Reykjavik: Best Value Whale Watching Boat Tour

A humpback whale surfacing beside a boat is a powerful sight, but nature sets the schedule. From Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, this 3.5-hour trip heads into Faxaflói Bay in search of minke and humpback whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises, and, more rarely, orcas.

I like two practical things here: warm flotation overalls are supplied, and the boat has heated indoor cabins as well as outdoor viewing areas. I also like the included ticket to join again if the trip has no sightings. The catch is that wildlife is never guaranteed, and at $103 per person, a quiet outing can feel expensive.

At a glance

• The search takes place in Faxaflói Bay: Expect about 2.5 hours of sailing and wildlife watching there, within a 3.5-hour trip.
• The species list is a possibility, not a promise: Minke and humpback whales are among the targets, alongside dolphins and harbour porpoises.
• A heated cabin is a useful fallback: You can step indoors when wind, rain, or cold make the open deck uncomfortable.
• The guide helps you spot what’s there: Guides point out wildlife and share information, while the captain positions the boat for viewing.
• A no-sighting return ticket softens the risk: If no whales appear, you can join again.
• Plan for the weather, not the calendar: Bring suitable clothing, and use the provided overalls even on a day that feels mild on land.

From Geirsgata 11 to open water

The trip starts at Geirsgata 11, at the Special Tours office on the corner near Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. Arrive 30 minutes before departure to check in and get ready without a last-minute dash. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to make your own way to the harbour.

The departure point is a handy base for an outing that does not require a full day away from the city. Once aboard, you leave the harbour and head into Faxaflói Bay, where the wildlife search takes place. The overall activity lasts 3.5 hours; the bay portion is described as about 2.5 hours, leaving the rest of the trip for getting to and from the search area.

That distinction matters when you plan your day. This is not a quick loop around the harbour, but it also does not take up an entire daylight window. Keep some flexibility around the return time if you have another timed activity planned.

The boat is larger than some people expect, with space to move between indoor and outdoor viewing spots. Inside, you’ll find heated cabins, toilet facilities, an onboard bar, and Wi-Fi. That setup gives you a place to warm up between sightings rather than making you choose between enduring the cold and missing the view.

What the Faxaflói search is really like

Once you reach the bay, the crew looks for signs of wildlife and the guide tells you where to watch. A whale can surface only briefly, so clear directions are more than background commentary. Guides have helped passengers spot animals in time, and named guides on past trips have included Badger and Lucas.

Expect a search, not a scheduled animal encounter. Some outings find one whale, while others bring several species into view. One trip in November saw a single humpback surface repeatedly close to the boat; another in September encountered minke whales, porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, and three humpbacks. In March, an outing spotted a pod of orcas as well as a humpback. Those are memorable possibilities, not a forecast for your departure.

A sighting may involve repeated surfacing, a tail slipping under the water, or a whale appearing near the boat before disappearing again. More dramatic behavior is possible: one spring trip saw humpbacks breach, and another summer outing had a whale slapping its pectoral fin. But you should not count on a show. The best approach is to treat each appearance, even a brief one, as the encounter it is.

The bay is also worth watching when no whale is in view. Dolphins and harbour porpoises may appear, and the guides can point out birdlife. The coast brings its own appeal, with views of Reykjavik’s mountains and nearby islands. That combination helps the trip feel worthwhile even during a stretch of searching, though it cannot fully make up for a wildlife-light outing if whales are your main reason for booking.

A thoughtful approach to wildlife matters, too. The crew has been noted for not using sonar and for avoiding cutting across a whale. The captain may reposition the boat so people on different sides can get a look, while the guide keeps watch and calls out where to turn your attention. The goal is a good view without treating the animal like a prop.

The boat, the cold, and the practical comforts

I would not dress for this as if you were taking a sheltered city cruise. Even a sunny day on land can feel cold and damp once you are out on the water. Rain, wind, and spray are all possible, and a passenger who sets off without using the supplied overalls may find the open deck uncomfortable.

Warm flotation overalls are included, and they are worth putting on. Wear weather-appropriate clothing underneath rather than relying on the suit alone. On colder outings, the heated cabin gives you a welcome place to warm up. You can return to the deck when the guide spots something, which is a much better plan than shivering through the whole trip.

