Explore the cold waters surrounding the capital of Iceland and get closer to nature than ever before. From watching the fascinating puffins and the majestic whales to experiencing the magical Northern Lights, you have so much to discover while on a boat tour in Reykjavik.

Here's all you need to know about boat tours, one of the most exciting outdoor activities in Reykjavik.

What are the most popular boat tours in Reykjavik?

Whale-watching boat tours in Reykjavik

Take a trip from Reykjavik Old Harbor on a luxury yacht or sightseeing boat and see Iceland's whales and dolphins on a unique whale-watching cruise. You will sail along the Reykjavik coast and among the islands of Faxaflói Bay for an unforgettable adventure.

Northern lights cruises in Reykjavik

You can now experience the magic of the northern lights from the deck of a grand yacht. Departing from Reykjavik's Old Harbor, you will pass the islands in Faxafloi Bay and the Reykjavik coast before leaving the city lights. The best time to observe the northern lights is from September to April.

Puffin watching cruises in Reykjavik

From Reykjavik Harbor, a local nature guide will lead you to Akureyri Island to admire the puffins in their proper habitat. The puffin watching tour provides binoculars for viewing puffins and other marine birds in their natural state.

The island constitutes nature reserves, but your guide will take you close enough for an exceptional puffin experience.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon cruises in Reykjavik

The Glacier Lagoon excursions are full-day trips (around 14 hours). You will get picked up in Reykjavik and driven along Iceland’s southern coast before stopping at Jökulsárlón to glide between its icebergs on a small boat.

Going back along the south coast, you can visit the fishing village of Vik for an optional dinner and appreciate the Seljalandsfoss waterfall.

Sailing boat rentals in Reykjavik

If you want an exclusive and customized boat trip from Reykjavik, rent a sailboat with or without a captain. As you take in the marvelous sights, enjoy the luxury of having warm cabins, a kitchen and dining room, and bathrooms.

How much does it cost?

Prices of whale-watching boat trips from Reykjavik vary, depending on the type of vessel.

Whale-watching tours cost around US$70 per person on a sailboat cruise, US$85 per person on a luxury yacht and US$145 per person in a rigid inflatable boat (RIB).

Northern lights cruises cost US$85 per person on a yacht or around US$90 per person on a sightseeing vessel. The puffin expedition cruises cost about US$50 and last about an hour.

The full-day Glacier Lagoon trips cost from US$200 to US$220 per person.

Sailing boat rentals cost about US$800 per day for a six-person boat to US$1,000 per day for a 10-person boat.

Which places are seen?

On the trips to Akureyri Island off Reykjavik's coast, you will find a flourishing colony of thousands of puffins. The puffin island constitutes nature reserves that are out of bounds, but your guide will sail close as permitted to see them.

On the northern lights tours from Reykjavik, you will cruise along the Faxafloi Bay islands, with unobstructed vistas of the sea and the sky from a viewing deck.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Glacier Lagoon lies about 370 kilometers east of Reykjavík and is one of Iceland’s finest natural wonders. At Glacier Lagoon, you will cruise between the icebergs, admire the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and visit the fishing village of Vik — where you can enjoy an optional meal and spend time on the beach.

During the whale-watching trips from the Old Harbor, you can observe several species of whales, including minke and humpbacks, as well as dolphins, seals and millions of marine birds.

How long does a boat trip last?

The duration of the boat trips varies considerably, depending on the purpose of the trips. The duration of the whale watching tours is 3 hours by yacht, but 2 hours by the quicker speedboat and RIB boat it’s shorter at 2 hours.

The northern lights cruises tours last from 2 to 2.,5 hours on average, but when combined with whale watching adds up to 5 hours.

Puffin watching boat tours that visit Akureyri Island, which is not that far from Reykjavik, only last an hour on average.

The Glacier Lagoon boat trips are quite extensive, lasting a full day at around 14 hours. There is also an option of a 2-day trip to Glacier Lagoon.

Where do boat tours leave from?

The boat tours for whale watching, the northern lights tours and visits to the puffin colonies leave from Reykjavik Old Harbor. For the trip to the Glacier Lagoon, you will be picked up in downtown Reykjavik and driven along the south coast.

When is the best time for a boat tour in Reykjavik?

The best time to take boat cruises in Reykjavik is June to August. Come June, you have the long summer days of daylight, a time when whale watching is at its peak. For the best sightings of the magnificent Northern Lights, look at the clear nights of September.

The best weather months in Iceland are May to August. The days are long, and the temperatures are pleasant. But it’s high season, so make sure to book well in advance.

Which other water activities can be done in Reykjavik?

Travel tips

Wear weather-appropriate clothing and remember it’s colder on the ocean.
Wear sunscreen.
For whale-watching tours, warm blankets are available.
Drinks and snacks are available for purchase on board.

Boat Tours in Reykjavík