From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour

Whales off Reykjavik can feel unreal. This short cruise from Geirsgata 11 puts you on the water searching minke whales, humpbacks, and dolphins while the guide reads the sea like a map. You start in the harbor, sail out past nearby coastal spots, then focus your time in Faxaflói Bay where marine life shows up.

What I like most is the comfort plan. You get heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities, plus flotation overalls that make a real difference when wind cuts through. That lets you spend more time on deck looking for spouts instead of spending the whole trip frozen.

The second big win is how the crew works the hunt. Guides point out bird behavior and water signs, and they keep steering you toward the best action. One thing to keep in mind: sightings are never guaranteed, even with their skill. Still, if you get skunked, you’re offered a second tour ticket.

Quick Hits for Faxaflói Bay Whale Watching

• Heated indoor space plus flotation overalls: warm, dry options when the weather turns
• Guides who keep scanning and explaining: funny narration paired with real whale and bird info
• Time where it counts: the boat aims to get you to the feeding grounds fast
• Common sightings: humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and lots of seabirds
• If you miss whales, you have a safety net: complimentary second-tour ticket for no sightings
• Extra value extras: WiFi onboard and free photo/video capture from the trip

Getting to the Harbor: Geirsgata 11 and a Short City Start

Your day begins at Geirsgata 11, at the Special Tours ticket office. Arrive about 30 minutes early so you can check in, get settled, and avoid that last-minute scramble when the gangway is busy.

Before you fully head out, you get a short guided bit in Reykjavik (about 30 minutes). Think of this as a warm-up: it helps you connect what you’re about to see with what makes Faxaflói Bay special. It also sets expectations for what whale watching looks like in Iceland, where weather and timing can change fast.

Then it’s off to the coast—first with harbor energy, then toward quieter water. This tour is designed to be efficient, not a half-day waste of time.

Kollafjörður to Faxaflói Bay: The Scenic Road Map

The route isn’t just a straight line. You sail toward Kollafjörður, a calmer coastal area with an island and lots of birds. This part of the trip matters because it sets the tone: Iceland’s wildlife is often easier to read from the behavior of birds than from luck alone.

After that, you continue into Faxaflói Bay, one of the best-known places around Reykjavik for spotting whales and dolphins. This is where you’re looking for minke whales, humpbacks, and dolphins, plus an ongoing parade of seabirds.

On clear days, the horizon can give you a bonus view: you may spot Snaefellsjökull in the distance. Even when the weather isn’t perfect, the mountain ring framing the bay helps you feel like you’re cruising inside a giant natural amphitheater.

A small practical note: the itinerary is short by design (about 3.5 hours), so the best moments are stacked toward the whale search time. If you’re hoping for a long sightseeing cruise, this isn’t that kind of day. It’s focused, weather-dependent, and geared for sightings.

Onboard Comfort: Heated Cabins, Overalls, WiFi, and Toilet Access

Cold water and wind are the real opponents on this tour. The good news is you don’t show up to battle them with only your own layers. You’re provided with flotation overalls, and the reviews consistently treat them as a lifesaver when the deck wind picks up. Expect to feel noticeably warmer on deck when you wear them.

Inside, the boat has heated cabins with toilet facilities. That means you can warm up without leaving the experience behind. Reviews also mention the value of having a place to retreat when whale activity is slow, like during those stretches when the sea goes quiet but you still want to keep scanning.

WiFi onboard is included. It’s not why you book a whale watching trip, but it helps with the “what if we don’t see anything for a while” anxiety—especially with kids or anyone who gets restless on trips.

You can also purchase snacks and drinks onboard. Some departures include a small onboard café setup with hot drinks, and on cold days that’s a morale boost, even if you only grab something warm.

Accessibility is supported too: the tour is wheelchair accessible. If mobility is a factor, this is another reason to feel good about booking a boat tour that still gives you an indoor base.

How the Crew Improves Your Odds in Faxaflói Bay

Whale watching is a mix of science and patience. This tour leans heavily into the science part. The crew watches for signs, and the guide keeps you informed while the skipper maneuvers to the areas where activity is most likely.

One theme in the feedback is how effectively guides spot whales. They point out cues like bird behavior and water activity, and they keep the group ready for quick appearances. When humpbacks show up, they often stick around long enough for you to get meaningful viewing time, not just a brief flash.

Several departures report spending a lot of time alongside humpbacks. That “staying with the action” feeling is one of the best reasons to book this kind of shorter tour: the organizers focus on whale-time rather than a long transit slog.

The boat also seems built for getting there quickly. Some reviews describe it as faster than bigger tourist vessels leaving at the same time. For you, that translates to more time watching instead of steaming.

A reality check (that saves disappointment)

You’re not guaranteed close, face-to-face encounters. Reviews describe a standard ocean-cruise experience—great views, sometimes close, but still at a safe, respectful distance. If you’re picturing whales right under the rail like a documentary, adjust your expectations. The thrill comes from watching whales behave naturally and realizing how big they are when you see them from a moving deck.

Meet the Guides: Funny Marine Facts and Free Photo Moments

The guides are a major part of the value here. Multiple people mention that the narration isn’t just dry science—it’s entertaining and easy to follow, with humor mixed in alongside actual whale and bird facts.

Names that show up in the feedback include Lukas and Patrick/Patrik. You may not get the same guide every time, but the style seems consistent: guide-led scanning, clear explanations, and an upbeat atmosphere that keeps everyone patient while the sea does its thing.

Another high-praise detail: the tour can include photos and videos taken during the trip. Some departures have a photographer onboard, and guests report being able to download captured media for free after the activity. That’s genuinely useful because it helps you focus on watching rather than spending your whole outing wrestling with a camera in cold wind.

