Horses and Puffins: A Full-Day Iceland Adventure
Ride Icelandic horses through elf country in the morning, then sail out to watch puffins at sea in the afternoon.
Horses and Puffins Iceland brings together two of the country's most iconic wildlife encounters in a single, carefully paced full day. You begin on horseback in the countryside and finish on the water off Reykjavik's harbor, with a light lunch in between to recharge.
The morning ride moves through a landscape steeped in Icelandic folklore. You pass the small cleft known as Alfakvi and an old sheep house that, by local tradition, cannot be disturbed without consequence — a quiet reminder that elves hold real cultural weight in Iceland, influencing where roads are laid and buildings raised.
Guides make the most of the terrain's natural tölt paths, giving riders at every level a chance to experience the famously smooth four-beat gait unique to the Icelandic horse. The breed's calm temperament and sure-footedness make it well suited for beginners and a pleasure for those with more experience.
After lunch at Hotel Eldhestar, a transfer brings you to Reykjavik's Old Harbor in time to explore the waterfront before boarding a specially designed oak boat. The one-hour puffin watching cruise reaches Puffin Island within fifteen minutes and covers the biology, behavior, and folklore surrounding one of the North Atlantic's most recognizable seabirds.
Tour Highlights
Ride through elf territory, passing the legendary Alfakvi cleft and an ancient sheep house rooted in Icelandic folk belief.
Experience the tölt, the Icelandic horse's signature smooth gait, on dedicated tölt paths across open countryside.
Sail to Puffin Island on a charming oak boat and observe Atlantic puffins up close in their natural coastal habitat.
Enjoy a light lunch at Hotel Eldhestar between the riding and puffin watching segments of the day.
Explore Reykjavik's Old Harbor district before the afternoon boat departure, with time to take in the waterfront atmosphere.
Suitable for all riding levels — guides match each participant to the right horse based on their experience.
How the Day Unfolds
The day begins with a guided horseback ride through the Icelandic countryside. The route passes Alfakvi and the storied old sheep house, with ample opportunity to practice or enjoy the tölt on designated paths.
After the ride, guests gather at Hotel Eldhestar for a light lunch. This is a comfortable pause before the afternoon's activities begin.
A transfer takes the group to Reykjavik's Old Harbor, arriving around 13:00. There is free time to walk the harbor area and take in the surroundings at your own pace.
Guests board a purpose-built oak boat for a one-hour cruise. Puffin Island is reached in approximately fifteen minutes, and guides share facts and stories about the Atlantic puffin throughout the journey.
What Is Included
Included
- Guided morning horse riding tour
- Experienced riding guides throughout
- Light lunch at Hotel Eldhestar
- Transfer from Hotel Eldhestar to Reykjavik Harbor
- One-hour puffin watching boat tour
- Expert naturalist commentary on puffins
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off beyond stated transfers
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for guides
- Additional food and beverages beyond the included lunch
Important Information
Book Your Iceland Horses and Puffins Day
Secure your place on this full-day Iceland wildlife experience combining horse riding in elf country with a puffin watching cruise from Reykjavik's Old Harbor.
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