Reykjavik: Whale Watching Cruise & Wildlife Sighting Tour

Summary

Whale watching from Reykjavik with live guides and warm gear

You’ll feel the North Atlantic wind on your face as you watch for whales alongside Reykjavik locals and travelers alike. Expect real-time tips from your live guide, thick overalls to keep you warm outside, and maybe even a dolphin or two darting by while seabirds call overhead. There’s something about that hush after a sighting you won’t forget.

What’s the experience like?

We were already out on Faxaflói bay before I realized how much the cold would bite — but they handed us these thick overalls, bright red and kind of clumsy, and suddenly I was laughing at myself for not bringing better gloves. The boat left Reykjavik’s harbor quietly, just a few gulls calling overhead and that salty smell you get when the wind picks up. Our guide, Sigrún, kept pointing out little things: puffins darting low over the water, a distant mountain where she said her grandmother used to pick berries in summer. I liked that detail — made the city feel smaller somehow.

The first whale sighting happened so fast I almost missed it. Someone shouted (in Icelandic first, then English), and there was this dark curve breaking the surface maybe thirty meters off the bow. Humpback, Sigrún said — she sounded proud every time she named one. It’s funny, I’d seen photos before booking this whale watching tour from Reykjavik, but seeing that huge animal right there felt different. You could hear people go quiet for a second after — just sea and breath and that weird hush you get when everyone’s paying attention at once.

I tried to take photos but mostly ended up with blurry splashes or someone else’s elbow in the frame. Didn’t matter much; I still think about that moment when the whale dove again and left just a swirl behind. We saw dolphins too — quick flashes near the stern — plus some big white birds whose names I forgot as soon as Sigrún said them (she laughed when I tried to repeat one). The cruise lasted about three hours but honestly it felt shorter. They said if we hadn’t seen whales or dolphins we could come back another day for free — but we got lucky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching cruise from Reykjavik

• Board whale watching cruise
• Wear overalls to stay warm
• Search for whales and wildlife
• Enjoy views of Faxaflói bay
• Return to Reykjavik harbor

Top questions

How long does the Reykjavik whale watching tour last?

The cruise lasts between 2 to 3.5 hours depending on conditions.

What wildlife can you see on this whale watching cruise?

You may spot humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and various seabirds.

Is warm clothing provided during the tour?

Yes, overalls, raincoats, and blankets are available to keep you warm on deck.

What happens if no whales or dolphins are seen?

If no whales or dolphins appear during your tour, you’ll receive a complimentary ticket to join another day.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

Wheelchair users are welcome with lightweight chairs on larger boats; infants can ride in prams or strollers.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes, free WiFi is available during your cruise.

Are guides available on the tour?

A live local guide provides commentary throughout the trip.

Can I bring my service animal?

Service animals are allowed on board.

What’s included

Your day includes a 2–3.5 hour whale watching cruise from Reykjavik with live local guide commentary in English (and sometimes Icelandic), free WiFi onboard so you can share photos instantly, thick overalls and raincoats to keep you warm out on deck even if it gets windy or wet, plus access to their small wildlife exhibition before or after your trip.