From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour

A humpback whale surfacing near the boat is the great prize here, and this Reykjavik cruise often gives you a real shot at it. The crew searches Faxaflói Bay for humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, seals, puffins, and other seabirds, with Iceland’s mountains behind the action.

I like the warm flotation overalls and the heated cabin, which make a big difference in Iceland’s wind. I also like the no-sighting policy: if wildlife stays out of view, you receive a complimentary ticket for another trip. The catch is simple: this is wild nature, not a show, and rough seas, poor visibility, or an empty bay can happen.

Key points to know before sailing

• Humpback whales are the main prize: Recent trips have produced several humpbacks, sometimes active at the surface for 20 to 40 minutes.
• The boat gives you shelter: Heated indoor seating, toilets, WiFi, flotation overalls, and seasickness tablets are included.
• Faxaflói is a real search, not a guaranteed display: You may see dolphins and birds even when whales keep their distance.
• Guides make the waiting worthwhile: Patrick, Patrik, Lukas, and other guides have been praised for lively explanations and sharp spotting.
• The scenery is part of the trip: Kollafjörður, the mountain ring around the bay, and Snaefellsjökull Glacier can all add to the outing.
• A second chance protects your money: No sighting means a free return trip, though you still need time in your schedule to use it.

Leaving Geirsgata 11 for Kollafjörður

Your trip begins at the Special Tours ticket office at Geirsgata 11, near Reykjavik’s harbor. Arrive 30 minutes early. That gives you time to check in, collect a flotation overall, and ask about seasickness tablets before boarding.

The boat first heads through Kollafjörður, a quieter coastal stretch just outside the city. A small island and a busy bird colony give the opening part of the cruise a gentle start. This is a useful reminder that the trip is not only about whales. Even before reaching open water, you may be watching seabirds and taking in the shoreline.

The stated itinerary includes about 30 minutes of guided sightseeing around Reykjavik and the nearby waters. The guide provides commentary in English, explaining what you are seeing and helping you understand the signs that can point toward marine life. A flock of birds working over the water, for example, may signal fish below and predators nearby.

The harbor departure is easy to fit into a day of sightseeing. You do not need a separate hotel transfer if you are staying in central Reykjavik, though pickup service is available for an additional fee. The meeting point is also useful for finding the boat without a long search through the port.

Searching Faxaflói Bay for two hours

The main portion of the trip takes place in Faxaflói Bay, a broad body of water known for whales, dolphins, seabirds, and fishing. You can expect roughly two hours focused on wildlife, though the total trip lasts about 3.5 hours and timing can shift with conditions.

This is not a short ride to a fixed viewing point. The skipper and guide scan the water, watch for bird activity, and coordinate with other boats when useful. You should be ready for periods of quiet searching between sightings. That can test your patience, but it is also how responsible whale watching works when the animals are free to move.

Humpback whales appear often in the strongest accounts of this trip. People have seen one, two, or three humpbacks on a single outing, and some whales have remained in the area long enough for extended viewing. A few reports describe a humpback surfacing repeatedly beside the boat or showing especially active behavior.

Minke whales are another possible sighting. They are smaller and often less dramatic than humpbacks, but their appearance can still be thrilling, especially when the guide helps you track the animal’s movement. Dolphins may travel in groups, and seals have also appeared near the boat.

You may see wildlife without getting a close-up view. This is a large boat, so you are not guaranteed the intimate angle offered by a smaller vessel. The tradeoff is important: the larger platform gives you indoor shelter, more stable facilities, and room to retreat from the wind. For many people, that is worth more than being a little closer to the water.

Why the guide matters during the quiet spells

Whale watching includes waiting. A good guide turns that waiting into part of the experience, and that is one of this tour’s strongest features.

Guides including Patrick, Patrik, and Lukas have been singled out for clear explanations, humor, and enthusiasm. Names and staff can change from one departure to another, but you can expect live English commentary throughout the trip. Guides explain whale behavior, point out birds, and help you watch for blows, dorsal fins, and tail movement.

The best guides do not simply shout whale whenever someone spots a dark shape. They help you understand where to look and why the boat is changing direction. One particularly useful approach is to have everyone scan the water. A boat carrying many sets of eyes can cover more ground than one guide alone.

Some guides have also used whale bones or other visual aids while explaining the animals. That adds a hands-on touch to what could otherwise be a long ride through cold water. The commentary also reaches beyond whales, with attention to seabirds, seals, dolphins, and Iceland’s coastal setting.

The tone seems to suit families and first-time whale watchers. Children can use the WiFi or sit indoors during the search, then move outside when something appears. Adults who want more detail can ask questions and follow the guide’s explanations.

Staying warm on an Icelandic boat

Iceland’s summer does not guarantee warmth, and winter can be severe. Wind on the water makes a cool day feel colder, so the included flotation overalls are not a minor extra. They help block wind and add warmth when you are outside on deck.

Still, bring weather-appropriate clothing. Wear layers, and consider a hat and gloves. One practical warning: an overall may be damp if it has been used on an earlier trip, so you should not rely on it as your only protection from the weather.

The boat has heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities, a major advantage during a 3.5-hour outing. You can warm up between sightings instead of forcing yourself to stay outside for the whole cruise. Large windows allow you to keep watching from inside, though the clearest view may still be from the open decks.

There is a snack and drink counter onboard. Hot coffee, other hot drinks, waffles, and snacks have been available on past departures, but food and drinks are not included in the price. Seasickness tablets are provided, and the crew warns passengers when conditions are choppy.

Take seasickness seriously. Some sailings have been smooth, while others have involved rough water and uncomfortable motion. If you know you are prone to motion sickness, take the offered tablets before the boat reaches open water and spend part of the ride in the cabin if needed.

