From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour

A humpback whale surfacing beside a boat, with snowy Icelandic peaks behind it, is the main prize here. This trip takes you from Reykjavik’s harbor into Faxaflói Bay, where humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, seals, puffins, and other seabirds may appear. The captain and guide keep scanning for movement, feeding birds, and telltale blows.

I like the warm flotation overalls and heated indoor cabin, which matter when Iceland’s wind turns a mild day into a cold one. I also like the free second trip if you see no wildlife, since whale watching can never be fully promised, even with a skilled crew and a good boat.

The main drawback is simple: you spend a lot of time searching at sea, and the ride can be choppy. The boat is comfortable, but it is not a quiet little craft that slips right up to a whale. On busy departures, finding an open viewing spot can also take patience.

Key points to know before you book

• Humpback whales are the main prize: Several outings have seen two or three humpbacks, sometimes staying with them for 20 to 40 minutes.
• Faxaflói gives you more than whales: Dolphins, minke whales, seals, puffins, and other seabirds may join the show.
• The indoor cabin is a real benefit: You get heated seating, toilets, WiFi, a snack counter, and shelter from rain and wind.
• Guides make the search interesting: Patrick, Patrik, and Lukas are among the guides praised for lively explanations and sharp spotting.
• No-sighting protection adds value: If no wildlife appears, you receive a complimentary ticket for another trip.
• Plan for cold and motion: Wear layers, arrive 30 minutes early, and use the offered seasickness tablets if needed.

From Geirsgata 11 to open water

Your trip begins at the Special Tours ticket office at Geirsgata 11, close to Reykjavik’s harbor. Arrive 30 minutes before departure. That extra time is useful for checking in, finding the boat, and getting fitted with flotation overalls before the boarding rush.

Pickup from your hotel is not included, so you need to reach the harbor yourself or pay an added charge for pickup if available. The meeting point is central enough for many people staying in Reykjavik to reach without much trouble, but leave time for walking, checking directions, and collecting tickets.

The boat is a large, proper whale-watching vessel with indoor and outdoor viewing areas. That means you get a steadier ride and more protection than on a small open boat, though the tradeoff is less direct contact with the water. You may see smaller boats moving closer to the animals, while your own vessel gives you more room to sit, move around, and escape the weather.

The tour is wheelchair accessible. Pets and smoking are not allowed.

Kollafjörður begins the scenic part

The first part of the route takes you from the city harbor toward Kollafjörður. This quieter coastal area includes a small island and a busy bird community, giving the guide a chance to point out Icelandic sea life before the main whale search begins.

This opening stretch is more than dead travel time. You get views back toward Reykjavik and outward toward the coast, along with a gentle introduction to the way the guide works. You will be encouraged to watch the water, notice bird activity, and look for signs of marine life rather than simply wait for a dramatic breach.

The guide’s commentary is one of the strongest parts of the trip. Patrick and Patrik have been praised for mixing facts with humor, while Lukas has been noted for clear explanations and a friendly manner. The exact guide depends on the departure, but you can expect live commentary in English.

Keep your camera ready, but do not stare at it the whole time. A whale may surface for only a few seconds, and the best sight can happen on the opposite side of the boat. The crew and other passengers often help by calling out sightings, which turns the search into a shared effort.

Faxaflói Bay and the long whale search

The main portion of the tour takes place in Faxaflói Bay, a large stretch of water known for whale and dolphin watching. The listed itinerary allows about two hours in the bay, with the full outing lasting about three and a half hours.

This is where patience pays off. You may see a whale soon after reaching the bay, or you may spend a long period watching birds and empty water before a blow appears. The crew uses reports from other boats and watches for signs such as groups of birds feeding in one area.

Humpback whales are the species most often highlighted by this trip. Several outings have found two or three humpbacks, sometimes active near the vessel and sometimes surfacing repeatedly in the same area. A longer encounter can give you time to understand the animal’s rhythm: blow, back, tail, then a wait before it appears again.

Minke whales are another possibility. They are smaller and can surface quickly, so you need to pay attention. Dolphins may travel in groups and can be easier to spot when the water is calm. Seals and puffins have also appeared on outings, along with many other seabirds.

No sighting is guaranteed. One outing recorded no wildlife at all, while poor visibility and a snowstorm have also made viewing difficult. That is why the return-ticket policy matters. If the trip produces no sightings, you can take another tour at no extra charge. It does not remove the time cost, but it gives the operator a fair way to handle nature’s bad days.

The crew may also stay out longer when conditions and wildlife make it worthwhile. One outing continued for about 40 extra minutes so the group could spend more time with whales. You should not treat extra time as guaranteed, but it shows why you should avoid scheduling a tight airport transfer or another fixed activity immediately afterward.

Mountain views add value to the boat ride

Faxaflói is not only about what swims below the surface. The bay gives you wide views toward Iceland’s mountain ring, and on a clear day you may see Snæfellsjökull Glacier in the distance.

Weather controls how much of this you see. A bright day can bring crisp peaks and broad sea views. Rain, wind, fog, or snow can reduce the scenery to a more limited coastal view. Even on a rough-weather day, the changing sky and water are part of the Iceland experience, but you should dress for function rather than photographs.

The outdoor deck gives you the best chance of spotting a blow or fin. The indoor cabin is the sensible place to warm up between sightings. You can move between the two, so you do not need to stay outside for the entire trip.

