Reykjavik: the Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour

Humpback whales sometimes surface just a few metres from the boat in Faxaflói Bay, a short cruise from Reykjavik. On this three-hour trip, you’ll watch the sea for whales, dolphins and porpoises while a marine biologist guide explains the wildlife and helps you spot movement on the water.

I like two things in particular: the crew follows a responsible-whale-watching code, and the ticket includes warm overalls, a guide and a free return trip if you see no whales. The guides’ clear updates help, too: Emily, Sam, Pedro and Mila are among the guides passengers have praised.

The main drawback is the weather. Even with overalls, winter outings can be bitterly cold on deck, and standing outside for a clear view may make it hard to hear the commentary. There’s an indoor area, but you’ll need to dress for the wind.

Quick take

• Three hours in Faxaflói Bay: The boat leaves Reykjavik’s Old Harbour and searches the southern part of the bay.
• Whales in every season: Humpbacks and minke whales are possible, as are white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises.
• Sightings are common, not certain: The operator reports whales on more than 90% of tours and offers a free return trip if none appear.
• Warm gear is provided: Use the supplied overalls, and bring layers for the exposed deck.
• A guide helps you spot wildlife: Marine biologist guides share live commentary and point out where to look.
• Budget $108 per person: Food and drinks cost extra, but hot chocolate and snacks are available on board.

Setting out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour

Check in at the red Elding ticket office in the Old Harbour. If you arrive early, the Whale Watching Centre is a useful place to pass the time: you can look at skeletons, information boards and videos, or browse the gift shop.

The tour lasts three hours, including the cruise out and back. After boarding, the crew heads into the southern part of Faxaflói Bay, where ocean currents create good conditions for marine life. The exact route and length of the search depend on where animals are spotted.

This is not a trip with a fixed wildlife stop. The crew and passengers scan the water together, and the boat may shift position as sightings develop. That shared effort is part of the fun: you’re not simply watching a guide point from the bow, you’re learning to look for signs yourself.

Watching Faxaflói Bay for movement

The first sighting may be a distant blow, a fin or a brief glimpse of a back. A humpback can surface repeatedly, while a fast-moving dolphin or porpoise may be harder to follow. The guide helps by announcing where to look and keeping you updated as the boat responds.

Humpback whales are a common highlight, and minke whales may also appear. White-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises are among the other animals you might see, along with seabirds. Seals have also been spotted. The wildlife is free to move on, so no two outings follow precisely the same pattern.

The company reports whale sightings on more than 90% of tours throughout the year. That’s encouraging, but it is not a promise for your departure: wildlife conditions change, and even a skilled crew can’t arrange a whale appearance. If the trip turns up no whales, the sighting guarantee lets you try again for free. Ask the crew how to use it before you leave the harbour.

The guide’s role, and why the commentary matters

A good guide does more than name a species. The specially trained guides explain the wildlife and scenery, help you spot animals and pass on updates when a whale appears. Several guide names passengers have highlighted include Emily, Sam, Pedro and Mila, though you should not count on any particular guide for your sailing.

You’ll also notice the crew working with passengers as a team. Keep your attention on the water and be ready to move to a different viewing area when the guide calls out a sighting. Whales can surface close to the boat, but they don’t always appear on the side you happen to be watching.

There is a practical trade-off between the best view and the best listening spot. Some passengers have found that the wind and distance from the guide make commentary hard to hear on the front deck. If the explanation matters to you, stay within earshot when possible, then head outside when a sighting is called.

A closer look without crowding the animals

The operator says it follows a code of conduct designed to avoid disturbing whales in their natural habitat. The boat’s approach is an important part of the experience: a close look is thrilling, but a responsible tour gives the animals room rather than treating them as scenery on demand.

The crew may pause when wildlife is nearby, allowing time to watch without lingering too long. Then the boat can move on to look for more animals. If you see whales feeding, breaching or surfacing near the boat, those moments can be extraordinary; they are never something the crew can guarantee.

Elding describes itself as Iceland’s only environmentally certified whale-watching company. The ticket also contributes to summer research projects, environmentally friendly tourism and wildlife-protection organizations. If you care about how an excursion affects the animals it seeks out, those commitments are worth weighing alongside the chance of a close sighting.

