South Coast & Black Sand Horse Riding Tour

by BusTravel Iceland · Horse riding · South Coast

4.70· 3,015 Google reviews of the operator

Beginners welcome
Fine on your own
Couples
Suits older travellers
Good with teenagers
Eco-certified

from €168.52 per person

Next departure: Mon 26 Oct

Book Mon 26 Oct · €168.52 Other dates

South Coast & Black Sand Horse Riding Tour — BusTravel Iceland

View from behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall

Group in front of Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

View over Vík village and Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks

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17 photos from BusTravel Iceland. Tap any one for the full-size original.

Duration
11 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Season
All year
Starts in
Reykjavík
Pickup
Hotel pickup available at extra cost, or meet at the start point
Starts at
Bus Stop #12 Höfðatorg
6 Þórunnartún, Reykjavík
Guide
Guided in English
Departs
08:00
Minimum age
10
Cancellation
Free until 2 days before

About this experience

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Reykjavík to the mesmerizing landscapes of Vík, where you'll experience the unique charm of Iceland through horseback riding, breathtaking waterfalls, and awe-inspiring natural wonders. This full-day adventure promises an immersive exploration of Iceland's beauty, blending the thrill of horse riding with the awe of cascading waterfalls.

1. Departure from Reykjavík:

Your adventure begins as you depart from Reykjavík in a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle. As you leave the city behind, the ever-changing Icelandic scenery will captivate you with its dramatic landscapes.

2. Lunch Break & Vík:

Recharge with a delicious Icelandic lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor traditional dishes and fuel up for the rest of your adventure. You'll also have some time to wander around the coastal village of Vík before your horseback riding tour starts.

3. Horseback Riding in Vík:

Arrive in the charming village of Vík and meet your friendly local guides, who will introduce you to the unique Icelandic horses. Known for their gentle nature and distinctive gait, these horses offer a one-of-a-kind riding experience. Embark on a scenic horseback ride through the black sand beaches and rolling hills of Vík, with the North Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop. Feel the connection with your Icelandic steed and soak in the breathtaking views that surround you.

4. Skógafoss Waterfall:

Next, venture towards the iconic Skógafoss Waterfall. Marvel at the sheer power of the cascading water as it plunges 60 meters into a serene pool below. Take a leisurely stroll along the Skógá River and capture stunning photos of the picturesque landscape. For the adventurous, climb the stairs to the top of the waterfall for a panoramic view that will leave you in awe.

5. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall:

Continue your journey to the enchanting Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland's most famous attractions. What makes this waterfall truly special is the unique opportunity to walk behind the curtain of water, providing a rare and unforgettable perspective. Feel the mist on your face and listen to the thundering sounds of nature as you immerse yourself in this magical setting.

6. Return to Reykjavík:

As the day comes to an end, relax on the return journey to Reykjavík, reflecting on the incredible experiences and memories created during this Icelandic adventure.

Description from the operator, BusTravel Iceland. Prices and availability in the booking panel are live.

Where you go

Reykjavík
Hvolsvöllur
Vík & Horseback Riding
Skógafoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Reykjavík

Included

Air-conditioned vehicle
WiFi on board
Restroom on board

Horseback Riding Tour

All Fees and Taxes

Not included

Lunch

Good to know

Warm clothing and good shoes

Not wheelchair accessible
Not stroller accessible
Not suitable for pets
Infant seats unavailable

Cancellation for this tour

Free cancellation until 2 days before departure; no refund after that. If the operator cancels for weather or safety, you get a full refund or a new date.

Why this one and not the cheaper one?

The nearest cheaper South Coast Waterfalls & Black Beach Horse Riding from Arctic Adventures is €147 — €22 less. Here is every difference we can actually measure.

	BusTravel Iceland · €169	Arctic Adventures · €147
Getting there	You make your own way	Picks you up
Changing your mind	Free until 48 h before	Not stated

The €22 buys you free cancellation up to 48 h before. Whether that is worth it is your call — but that is what the difference is.

Who this is not for

Children under 10 cannot join this one.
Not a good fit if you want a relaxed day: 11 hours is a long time on the road, most of it spent getting there and back.

Read off the operator's own conditions. If none of it applies to you, this is a good one.

Why we list it

BusTravel Iceland is one of 207 operators we work with — chosen for reliability, honest descriptions and how they treat guests when weather changes plans. We don't list everything; we list what we'd book ourselves. The six checks every operator passes →

What travellers say about BusTravel Iceland

Read all 3,015 reviews on Google →

Operator rating 4.7/5 from Google — these are reviews of the company, not this specific tour. Shown as Google returns them, unedited.

