Sightseeing Cruises

Reykjavik: Whale Watching Boat Tour

4.6/5(34)

Frederick C

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

Fantastic ride, great tour guide. She was fantastic and super genuine. A real whale nerd. The front desk staff however the guy was a complete dick. We needed a restroom after the boat, didn't seem appropriate to use the boat one after it was docked, and he told us "read the sign" rather than just..... tell us to go across the street.

Susan C

Couple

Verified booking

Sep 2026

We had a delightful and very knowledgeable marine biologist. She gave us s substantial information on the behaviors and habits of the whales and dolphins. We learned about the safety practices that f the four boats that protect the various species we were hoping to see. We were particularly fortunate that we were about to watch the activities of 3 humpback whales, 1 minke whale and a pod of dolphins. It was a thoroughly fantastic adventure and a wonderful learning about these majestic ocean animals. Thank you so much for this experience!

Set sail on a 3.5-hour guided whale-watching cruise in Faxafloi Bay, to spot humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises in their natural habitat.

Learn from expert whale-watching guides about the behavior of whales and other marine life as they help you spot them with ease.

Enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavík’s coastline and spot marine life from the open deck or stay warm in the heated indoor cabin.

Buy snacks from the onboard cafeteria, ensuring a comfortable experience no matter the weather.

Enjoy peace of mind with a free return ticket if no wildlife is spotted, giving you another chance for unforgettable sightings.

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

Food & drinks (available for purchase on board)

Hotel pick-up & drop-off

TOTAL DURATION3 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
Timeline
Map
Start point
Reykjavík Old Harbour
Get direction
1. Faxaflói Bay
2 activities
Sail into the expansive Faxaflói Bay, surrounded by sweeping views of Reykjavík’s skyline and distant mountains, setting the stage for an unforgettable marine exploration.
Things to do
Whale watching
Included in price
Bird watching
Included in price
End point
Reykjavík Old Harbour
Get direction
Your ending point would be same as your start point

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

34 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands and over 11 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Frederick C
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Fantastic ride, great tour guide. She was fantastic and super genuine. A real whale nerd. The front desk staff however the guy was a complete dick. We needed a restroom after the boat, didn't seem appropriate to use the boat one after it was docked, and he told us "read the sign" rather than just..... tell us to go across the street.
Susan C
Couple
Verified booking
Sep 2026
We had a delightful and very knowledgeable marine biologist. She gave us s substantial information on the behaviors and habits of the whales and dolphins. We learned about the safety practices that f the four boats that protect the various species we were hoping to see. We were particularly fortunate that we were about to watch the activities of 3 humpback whales, 1 minke whale and a pod of dolphins. It was a thoroughly fantastic adventure and a wonderful learning about these majestic ocean animals. Thank you so much for this experience!
Dennis T
Group
Verified booking
Sep 2026
Perfect closure to my trip, profesionel and funny crew, nice comfortable ship with drinks and snacks. And as promised we saw whales and dolphins.
Miles M
Group
Verified booking
Sep 2026
Alex was very knowledgeable and made the trip very interesting
Larry B
Couple
Verified booking
Sep 2026
We got to see 4 different wales, it was a nice tour!

Observe Iceland’s incredible marine life, including humpback whales and dolphins, on this classic whale-watching cruise from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour.

Getting started

Arrive at the Old Harbour House in Reykjavík (by yourself or get picked up at your hotel), where you can check in at a self-service kiosk for a smooth start. Board the whale-watching vessel, which features both indoor cabins and an open deck for optimal viewing.

What to expect

Faxaflói Bay

Set sail into Faxaflói Bay, a prime whale-watching destination known for its rich marine biodiversity. The tour follows ethical whale-watching practices, ensuring a respectful and natural encounter with wildlife. Keep an eye out for minke and humpback whales, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins as they swim in their natural habitat.

Exploring with a guide

Your expert guide shares fascinating insights into the marine ecosystem, explaining the behaviors and characteristics of the whales and other sea creatures you encounter.

Features

Spacious vessel: Enjoy one of Iceland’s largest whale-watching boats with indoor lounges, outdoor decks and a family-friendly environment.

Expert guidance: Learn from experienced specialists who share insights on whale behavior, seabirds and spotting techniques.

Interactive education: Explore onboard displays featuring whale teeth, bones, baleen and microscopes for a deeper understanding of ocean life.

Warm overalls: Stay comfortable with complimentary floatable overalls available in all sizes.

Free retry ticket: Receive a complimentary second tour if no wildlife is spotted on your trip.

What to bring

Dress warmly with multiple layers and wear strong, non-slip shoes for your comfort.

Bring a camera or sunglasses to enhance your experience.

You will be required to present a valid form of identification upon arrival.

What's not allowed

You are not permitted to bring alcoholic beverages onto the boat.

Accessibility

The vessel is wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

You must check in at least 30 minutes before the tour begins.

You may be relocated to another harbour during the winter months if sea conditions require it, with transport included.

You are eligible for a free return tour if no sightings occur.

Feel free to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on board.

You should expect rapidly changing Icelandic weather, which may impact the tour’s operation.

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.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.