Reykjavik: 3-Hour Whale Watching Cruise & Bay Islands

Three hours on the water hunting whales off Reykjavik's coast

You board at Reykjavik's Old Harbour and spend three hours on a professional yacht searching Faxaflói Bay for minke whales, humpbacks, orcas and dolphins. The crew handles spotting and navigation while you stand on heated observation decks wrapped in warm blankets, with hot drinks available if you need them. If nothing surfaces, you get a free return ticket good for three years instead of a refund.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching cruise from Reykjavik

• Depart from Reykjavík Old Harbour
• Sail among Faxaflói Bay islands
• View Reykjavík coastline
• Spot minke and humpback whales
• Look for dolphins and porpoises
• Chance to see orca whales
• Pass by Harpa concert hall
• Pass by Faxafloi Bay
• Pass by Engey island
• Pass by Lundey (Puffin Island)
• Pass by Viðey Island

The experience

The boat pulls away from the Old Harbour and you're already scanning the water. You didn't expect how fast the city shrinks behind you, or how the bay opens up: Viðey Island to one side, the peninsula of Akranes visible across the water, and somewhere out there, if you're lucky, the whales. The crew knows what they're looking for. Minke whales show up most often, humpbacks less so, and orcas are rare enough that spotting one feels like winning something. The professional guides have done this hundreds of times and they move through the boat with a kind of quiet focus, pointing out movement in the water before you'd see it yourself.

The yacht has observation decks that let you stand outside without fighting for space, and they hand out warm blankets because the wind off the bay cuts through whatever you wore. Three hours sounds short until you're out there and realize how much of it is just watching: the water, the islands passing, the light changing on the basalt cliffs. Dolphins and porpoises show up regularly too, smaller and faster, breaking the surface in ways that make you lean forward. There's WiFi if you need it, and a restroom below deck, but most people stay topside. The crew sells hot drinks and snacks if you get cold or hungry, which most people do.

One thing to know upfront: sightings aren't guaranteed. This is wild nature, not a tank. If the whales don't show, the company won't refund you, but they'll give you a free return ticket valid for three years, so you can try again when conditions are better. Weather can shut the whole thing down too. They'll cancel if the bay gets too rough. It's not a flaw in the tour. It's the reason the tour exists at all. You're not going to see whales in a pool.

What’s included

• Professional guides experienced in whale spotting.
• spacious observation decks.
• warm blankets.
• WiFi on board.
• restroom facilities.
• panoramic views of Faxaflói Bay, Viðey Island and the Reykjavik coast.
• hot drinks and snacks available for purchase.

Options for this experience

2 options

Old Harbour meeting point, no pickupGuide in English · 09:15 and 13:15

With pickup and drop-off across central ReykjavíkGuide in English · 09:15 and 13:15Pickup and drop-off at eligible central Reykjavík hotels and official bus stops are included, but a pickup location must be provided.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:15 and 13:15

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (7 to 15 years) · Child (under 7): free

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “We are located at the Reykjavík Old Harbour close to the city's center. It is the main port of departure for whale watching and northern lights tours. *Please arrive at the meeting point 30 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Iceland Discover

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Icelandic whales without arranging your own boat or timing: the fixed 3-hour schedule and professional crew handle the navigation and spotting, leaving you to watch the water and the islands pass.

Traveler reviews

4.44★★★★★★★★★★

726 verified traveler reviews

5 ★509

4 ★111

3 ★52

2 ★21

1 ★33

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 15 years); Child (under 7): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What whales are most common on this cruise?

Minke whales and humpback whales are the most frequent sightings. Dolphins and porpoises also appear regularly. Orcas are less common but possible.

How long is the whale watching cruise?

The cruise lasts 3 hours, departing from Reykjavik's Old Harbour.

What happens if we don't see any whales?

Sightings cannot be guaranteed because it's wild nature. If no whales appear, you receive a free return ticket valid for up to three years instead of a refund.

What's included in the ticket?

The ticket includes access to observation decks, warm blankets, WiFi on board, professional guides, restroom access, and panoramic views. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase.

Can the tour be cancelled?

Yes. Weather is a major factor and the tour may be cancelled if conditions are unsafe. You would be notified before departure.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the yacht is wheelchair accessible.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board.