Iceland · REYKJAVIK WHALE WATCHING

Whale Watching in Reykjavik: The 15 Best Boats

44 tours  ·  from $30 a head

Boats leave the Old Harbour all year for Faxaflói bay. These 15 tours differ on the boat, the time on the water and what happens if no whale turns up, with prices for each.

Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise - Watching wildlife without rushing it
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Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

1.Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 9,838 reviews · 3 hours · from $87Our pick

Sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour into Faxaflói Bay for a roughly three-hour search for humpback and minke whales, porpoises, dolphins and other wildlife. English-speaking guides help spot animals and explain their behavior. You’ll have indoor and outdoor viewing areas, a heated cabin, toilets and onboard WiFi. Guides named Maria and Lucky have led some trips, but staff may vary.

“Great trip out, great guide who provided lots of information about whales and we were able to see 2 whales whilst on the trip which was amazing 🤩”

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Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht - A boat made for comfort, not just the view
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Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

2.Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,911 reviews · 3 hours · from $107

Leave Reykjavík’s Old Harbor aboard the Amelia Rose for a three-hour search around Faxaflói Bay and the city’s coast. An English-speaking guide helps you spot humpback and minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises, while three decks offer different views. Warm blankets, WiFi, and a cozy lounge make it easier to wait comfortably, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“Amazing, we saw so many whales, far exceeded our expectations.”

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The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik - What you might see in the bay
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The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik

3.The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,626 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $105

Sail from Reykjavik with Elding Whale Watching for roughly two to three and a half hours in Faxaflói Bay. Your guide scans for humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins and other wildlife, while sharing marine-life context. Warm overalls, raincoats and blankets are available, and if no whales or dolphins appear, you can return on another tour for free.

“100% would recommend. Wrap up warm but well worth it . Guide was helpful and knowledgeable. Cafe on board with hot drinks. It is a must to do in Reykjavik.”

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Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide - Reading the bay with your guide
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Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide

4.Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,307 reviews · from $90

Set out from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour aboard Andrea, Iceland’s largest whale-watching ship, to look for humpback and minke whales, dolphins and porpoises in Faxaflói Bay. An English-speaking guide helps you spot wildlife and explains what you see. You get warm overalls, heated indoor seating and an onboard café; summer Express trips reach the viewing area faster.

“We saw orcas which was a surprise. Our guide, Patrick, was very personable and made it entertaining. Wasn’t as old as I had expected it to be either.”

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Reykjavik: the Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour - Watching Faxaflói Bay for movement
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Reykjavik: the Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour

5.the Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 908 reviews · 3 hours · from $108

From Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, Elding Adventure at Sea takes you on a three-hour search through Faxaflói Bay for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises and seabirds. A trained guide explains what you’re seeing, warm overalls are provided, and the crew follows a responsible-whale-watching code. Sightings are reported on more than 90% of tours, with a free return trip if your outing comes up empty.

“Our guide was wonderful, she gave us lots of information and we saw plenty of whales and dolphins! It was a trip we will remember!!”

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Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik - A boat set up for cold water and changing conditions
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Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik

6.Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 744 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $97

Leave Reykjavík’s Old Harbour for Faxaflói Bay, where humpback and minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises may appear. Your English-speaking guide shares local insight while you watch from indoor or outdoor seating. Warm overalls, a heated cabin, and a free return ticket if you see no whales help make this a practical, weather-dependent outing.

“The crew go out of there way to find whales for you to see without chasing or disrespecting the whales”

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From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour - Coastal views from the water
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From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour

7.Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 711 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $103

Set sail from Reykjavik’s harbor for a 3.5-hour search of Faxaflói Bay, with guides scanning for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, and seabirds. Flotation overalls, heated cabins, toilets, onboard WiFi, and seasickness tablets are included. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but if none is spotted, you receive a ticket for a second tour.

“journey was long and cold,I bought sandwiches for way back,seeing the whales come in and out the water,as our tour guide notifying us of were they were. definitely recommend”

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Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise - Spotting whales, dolphins and seabirds
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Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

8.Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 707 reviews · 3 hours · from $106

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor for three hours in Faxafloi Bay aboard MY Harpa or MY Amelia Rose. A guide helps you spot whales, dolphins and seabirds, while the yacht offers indoor seating, outdoor decks, blankets and Wi-Fi. Puffins are possible from mid-May to mid-August. Sightings vary, but a return trip is included if you see no wildlife.

“We had the most incredible trip! We were so lucky to see several humpbacks, minke whales and the endangered fin whale as well as lots of puffins! It was an absolute dream come true. Our guide, Lucky, was incredibly knowledgable and passionate. Thank you so much for having us 🙏”

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Whale Watching Cruise on a Yacht in Reykjavik - Looking for Whales in Faxaflói Bay
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Whale Watching Cruise on a Yacht in Reykjavik

9.Whale Watching Cruise on a Yacht in Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 684 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $102

Set sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour for about three hours among Faxaflói Bay’s islands and along the city coast. An English-speaking guide helps you look for minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises, while pointing out Reykjavik sights from the water. If you do not see whales, you can return on another cruise for free.

