Whale Watching from Reykjavík, Reykjavík

4.9 (7 reviews)
Embark on a whale watching adventure in Reykjavík with a skilled crew and knowledgeable guides.
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Julie
Julie H.
Oct 01, 2023
We saw a pod of dolphins, a loan porpoise, three Minke whales, and a number of beautiful sea birds. Our guide was entertaining and knowledgeable, and... Read more
patty
patty p.
Jan 22, 2023
Even though it was cold, we loved every minute of it!!
Debbi
Debbi N.
Dec 25, 2022
We spotted 2 humpbacks about 10 minutes from leaving the dock! Holy cow!
S
Shannon K.
Oct 24, 2022
The staff was amazing. We found the tour very informative and enjoyed being out on the ocean.
John
John F.
Oct 17, 2022
This was a great activity. The boat and crew were wonderful, with constant communication about what we were seeing outside, where to look for whales, and... Read more
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Overview

Embark on a thrilling journey into Faxaflói bay with a skilled crew and trained naturalists to encounter the majestic whales of Reykjavík. Board from the Visitor Centre to a comfortable boat equipped with indoor and outdoor viewing platforms, a cafeteria, and warm coveralls for those who wish to brave the deck. Admire the area's spectacular landscapes and vibrant birdlife as guides provide live commentary and point out sightings, commonly including minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. Enjoy this unique opportunity to learn about and observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

This activity is available year-round.

Highlights

  • Learn about the marine life of Faxaflói bay from expert marine biologists
  • Navigate the ocean smoothly with the help of a skilled and dedicated crew
  • Enjoy the unique contrast of magnificent landscapes and vast ocean views
  • Experience close encounters with Minke whales, Humpback whales, and white-nosed dolphins
  • Benefit from the comfort and amenities of a well-equipped boat, including a snack bar and cold-weather coveralls

Know before you go

Duration
3 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Small group

What you'll do

Your journey into Faxaflói bay starts at the Visitor Centre, where you'll meet the well-informed crew and specially trained naturalists that will guide you throughout your voyage. Take a moment to explore the center's various outdoor viewing platforms, get cozy in the heated indoor saloon with its large viewing windows, or grab a bite at the cafeteria. Make sure to borrow a blanket or overall from the cloakroom before boarding the boat—it can get chilly out on the water.

Once aboard our comfortable whale watching boat, you'll head out into the bay, a prime location for spotting a variety of whales, dolphins, and birdlife. As marine biologist guides provide a live commentary on the wildlife and scenery, keep your eyes peeled for the most commonly sighted creatures: minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. More rare but exciting sightings can include killer whales, fin whales, sei whales, and long-finned pilot whales.

As your journey progresses, your guide will keep you informed and entertained, pointing out sightings and sharing fascinating facts about Iceland's incredible wildlife. You're free to move around the boat, alternating between the fresh air on deck and the warmth of the indoor viewing areas. Remember to take advantage of the provided cold-weather gear to stay comfortable while you're out on deck.

Toward the end of your excursion, you'll have the chance to see the animals up close as they feed, play, or simply pass by. This is the perfect time to take out your camera and capture these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. As you make your way back to the docks, take one last look at the horizon—this unique blend of wildlife, ocean, and landscape is a sight you won't want to forget.

Start times

  • Daily
    9:00 am, 1:00 pm

What's included

  • Use of warm overalls and blankets
  • English speaking guide
  • Wifi on board
  • Access to Wildlife Exhibition
  • Heated indoor saloon
  • Large viewing windows
  • Wildlife guarantee (or try again for free)
  • Pictures taken by crew (when possible)

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Traveler photos
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Traveler reviews

7 total ratings, 7 with reviews
4.9
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.8
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.8
Transport
4.0
Julie
Julie H.
Elmhurst, NY | Reviewed on Oct 01, 2023
We saw a pod of dolphins, a loan porpoise, three Minke whales, and a number of beautiful sea birds. Our guide was entertaining and knowledgeable, and instructions and directions were clear and understandable. Read more

We saw a pod of dolphins, a loan porpoise, three Minke whales, and a number of beautiful sea birds. Our guide was entertaining and knowledgeable, and instructions and directions were clear and understandable.

