Whale Watching Tours from Reykjavik

Spot whales with a marine biologist and enjoy Iceland’s coastal views from a heated indoor areas.

• Starting point: Set sail from Reykjavík's Old Harbour, just steps from the city center.
• Everything you get: 2.5–3.5 hour whale-watching tour on a modern boat "Andrea", with indoor lounges, open-air decks, free Wi-Fi, warm overalls, and onboard café access.
• Sights covered: Spot humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, plus diverse seabirds across Faxafloi Bay’s stunning waters.
• Why choose this: Choose this experience for comfort, expert guidance, and an engaging, educational journey at sea. Enjoy a stable vessel, warm gear, and a flexible free-retry policy, ensuring a rewarding wildlife adventure in Icelandic waters.

Inclusions #

• 2.5 to 3.5-hour cruise aboard a modern, spacious boat

• English-speaking marine biologist guide

• Warm flotation overalls

• Access to indoor lounges, open decks & onboard café

• Free Wi-Fi onboard

Exclusions #

• Food & drinks (available for purchase on board)

• Hotel pick-up & drop-off

What to Bring

• Wear warm layers, sturdy footwear, a hat, and gloves due to changing weather conditions.
• Bring a camera to capture wildlife and scenic views.
• You must show a valid ID at check-in.

What’s Not Allowed

• You are not allowed to bring alcoholic drinks on board.

Accessibility

• The cruise is wheelchair accessible

Additional Information

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
• You may experience sailing from a different harbour in winter for better sea conditions, with transport provided.
• You may request free seasickness tablets at the ticket office or onboard.
• You will receive a free return ticket if no wildlife is spotted.
• Feel free to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks on the tour.
• Please note that weather and sea conditions may impact departure decisions.
• Arrive early, as parking is not provided by the operator but is available nearby.
• At the harbor, you can explore the Whale Watching Centre, watch videos, view skeletons and information boards, or browse the gift shop.
• By purchasing a ticket, you support summer research projects, eco-friendly tourism, and wildlife protection organizations.

Spot whales and Icelandic wildlife from a luxury yacht, cruising Reykjavík’s scenic coastline

• Starting point: Set sail from Reykjavík's Old Harbour, just steps from the city center.
• Everything you get: Set sail on a luxury yacht for a 2.5–3 hour whale-watching experience led by professional wildlife guides. Enjoy sweeping panoramic views, stay warm with cozy blankets and indoor seating, and make use of free Wi-Fi as you scan the bay for whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
• Sights covered: Sights covered: You'll be passing by Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavík’s coastline, Faxaflói Bay, and nearby islands including Engey, Lundey (Puffin Island), and Viðey.
• Why choose this: Because true luxury is slowing down on a stylish yacht as Reykjavík’s coastline, islands, and wildlife come into view with facilities onboard.

Inclusions #

• Whale-watching tour lasting for 2.5–3 hours

• Knowledgeable crew and wildlife experts

• Cozy blankets provided to keep you warm out on deck.

• Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi

• Restroom facilities onboard

• Heated indoor lounge with ample seating

• Optional pickup service from Reykjavík for an additional fee.

What to bring

• Dress in warm layers and carry a windproof, waterproof jacket. Reykjavík’s sea breeze can feel sharper once you’re out on Faxaflói Bay.
• Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear suitable for moving around the deck.
• Pack gloves and a scarf. Temperatures on the water are often cooler than in the city.
• Bring a camera or binoculars if you want to catch close-up moments with whales, dolphins, or seabirds.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, suitcases, or oversized luggage cannot be brought on board for safety reasons.
• Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the yacht.
• Flash photography is discouraged as it can disrupt wildlife behaviour.
• Pets are not permitted unless they are registered service animals.
• Alcohol and illegal substances are strictly prohibited.
• This whale watching experience is wheelchair accessible, with crew ready to assist as needed.

Additional information

• If the North Atlantic chill catches up with you, warm blankets are provided during the cruise.
• Tours operate in most weather, though departures may be rescheduled if conditions in Faxaflói Bay become unsafe.
• Children under 7 join for free and must sit on an adult’s lap; reduced fares apply for ages 7–15. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Arrive at the harbor at least 15 minutes before departure to allow time for boarding.
• Restrooms are available onboard.
• Hotel pickup is offered for an additional cost.
• Should your tour miss any whale sightings, you’ll be invited back for a free repeat experience.

High-speed RIB boat gets you closer to whales with unmatched comfort and thrilling coastal views.

• Starting point: Reykjavik’s Old Harbour near the city center.
• Everything you get: Enjoy a 2-hour RIB adventure with close-up whale encounters in Faxaflói Bay, a scenic Reykjavík coastline cruise, expert guiding, warm gear, safety equipment, and admission to the Whales of Iceland museum, plus a free return ticket if no marine life is spotted.
• Sights covered: Spot humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, porpoises, and summer puffins, along with Reykjavík’s stunning coastline and the wildlife-rich waters of Faxaflói Bay.
• Why choose this: This RIB tour provides a more personal and close wildlife experience compared to larger vessels, thanks to its smaller size, speed, and agility.

