Reykjavik: Whale Watching Faxaflói Bay & Minke Whales

You board at Old Harbour and sail straight into Faxaflói Bay to hunt whales

You board a heated boat at Reykjavik's Old Harbour and sail into Faxaflói Bay for 2.5 to 3.5 hours hunting Minke and Humpback whales, dolphins and porpoises. The boat has indoor cabins, a bar, and flotation overalls included. If no whales show, you get a free return ticket. You see Mount Esja and Harpa on the way out and back, and the tour ends where it started.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching from Reykjavik harbour

• Board whale watching boat at Old Harbour
• Sail into Faxaflói Bay
• Enjoy panoramic city and mountain views
• Learn about marine wildlife from crew
• View Harpa concert hall from boat
• Admire Mount Esja and Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• Return to Old Harbour
• Warm up with overalls and hot drink

The experience

You show up at Reykjavik's Old Harbour thirty minutes before departure, and the crew hands you a pair of thick, heated flotation overalls. The boat leaves the dock and turns toward Faxaflói Bay, where Minke whales, Humpback whales, dolphins and harbour porpoises move through the water. The tour runs 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on sightings and conditions. Mount Esja rises behind the city as you pull away, and on clear days you can see the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in the distance.

The boat itself is built for this: snug indoor cabins with heating, a bar, and toilet facilities mean you're not standing on deck in the cold the whole time. The crew shares what they know about Iceland's marine life as you move through the bay. If the sea gets rough, complimentary seasickness tablets are available. You'll pass Harpa, the glass concert hall, on the way back in. Its shimmering façade catches the light off the water and photographs well if you brought a camera.

One thing that matters: if you don't see whales, you get a free ticket to join again. It's not a guarantee, but it takes the sting out of a quiet day. The tour wraps back at Old Harbour, and you warm up with a hot drink on board before heading back into the city. Wear good footwear and layers. The wind off the bay is real, and the overalls help but aren't a substitute for dressing for the cold.

What’s included

• Heated flotation overalls.
• heated indoor cabin with toilet facilities.
• complimentary seasickness tablets.
• experienced guide.
• free WiFi on board.
• hot drink on return.
• free return ticket if no whales are sighted.

Options for this experience

3 options

Guide in English09:00

Guide in English13:00

Guide in EnglishAvailable from 1 May 2027

Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00

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

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Meet us at Geirsgata 11, Special Tours ticket office, for your upcoming tour. Please arrive 30 minutes early at the meeting point.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Reykjavik Sailors

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see whales from Reykjavik without arranging your own boat or spending the day uncertain about timing: the fixed schedule and included gear mean you show up warm and ready, and the free re-ride if sightings are poor removes the gamble.

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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.

How long is the whale watching tour from Reykjavik?

The tour runs 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on sightings and sea conditions.

What whales and marine animals might I see?

Minke whales, Humpback whales, dolphins and harbour porpoises are found in Faxaflói Bay.

What's included on the boat?

Heated flotation overalls, heated indoor cabins with toilets, a bar, complimentary seasickness tablets, free WiFi and an experienced guide.

What happens if we don't see whales?

You receive a free ticket to join another tour at no cost.

When should I arrive at Old Harbour?

You should arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

What should I wear?

Wear warm clothing and good footwear. Heated overalls are provided, but layering is recommended because the wind off the bay is strong.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Not all boats are equipped for wheelchair access. Notify the operator in advance if you require accessibility so they can assign you an appropriate vessel.