Reykjavik: Whale Watching Cruise with 90% Sighting Rate
Stepping onto the boat at Reykjavik's old harbor, you're heading straight into one of the world's most reliable whale-watching waters.
You board a boat in Reykjavik and spend two to three hours searching Faxaflói Bay for whales and dolphins with a live guide, overalls to stay warm, and entry to the Wildlife Exhibition included. The sighting rate runs above 90%, and if you don't see whales, you return free of charge.
Step-by-step itinerary
Whale watching cruise from Reykjavik
- Board cruise in Reykjavik
- Wear overalls to stay warm
- Enjoy 2-3.5 hour wildlife cruise
- Spot whales, dolphins, and birds
- View Faxaflói bay scenery
- Return to Reykjavik harbor
What’s included
Your ticket includes the two to three hour cruise in Faxaflói Bay, a live guide throughout, protective overalls and raincoats, blankets for warmth on deck, WiFi on board, and entry to the Wildlife Exhibition. If no whales or dolphins appear, you receive a free return ticket.
Times
- Every day 09:00 13:00
Before you book
Operated by Elding Whale Watching
Prices and times updated today
Need assistance?Message us on WhatsApp or by emailTraveler reviews
The experience
The boat leaves the dock and turns into Faxaflói Bay, where the water opens up and the coast falls away behind you. Two to three and a half hours ahead, that's the window, and the crew knows the routes where humpback and minke whales move through in both summer and winter. More than 90% of departures see whales or dolphins out here, which is the kind of number that matters when you're standing on deck in the cold. Elding, the company running this, has spent years building a reputation for doing this responsibly. They follow a code of conduct that keeps the boats at a safe distance and minimizes disturbance to the animals. It's not a guarantee, but it's the closest thing to one.
You'll spend most of the time on the open deck, and they hand you overalls, raincoats and blankets before you leave the harbor, so the cold isn't the problem people think it will be. The guide is live, not a recording, and talks through what you're seeing as it happens, pointing out the birds and the shape of the water that tells you something's moving underneath. There's WiFi on board if you need it, and the Wildlife Exhibition entry is included, so you can spend time with the displays before or after depending on when your tour departs. If the weather in Reykjavik turns rough, they'll either cancel or shift to an alternative harbor, which can add an hour or two to the day, but that's the trade for staying safe on the water.
The one thing that matters most: if you don't see a whale or dolphin (which happens rarely). You get a free ticket to come back and try again another day. That's not a marketing line. It's how they handle the outlier tours. The boat is wheelchair accessible with some limitations (steep stairs inside, high thresholds to the toilet), but they welcome users with lightweight chairs and ask for advance notice so they can help with boarding. Infants travel fine in a pram or stroller, and service animals are allowed.
Is this one for you?A solid choice if you want to see whales from Reykjavik without arranging your own boat or guide: the 90% sighting rate and free return policy mean you're not gambling on the day. Plan for two to three hours on the water in cold conditions, which is exactly what puts you in the right place at the right time.
Compare the 12 alternatives
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 15 years); Infant (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 24 h before the start.
How long is the whale watching cruise from Reykjavik?
Two to three and a half hours, depending on sea conditions and wildlife activity.
What whales do you see on this tour?
Humpback and minke whales are most common. Other species appear a handful of times per year.
What's included in the ticket?
The cruise, a live guide, overalls, raincoats, blankets, WiFi on board, and entry to the Wildlife Exhibition.
What happens if no whales are spotted?
You receive a complimentary ticket to join another tour free of charge.
Is the boat accessible for wheelchair users?
The boat has some accessibility limitations: steep stairs and high thresholds may restrict access to inside areas and toilets. Lightweight wheelchairs are welcome on larger boats with advance notice and boarding assistance.
What if the weather is bad?
Tours may be cancelled or depart from an alternative harbor, which could extend the duration by one to two hours.
Can service animals come on the boat?
Yes, service animals are allowed on board.
Reykjavik: Whale Watching Cruise with 90% Sighting Rate
3h · EN
from US$ 105 per person
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.