If you’re the kind of person who freezes the moment you see a spout—this tour gives you a backup plan. And if you want to learn, it helps that the guide will explain what you’re looking at, not just point vaguely toward the ocean.

What You’re Likely to See: Humpbacks, Minke Whales, Dolphins, and Birds

The tour is built around three headline sightings: minke whales, humpback whales, and dolphins. Reviews show that humpbacks are a frequent star, sometimes with multiple individuals at once or with extended surface activity.

Minke whales do appear too. Some feedback mentions spotting a minke whale and getting repeated looks over the course of a trip. That can be a morale booster because minke whales are smaller and sometimes harder to time visually than humpbacks.

Dolphins often add motion to the story—fast, playful behavior that makes the trip feel lively even when whale sightings are slower. Expect seabirds as well. In fact, the guide often uses bird activity to help read the bay, so you’re not just passively waiting.

One more bonus from the feedback: seals show up sometimes. Even when the big whales are the goal, these extra sightings can turn a “maybe” day into a memorable one.

Sea Conditions and Motion Sickness: Practical Tips That Actually Help

Iceland doesn’t do subtle weather. Choppy water can happen, especially in the winter or when wind picks up.

The tour gives out seasickness tablets, and that alone lowers the stress load. Some reviews describe how the captain navigates carefully to reduce discomfort and how the overalls help you stay warm enough that you don’t feel miserable even if the sea is rough.

Here’s what I recommend you do before you even board:

• Wear layers you can peel off, not a single thick coat.
• Keep gloves and a hat handy, since wind chill on deck can be sharp.
• Take the seasickness options seriously if you know you’re sensitive. This isn’t the time to tough it out.

Also, remember the best viewing often happens outdoors. The heat cabin gives you relief, but you’ll want the ability to go from indoors to deck quickly without getting yourself flustered.

Time on the Water: 3.5 Hours That Doesn’t Drag

This is a half-day tour by design: about 3 to 3.5 hours total. That duration is part of the strategy. You get enough time to reach the action and still spend real effort scanning for whales, without turning the trip into an all-day weather gamble.

The day is paced like this in practice:

• brief start with narration in Reykjavik
• sail out toward a bird-filled coastal area (Kollafjörður)
• focus time in Faxaflói Bay for dolphin and whale watching

When whale activity is strong, the crew may keep you out longer to maximize the chance of meaningful sightings. Reviews mention extra time when whales show up. That’s exactly what you want from a well-run operator: not just getting you “to the spot,” but maximizing what the sea gives you.

The best approach for you is to treat this like a mission with a finish line. Go in ready to stand outside, then warm up quickly when needed.

Price and Value for a Reykjavik Whale Tour at Around $103

At about $103 per person for roughly 3.5 hours, this isn’t a budget activity. But it can still feel like good value for Iceland, mainly because a lot is included.

You get:

• the guided boat tour
• guides and live narration
• flotation overalls
• heated indoor cabins with toilets
• WiFi on board
• seasickness tablets
• a complimentary ticket for a second tour if there are no sightings

For whale watching, that last point matters. Sightings can be hit-or-miss, and this company at least gives you a cushion if you draw a quiet day. When you combine that with overalls and onboard comfort, you’re paying for a whole package, not just “time on a boat.”

Snacks and drinks aren’t included, so budget a little extra if you want hot drinks or food during the cruise. But the included gear and indoor comfort often reduce what you would otherwise spend on keeping warm.

If you’re comparing value, think in terms of the experience quality: fewer hours means more focused whale time, and included warmth makes it easier to stay outside when something happens.

Who Should Book This Trip (and Who Might Think Twice)

This tour is a great fit if:

• you want a classic Reykjavik whale watching experience without committing to a full day
• you care about comfort in wind and cold, not just the promise of sightings
• you like guides who make marine wildlife easy to understand and fun to watch
• you’re traveling with kids and want a warm indoor fallback

It might be less ideal if:

• you’re extremely sensitive to cold and hate boat motion, even with tablets and overalls
• you’re hoping for guaranteed whales every time, regardless of season or weather

One detail to consider: if you’re chasing the best deck views, crowding can happen on popular departures. Some guests noted it can get busy when multiple people rush toward the best angle. If you want the most relaxed viewing, pick a calmer mindset: you’ll see whales from many angles, and the crew helps position you where viewing is best.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Whale Watching Tour?

If you’re choosing only one whale-watching outing in Reykjavik, I’d seriously consider this one. The setup is practical: heated cabins, flotation overalls, seasickness support, and guides who keep the group engaged while scanning for whales and dolphins. Add the potential for free photos/video and the second-tour safety net when there are no sightings, and the value starts to make sense fast.

I’d book it when you can control your schedule slightly, because weather matters. If you’re flexible and you pack smart layers, you’ll get the best chance of a memorable day in Faxaflói Bay with humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and lots of birds along the way.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

The tour meets at Geirsgata 11 (Special Tours ticket office). The instructions say to arrive about 30 minutes early.

How long is the whale watching tour?

The total duration is about 3.5 hours.

What animals are you looking for?

The tour is aimed at spotting minke whales, humpback whales, and dolphins. You may also see other aquatic species and lots of wildlife like seabirds.

Is the tour guide in English?

Yes, the live tour guide speaks English.

Do they provide flotation overalls and warm indoor space?

Yes. Flotation overalls are included, and there are heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities.

Is WiFi available onboard?

WiFi is included on the boat.

Can I buy snacks or drinks on board?

Snacks and drinks are not included, but they are available for purchase onboard.

What if I get seasick?

Seasickness tablets are provided. The tour also includes heated indoor cabins where you can take a break from the wind.

What if there are no whale sightings?

If there are no sightings, you get a complimentary ticket for a second tour.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour. Smoking is also not allowed.