Mountain views beyond the wildlife

Faxaflói Bay gives this outing a strong visual setting even when whales are scarce. A ring of mountains surrounds the horizon, and on a clear day you may see Snaefellsjökull Glacier in the distance.

Weather controls how much of this view you get. Rain, cloud, fog, and snow can reduce visibility, especially in winter. A blizzard has made one trip feel more like an Arctic adventure than a postcard cruise, but poor visibility also makes animal spotting harder.

On a clear day, the mountains add scale to every sighting. A whale’s back rising against a broad Icelandic horizon feels different from watching one in a crowded aquarium. You also get a fresh view of Reykjavik’s coastal setting as the boat leaves and returns to the harbor.

The birdlife deserves attention. The island in Kollafjörður supports a busy bird community, and seabirds can continue to appear across the bay. Puffins have been spotted on some trips, along with other aquatic species. You should bring binoculars if you already own them, though do not expect the tour to provide them.

The large-boat tradeoff

The vessel is spacious enough to include indoor cabins, toilets, a snack counter, WiFi, and several viewing areas. That makes it a sensible choice for families, older visitors, and anyone who does not want to spend three hours fully exposed to Icelandic weather.

The downside is crowding at the best viewing spots. When a whale surfaces, people naturally move toward the side with the clearest view. One departure felt too full for comfortable whale watching, with passengers pressing toward the front or the favored rail.

Arrive early if choosing your position matters to you. You may find it easier to watch from an upper deck or move between sides as the skipper turns the boat. The boat’s size also means you may be farther from the animals than you would be on a smaller craft.

That larger platform can be the better bargain for an all-weather outing. Smaller boats may feel more personal and can sometimes approach more closely, but they leave you more exposed to wind and spray. Here, you pay for comfort as well as the wildlife search.

Is $103 a fair price?

At $103 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning or afternoon in Reykjavik. But the price includes a 3.5-hour cruise, a live guide, flotation overalls, indoor heated space, toilets, WiFi, and seasickness tablets.

The free second ticket is the biggest value safeguard. Whale watching cannot promise an animal appearance, so a no-sighting policy matters. You should check that you have enough time in Reykjavik to make another trip worthwhile. If your itinerary is packed or you leave the city immediately afterward, that benefit may be of little use.

The trip also offers more than a quick animal check. You get a boat ride through Kollafjörður, mountain views, birdlife, and commentary about Iceland’s coast. On a good day, several humpbacks, dolphins, or seals can make the price feel very reasonable.

Food and drinks cost extra, and hotel pickup is not included. Those are small costs compared with the tour price, but they are worth planning for. Eat before boarding or budget for the onboard cafe, and allow enough time to reach Geirsgata 11 on your own.

Who will get the most from this outing

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a comfortable first whale-watching trip from Reykjavik. It works well for families, since children can move between the deck and heated cabin, and the boat has toilets and WiFi.

It also suits visitors with only half a day available. The tour lasts long enough to reach the main viewing area without taking over an entire day. You can place it near the start of your Reykjavik stay, giving yourself a chance to use the free return trip if conditions produce no sightings.

You may prefer another kind of boat if getting very close to wildlife is your main goal. This is a larger vessel, and the best view can become crowded when an animal appears. Likewise, if you dislike open-water motion, even the indoor cabin may not remove the risk of seasickness.

Photography is possible, but keep your eyes on the bay too. Onboard photos have been taken during some trips and made available to download afterward. That can free you from trying to photograph every surfacing whale, though availability and the exact process may vary.

Practical details that make the day easier

Bring layers, waterproof outer clothing, and shoes suited to a wet deck. The provided overalls help, but your own clothing still matters in wind and rain.

Arrive at Geirsgata 11 at least 30 minutes before departure. You will have time to check in and get settled without rushing.

The tour is wheelchair accessible. Pets and smoking are not allowed. The listed tour language is English, and the live guide provides the commentary during the cruise.

Trips may sometimes operate on a shared boat with another activity partner for environmental reasons. The idea is to reduce the number of boats on the water, which can help limit pressure on the bay. It may also mean the onboard setup is not exactly the same on every departure.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available departure time before booking, since the schedule can vary.

Should you book the Reykjavik whale-watching cruise?

Book it if you want a well-equipped, sensible way to search Faxaflói Bay without sacrificing warmth. The combination of experienced guides, useful onboard facilities, and a free return trip gives this tour a strong safety net.

Go in with the right expectation. You are not booking a guaranteed whale performance, and you may spend long stretches scanning empty water. But when a humpback surfaces several times beside the boat, or dolphins cut across the bay with mountains behind them, the waiting makes sense.

For the best chance of using the second ticket, book early in your Reykjavik stay rather than on your final free afternoon. Arrive early, dress warmly, take motion sickness seriously, and keep watching even when the guide is quiet. That is often when the bay surprises you.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching tour depart from?

The tour departs from Geirsgata 11, at the Special Tours ticket office in Reykjavik.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 30 minutes before departure at the meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts about 3.5 hours, with approximately two hours focused on whale and dolphin watching in Faxaflói Bay.

Which animals might I see?

Possible sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, seals, puffins, seabirds, and other marine wildlife.

Is a whale sighting guaranteed?

No. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. If you see no wildlife, you receive a complimentary ticket for a second tour.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes the whale-watching cruise, an English-speaking guide, flotation overalls, WiFi, heated indoor cabins, toilets, and seasickness tablets.

Can I buy food and drinks onboard?

Yes. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard. They are not included in the tour price.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup service is not included, but it may be available for an additional charge.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.