“We saw minke whales and dolphins! Great boat and tour. The guide was great and pointed out where to look”

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Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik - Reading the water for whales and dolphins
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Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik

10.Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 651 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $86

From Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, sail into Faxaflói Bay on either a 2.5-hour express trip or a 3.5-hour classic cruise. An English-speaking naturalist guide helps you look for humpback and minke whales, dolphins and porpoises. Thermal overalls, heated indoor seating and Wi-Fi are included; food and drinks cost extra.

“A lovely boat and great experience. Even though the weather was really foggy in late December got to see a humpback whale. The commentary was factual and great. A wonderful trip which I would certainly go on again”

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Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat - A small RIB changes the feel of the trip
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Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

11.Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 621 reviews · 2 hours · from $200

From Reykjavík’s Old Harbor, a 12-seat RIB heads into Faxaflói Bay, passing Engey and Lundey as you search for whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins. An English-speaking guide explains what you see, while the captain can move quickly between sightings. Warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety gear are provided. No wildlife sighting? You get a complimentary ticket to try again.

“Everything was absolutely great. nothing makes a sea venture fun more than an an energetic captain and crew. I came to see a whale and I saw one with the surprise majestic acrobatic jump as well. Advice: bring a face cover if you can't handle the wind blowing from the speed and make sure to properly cover your ears in they're sensitive to cold wind rushing in. Perfect. Thank you”

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Reykjavik: Whales of Iceland Museum Entrance Ticket - Use the audio guide to add context
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Reykjavik: Whales of Iceland Museum Entrance Ticket

12.Whales of Iceland Museum Entrance Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 493 reviews · 1 day · from $34Best value

At Whales of Iceland, explore full-size models representing 23 whale species found in Icelandic waters, use the interactive exhibits and multilingual audio guide, then watch a documentary in the Fin Whale Theatre. Admission is $34 per person. Plan on a compact visit, often under an hour, unless a film or family activity keeps you longer.

“This was good to see live scales models of whales although very small so your tour is over very quickly.”

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Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise - Listening to the Guide
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Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise

13.Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 488 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $108

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor for about three hours aboard the Harpa or Amelia Rose, watching Faxafloi Bay for whales, dolphins, and summer puffins. An English-speaking guide shares wildlife information, while blankets, indoor seating, a bar, and onboard Wi-Fi make the trip more comfortable. If you see no wildlife, you can take a second tour for free.

“Perfect afternoon we saw 3 humpback whales, lots of minke whales, pods of dolphins and porpoises. An excellent trip!”

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Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour - Puffins on Old Skúli
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Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour

14.Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 442 reviews · from $148

Meet at Reykjavík’s Old Harbor for two separate cruises: a puffin trip on shallow-draft Old Skúli, then whale watching aboard the spacious Andrea or a faster express boat. Guides explain the wildlife, binoculars and warm overalls are provided, and guides such as Patrick bring science and humor to the trip.

“Absolutely amazing! We saw a humpback whale right next to our boat and Rebecca was an amazing guide and very knowledgable about all the whales you can see in the bay.”

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Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by RIB Boat - Akurey and the summer puffin stop
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Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by RIB Boat

15.Whale Watching Tour by RIB Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 393 reviews · 2 hours · from $194

Head from Reykjavik’s harbor into Faxaflói Bay aboard a fast RIB with shock-absorbing seats, warm flotation suits, and an English-speaking guide. Look for whales and dolphins, and visit Akurey puffin island in summer. The two-hour trip also includes a ticket to the Whales of Iceland Museum.

“Awesome guide with a lot of knowledge about whales and marine life. The boat was a lot of fun too!”

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New in Reykjavik Whale Watching

★ 4.0Midnight Sun Whale Watching from ReykjavikFrom $10914 reviews
★ 4.5Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from ReykjavikFrom $19824 reviews
★ 4.5Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching Tour from ReykjavikFrom $23348 reviews
★ 4.0Iceland Super Saver: Puffin Cruise plus Whale-Watching Tour from ReykjavikFrom $156110 reviews
★ 4.5Iceland Super Saver: Northern Lights Cruise plus Whale-Watching Tour from ReykjavikFrom $18631 reviews
★ 4.5Deluxe Whale Watching and Whales of Iceland Exhibition Combo from ReykjavikFrom $12013 reviews
★ 4.5Guided Whale Watching Experience from ReykjavikFrom $9744 reviews
★ 5.0ATV & Whale Watching Full day adventure in ReykjavikFrom $2995 reviews
★ 4.2Whale Watching Morning ExpeditionFrom $1036 reviews
★ 4.6Whale Watching Cruise and FlyOver Combo TicketFrom $1537 reviews
★ 4.8Whale Watching and Puffin ExcursionFrom $15335 reviews
★ 4.4Whale Watching in Faxaflói Bay & Live Lava ShowFrom $15429 reviews
★ 4.1Premium Whale Watching with Flexible TicketFrom $20254 reviews
★ 4.9Premium Whale and Puffin Watching Evening TourFrom $20028 reviews
★ 3.9Midnight Sun Whale Watching CruiseFrom $10634 reviews

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