Tips for future travelers

The seas were a little rough when we went out and they offered us free dramamine - it was a lifesaver!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was very good at directing us to look where animals were popping up
Transport
The walk to the harbor was not difficult, and the boat itself was pretty great! It had a little indoor saloon with various sorts of beverages and snacks.
patty
patty p.
Palm Valley, FL | Reviewed on Jan 22, 2023

Even though it was cold, we loved every minute of it!!

Tips for future travelers

By all means, GO!

Debbi
Debbi N.
Grants Pass, OR | Reviewed on Dec 25, 2022

We spotted 2 humpbacks about 10 minutes from leaving the dock! Holy cow!

Kim
Kim G.
Trinidad and Tobago | Reviewed on Oct 28, 2022
A really Thrilling experience, even if one does not handle the sea well. The tour company Elding, was very thorough about the safety considerations and on checking in they offered motion sickness pill to any who felt they would need it. The crew gave information on the population of mammals that they observe and study, and we were fortunate to see two groups of white billed dolphins, 3 humpback and a minke whale during the hour trip. The weather was fine so no rain coats were needed and... Read more

A really Thrilling experience, even if one does not handle the sea well. The tour company Elding, was very thorough about the safety considerations and on checking in they offered motion sickness pill to any who felt they would need it. The crew gave information on the population of mammals that they observe and study, and we were fortunate to see two groups of white billed dolphins, 3 humpback and a minke whale during the hour trip. The weather was fine so no rain coats were needed and there were life jackets on board for any emergency. It was exciting and the ride was smooth. My only reservation is that the initial booking was cancelled due to bad weather(understandably) but this was communicated to me after I arrived, which derailed my day plan and cost me extra taxi fare.

Quality of Experience
the ride was smooth and the staff knew where to search
Guides, Drivers and Staff
very knowledgeable and chatty staff. The sent photos afterwards but their photos were as crappy as mine
Transport
S
Shannon K.
Minneapolis, MN | Reviewed on Oct 24, 2022
The staff was amazing. We found the tour very informative and enjoyed being out on the ocean. Read more

The staff was amazing. We found the tour very informative and enjoyed being out on the ocean.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
John
John F.
Columbus, IN | Reviewed on Oct 17, 2022
This was a great activity. The boat and crew were wonderful, with constant communication about what we were seeing outside, where to look for whales, and dolphins, etc. There was a large indoor cabin where you could stay dry and warm, and they provided cold weather coveralls so that you could go out on deck without getting too cold. Being on deck was the best place to be for seeing the wildlife. We got to see several Minke whales, two Humpback whales who came alongside for close up... Read more

This was a great activity. The boat and crew were wonderful, with constant communication about what we were seeing outside, where to look for whales, and dolphins, etc. There was a large indoor cabin where you could stay dry and warm, and they provided cold weather coveralls so that you could go out on deck without getting too cold. Being on deck was the best place to be for seeing the wildlife. We got to see several Minke whales, two Humpback whales who came alongside for close up pictures, and many white nosed dolphins and countless sea birds.

Tips for future travelers

Make sure you have your driving directions to the ticket office prepared before you go; there are other tour operators in the same area and if you go to the wrong place you could miss your tour. Allow plenty of time to park and walk over to the tour office, since they don't have parking at the office or dock. Dress warmly; even in the summer it will be cool out on the water.

Quality of Experience
The great crew kept us informed and entertained. There was a place inside to get snacks and things to drink. The boat was large and comfortable. We got to see whales!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Excellent staff. They were constantly working to help us find whales and other things to see.
Transport
We drove ourselves. If a tour operator takes you there, it's no fuss, but otherwise you have to find your own parking and then walk over to the ticket office.
Amanda
Amanda D.
Wilkinsburg, PA | Reviewed on Jul 07, 2022
Informative and saw many whales and puffin. Really enjoyed. Read more

Informative and saw many whales and puffin. Really enjoyed.

Tips for future travelers

If I only had one day in Reykjavik, with small kids, I might skip it but only because it is a long tour. My kids did enjoy most of it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff

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