1-Hour Vik Black Sand Ride

Black Sand Beach Horse Riding Tour from Vik runs through Vik Horse Adventure. Rated 4.8 across 571 reviews. Runs 1 hour. From $126.

Overview

This one-hour ride from Vik puts travellers on Icelandic horses and takes them out onto the black sand beach that lines the coast here. Riders meet at the operator's stable on Smiðjuvegur 6 in Vík, reached through the Orkan petrol station opposite Hotel Kría, and are asked to arrive 15 minutes before departure, already dressed for the day's weather. Groups are capped at 10 travellers, and the ride finishes back at the same stable.

The pace suits beginners and casual riders. The default is calm walking along the sand, but several travellers describe an optional tölt, the Icelandic horse's smooth gait, offered in short bursts for anyone who wants to try it. One reviewer noted that guides put no pressure on anyone to go faster than they wished.

The tour suits first-time riders, families with children aged 10 and up, and anyone wanting a short activity that does not eat a whole day. The listing does not recommend the ride for travellers with back problems, and pregnant travellers are not allowed to join. A weight limit of 100 kg applies. Helmets and the horse are included; shoes and hotel pickup are not.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Arrive at the Vik stableReach the stable at Smiðjuvegur 6, 870 Vík, accessed through the Orkan petrol station opposite Hotel Kría. Arrive 15 minutes before departure, dressed ready for the weather, since the tour cannot be delayed for latecomers.
2. Meet your horse and gear upHelmets are provided and clear riding instructions are given before the group sets off.
3. Ride to the black sand beachThe 1-hour ride heads out to the black sand shore near Vik. The default pace is easy walking, with an optional short tölt for riders who want it.
4. Beach stop and photosThe group stops on the beach, where one reviewer said guides took pictures for everyone.
5. Return to the stableThe ride loops back and ends at the original meeting point in Vík.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the hour go more smoothly, most of them drawn from the listing and from what past riders repeatedly said.

• Dress for wind. The listing asks everyone to arrive dressed ready for the weather of the day, so come prepared with warm, weatherproof layers.
• Bring your own shoes. Shoes are not included in the booking, so arrive with your own footwear.
• Pace and fitness. The ride is easy, and reviewers with little or no horse experience said they felt comfortable throughout. A moderate level of physical fitness is expected, and the tölt or trot portions are optional, with no pressure to try them.
• Group feel. The tour carries a maximum of 10 travellers. Reviewers often mention friendly, patient staff who matched horses to riders well, including for solo travellers and older first-timers.
• Timing and light. One reviewer suggested booking the latest time available for the chance of a sunset.
• Photos on the beach. One reviewer said guides took pictures for everyone during the beach stop.

Common issues. One reviewer called the ride a beginner experience and suggested riders wanting a faster, longer outing look for a private tour instead. The weight limit is 100 kg, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible, not open to pregnant travellers, not recommended for people with back problems, and restricted to ages 10 and up. Weather matters: the operator requires good conditions and will offer a different date or a full refund if the tour is cancelled for poor weather. There is no hotel pickup, and riders arriving late cannot have the tour delayed.

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