Whale Watching in Reykjavík

As a prolific feeding ground for whales, Iceland yearly attracts more than 20 different species, and whale watching has become a popular local activity. One of the best locations to observe the gentle giants of the ocean is Reykjavík.

You can now choose from an abundance of whale watching cruises from Reykjavík to see these beloved ocean creatures.

Here's all you need to know about whale watching cruises, one of the most breathtaking outdoor activities in Reykjavík.

What are the best whale watching tours from Reykjavík?

Whale watching and marine life cruise from Reykjavík

You will sail from the old harbor in Reykjavík on the whale-watching ship Andrea, and stay comfortable with warm clothing provided by the crew.

During the trip, you can move around in large public viewing areas with 360-degree views of the ocean. There’s also a café on board selling a variety of refreshments, and you can browse the souvenir shop for mementos.

If the timing’s right, your experienced guide will help you spot minke and humpback whales, dolphins and porpoises and, on occasion, orcas.

With the focus on an educational tour, you can ask your guide questions and learn from his marine knowledge. In summer, you can go on a faster whale watching boat.

Small-group whale watching tours from Reykjavík

For an intimate experience in observing whales and Iceland's marine life, you can book a small-group tour either on a speedboat or rigid inflatable boat (RIB). This tour last 2 hours and allows up to 12 passengers per boat.

Whale watching on a luxury yacht cruise from Reykjavík

On this 3-hour whale watching cruise on a luxury yacht, you can explore the natural wonders of Reykjavík’s Faxafloi Bay while on the lookout for whales and dolphins.

Enjoy the yacht cruise with fewer passengers and personalized service. For your comfort, the stable yacht has a lounge, bar and fly-bridge, with spacious interior and deck areas.

You will cruise along Reykjavík’s coastline and the islands near Reykjavík and then on to Faxafloi Bay, searching for the whales.

If it’s your day, you will see minke and humpback whales, dolphins and porpoises, and several species of sea birds, including puffins, during summer. If there are no sightings, you will receive a ticket to return for another trip.

Whale watching shore excursion from Reykjavík

You can spot different species of whales in their natural environment around Faxaflói Bay on a shore excursion from Reykjavík Port.

You can choose between a high-speed cruise of 2.5 hours or a more relaxed cruise of 3.5 hours, and go off on an exciting whale watching trip. Make yourself comfortable and warm up with the waterproof coveralls provided on the boat.

During your cruise around Faxaflói Bay, you will enjoy enlightening commentary from the experienced onboard guide while you scout the ocean for various marine life.

Look out for the minke and humpback whales, porpoises, dolphins and seabirds as you cruise around the beautiful bay. At the end of your tour, you can return to your cruise ship well before its time of departure from the port.

How much do whale watching tours from Reykjavík cost?

The whale watching cruises from Reykjavík cost from US$70 to US$80 per person, while small-group tours cost around US$140 per person on RIBs and US$160 per person on speedboats.

Whale watching on a luxury yacht cruise costs from US$90 to US$100 per person. The Reykjavík whale watching shore excursion costs about US$90 per person.

What is included?

• Experienced guide
• Warm overalls (adults and children's sizes)
• Wi-Fi and heated indoor seating
• Ticket for a second trip if no sightings
• Hotel pickup
• Hot drinks and refreshments (available to purchase)
• Use of binoculars

Where does it start?

The starting point for the whale watching cruises from Reykjavík is the city’s old harbor in the downtown area.

How long does it last?

Whale watching tours from Reykjavík last from 2 to 3.5 hours.

When is the best time for a whale watching tour from Reykjavík?

The best time for watching the whales in Reykjavík is in summer, from April to September. Winds are calmer, storms are fewer and skies are clearer, and your prospects of seeing the whales surfacing are much higher.

Is it safe?

Whale watching from a tour boat in Reykjavík is quite safe. Known as gentle giants of the ocean, whales don’t attack boats and other smaller vessels. There are also regulations on how close boats may get to whales.

Are children allowed?

Children of all ages are allowed on the Reykjavík whale watching tour, luxury yacht cruise from Reykjavík and Reykjavík shore excursion tour.

What happens in case of bad weather?

The whale-watching tours depend on the right weather conditions, and with passenger safety in mind, the ship’s experienced captain will decide whether to sail or not.

If you cannot see any whales on your excursion, you will receive a complimentary ticket for another booking.

Are there any combos available with whale watching tours from Reykjavík?

ATV adventure and whale watching combo tour

On this exciting one-day combination tour from Reykjavík, you can combine the thrill of ATV off-roading with the wonder of whale watching in Reykjavík’s Faxafloi Bay.

Your adventure starts with an all-terrain vehicle trip that takes you to Ulfarsfell Mountain, with fine views of Reykjavík, the sea and the mountains.

Following your 1-hour ATV stint, your guide will drive you to the old harbor in Reykjavík for a lunch break. You will then go on your whale watching journey in Faxafloi Bay to see humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises.

At the same time, you will be treated to splendid views of the Reykjavík peninsula. During your combo tour, you will have plenty of photo opportunities from the top of Ulfarsfell mountain, as well as in Faxafloi Bay.

This ATV adventure and whale watching combo tour lasts about 8 hours and costs from US$250 to US$330 per person.

Which other water activities can be done in Reykjavík?

• Boat tours
• Snorkeling
• Scuba diving
• Rafting

Travel tips

• Bring warm clothing.
• The ATV tour is not recommended for people with back problems.
• Take precautions if you are susceptible to seasickness.