Inclusions #

• 2-hour whale-watching RIB boat tour

• English-speaking expert guide

• Small-group; 12-seater boat

• Suspension seats for comfort

• Warm flotation overalls, life vests, gloves & goggles

• Safety equipment

• Admission to Whales of Iceland museum

• Visit to Puffin Island (summer)

• Free retry ticket if no sightings

Exclusions #

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Food & drinks

• Parking

What to bring

• Warm layers should be worn under the provided overalls to stay comfortable outdoors.
• Guests are encouraged to bring sturdy shoes, as the harbor and boat areas can be slippery.
• Carrying a hat, gloves, and sunglasses ensures protection from changing weather and glare.

What’s not allowed

• Children under 10 years old or anyone shorter than 140 cm are not allowed to join this tour.
• The tour restricts access to anyone unable to fit properly into the flotation overalls.
• Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on board.

Accessibility

• The RIB speedboat cannot accommodate wheelchair users due to the vessel's design.
• Guests must be in good physical condition, as boarding and movement on the boat require stability.
• Participation isn’t permitted for pregnant travelers or individuals with back or severe heart conditions.

Additional information

• Arriving at least 30 minutes before departure is required to ensure on-time check-in.
• A valid photo ID must be presented at the ticket office before the tour begins.
• All guests will be asked to read and sign a safety waiver prior to boarding.
• Sea conditions may vary, and seasickness tablets are available at the ticket redemption point and on board.
• A minimum of four passengers is needed for departure, and tours may be rescheduled if this isn’t met.

What to bring

• Dress for the weather and layer up.
• Bring a hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes suitable for the boat deck.
• Thermal overalls, life vests, gloves, and goggles are provided for your comfort and safety.
• Sunglasses, cameras, or phones are welcome but at your own risk. Bags are not allowed onboard, but can be stored at the office.

What’s not allowed / Restrictions

• This tour is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant guests, or those with back, knee, or mobility issues.
• Participants must be at least 145 cm (4 ft 8 in) tall, weigh no more than 140 kg (309 lbs), and be able to sit in the RIB’s saddle-style seats comfortably.

Accessibility

• This tour is not wheelchair accessible and may not suit those with mobility challenges.

Additional information

• Arrive at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour at least 30 minutes before departure to check in.
• The tour runs from April to October and the puffin season is from April to August.
• The experience lasts approximately 2 hours and requires a minimum of 2 passengers to proceed. If minimum numbers aren’t met, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.
• Whale and dolphin sightings are never guaranteed. If no wildlife appears, you’ll be offered a complimentary ticket valid for the Classic Whale Watching tour.
• All encounters follow a responsible whale-watching code of conduct, keeping a safe distance to minimize disturbance.
• You are required to sign a safety waiver confirming that you are physically fit for the tour.

Inclusions #

• Small group RIB boat tour

• Guidance from marine biologist

• Access to crew photos

• 2-hour whale and puffin watching tour

• Specially trained whale-watching guide

• Fully certified RIB boat captain

• Warm overalls, gloves, goggles

• All necessary safety equipment

Experience Reykjavík’s vibrant birdlife on a close-up puffin watching cruise

• Starting point: Depart from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour
• Everything you get: Step aboard Old Skúli, a shallow-draft boat specially designed to bring you closer to the nesting grounds than any standard vessel can. Enjoy a guided cruise led by experienced wildlife experts with over 20 years in the region.
• Sights covered: Glide across Faxaflói’s calm inshore waters, taking in Reykjavík’s skyline from the sea before reaching Akurey. Watch them dive, flap, bob on the waves, and tuck into their burrows along the island’s grassy slopes.
• Why choose this: This tour gives you the rare chance to approach Reykjavík’s puffin colonies at eye level, aboard a purpose-built boat. With live commentary, guaranteed puffin sightings, a quick travel time, and panoramic views of the city and its offshore islands, it’s one of the most effortless wildlife experiences you can have from Reykjavík.

Inclusions #

• Traditional wooden boat tour

• 100% guaranteed puffin sightings

• Knowledgeable guide

• Small-group experience

• Binoculars on board

• App available in 5 languages

Exclusions #

• Transfers

• Food and drink

What to bring

• Temperatures on the water can feel cooler than in the city. Dress warmly in layers.
• A windproof or waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended.
• If you’re sensitive to motion, bring seasickness medication as the ride can be bumpy on windy days.
• A valid photo ID is required at check-in.

What’s not allowed

• Outside food and drinks should not be brought on board.
• Pets are not allowed, with the exception of registered service animals.
• Alcohol, drugs, and boarding under the influence are strictly prohibited for safety reasons.

Accessibility

• Accessibility varies depending on the vessel used. Old Skúli has limited space, so guests using wheelchairs may not be able to board comfortably.

Additional information

• Tours are weather-dependent and may be cancelled if sea conditions are unsafe. In the event of a cancellation, you’ll receive a full refund.
• You may cancel your booking up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
• The boat ride to Akurey is short but can be choppy. Carry motion sickness medication if you’re prone to seasickness.
• Binoculars are available on board to help you get an even closer look at the puffins.
• An expert guide will be on board, and the Special Tours Iceland app (available in 5 languages) offers additional text and audio commentary.
• Parking is not available directly at the harbour, but there are several paid parking spots and a nearby parking garage within walking distance.