Horses and Whales

#### A Whale Of A Tale

“I just want to see one,” said the little boy while clutching his mother’s pant leg and walking along the plank onto the boat. From the first moment you are invited on the boat, the excitement builds. That’s the big attraction with Iceland, you see things in a natural setting. This isn’t Disneyland. The guide of our whale watching trip with Reykjavík Sailors starts listing off the safety rules:

“Rule number 1, don’t do anything stupid–actually, that’s the only rule. It all boils down to that. I want to make it back alive and I’m running on the assumption that you guys do too.”

He goes over the layout of the ship, but after that we’re out on the ocean, searching for whales, birds and whatever we can find. Unless you’re a whale biologist or Faroese whale hunter, it’s not very often you can see a whale breach and hear its lungs blast water into the cool ocean air. Our photographer managed to capture a little bit of our adventure.

Whale Watching In Reykjavík

Thousands of people come to Iceland every year with the hopes of meeting one of Iceland’s most interesting creatures. Not the trolls or even the elves but rather it’s the humble Icelandic horse. 

Best known for their calm and friendly demeanor and ability to run at a unique gait, Icelandic horses’ mild temperament reflects the relaxed lifestyle that most Icelanders lead.

You will get to know these horses extremely well as we ride through the lava fields that can be found outside of the city of Reykjavik. You don’t even need to be a horse riding pro to have a good time as the horses are amazingly well trained and you will be given a brief lesson ahead of the ride.

The ride will have around an hour and a half and will end with a light meal, so you can sample some icelandic food.

  
![](https://youtu.be/6uflD7sGd6I)

Horse Riding tour from Reykjavík

During our annual Reykjavík Grapevine Best Of Iceland awards, our panellists were unanimous about the best tour in North Iceland: whale watching. On this tour, come spot humpback whales, blue whales, minke whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises and more cetacean life during a cruise on the Arctic Ocean. Seabirds, including puffins, Arctic terns and eider ducks, may also be seen. 

This ship is the only high speed, specially modified, whale watching ship in Iceland. Capable of carrying 200 people, the boat will treat you with spectacular views from gorgeous viewing platforms. Its high speed guarantees that you'll be able to go wherever the whales might be located . With ample indoor and outdoor seating, a bar and a cafeteria, you'll be kept in luxury the whole time.

_Meet at the floating pier, Oddeyrarbót 2, next to the cultural centre HOF in Akureyri at least 15 min. prior to departure._

**\*This tour is operated by our sister company Akureyri Whale Watching\***

Akureyri Classic Whale Watching Trip

Wait—you're saying I get to bathe in some hot springs after a morning of riding horses? Say what? Yes, after a gorgeous ride through the Reykjadalur valley, where you'll get to experience the incomparable Icelandic horses and their special "tölt," you'll get to take a relaxing bath in a natural geothermal hot spring. 

On your ride, gaze about at a gorgeous panorama of classic Icelandic nature, including green meadows, sheep fields, and lava fields. If you're lucky the weather might even be good enough to see the Westman Islands! 

Make sure to bring a swimsuit as you don't want to miss the unforgettable experience of bathing in a classic Icelandic hot pool. Make sure to bring your camera—you'll want to Instagram this.