Staying warm on the water

Warm overalls are included, and they matter. Even in milder weather, the open deck can feel cold once the boat is moving. In winter, take the layers seriously: people have needed to step inside to warm up, and a visitor on a February trip found the top front deck especially cold.

Put on the overalls before you feel chilled, rather than waiting until the wind has got through your clothes. Waterproof jackets have also been available on some trips, but the included item listed for this tour is warm overalls. Dress in layers underneath and bring weather-appropriate clothing.

There is an indoor area where you can take a break from the cold. Hot drinks and snacks are for sale on board, and hot chocolate has earned particular praise. Motion-sickness pills have also been handed out on some trips, but this is not listed as a standard inclusion, so don’t rely on it being available.

Choosing a season and setting expectations

The tour runs throughout the year, and whale watching is not limited to summer. Winter trips have produced humpback sightings, while summer departures have seen groups of whales, dolphins and porpoises. Even rare sightings such as killer whales have occurred, but they should be treated as a lucky surprise, not a reason to choose a particular date.

Season affects the feel of the outing as much as the possible wildlife. In July, an evening sailing can take place under a bright sky well into the night. In winter, the colder conditions make the overalls and indoor space more important. The wildlife itself remains unpredictable in every season.

Before you book, check the online Whale Diary for recent sightings in the area. It can help you understand what has been appearing lately, but it cannot forecast what will surface during your trip. Think of it as a useful update, not a guarantee.

What $108 buys you

At $108 per person, this is a sizable activity cost, especially if you’re travelling as a family. The price covers a three-hour boat trip, a live English-speaking guide, warm overalls, onboard Wi-Fi and access to the Whale Watching Centre. A free retry if no whales appear adds meaningful protection against one of the main uncertainties of wildlife watching.

Food and drinks are not included, though you can buy them on board. Transfers are also not included in the tour price. Check your plans for reaching the Old Harbour, and note that pickup arrangements, when offered, are limited to hotels and accommodation in the Greater Reykjavik area.

The value depends on what you want from the outing. If you’re keen to learn about marine life and enjoy a boat trip even when sightings are sparse, the experience can still feel worthwhile. If you’re paying mainly for a guaranteed close encounter, this is not that kind of purchase: the sighting rate is high, but wild animals set the terms.

Making the most of your three hours

Arrive with time to check in and look around the centre if that interests you. Once on board, choose a viewing spot, listen for the guide’s directions and be ready to change sides. If the front deck is crowded or cold, move indoors for a break, then return outside when the crew spots wildlife.

Bring a charged phone or camera, but don’t spend the whole trip looking at a screen. Some outings include a link to professional-quality photos taken by a photographer, a welcome extra when available. Treat that as a possible bonus rather than a guaranteed part of the ticket.

If you’re travelling with children, the boat trip itself can be enjoyable even before an animal appears. One family outing included life jackets ready for children, but check with the operator if you need details for your own child. Keep expectations flexible and make the trip about the bay, the guide and the search as well as the final sighting.

Who should book this trip?

This tour suits wildlife enthusiasts, families and curious first-time visitors who want to see the sea beyond Reykjavik’s harbour. It’s especially appealing if you value a guide who explains what’s happening and an operator that places limits on how it approaches wildlife.

It may be less suitable if you dislike cold, wind or the uncertainty of a wildlife outing. The three-hour duration is a substantial block of time, and a clear view may mean spending time on deck. You can warm up indoors, but the best sightings may happen while you’re outside.

I’d book it if I had room in my Iceland schedule and wanted a responsible, guided search rather than a guaranteed show. Check recent activity in the Whale Diary, dress warmly, and keep the free retry in mind. If you’re content to watch the sea closely and let the animals decide the pace, this is a strong Reykjavik excursion.

FAQ

How long is the whale-watching tour?

The cruise lasts three hours.

Where do I meet the boat?

Check in at the red Elding ticket office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and seabirds. Seals have also been spotted.

Are whales seen on every tour?

No. The operator reports whale sightings on more than 90% of tours, but sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if I see no whales?

The ticket includes a sighting guarantee, allowing you to try again for free.

Are warm clothes provided?

Warm overalls are included. Dress in layers as well, since the deck can be cold, especially in winter.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase on board.

What language is the tour in?

The live guide speaks English.

Are transfers included?

No, transfers are not included in the tour price. Pickup arrangements, when offered, are limited to hotels and accommodation in the Greater Reykjavik area.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.