Top Reykjavik Nature and Wildlife

Get close to nature in the way of old Icelanders on this horseback riding experience from Reykjavik, dependent on transfer option. Hop on a small, sturdy, Icelandic horse, a breed originally brought here by the Vikings, and enjoy a relaxing ride through lava-laden scenery past mountains, lakes, and moors. Your ride is matched to your ability and led by an instructor. Hot drinks, riding equipment, and guidance is included.

Experience the magic of whale watching on a cruise from Reykjavik. With a knowledgeable guide, cruise the coastal curve of Iceland to marvel at humpback and orca whales in their natural habitat. Scour the sea for sightings of porpoises and dolphins as you listen to fascinating facts surrounding the majestic creatures that inhabit the Icelandic ocean. Heighten your chances of seeing whales on this tour, the success rates of which are 95% in summer and 80% in winter.

Cruise Faxaflói Bay in search of humpback and minke whales during this whale-watching tour from Reykjavik. A naturalist guide talks about the biology and behavior of these magnificent marine mammals while you look for signs of their presence. Stay warm and dry in provided thermal coveralls as you keep your eye out for whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. Choose from a 2.5-hour, high-speed express boat option or a full, 3.5-hour tour.

For a day out with horses and hot springs, look no further than this full-day tour from Reykjavik. After a horseback ride on a unique Icelandic horse, take an express tour of some key Golden Circle sights: Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir hot spring area, UNESCO-listed Thingvellir, and the village of Hveragerdi. The ride is suitable for all levels of experience, and takes in the rugged countryside on the capital’s outskirts.

Watch for minke whales, dolphins and humpbacks on a whale watching cruise from Reykjavik, and take in views of the coast from an open viewing platform or an enclosed cabin. Get the ultimate whale watching experience during the peak season from April through October, when over 20 kinds of whale flock to the North Atlantic. Cruise the harbor in comfort and style, enjoy access to an indoor saloon stocked with snacks and drinks (sold on board), and spot Iceland’s diverse aquatic species with help from the experienced crew.

Enjoy unforgettable adventure in Iceland’s great outdoors on this 5.5-hour horse-riding and whale-watching tour from Reykjavik. Follow your guide through Iceland’s lava fields on horseback and gain insight into the country’s native horse breeds. Explore trails through the wild moorland and enjoy panoramic views over the rugged terrain. Afterward, hop aboard your whale watching boat and cruise out onto the waves. Watch the water for sightings of whales, porpoises and dolphins, and keep your eyes on the skies for birdlife. With your camera to hand, capture Iceland’s wildlife through your lens.

This tour in Hafnarfjörður offers more than the typical horse-riding excursions. You first spend time with the horses at the stables, helping to groom them and learning about the unique breed from staff. Afterward, you can take a ride around the paddock while taking in the dramatic landscape. A maximum group size of 15 ensures personal attention and you can upgrade to include round-trip transportation from your Reykjavik hotel.

Cruise Faxaflói Bay in a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) on a 2-hour, small-group whale-watching expedition from Reykjavik. Board a speedy RIB at the Old Harbor, and skim alongside graceful seabirds as you pass seasonal puffin colonies. Watch for minke and humpback whales, porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins, and then return to the harbor along the Reykjavik shoreline. Pause alongside the Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture as you take in the city’s most distinctive sights from the water.

Discover the natural majesty of Iceland with the Reykjavik Super Saver, a combination of two popular tours at a discounted price. Realize your dreams of seeing wild whales during a 2.5- or 3.5-hour whale-watching tour and marvel at adorable puffins as you sail the rugged shores of Akurey island on a 1-hour puffin cruise. Enrich your knowledge of the majestic creatures while listening to commentary from a knowledgeable guide on each captivating cruise.

Combine the highlights of Iceland's south coast with a horseback riding adventure on this combination tour from Reykjavik. The first part of your tour takes you to sites including Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and Geysir geothermal area. Afterward, you embark upon a scenic ride through the Icelandic countryside on a unique Icelandic horse, which lets you experience their special tölt gait. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

Get an up-close look at Iceland’s incredible volcanic landscape on this hiking day trip, which includes round-trip 4x4 jeep transport from Reykjavik and a visit to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. Hike around craters and cooling lava on a guided 16 km hike from Basar to Fimmvorduhals Volcano in Thorsmork Valley. Along the way, learn about the country’s high concentration of volcanoes and enjoy regular stops to rest and take photos.

Embark on a unique whale-watching cruise at night, aided by the glow of Iceland’s ‘midnight sun.’ Because the sun doesn’t fully set during the summer months, you can observe the nocturnal habits of dolphins and whales under the colorful light of this northern phenomenon. Learn about Iceland’s native marine life through a multimedia show on board, and spot sea creature splashing around during a 2.5-hour night cruise from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.

