Reykjavik: Whale Watching Cruise with 90% Sighting Rate

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/22

Duration3h

GroupUp to 196

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

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

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.

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Elding Whale Watching

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.