The boat’s size brings a trade-off. A larger vessel means more indoor space and several places to watch from, which can be a real advantage in rough or rainy conditions. But it can also feel crowded, especially when a whale appears and people head to the same viewing area. If you want an unobstructed look, stay alert and move when the guide points out a sighting.

There is an onboard bar where you can buy food and drinks. These are not included in the ticket, but the cafe has been described as reasonably priced compared with nearby harbour cafes. You might want to bring your own snacks or buy something aboard; either way, do not assume the ticket covers refreshments.

Seasickness tablets are available if needed. If you are concerned about motion sickness, remember that the activity is a boat trip in the Atlantic, and conditions can be rough. The tour may still run in challenging conditions, so check how you feel about being at sea before booking.

How much is $103 worth?

At $103 per person, this is a substantial outing, and it is fair to ask what you are paying for. The ticket covers a 3.5-hour whale-watching tour, an English-speaking guide, warm flotation overalls, and a second chance to join if no whales are spotted. You also get the boat’s indoor facilities and the chance to see coastal scenery, seabirds, and other marine life along the way.

The value depends heavily on what appears. Seeing one humpback up close, surfacing repeatedly, can make the trip feel extraordinary. Several whales, dolphins, or orcas can turn it into a standout day. But if you see only one animal at a distance, or none at all, the price will feel harder to justify. The repeat ticket helps with the no-sighting scenario, but it does not remove the cost of your time or guarantee a better result on a later trip.

This is a better buy if you are genuinely interested in the sea and its wildlife, not just chasing a checklist of species. Guides add value by helping you find animals and explaining what you are seeing. The boat’s heated cabin and overalls also make the trip more comfortable than an exposed ride with no shelter, particularly in Icelandic weather.

If you have a tight budget, compare this outing with other priorities before booking. If whale watching is one of the experiences you most want from Reykjavik, the combination of a proper search in Faxaflói Bay, a guide, and the no-sighting return option makes the price easier to defend.

Who should book this trip?

This tour suits you if you want to get out on the water without arranging transport beyond the city harbour. It is also a good fit if you value a guide who helps with spotting and gives context, or if you want the flexibility to move between outdoor viewing and a heated cabin.

Families and first-time whale watchers may appreciate the overalls, toilets, and indoor space, though the boat can get busy around a sighting. The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, which can help with planning, but contact the provider directly if you need specific access details that are not stated here.

It is less suited to you if you need a guaranteed whale encounter, dislike cold or potentially rough conditions, or have only a narrow gap in your schedule. Wildlife can be unpredictable, and the trip is long enough that you should be comfortable spending several hours at sea.

Booking and preparation

The tour is operated by Reykjavik Sailors, with an English-speaking guide. Check available departure times when booking, since the schedule can vary. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Bring clothing suited to the weather and arrive at the Special Tours office at Geirsgata 11 30 minutes early. Pets and smoking are not allowed. At certain times of year, environmental efforts to reduce the number of boats on the water may mean your trip is shared with another activity partner.

That shared-boat arrangement is worth knowing about if you expect a dedicated vessel. The stated reason is environmental: fewer boats on the water can help keep the area pristine. For you, the practical point is to be prepared for a shared outing rather than assuming the boat will serve only this activity.

Should you book?

Book this trip if the chance to see whales in the wild is worth a few hours at sea to you, even if the encounter is brief. The warm overalls, indoor cabin, active guides, coastal views, and second-chance ticket make the outing more practical and forgiving than a bare-bones boat ride.

Skip it if you need certainty for the price or if cold, wind, and a long stretch on the water would spoil your day. If you do go, wear the overalls, keep an eye on the guide, and leave room in your expectations for the ocean to do its own thing.

FAQ

How long is the whale-watching trip?

The activity lasts 3.5 hours. About 2.5 hours are spent sailing and watching for wildlife in Faxaflói Bay.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is Geirsgata 11, at the Special Tours office on the corner near Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. Arrive 30 minutes before departure.

Which animals might I see?

The tour looks for minke and humpback whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises, and, less commonly, orcas. Seabirds and other wildlife may also be seen, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Are warm clothes provided?

Warm flotation overalls are included. Bring weather-appropriate clothing as well, since it can be cold and damp on the water.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you can buy them at the onboard bar.

What happens if no whales are spotted?

You receive a ticket to join the tour again if there are no sightings. Cancellation is also free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.