Reykjavik: Whale Watching Morning Expedition

From Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, this morning trip heads into Faxaflói Bay in search of whales, dolphins and porpoises. The sea is the main event, but the journey also gives you views of the city’s mountains and islands, with seabirds overhead.

I like two practical touches: warm flotation overalls are provided, and you can retreat to a heated indoor cabin with a toilet if the open deck gets cold. Complimentary Wi-Fi and seasickness tablets add comfort, though snacks and drinks cost extra.

The main caveat is the nature of wildlife watching: sightings are not guaranteed. If no whales appear, you receive a complimentary ticket for a second tour, but you’ll need time in your schedule to use it.

• Old Harbour departure: Meet at the Special Tours office on Geirsgata 11, 30 minutes before the 9:00 AM departure.
• Two and a half hours on the bay: The boat travels through Faxaflói Bay, with possible sightings including minke and humpback whales, dolphins and harbour porpoises.
• A chance, not a promise: Killer whales are also mentioned as a possibility, but wildlife sightings cannot be assured.
• Warmth on board: Flotation overalls and heated indoor cabins help you manage Iceland’s changeable sea conditions.
• A second chance if there are no whales: A complimentary ticket for another tour is included if the trip has no sightings.
• A half-day commitment: The full experience lasts 3.5 hours, before you add the time needed to reach the harbour.

Leaving Reykjavik’s Old Harbour

The trip begins at the Special Tours office at Geirsgata 11, in the Old Harbour area of downtown Reykjavik. The scheduled departure is 9:00 AM, and you should arrive 30 minutes early. That gives you time to find the meeting point and get ready to board without starting the morning in a hurry.

The harbour setting is a useful part of the experience. You are not being taken far from town to reach a remote launch site. Instead, the boat departs from central Reykjavik and heads directly out toward Faxaflói Bay. That makes this a convenient choice if you want to fit whale watching into a city stay without giving up an entire day.

The total tour lasts 3.5 hours. Of that, 2.5 hours are assigned to whale watching on the bay, with the rest of the time covering the departure and return. It is worth treating the full duration as a firm block in your plans, especially if you have another activity booked later in the day.

Watching for whales in Faxaflói Bay

The boat’s route takes you through Faxaflói Bay, where the guide helps you watch for marine life. Minke and humpback whales are among the species you may see. Dolphins and harbour porpoises are also possible, and killer whales are mentioned as a less certain possibility.

The important word is possible. This is a wildlife trip, not a staged encounter, and the animals decide whether to show themselves. A sighting may be the highlight of your morning, but you should book for the chance to watch and learn, not as a guarantee that a particular species will appear.

If no sightings occur, you receive a complimentary ticket for a second tour. That offer gives you another opportunity, but it does not change the basic uncertainty of wildlife watching. It is most useful if you have enough flexibility in your Reykjavik schedule to go out again.

You are not only looking at the water. The bay provides views back toward Reykjavik’s mountains and islands, and seabirds may be flying overhead. These details help make the crossing worthwhile even while you are scanning for a whale’s back or a dolphin at the surface.

Keeping warm on an open-water trip

I would bring warm clothing even though flotation overalls are provided. The overalls offer an extra layer for time on deck, but you are still going out on the water, where conditions can feel colder than they do in town. A camera and water are also on the recommended packing list.

The heated indoor cabin gives you a place to warm up between stretches outside. It includes toilet facilities, so you are not limited to the open deck for the whole trip. That flexibility matters: you can step outdoors to look for wildlife, then return inside if you are cold or need a break.

Free Wi-Fi is available on board. It is a handy extra, though the central reason to keep your phone close is likely to be taking photographs. Bring a camera if you have one, and remember that wildlife can appear without much warning. A good photo is a bonus; watching the bay without fussing over a screen may be the better choice.

Seasickness tablets are provided at no charge. Still, the activity is listed as unsuitable for people prone to seasickness. If you know that motion on boats is a serious problem for you, the complimentary tablets may not be enough to make this a comfortable outing. It is better to weigh that honestly before booking.

What the $103 price includes

At $103 per person, this is a fairly substantial outing rather than a quick harbour ride. The price covers a 3.5-hour trip, a professional guide, warm flotation overalls, Wi-Fi, access to heated indoor cabins with toilets, and seasickness tablets. The possible second tour, offered if there are no sightings, is another useful part of the package.

The value depends partly on what you want from the morning. If you are keen to spend time on the water and are happy to watch for wildlife without a guaranteed result, the included equipment and cabin make the outing more comfortable and self-contained. You also avoid paying separately for basic protective clothing or onboard Wi-Fi.

Food and drinks are not included, though you can buy refreshments from the onboard bar. If you want a snack, factor in the extra cost rather than assuming the ticket covers it. Pickup is also not included; it is offered for an additional charge, so plan to make your own way to the Old Harbour or budget for that service.

The second-tour ticket improves the value if the boat returns without sightings, but only if you can use it. If your stay is short or your schedule is tightly packed, that benefit may be less practical. Consider the rest of your itinerary before counting it as a guaranteed substitute for seeing whales.

Planning your morning at the harbour

The meeting point is the Special Tours office at Geirsgata 11. Arrive 30 minutes before departure, and allow extra time to reach the Old Harbour if you are coming from elsewhere in Reykjavik. The listed departure is 9:00 AM, though you should check the available start times when booking.

The trip is conducted in English, with a live guide. That is helpful if you want context while watching for animals, rather than simply riding out into the bay on your own. No guide names are provided, so you should not expect a particular person to lead your departure.

The tour is wheelchair accessible. Pickup can be arranged for an extra charge, but it is not part of the standard ticket. For booking flexibility, you can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is eligible for a full refund.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This outing suits you if you want a guided wildlife trip that starts in central Reykjavik and still leaves much of the day open afterward. It is also a sensible option if you value practical comforts on the water, including warm overalls, an indoor cabin and toilet facilities.

It works best for people who can enjoy the search itself. You may see one or more of the listed animals, or you may not see whales and need to use the second-tour ticket for another chance. If the only acceptable outcome is a close whale sighting, this is not a risk-free purchase.

Families and visitors with limited time may appreciate the 3.5-hour duration, but everyone should be prepared for a morning outdoors and on the water. If you are prone to seasickness, take the stated caution seriously. The free tablets are a convenience, not a promise that you will feel well.

Should you book the Reykjavik morning expedition?

Book this trip if you want a guided outing into Faxaflói Bay, can accept that wildlife is unpredictable, and like having a warm indoor space to retreat to. The central harbour departure and 2.5 hours on the bay make it a practical way to spend a morning beyond the city streets.

Skip it, or think carefully, if seasickness is a major concern or if your schedule cannot accommodate a second outing should no whales appear. At $103, the price makes the most sense when you value the time on the water, the guide and the included comforts, not just a guaranteed photograph of a whale.

FAQ

What time does the tour depart?

The morning departure is scheduled for 9:00 AM. Check availability when booking, as starting times may vary.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the Special Tours office at Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour area. Arrive 30 minutes before departure.

How long is the tour?

The full experience lasts 3.5 hours. The whale-watching portion in Faxaflói Bay is 2.5 hours.

Which animals might I see?

Possible sightings include minke and humpback whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises and, less certainly, killer whales. Seabirds may also be seen overhead.

What happens if there are no whale sightings?

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

Are warm clothes provided?

Warm flotation overalls are included. You should still bring warm clothing.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on board.

Is pickup included, and can I cancel?

Pickup is available for an extra charge and is not included in the standard ticket. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.