Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour from Old Harbour

You might not see a whale on your first pass through Faxaflói Bay, but the crew knows where to look

You board at Reykjavik's Old Harbour and sail into Faxaflói Bay for 2.5 to 3.5 hours searching for humpback and minke whales, dolphins and porpoises with a professional crew. You get a heated cabin, warm overalls, free WiFi and a hot drink on return. If no whales appear, you get a free re-booking ticket. Arrive 30 minutes early and bring a camera and warm layers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching tour from Reykjavik

• Board whale watching boat at Old Harbour
• Sail into Faxaflói Bay and view wildlife
• Spot whales, dolphins, seals, and puffins
• Enjoy views of Harpa concert hall
• Admire Mount Esja and Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• Return to Old Harbour and warm up onboard

The experience

I didn't expect to feel nervous about a boat tour until I realized how much I wanted it to work out. Reykjavik's Old Harbour is where the whale watching boats leave, and you board one of the comfortable vessels there: the kind with heated indoor cabins, a bar, and free WiFi so you can tell people back home what you're about to see. The sail into Faxaflói Bay takes you past Mount Esja rising behind the city and the glass face of Harpa reflecting the light, and then the actual work begins: the crew uses local knowledge to find the feeding grounds where humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises actually are.

The tour runs 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on what shows up and where. You're on deck when something surfaces, or you're warm inside watching through the windows, both happen. The experienced guides share facts about each species while you keep your camera ready, and if you're there in summer, puffins and seals show up too. What caught me off guard was the detail about the free re-booking: if the boat comes back without sightings, you get a ticket to try again. That's not a marketing line. It's how they handle the one thing nobody can promise about whale watching. You bring warm clothing and good footwear, wear the complimentary flotation overalls if you need them, and arrive 30 minutes early so the crew can get you sorted.

The return to Old Harbour happens in the late afternoon or early evening depending on your departure time. Harpa appears again on the approach, and there's a hot drink waiting on board while you're still in that half-dazed state where you're not quite sure what you just saw but you know you're glad you went. Seasickness tablets are available if you need them, and the heated cabin means you're never stuck outside if the weather turns.

What’s included

• 2.5–3.5 hour guided whale watching tour in Faxaflói Bay.
• professional and experienced guide.
• heated indoor cabin with toilet facilities.
• warm flotation overalls.
• complimentary seasickness tablets.
• hot drink on return.
• free WiFi on board.
• free re-booking ticket if no sightings occur.
• views of Mount Esja, Harpa and surrounding islands.

Options for this experience

3 options

Morning departure, the earliest sailingGuide in English · 09:00

Early afternoon departureGuide in English · 13:00

Evening departure, the latest sailingGuide in English · Available from 15 May 2027

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 transport or timing. The crew handles the route and the search, and the heated cabin means you're comfortable whether the weather cooperates or not.

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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.

What whales and marine animals might I see in Faxaflói Bay?

Humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises are the main species. Puffins and seals also appear, especially in summer.

How long is the whale watching tour?

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

What happens if we don't see any whales?

You receive a free ticket to join another tour at a later date.

What's included on the boat?

Heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities, warm flotation overalls, complimentary seasickness tablets, a bar, and free WiFi.

When should I arrive before departure?

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time at Old Harbour.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear warm clothing and good footwear. Bring a camera. The boat provides warm overalls, but dressing in layers is recommended.

Can I use public transport to reach Old Harbour?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the departure point.