South Iceland Beach Ride

South Iceland: Icelandic Horse Black Sand Beach Ride runs through Saddle Stories. Rated 5.0 across 2 reviews. Runs 3 hours. From $303.

Overview

This three-hour ride from Bakkakot Farm puts you on an Icelandic horse and takes you straight onto the black sand beach of the South Coast. The route runs along the volcanic shoreline, with the Westman Islands out in the water and Eyjafjallajökull rising behind, so the scenery does a lot of the work while the horse does the rest. Guides lead the whole ride in English.

You do not need riding experience. The Icelandic horse helps here: the breed is known for being calm, sure-footed, and smooth to sit on. A family in one recent review had two keen riders plus a son who had never sat on a horse before, and all three came away happy.

Helmets are provided, along with rain gear or outerwear if conditions call for it. You make your own way to the farm, as hotel pickup is not part of the package, and gratuities are left to your discretion. Riders need to be at least 10 years old.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Safety briefingGuides walk the group through safety instructions before anyone gets on a horse.
2. Meet your horseEach rider is matched with an Icelandic horse suited to their experience level, and a helmet is fitted.
3. Ride the black sand beachThe guided ride follows the black sand coastline, with views of the Westman Islands and Eyjafjallajökull along the way.
4. Take in the coastRiders get fresh ocean breeze and wide open views of the South Iceland coast, with time to connect with the landscape and the horses.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things will shape how this ride goes for you.

• Dress for coast. Rain gear or outerwear is supplied if needed, so you have a backup if conditions turn wet. The listing does not specify what to bring, so dress for a coastal outdoor activity.
• No experience needed. The listing is explicit that beginners and experienced riders are both welcome, and one family review confirms a rider on a horse for the first time enjoyed it. Horses are matched to your level.
• Getting there. Factor in the drive time from wherever you are staying on the South Coast.
• Guides. The ride is led by guides from Bakkakot Farm who give safety instructions before you mount and help you feel comfortable from the start. The listing highlights their local knowledge.
• Time in the saddle. The tour runs three hours in total. It is described as a scenic, peaceful ride rather than a fast-paced trek.
• Views. The scenery stretches from the black sand beach to the Westman Islands and Eyjafjallajökull. One reviewer described the landscape as fantastic.

Common issues. There is no hotel pickup, so you must arrange your own transport to Bakkakot Farm, and gratuities are not included in the price. Riders under 10 cannot join. The listing does not promise any particular pace, gait work or riding time within the three hours, so experienced riders looking for a long trek should temper expectations.

Picking A Ride