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Reykjavik’s Faxaloi Bay is home to whales like humpbacks and minke whales who frequent the waters during longer days of sunlight. You can see them up close from the boat, and observe their behavior. These beautiful giants often migrate to the feeding grounds which see an abundance of plankton and fish during the summer months (June to August).
Whales have a way of communicating, playing, or shaking off parasites by “breaching”, where they propel themselves out of the water and into the air, leading to a splash. You might also see it slapping its tail, a behavior associated with distress, dominance and sometimes attracting mates. Boat tours in Reykjavik are a great way to study their behavior up close.
The cruises in Reykjavik aren’t just about spotting whales but also other marine life like harbor porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, and puffins. Porpoises are often found in pods and are easy to spot as you sail along the harbor. Puffins are seasonal birds that you can spot between May and August, so try catching a premium cruise to spot these unique birds.
By opting for a whale-watching cruise in Reykjavik, you’re doing your bit for the environment too. How? The boats are turned off as you approach the whale-watching hotspots, causing minimal disturbance to them. The boats are kept at a safe distance to avoid interfering with their natural behavior, especially during feeding, mating, or migration periods.
They are bird-filled coastlines surrounded by sloping landscapes, glaciers, volcanic cliffs, and geothermal fields. On some days you can see steam vents and hot springs too. The harbors are always bustling with locals and tourists alike, creating a contrast to the areas around them.
Reykjavik whale-watching cruise boats are designed to offer comfort in the best way possible. With heated indoor and outdoor seating options, provision for warm overalls, necessary safety equipment, and an onboard cafeteria to grab a bite, the choice is yours!
Best for: Small groups
Duration: 2 hours
Guide: Specially trained whale-watching guide/ certified RIB boat Captain
Extras: Warm overalls, gloves, and goggles
Board an RIB boat, accompanied by a marine biologist guide to tell you more about the whales and their behavioral patterns.
Best for: Sunset lovers
Duration: 3 hours
Guide: Expert English-speaking guide
Extras: Live troubadour performance, warm overalls
Admire the beautiful Reykjavik coastline as you set sail to spot whales and other marine life. Enjoy a live troubadour performance of folk songs on your return.
Best for: Bay views and unobstructed views
Duration: 3 hours
Guide: Expert English-speaking guide
Extras: Heated indoor cabins with toilers, indoor-outdoor seating
Enjoy uninterrupted sightings of whales, dolphins, and porpoises from an open deck or from warm indoors.
In Reykjavik, they ensure eco-conscious methods of conducting whale-watching tours by maintaining distance and using environmentally friendly boats. Here are some of the things that are followed:
The Humpback whale is a commonly seen species in the waters around Reykjavík. They are known for their long pectoral fins and broad tails and their size is up to 52 feet long, which is as tall as “The City of Los Angeles” mural. Humpbacks are often seen performing acrobatic breaches, fluke (tail) lifting, and peeping with their heads up depending on how they are communicating.
The best months for increased frequency of whale sightings in Reykjavik are June to August. During this period, you maximize your chances of seeing a variety of whale species, including humpback whales, minke whales, blue whales, and even orcas.
Average temperature: 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F)
These months also have long daylight hours due to Iceland's proximity to the Arctic Circle, with the midnight sun occurring in late June.
While whale-watching is still good in April, May, and September, the number of whales may be slightly lower compared to mid-summer. However, you can still spot the gentle giants, and with fewer tourists around.
Average temperature(April): 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F)
Average temperature(May): 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F)
Average temperature(September): 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F)
These aren't their migratory months, so spotting them on the surface is lesser as compared to other months.
In Icelandic folklore, whales were seen as mysterious creatures, believed to bring either storms or good fortune. Encountering a whale at sea was considered to signal the presence of a hidden force or spirit, and their appearance was often believed to be an omen. These massive animals were seen as both mystical and powerful symbols.
Icelandic sagas often feature whales or whale-like creatures. In "The Saga of Grettir the Strong," Grettir, a warrior, faces a giant sea monster resembling a whale. These encounters blend myth with reality, symbolizing both the physical and metaphysical challenges of the sea. Whales represent the powerful forces and mysteries of the ocean in these stories.
During the Viking Age, whales were seen as powerful, terrifying creatures symbolizing the untamable forces of nature. They could bring destruction, like storms or shipwrecks, but also awe, reflecting the ocean's raw power. Whales held a significant symbolic role in Viking culture, especially in tales of voyages and maritime adventures, where the sea was central.
Some sagas feature beings that can transform between human and whale forms, such as the "Whale Kings." These transformations symbolized spiritual journeys or crossing realms. Whales were also seen as protectors of seafarers, with sightings near ships believed to signal safety from storms or predators. This belief stemmed from the reverence for whales as rulers of the sea.
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
The best time to go whale-watching is between April and October when the frequency of seeing them is more as compared to other months. They are likely to appear more on the surface as they come to feed on plankton and fish, or to mate. These months also experience long days of sunlight, making it perfect even weather-wise.
Boarding point: Old Harbor, Reykjavik | Find on map
Getting there
From Reykjavik’s center: The Old Harbor is just a short walk (10-15 minutes) from Reykjavik's city center. You can also board a public that takes you to the harbor. Check the local bus schedules for specific routes.
From Reykjavik Airport (Keflavik): The Flybus or Airport Express provides shuttle services to Reykjavik's city center, which takes around 45 minutes. A taxi or car rental option is available and takes the same time.
The starting price of Whale watching tours Reykjavik starts from €96.14. This price may vary depending on the type of tour you choose and any extra amenities included.
Whale watching in Reykjavik Iceland takes anywhere between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the specific tour and the weather conditions.
Yes, most whale-watching tours are family-friendly and safe for children aged 10 years and above. Since the tours are 2 to 3 hours long, please carry snacks or entertainment for your children, to distract them from seasickness if any.
Whale sightings are common during peak season but not guaranteed, as they are wild animals. Tour captains use their expertise to visit areas with recent activity. Even if whales are not spotted, the stunning views of the surrounding bays and potential wildlife encounters make the trip worthwhile.
Yes, most whale-watching tours in Reykjavik are suitable for wheelchairs, prams, and strollers. The boats are designed to easily maneuver wheelchairs or strollers.
