Best of · TICKETS
The 7 best whale watching tickets you can book today, with the price on the ticket, how long the crossing runs and which animal you are going out for. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
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.”
At Whales of Iceland in Reykjavík, you’ll walk beneath more than 25 life-size whale models representing 23 species found in Icelandic waters. Use the audio guide in 17 languages, join an English tour at 11:00 or 15:00, and watch films in the Fin Whale Theatre. Plan on one to two hours.
“Nice exhibit but thought it was too expensive. Impressive models. Good audio information for true whale fans. Kids would enjoy but parents might be upset about price.”
Pair Genoa’s Aquarium, with 70-plus exhibits and 12,000 specimens, with a four-hour whale-watching cruise from the pier beside it. A marine biologist explains how to spot cetaceans and watch them without disturbance. The cruise runs March to November in Italian and English, with a free return cruise if no cetaceans appear.
“The combo deal is good. Sadly we didin’t see any whales or dolphins on our day. They came forwards and gave us a free voucher for it.”
Leave Reykjavik Old Harbour on a two-hour RIB safari across Faxaflói Bay. Your English-speaking captain searches for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and summer puffins. Warm overalls, suspension seats, safety gear, and a flexible departure ticket are included. The ride back follows Reykjavik’s shoreline.
“Aprile non e' il mese migliore per osservare le balene, ma per fortuna siamo riusciti a vedere i puffin. Il nostro skipper ci ha poi fatto poi divertire pilotando il gommone a piena velocita' in mezzo alle onde. Fantastico”
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.
Join a guided whale watching cruise from Reykjavík, with heated cabins, flotation overalls, Wi-Fi, and a free return trip if no whales appear. Then ride FlyOver Iceland’s motion platform through aerial views, wind, scents, and special effects. Plan the two time slots carefully, since each activity must be visited separately.
“La croisière d’observation des baleines était vraiment géniale. Le Flyover pourrait être amélioré.”
Pick a hull, a species or a month.