Experience the majesty of nature by sea and land on this full-day whale-spotting boat trip and express Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik. Look for whales and other marine life on a morning whale-watching cruise, and in the afternoon, visit Gulfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir National Park, the three iconic sites of Iceland’s Golden Circle. Admire the double waterfall at Gulfoss; see the geothermal pools and Strokkur waterspout at Geysir; and view the tectonic rift at Thingvellir as your guide explains the science and facts behind these natural wonders.

Embark on a full-day tour of Iceland’s iconic attractions from Reykjavik, beginning with a morning whale-watching cruise to spot minke whales, dolphins and other marine life in Faxaflói Bay. Then, admire inland highlights including Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir National Park, Hveragerði village and Geysir hot springs with a sightseeing coach tour around the country’s famed Golden Circle route.

Mt. Úlfarsfell lies in the countryside outside Reykjavik, and its remote location makes it the perfect place for outdoor adventure in the Icelandic wilderness. On this tour, hop into the saddle and follow rugged trails around Mt. Úlfarsfell on horseback with your private guide. With refreshments and round-trip travel from central Reykjavik hotels included, escape the city and learn of Iceland’s rich horsemanship traditions.

Gain insight into some of Iceland’s most magnificent native wildlife on an adventurous whale-watching cruise from Reykjavik along with admission to the Whales of Iceland Exhibition. Hop aboard your boat in Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and head out into Faxaflói Bay. Watch the waves for graceful minke and humpback whales, and curious porpoises and dolphins. Learn of the creatures’ life-cycles and habits from the informative on-board commentary. Before or after the cruise, visit the Whales of Iceland exhibition at your leisure and admire life-size models of Iceland’s native whale species.

Ride horses on a small farm in the countryside outside of Reykjavik on this private excursion. Learn the history and folklore of Icelandic horses before saddling up and riding out to Lake Hafravatn. Enjoy the views of unique Icelandic scenery and ride at your own pace with your guide leading the way.

Realize your dream of spotting wild whales in their natural environment on a 2.5- or 3-5-hour shore excursion around Faxaflói Bay from Reykjavik Port. Opt to enjoy either a 2.5-hour high speed cruise or a relaxed 3.5-hour cruise and then embark on an exhilarating whale-watching adventure. Enjoy illuminating commentary from an expert guide as you scour the sea for an incredible array of wildlife; look out for minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, porpoises and humpback whales as you cruise the beautiful area. Return to your cruise ship well in advance of its departure time on this enriching excursion.

Discover the waterfalls, volcanoes and hot pools of south Iceland’s Landmannalauger region on this day trip from Reykjavik. Traveling by coach, behold the barren beauty of Landmannalauger, located in the spectacular Highlands of Iceland, an area of rocky deserts, multicolored mountains and geothermal springs. Learn how volcanic eruptions and lava streams have shaped the landscapes through the ages; visit Hjalparfoss waterfall; stop to bathe in a natural warm-water pool; and gaze up at mighty Hekla, Iceland’s most active volcano.

Make an adventurous descent inside the remains of Iceland’s dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano during this small-group excursion from Reykjavik. Traverse the surreal landscapes of Iceland’s countryside on your way to the Blue Mountains, hiking through the area’s craggy lava fields. Then follow your guide inside the geological site's immense subterranean interior, its walls still scalded from an eruption that took place 4,000 years ago. This small-group excursion, limited to 18 guests, also includes all necessary safety equipment and round-trip hotel transportation.

Experience two of Iceland’s most incredible natural sights as you go whale watching and search for the Northern Lights with this package of two separate excursions from Reykjavik. Climb aboard your boat to search for the Aurora Borealis, a spectacular celestial display of colorful lights triggered by magnetic storms. For your second excursion, head out again by boat into Faxaflói Bay as you search for the area’s incredible marine life, including humpback whales, minke whales and harbor porpoises, among others. Both trips include hotel transport (if option selected), guides, warm coveralls and Wi-Fi on the whale watching cruise.

Ride an Icelandic horse across open moors and fields, then look for minkes, humpbacks, porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins on a whale-watching cruise from Reykjavik. This full-day experience takes in the best of the country’s wildlife and scenery, both on land and at sea. Practice Iceland’s unique tölt gait and learn how horses arrived in Iceland almost a millennium ago, then search the waters of Faxaflói Bay while enjoying sweeping views of the rugged coastline.

Enjoy a relaxing horseback riding tour just outside of the bustling city of Reykjavik during this half-day excursion. Learn the basics of horseback riding and get to know the unique Icelandic horses. The riding time is about three hours, which allows guests to get to know their horse and try out various gaits as they admire the beautiful Icelandic scenery.

Explore Iceland’s spectacular south coast on a 2-day tour with overnight accommodation that takes in the beaches, mountains, and wildlife of the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. You’ll hike on a glacier, check out a plane wreck on a striking black sand beach, and visit the Jökulsárlón Lagoon, where icebergs and seals bob in clear glacier water. Along the way, you’ll travel with a small group of like-minded travelers and a guide for an intimate and personalized tour.