Reykjavik: Whale Watching Morning Expedition

From Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, you head into Faxaflói Bay with the real chance of seeing Minke and Humpback whales, dolphins, and Harbour porpoises in open water. The mountains, islands, and seabirds give you plenty to watch while the crew searches for marine life.

I like the warm flotation overalls, especially on a cool Icelandic morning, and the heated indoor cabin gives you a useful retreat between sightings. The main drawback is simple: whales are wild animals, and no sighting is guaranteed, though a second tour is offered if the boat sees nothing.

Key points

• A 9:00 AM departure from the Old Harbour: You start in central Reykjavik, at Geirsgata 11, with the city close at hand.
• About 2.5 hours on Faxaflói Bay: The main search takes place offshore, surrounded by Icelandic mountains, islands, and seabirds.
• Several possible sightings: Look for Minke whales, Humpback whales, dolphins, Harbour porpoises, and possibly Killer whales.
• Warmth is built in: Flotation overalls, heated indoor cabins, toilets, and seasickness tablets are included.
• A fair backup policy: If the tour produces no sightings, you receive a complimentary ticket for a second trip.
• Easy planning: English guiding, free Wi-Fi, wheelchair access, and cancellation up to 24 hours before departure make this a flexible choice.

Leaving Reykjavik’s Old Harbour at 9:00 AM

Your morning begins at the Special Tours office at Geirsgata 11, in Reykjavik’s historic Old Harbour. Arrive 30 minutes before departure. That extra time matters because you need to check in, collect your warm gear, and get settled before the boat heads out.

The harbour is a handy starting point if you are staying in central Reykjavik. Pickup is not included, but it is available for an extra charge. For many people, walking to the meeting point is the simpler option, though you should allow enough time to arrive without rushing.

The tour lasts 3.5 hours in total. The listed time on Faxaflói Bay is about 2.5 hours, with the remaining time covering boarding, leaving the harbour, and returning to Geirsgata 11. This is a sizeable part of your morning, so avoid booking another fixed activity too tightly against the return time.

An English-speaking guide accompanies the trip. The guide’s job is not only to point out animals, but also to help you scan the water and understand what you are seeing. You should still expect some waiting. Whale watching is a search, not a scheduled animal performance.

What Faxaflói Bay Adds to the Trip

Faxaflói Bay gives the boat room to search for marine life while keeping Reykjavik’s surroundings in view. As you move out from the harbour, watch the changing position of the city, nearby islands, and mountains. Even when the animals stay below the surface, the setting gives the ride a strong sense of place.

The bay is also a good area for bird watching. Seabirds fly overhead as the boat moves through the water, adding activity during the quieter stretches. Bring a camera, but keep it ready for quick appearances. A whale’s back or a dolphin’s movement may be visible only briefly.

The main search lasts around 2.5 hours. That is long enough to give the crew a reasonable window, but it also means you should dress for time outside. The boat provides warm flotation overalls, yet you should still bring warm clothing. Icelandic weather can make the open deck feel much colder than the harbour.

You can move between the outside viewing areas and the heated indoor cabin. I like this arrangement because it lets you stay outside when the crew spots something, then warm up without ending the trip early. The cabin also has toilets, which is a practical comfort on a boat lasting several hours.

The Animals You Might See

The main targets are Minke and Humpback whales. These are different kinds of sightings. A Minke whale may appear as a quick, low profile in the water, while a Humpback can make a more noticeable appearance. The tour is not able to promise either species, so keep your expectations open.

Dolphins and Harbour porpoises are also possible. Dolphins may move in a playful group, while porpoises can be harder to spot because they are smaller and less showy. The guide can help you identify what you see, but you will need patience and a good view of the water.

The tour information also notes the possibility of seeing Killer whales. Treat this as an exciting possibility rather than a likely outcome. Wildlife changes with conditions, and the crew cannot control which species enter the bay during your trip.

That uncertainty is part of the value and part of the risk. You pay for time on the water and the search itself, not for a guaranteed whale encounter. The complimentary second ticket if no sightings occur makes the policy more reasonable. It gives you another chance, but only if your schedule allows a return trip.

Warm Overalls and the Heated Cabin

The provided flotation overalls are one of the most useful features here. They help protect you from the cold and provide flotation support, so you can spend more time on deck watching the water. Wear warm clothing underneath rather than relying on the suit alone.