The supplied flotation overalls are especially useful. Wear warm layers underneath, because the suit helps block wind but does not replace a sweater, hat, and gloves. Several outings found the overalls excellent in cold weather, while one person noted that some suits were damp from earlier use. If you are sensitive to cold, bring your own waterproof outer layer as a backup.

What the boat offers during the search

The vessel includes heated indoor cabins, toilet facilities, WiFi, and a snack counter. Drinks, snacks, hot coffee, and waffles have been available on board, but food is not included in the tour price.

The cabin is valuable for families. Children can warm up, use the WiFi, and watch through windows when the deck is too windy. You also have a place to sit if whale activity slows down. One important tradeoff is that staying indoors may limit your view, especially if the whale appears on the far side of the boat.

Seasickness tablets are available. Take the possibility seriously, even if you usually feel fine on land. The route into the bay can be choppy, and several people have found the ride uncomfortable. If you know you are prone to motion sickness, ask about the tablets before departure and choose a position that helps you keep your eyes on the horizon.

The boat can become crowded around a good sighting. One person found it hard to see when other passengers pushed toward the best viewing areas. Arriving early helps you choose a good general position, but you should still expect people to move around when a whale surfaces.

A photographer may take pictures during the outing, with images available to download later. That lets you watch the water instead of trying to frame every moment yourself. Still, bring your own camera if you want personal shots of the scenery or your family on deck.

Is $103 a fair price?

At $103 per person, this is not the cheapest short activity in Reykjavik, but the price includes several useful extras. You get a three to three and a half hour whale-watching outing, a live English-speaking guide, flotation overalls, indoor heating, toilets, WiFi, seasickness tablets, and a free second tour if no wildlife appears.

The value improves if you see several animals or receive a longer viewing period. It also improves for families, since the cabin and overalls make the experience easier in cold, wet weather. If you only want a quick boat ride and scenic harbor views, the cost may feel high.

The strongest financial protection is the no-sighting ticket. A wildlife trip cannot promise results, and the operator does not pretend otherwise. If you have several days in Reykjavik, you can use the second outing to try again. If your schedule allows only one departure, the policy still shows that the company is willing to offer something useful when nature does not cooperate.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option keeps your money available until closer to the trip. These terms are helpful if Iceland’s weather forces you to adjust your plans.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would choose this trip if you want a comfortable first whale-watching experience from Reykjavik without arranging a full-day excursion outside the city. It is also a sensible option for families, since the warm cabin, toilets, overalls, and onboard food make a long sea ride easier.

It suits you if you enjoy the search as much as the final sighting. The crew may spend much of the trip watching the sea, talking about birds, and moving toward reports from other boats. If you need constant action, the quiet periods may feel slow.

This is also a good fit for photographers who want time with wildlife. Several humpback encounters lasted long enough for repeated views, including one reported 40-minute observation. You may get only a fin or blow, but the boat gives you a fair chance to watch and wait.

I would think twice if you strongly dislike boats, cold wind, or uncertain results. The cabin helps, and seasickness tablets are available, but neither changes the fact that you are spending hours on the North Atlantic. A calm-weather forecast may improve comfort, though it cannot guarantee whales.

Practical advice for a better outing

• Arrive 30 minutes early: This gives you time to check in and find a useful viewing position.
• Dress in layers: Add a warm hat, gloves, and waterproof footwear to the provided overalls.
• Take motion sickness seriously: Ask for the available tablets before sailing if you know rough water affects you.
• Keep moving between deck and cabin: The best viewing is outside, but the warm cabin protects you from fatigue.
• Look for birds: Feeding birds can point toward fish and may help the crew locate marine activity.
• Keep your schedule open afterward: The boat may stay out longer when wildlife appears.
• Bring food if you need a full meal: Snacks and drinks are sold on board, but they are not part of the price.
• Plan a second attempt when possible: The free return ticket is most useful if your Reykjavik schedule has room.

My verdict

Book this tour if you want a well-equipped, family-friendly whale search with a sensible backup plan. The best features are practical rather than flashy: warm overalls, a heated cabin, strong commentary, a decent amount of time in Faxaflói Bay, and a second trip if the sea stays empty.

Do not book it expecting a guaranteed close-up whale encounter. You may see humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, seals, puffins, and dramatic mountain views, but you may also spend a cold, bumpy morning searching. At $103, the tour earns its value when you use the facilities, listen to the guide, and treat the outing as both a wildlife search and a coastal trip.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching tour depart from?

The meeting point is Geirsgata 11 at the Special Tours ticket office in Reykjavik. You should arrive 30 minutes before departure.

How long does the tour last?

The full activity lasts about three and a half hours. The itinerary includes about 30 minutes around Reykjavik and approximately two hours of whale and dolphin watching in Faxaflói Bay.

Which animals might I see?

Possible sightings include humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, seals, puffins, and other seabirds. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if no whales or dolphins appear?

You receive a complimentary ticket for a second tour if there are no sightings. The return trip is useful if you have enough time in Reykjavik to try again.

Are warm clothes provided?

Flotation overalls are provided, and the boat has heated indoor cabins. You should still bring weather-appropriate clothing and dress in layers.

Is food included on the boat?

Food and drinks are not included, but snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board. Hot drinks and waffles have been available during some outings.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. The boat also has indoor cabins and toilet facilities.