Best of · MUSEUMS
Whales do not read timetables, so the boat and the month do most of the work. These 7 whale and maritime museums are priced and dated, and clear about what a blank day looks like.
At Whales of Iceland in Reykjavík, you’ll walk among life-size models of 23 whale species found in Icelandic waters. Use the audio guide in 17 languages, explore hands-on displays, and watch films in the Fin Whale Theatre, including Whale Wisdom narrated by Sir David Attenborough and Sonic Sea narrated by Rachel McAdams.
“Very small but great place. We spend around 30 minutes inside.”
This 3.5-hour outing pairs a guided boat trip from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor with the Whales of Iceland Exhibition. Look for minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises, then see 23 life-size whale models. Guides such as Lucas, Daniel, Oskar, and Ivan have earned praise for clear, lively explanations.
“There were whales in a neighbouring port and the tour took us by boat. We were able to see 2 humpbacks! One even breached. It was a life experience. Dx”
Start near Reykjavik’s Vesturbugt Harbor for a guided whale watch in Faxaflói Bay, with warm flotation overalls, indoor cabins, WiFi, and seasickness tablets available. Then visit Whales of Iceland, where full-size models, whale songs, and interactive displays explain the animals you may have just seen.
“Very cold and the sea was choppy but to be expected in the Atlantic. We go to see whales and dolphins.”
Meet at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour for a roughly three-and-a-half-hour outing: a whale-watching cruise with warm flotation overalls, heated cabins, and onboard commentary, followed by free entry to Whales of Iceland. You may spot minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, or porpoises, but sightings depend on weather and wild nature.
“Great trip and day out, our guide was fantastic and we thankfully got to see whales, it was a fabulous trip. The exhibition was also very interesting, thoroughly enjoyed it all.”
Visit the Madeira Whale Museum in Caniçal for a self-guided look at Madeira’s 20th-century whaling culture and marine life. You’ll see life-size whale and dolphin models, watch stereoscopic 3D films, study historic tools and records, and view a temporary exhibition. Entry includes an audio guide in English, French, German, Portuguese, or Spanish.
Visit Húsavík Whale Museum for a self-guided look at whales, from evolution and sensory perception to behavior, mating patterns, and Icelandic whaling. Your ticket covers all eight exhibition spaces and 13 real skeletons. The first floor is wheelchair accessible, but the second floor is not.
Spend 2 to 3 hours at MUNBA, Mazatlán’s interactive whale museum. You’ll see whale, dolphin, and orca skeletons, use virtual reality to examine a dolphin’s anatomy, hear whale songs, follow Talassa the whale, and find a supervised Children’s Zone. Admission costs $17.30 and includes mobile ticket entry.
“Pretty cool whale museum with a moderate amount of things to see. Not huge but good enough for a few hours.”
Pick a hull, a species or a month.