The indoor cabin is heated and includes toilet facilities. This changes the feel of the outing. You are not forced to stand in the cold for the entire search, and you can take a break if the wind picks up or your attention needs a rest.

There is a bar on board, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. These are not included in the $103 price, so bring water and plan to pay separately if you want refreshments. Free Wi-Fi is also available, though your phone is most useful as a camera during active sightings.

Complimentary seasickness tablets are provided. If you know you are prone to seasickness, think carefully before booking, since the experience is specifically not suitable for people who suffer badly from it. Tablets may help, but they do not make rough water disappear.

Is the $103 Price Fair?

At $103 per person, this is not a cheap hour on the water. The price makes more sense when you count the 3.5-hour duration, professional guides, warm flotation overalls, heated cabins, toilets, Wi-Fi, and the second-tour policy if no animals are seen.

You are also paying for the chance to see several types of marine life in one outing. Minke and Humpback whales are the headline attractions, but dolphins, porpoises, seabirds, and the views around Faxaflói Bay help fill the time between sightings.

The value is strongest if you want a full morning activity based in central Reykjavik and appreciate the comfort features. It is less convincing if you want a guaranteed animal encounter or a short, low-cost boat ride. No whale-watching company can command wild animals to appear, so your comfort with uncertainty matters.

Pickup costs extra, and snacks and drinks are also separate. Those added costs are easy to overlook when comparing tours. If you are watching your budget, walk to the harbour if practical and bring your own water.

Who Will Enjoy This Morning Trip?

This tour suits you if you want an easy introduction to Iceland’s marine life without leaving Reykjavik for a full-day excursion. The central meeting point, English guide, heated cabin, and wheelchair accessibility make it approachable for many visitors.

Families may appreciate the mix of whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds. The indoor cabin gives children a place to warm up, though the long search period still requires patience. The same is true for anyone who prefers a gentle pace rather than constant activity.

Photography fans should bring a camera and keep it ready. Wildlife can appear at a distance and disappear quickly, so the best approach is to watch first and photograph second. The mountain and island views also offer worthwhile subjects when the water is quiet.

You should think twice if you are prone to seasickness. The crew offers complimentary tablets, but the tour still takes place on open water for several hours. Anyone who dislikes uncertain outcomes may also prefer a land-based activity.

Practical Details That Improve the Morning

Wear warm layers, waterproof outer clothing if you have it, and shoes suited to a boat. The supplied overalls add protection, but they are not a replacement for sensible clothing. Bring a camera and water, as specifically recommended for the trip.

Arrive at the Special Tours office 30 minutes before the 9:00 AM departure. The meeting point is Geirsgata 11, and the boat returns there after the bay excursion.

The tour is wheelchair accessible. Pickup is available for an additional charge, but it is not part of the basic price. The guide language is English.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also helps if your Iceland plans are still shifting. Check the available starting time when booking, since departure availability can vary.

If the crew records no sightings, you receive a complimentary ticket for a second tour. This does not remove the need to plan around weather, time, and your own schedule, but it does give you useful protection against a disappointing wildlife day.

Should You Book the Reykjavik Whale Watching Morning Expedition?

Book it if you want a substantial morning on the water, easy access from central Reykjavik, and good cold-weather support. The combination of heated cabins, flotation overalls, and a second-tour ticket makes the experience more practical than a bare-bones boat ride.

Skip it if seasickness is a serious problem or if you need guaranteed wildlife. The $103 cost is fair for the duration and equipment, but the value depends on enjoying the search as much as the sighting.

For the best chance of making the outing worthwhile, arrive early, dress warmly, bring water, and keep your schedule flexible enough to use the second ticket if needed. You may see a whale, dolphin, or porpoise. You will certainly spend several hours looking closely at Iceland’s bay, birds, islands, and open water.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching tour depart from?

The tour departs from Geirsgata 11 at Reykjavik’s historic Old Harbour. Meet at the Special Tours office 30 minutes before departure.

What time does the morning tour leave?

The tour sets sail at 9:00 AM.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts 3.5 hours. About 2.5 hours are spent whale watching in Faxaflói Bay.

Which animals might I see?

Possible sightings include Minke whales, Humpback whales, dolphins, Harbour porpoises, and possibly Killer whales. Seabirds are also commonly part of the viewing experience.

Are warm clothes provided?

Warm flotation overalls are provided. You should still bring warm clothing for the boat.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase at the onboard bar.

What happens if no animals are seen?

You receive a complimentary ticket for a second tour if no sightings occur.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible.