The Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik offers a unique opportunity to take in Iceland’s natural beauty. Guests can explore the country’s stunning landscapes on horseback before embarking on a whale watching adventure. Led by expert guides, the tour promises the best chance of spotting majestic whales in their natural habitat. With onboard Wi-Fi, travelers can share their experiences in real-time. This two-in-one excursion caters to all weather conditions and provides the necessary equipment, making it an accessible way for visitors to discover Iceland’s great outdoors. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or simply seeking a memorable experience, this tour might be just what you’re looking for.
Key Points
- This two-in-one tour offers both horseback riding and whale watching experiences from Reykjavik, catering to adventurous travelers exploring Iceland’s outdoor scenery.
- The tour includes professional guides, necessary equipment, and complimentary refreshments, providing a seamless and comfortable experience.
- The whale watching segment offers the best chance of spotting whales due to the guide’s expertise, allowing travelers to observe these majestic creatures up-close.
- The tour operates in various weather conditions, with appropriate clothing provided, and includes a complimentary ticket if no whales are seen.
- The tour has age and weight restrictions, with a maximum of 5 travelers per group, and allows flexible bookings and cancellations.
Tour Overview
This two-in-one horseback-riding and whale-watching tour from Reykjavik offers adventurous travelers unique ways to explore Iceland’s captivating outdoor scenery. The tour provides the best chance of spotting whales thanks to the guide’s expertise, allowing you to get up-close with these majestic creatures.
Beyond Reykjavik’s city limits, the horseback riding portion of the tour offers an accessible way to learn about Iceland’s great outdoors. Whether you’re marveling at the country’s dramatic landscapes from the saddle or scanning the horizon for whale sightings, this experience delivers an unforgettable adventure combining two of Iceland’s top attractions.
What’s Included
The tour includes a professional guide for both the horseback riding and whale watching portions, ensuring travelers have expert insights throughout their adventure. You’ll also get to use riding helmets, rubber boots, and rainwear/warm clothing during the horseback ride to stay comfortable.
For the whale watching boat tour, warm overalls are provided. After the horseback ride, you can warm up with complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
The tour also includes onboard Wi-Fi, so you can share your experiences with friends and family in real-time. If you don’t spot any whales, you’ll get a free ticket to try the tour again at a later date.
Additional Information
Although the tour operates in various weather conditions, guests are advised to dress appropriately.
Wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, but a complimentary ticket will be provided if no whales are seen during the tour.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant travelers.
Minimum age to ride horses is 7 years old, and those 14 years or older need parental permission to ride alone. The weight limit for riding horses is 110 kg/240 lbs.
A maximum of 5 travelers per tour is allowed.
Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but no refunds are provided for cancellations within 24 hours.
Bookings and Cancellations
Minimum age to ride horses is 7 years old, and those 14 years or older need parental permission to ride alone.
The weight limit for riding horses is 110 kg/240 lbs.
Travelers can book a maximum of 5 per tour.
Cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund, but those made with less than 24 hours’ notice won’t receive a refund.
The tour may also be canceled due to poor weather, in which case an alternative date or a full refund will be provided.
Meeting and End Points
Guests meet at the Ishestar Horse Riding Centre, located about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavik’s city center.
Self-driving guests should arrive by 9:30 AM, while hotel pick-up is available for an additional fee.
The tour ends back at the original meeting point.
This convenient location provides easy access to the horseback riding and whale watching activities. Travelers don’t have to worry about navigating to multiple spots, as the entire tour takes place at and around the Ishestar Horse Riding Centre.
With the meeting and end points being the same, it’s a straightforward and hassle-free experience for guests.
Horseback Riding Excursion
Riders kick off the adventure by saddling up for a leisurely horseback ride through Iceland’s rugged landscape, donning the provided riding gear to ensure their comfort.
They’ll get the chance to:
- Trot across wide-open fields, taking in sweeping views of the stunning countryside.
- Canter through mossy lava fields, exploring the island’s unique volcanic terrain.
- Admire the majestic mountains in the distance as they ride along the coastline.
- Learn about Iceland’s famous Icelandic horses and their special gaits from the knowledgeable guide.
The horseback riding portion sets the stage for the day’s next adventure – whale watching along the North Atlantic waters.
Whale Watching Boat Tour
After their exhilarating horseback ride, guests often board a comfortable boat for the next part of their adventure – a whale watching tour along the North Atlantic waters.
The knowledgeable guide’s expertise greatly increases the chances of spotting these magnificent marine creatures in their natural habitat. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, the tour offers the best opportunity to see whales up close.
Travelers stay warm and cozy in provided overalls as they scan the seas for telltale signs of whale activity. If no whales are spotted, the operator provides a complimentary ticket to try again on another day.
With onboard Wi-Fi, guests can share their incredible whale watching experiences in real-time.
Combining Outdoor Adventures
This two-in-one tour combines the thrill of horseback riding with the opportunity to spot whales, providing travelers a unique way to experience Iceland’s natural wonders.
The tour offers:
- Horseback riding through scenic landscapes beyond Reykjavik’s city limits.
- A whale watching boat tour with the best chance of spotting marine life thanks to the guide’s expertise.
- Use of necessary gear like riding helmets, rubber boots, and warm overalls to ensure comfort during the outdoor activities.
- The option to try again for free if no whales are seen on the boat tour.
With a professional guide leading both adventures, this tour delivers an exceptional exploration of Iceland’s great outdoors in a convenient, accessible package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Guests can bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on the tour. However, the operator provides coffee, tea, and hot chocolate after the horseback riding portion. Any food or drinks consumed must be kept on the bus or boat.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Whale Watching Boat Tour?
There are no specific age restrictions for the whale watching boat tour. However, the tour is not recommended for young children or travelers with mobility issues. Participants of all ages are welcome to join the whale watching excursion.
Can I Request a Specific Horse Breed or Size for the Riding Tour?
While riders can’t request specific horse breeds or sizes, the tour operator ensures horses are matched to each rider’s abilities and experience. The weight limit of 110 kg/240 lbs also helps ensure a comfortable and safe ride.
Are There Any Dietary Options Available During the Refreshment Breaks?
The tour provides coffee, tea, and hot chocolate during the refreshment breaks after the horseback riding. While specific dietary options aren’t mentioned, guests can likely request alternatives if they have any dietary restrictions or preferences.
How Long Is the Total Duration of the Combined Tour Experience?
The total duration of the combined tour experience is approximately 5-6 hours. The horseback riding tour lasts around 2.5 hours, and the whale watching boat tour takes about 2-3 hours, including transportation time between the two activities.
Recap
The Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik offers an exhilarating blend of outdoor adventures.
Guests can explore Iceland’s stunning landscapes on horseback before setting sail to spot majestic whales.
Led by expert guides, the tour provides the best chance of wildlife encounters while catering to all weather conditions.
It’s an accessible way for travelers to enjoy Iceland’s natural wonders.