses across lava fields, then switch to a high-speed boat to hunt for whales in Faxaflói Bay. Ideal for first-time riders and wildlife lovers who want an efficient, outdoors-packed day from Reykjavik.
A cold wind pushes across black lava and moss as you climb into the saddle; the Icelandic horse beneath you answers with the tölt, a steady four-beat gait that smooths the ride over uneven ground. The trail threads out from stables just beyond Reykjavik, across moorland and jagged lava fields carved by millennia of eruptions. By midday the city’s Old Harbour opens like a working seam—boats, cranes, and the bright line of the bay—before you board a high-speed vessel and head into Faxaflói.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Special Tours Iceland · Reykjavik, Capital Region
A cold wind pushes across black lava and moss as you climb into the saddle; the Icelandic horse beneath you answers with the tölt, a steady four-beat gait that smooths the ride over uneven ground. The trail threads out from stables just beyond Reykjavik, across moorland and jagged lava fields carved by millennia of eruptions. By midday the city’s Old Harbour opens like a working seam—boats, cranes, and the bright line of the bay—before you board a high-speed vessel and head into Faxaflói.
The horses themselves are living links to the Norse settlers of the 10th century; their compact build and calm temperament evolved for Iceland’s winds and sparse forage. The coastline here is shaped by volcanic flows and glacial retreat, so you’ll see cliffs, sheltered coves, and feeding grounds where minke and humpback whales, porpoises and white-beaked dolphins gather.
Practically: expect a full half-day (about 5–6 hours) with a 1.5–2 hour ride followed by a 20–30 minute crossing to whale country. Guides provide helmets, rubber boots, and warm overalls for the boat; hot drinks are available after the ride. Dress in layers, bring windproof outerwear and a small daypack for camera, motion-sickness meds, and snacks. Children 7+ can ride; weight limit is about 110 kg (240 lbs). Wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed—operators typically offer a rebooking ticket if nothing’s seen.
This combo is ideal for travelers wanting one efficient day of Icelandic equine culture and accessible marine wildlife viewing without extensive travel or technical skill.
easy.
5–6 hours.
Light to moderate fitness; riders should be able to mount/dismount and sit in the saddle for up to two hours; boat requires basic balance.
No—this tour is suitable for beginners; guides choose horses matched to riders’ experience and explain safety and mounting procedures.
Sightings can’t be guaranteed. If no whales are seen you typically receive a complimentary ticket to rebook on the next available trip.
Some options include hotel pickup; confirm at booking and contact the supplier to arrange pickup details if required.
Riders must be at least 7 years old; there’s a weight limit around 110 kg (240 lbs). Children 14+ need parental permission to ride alone.
Icelandic horses descend from animals brought by Norse settlers in the 9th–10th centuries and have been bred in isolation—no horses are allowed to be exported from Iceland.
Operators follow guidelines to minimize disturbance to feeding whales; stick to safety distances and avoid littering—wildlife viewing is best when boats reduce noise and speed near animals.
Special Tours Iceland operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A cold wind pushes across black lava and moss as you climb into the saddle; the Icelandic horse beneath you answers with the tölt, a steady four-beat gait that smooths the ride over uneven ground. The trail threads out from stables just beyond Reykjavik, across moorland and jagged lava fields carved by millennia of eruptions. By midday the city’s Old Harbour opens like a working seam—boats, cranes, and the bright line of the bay—before you board a high-speed vessel and head into Faxaflói.
A cold wind pushes across black lava and moss as you climb into the saddle; the Icelandic horse beneath you answers with the tölt, a steady four-beat gait that smooths the ride over uneven ground. The trail threads out from stables just beyond Reykjavik, across moorland and jagged lava fields carved by millennia of eruptions. By midday the city’s Old Harbour opens like a working seam—boats, cranes, and the bright line of the bay—before you board a high-speed vessel and head into Faxaflói.
The horses themselves are living links to the Norse settlers of the 10th century; their compact build and calm temperament evolved for Iceland’s winds and sparse forage. The coastline here is shaped by volcanic flows and glacial retreat, so you’ll see cliffs, sheltered coves, and feeding grounds where minke and humpback whales, porpoises and white-beaked dolphins gather.
Practically: expect a full half-day (about 5–6 hours) with a 1.5–2 hour ride followed by a 20–30 minute crossing to whale country. Guides provide helmets, rubber boots, and warm overalls for the boat; hot drinks are available after the ride. Dress in layers, bring windproof outerwear and a small daypack for camera, motion-sickness meds, and snacks. Children 7+ can ride; weight limit is about 110 kg (240 lbs). Wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed—operators typically offer a rebooking ticket if nothing’s seen.
This combo is ideal for travelers wanting one efficient day of Icelandic equine culture and accessible marine wildlife viewing without extensive travel or technical skill.