Reykjavik: Whale Watching Boat Tour & Faxaflói Bay

Two boats, one bay, whales that actually show up

You board at Old Harbour in provided thermal gear, scan Faxaflói Bay for whales and dolphins with a guide who knows the water, warm up inside if needed with hot drinks, and return after 2.5 or 3.5 hours depending on which boat you chose. If no whales surface, your next trip is free.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Make your way to Reykjavik Old Harbour
• Board the whale-watching boat
• Put on provided warm coveralls
• Listen to guide's marine life briefing
• Scan waters for whales and dolphins
• Take photos of marine wildlife
• Warm up in heated indoor lounge if cold
• Enjoy hot drinks and light refreshments
• Return to harbour and end tour

The Experience

So you're standing at Reykjavik's Old Harbour in thermal overalls that fit like a hug, and your guide is already pointing out where the minke whales tend to surface this time of year. The choice is yours: the leisurely 3.5-hour cruise if you want to sit with coffee and let the bay come to you, or the 2.5-hour high-speed RIB if you'd rather cut through the water and cover more ground. Either way, you're heading into Faxaflói Bay with someone who knows the marine life — not just the facts, but the old stories that somehow land different when you're actually out there watching the water.

The boat clears the harbour mouth and the scanning starts. Minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises — they're all in this bay, and the sighting success sits at around 90%, which is the kind of number that makes you actually believe you'll see something. Your guide narrates live as things happen, mixing biology with the kind of sea knowledge that doesn't come from a script. The heated indoor lounge is there if the cold creeps in, with hot chocolate and tea on hand. If the whales don't show — and it's rare, but it happens — you get a complimentary ticket to come back and try again, no questions.

Camera out from the moment you leave the dock. The light off the water changes fast, and the whales don't wait for you to find the right settings. Bring a hat, scarf, and gloves even though the thermal overalls do most of the work. The boat operates in all kinds of weather, so dress for the bay, not for what you think it should be like. If conditions get genuinely unsafe, they'll offer you another date or a full refund — but most days, you're going out.

What’s included

• Thermal overalls in adult and children's sizes.
• heated indoor lounge with hot drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate).
• complimentary seasickness tablets on request.
• free onboard Wi-Fi.
• whale sighting guarantee with a free return ticket if no whales are spotted during your trip.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Special Tours Iceland

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want the main whale-watching experience without arranging your own boat or worrying whether conditions will be right — the 90% sighting rate and the free return ticket mean you're not gambling on a single departure.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the 2.5-hour RIB and the 3.5-hour cruise?

The RIB is a high-speed boat that covers more ground in less time; the cruise is slower and more leisurely. Both depart from the same harbour and search the same bay with the same 90% sighting success rate.

What if I don't see a whale?

You get a complimentary ticket for another boat trip, no expiry date mentioned in the terms.

Do I need to bring my own warm clothes?

Thermal overalls are provided in adult and children's sizes, but you should bring a hat, scarf, and gloves for extra warmth.

Is there somewhere warm to sit if I get cold?

Yes, there's a heated indoor lounge with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate available (hot drinks are included, light refreshments are at your own expense).

Can I bring a young child or baby?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What if the weather is bad?

The boat operates in a variety of weather conditions. If sailing conditions become unsuitable, you'll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

The 3 to 3.5-hour trip is wheelchair accessible. Check directly about the 2.5-hour RIB if that's your preference.

Can I get a hotel pickup?

Hotel pickup is available if you book directly with the supplier, though extra fees apply.