Frank Robards
★★★★★ · 2 months ago
We had a wonderful tour to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula today. It was amazing!! Our guide, Vjeran, was exceptional. His knowledge and experience made our tour even more memorable. He even worked in a couple of additional stops to our itinerary which further enhanced our experience. I highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in experiencing the majesty of nature in Iceland.
Topha
★★★★★ · 2 months ago
An amazing experience! It was our first time in Iceland, and we couldn’t have asked for a better trip. For six unforgettable days, we travelled along the famous Ring Road with our guide, Vjeran, who was friendly, knowledgeable, and highly professional throughout the entire journey. He made every day enjoyable while showing us Iceland’s most spectacular attractions. The trip was truly unforgettable. Some of the accommodations were also lovely, with welcoming and helpful staff that made us feel at home. There is so much to see in Iceland, and six days go by very quickly, so the itinerary was quite busy. Even so, we had the opportunity to enjoy every activity and appreciate the incredible landscapes along the way. Overall, the experience exceeded all our expectations, helped even more by the fantastic weather we were lucky enough to enjoy throughout the trip. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Iceland!
Andrea Di Nardo
★★★★★ · 2 months ago
During our Iceland vacation, we took two tours with Bus Travel Iceland: the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon; and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. On the exceptional Golden Circle tour with a relaxing conclusion at the enchanting Blue Lagoon, we visited the iconic sites along the way, following a fairly packed itinerary but with adequate time for each stop. The guide was knowledgeable in driving the bus and engaging in providing information and telling stories about the places we visited. Higly recommended the fascinating tour to discover the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Departing from Reykjavik, we visited the main towns and iconic sites from the north to the south coast of the peninsula. The excellent Axel guided us, providing interesting details about the places to visit. His expert bus driving skills and precise planning allowed us to see everything in the allotted time, without excessive pressure or fatigue.
Kirsty Macdonald
★★★★★ · 2 months ago
6 Days Around Iceland Ring Road Small Group Tour This is one of those trips that delivers on every level — partly because of Iceland itself, and largely because of our guide Michael. Travelling in March — Iceland's stormiest month — meant our itinerary had to be adapted constantly. Every evening and morning Michael would brief us on the current plan and be upfront about where the weather would have the final say. Clear, honest communication and smart decisions that meant we still packed in as much as was viable each day. His commentary was full of stories, weaving folklore throughout — a great insight into Icelandic thinking. Fantastic guide. The accommodation was excellent throughout with great breakfasts each morning. One practical note for anyone weighing up the six, seven, or eight day options: Icelandic weather is changeable year-round, so build in flexibility. I chose not to do the eighth day in March given the weather risk, and booked the seventh day (Snaefellsnes Peninsula) as a separate tour with a buffer day in between. As a solo traveller, the fact that you can share a room rather than automatically cop the single supplement was a genuine bonus — not something every operator offers. I did a lot of research before settling on BusTravel Iceland, and prior to booking their communication was prompt and clear — every question answered without chasing. It was a good sign of things to come.

Reviews from Google · updated 23 Oct 2026

Read before you book

Best Horse Riding Tour in Iceland (2026): 4 PicksThe horse riding tours we would book ourselves: an easy lava-field ride near Reykjavík, the hot-spring valley, and longer rides for confident riders.
Horse riding in Iceland: the tölt and who it suitsIcelandic horses have a gait no other breed in Europe has. Here's what a riding tour really is, which combo to book, and who should stay on the fence.
Reykjadalur hot river: hike, horse or night walkReykjadalur is a free, easy hike above Hveragerði with a warm river to bathe in. Walk it yourself with a car; book the €98 night hike or the horse ride without one.

Reviews from our travellers

Only people who booked this tour through us can write here. We publish every review in full — good or bad.

Reviews arrive the day after each trip — none yet for this one. After your tour we send one email asking how it was, and what you write goes here, unedited.

Horse riding — questions people ask

Can complete beginners ride Icelandic horses?

Yes, and most people on the tours are beginners. Icelandic horses are small, calm and used to novices, and the one- to two-hour rides on the farm tours (/experience/164615/, /experience/170834/) move at a walk with a taste of tölt, the smooth fifth gait the breed is known for. You get a helmet and a short briefing. If you have ridden before, tell the guide; they will match you to a livelier horse.

Why can't I call it a pony?

Because Icelanders will correct you, politely. The Icelandic horse stands around 13 to 14 hands, pony height elsewhere, but it has been bred as a horse for a thousand years with no outside blood since the settlement. It has five gaits, including tölt and the flying pace. Once a horse leaves Iceland it cannot come back, to protect the herd from disease. Call it a horse; the guides will like you more.

Can I bring my own riding gear to Iceland?

Only if it has been disinfected. Iceland has strict rules to protect its horses from foreign disease: used riding clothing, gloves and boots must be disinfected before entering the country, and used leather tack, saddles and bridles are not allowed at all. The stables provide helmets and rain overalls, so most people bring nothing. Wear long trousers and closed shoes with a small heel if you have them.

Is there a weight limit for horse riding in Iceland?

Yes. Icelandic horses are small, and most stables set a rider weight limit somewhere around 100 to 110 kilograms, sometimes lower for longer rides. The tour page states the exact limit, and stables do enforce it on the day. If you are close to the limit, email us before booking and we will check with the operator. Minimum ages also apply, usually six to eight for a farm ride.

Hotels

Where to stay for this tour

From the cheapest to the top end of what is near Reykjavík, from our hotel partners. Rooms are booked on our hotels site.

All hotels in Reykjavík →

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from

€168.52 per person

BusTravel Iceland's own price. 3% off the whole trip when you book two or more tours together, in one checkout.

Your date

The next departure we can see — change it if this tour is for another day.

Pick a date to check departures.

Departs08:00

Reykjavík: light 08:49–17:34, 8 h 45 min of daylight.

✓ Free cancellation until 2 days before
✓ Instant confirmation by email
✓ If BusTravel Iceland cancels for weather or safety: a full refund, or another date
✓ Card — Apple Pay or Google Pay where your device offers it — through Stripe; the charge is made in Icelandic krónur
✓ Price promise: BusTravel Iceland's own price, or we refund the difference
✓ One checkout, even with tours from several operators
✓ Vetted operator — the six checks every operator passes

Pairs well with

Add any of these to this tour and 3 % comes off both at checkout — about €10 on the cheapest pair. One basket, one payment, however many operators they come from.