From Reykjavik: Full Day Whale Watching & Golden Circle Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and looking to pack in some of the country’s best sights in one day, this combined tour from Reykjavik might catch your eye. It promises a full day of adventure—starting with whale watching in Faxaflóa bay, followed by visits to the famous Geysir, Gullfoss, and Þingvellir National Park. We haven’t taken this tour ourselves, but based on reviews, itinerary details, and what it offers, it looks like a solid option for travelers who want to maximize their day without sacrificing the highlights.

What we really like about this experience is the chance to see whales and other marine life in their natural habitat—with an impressive 97% success rate for sightings, according to the provider. Plus, the itinerary covers several of Iceland’s top natural wonders in just one day, making it a convenient way to tick off those bucket-list sites. On the flip side, a potential downside is how packed the schedule might feel for some—after all, fitting all this into 11.5 hours means a pretty full day with some early mornings and long hours.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a rundown of Iceland’s natural marvels but don’t mind a bit of a tight schedule. It’s especially appealing if you’re short on time or prefer to leave the logistics to someone else, rather than trying to organize multiple separate trips.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines whale watching and the Golden Circle, making it a practical way to see Iceland’s top sights in one day.
• High Success Rate: About 97% chance to spot whales, dolphins, and seals—great for wildlife enthusiasts.
• Comfort and Convenience: Pickup and drop-off are included, with warm coveralls provided for the boat.
• Time-Efficient Itinerary: 11.5 hours packed with sightseeing, but expect some early mornings and long stretches.
• Guided Experience: Live English-speaking guide with knowledgeable commentary—adding context and stories to your sightseeing.
• Good Value: At $214 per person, considering the transportation, boat trip, and sightseeing stops, it offers decent value for a full day in Iceland.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience Breakdown

Starting with Whale Watching in Faxaflóa Bay

The day kicks off early, with pickup from various locations around Reykjavik. The first highlight is the 3-hour whale watching cruise from the Old Harbour. The boat is equipped with warm coveralls, which are a nice touch—especially given Iceland’s chilly waters, even in summer. The bay’s ecosystem is thriving thanks to its abundance of plankton and krill, attracting whales, dolphins, and seals.

Travelers often praise the success rate of seeing whales, with many reports of successful sightings. One reviewer said, “Denis was an amazing guide and driver! A++,” highlighting the quality of the guiding, which is crucial when your main goal is wildlife viewing. If luck isn’t on your side, the company offers a free re-ride, so you’re not just left disappointed if the whales play hard to get.

What to expect: The boat ride itself is often smooth, and the chance to see marine life makes it worthwhile. The experience of being on the water—surrounded by Iceland’s rugged coastline and often with stunning mountain views—is memorable even if you don’t see a whale or two.

Transition to the Golden Circle Tour

After the boat trip, you’ll disembark close to the Golden Circle bus stop for the land-based part of the day. The guide will take you on a coach tour to three of Iceland’s most iconic sites: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss. The entire region is a showcase of Iceland’s geological activity and natural power.

Thingvellir National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a fascinating place where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. We love the way the park combines history with geology—standing on the rift valley, you can almost feel the earth’s rumbles beneath your feet. The tour provides about 45 minutes here, enough for a walk and some photos.

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Geysir Hot Springs

Next stop is Geysir, the famous geyser that frequently erupts every 5-10 minutes. Watching the water shoot up is an exciting and photogenic moment, especially if you’re lucky with timing. The area is lively, with bubbling mud pools and steaming vents, giving you a real sense of Iceland’s volcanic activity.

Gullfoss Waterfall

The final stop is Gullfoss, often called the “Golden Falls.” Its impressive two-tiered cascade, fed by glacial rivers, makes for a stunning sight. The amount of water rushing down creates a thunderous noise that you can hear from afar. It’s one of Iceland’s most visually striking waterfalls, and the short walk to the viewpoint is well worth it.

Return Journey

After Gullfoss, the coach will head back to Reykjavik, stopping at about an hour for scenic views along the way. The return trip offers a chance to reflect on a day packed with wildlife and natural wonders, with the comfort of knowing all logistics are handled.

Practical Details: What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Transportation and Timing

The pickups start as early as 08:15 for the whale watching, and the Golden Circle departure begins around noon. This split schedule means you get to make the most of your day without feeling rushed—though it does mean a fairly early start if you’re not used to it.

The bus is a cozy, modern coach, with multiple pickup points across Reykjavik, making it easy to join from your accommodation or central locations. The entire day lasts about 11.5 hours, which is quite a stretch but typical for this kind of full-day tour.

Price and Value

At $214 per person, this experience offers a comprehensive value—covering land and sea, transportation, and guided commentary. Considering the cost of separate activities (like just a whale watching tour or a visit to Geysir), this bundled approach makes sense for travelers wanting a straightforward, hassle-free day.

Guides and Experience Quality

From reviews, guides like Denis seem to make a difference. One reviewer called him “an amazing guide and driver,” adding that the experience was smooth and well-paced. Knowledgeable guides can really enhance the trip, sharing insights into wildlife behavior, Icelandic geology, and local stories.

Family Friendliness and Other Considerations

While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, it’s likely suitable for children, especially given the short nature of the whale watching cruise and the scenic stops. However, keep in mind the early start and long duration; small children might find it tiring.

What Could Be Better?

While the tour offers a lot, some travelers might find the schedule quite packed—fitting five major stops into one day means a fair bit of time on the bus or boat, with little downtime. If you’re someone who prefers a more relaxed pace or more time at each site, this might feel rushed.

Also, as with any wildlife tour, there’s no guarantee of whale sightings every time. That said, the nearly 100% success rate does give some peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

This combined tour from Reykjavik really does deliver a broad snapshot of Iceland’s natural beauty and wildlife. It’s a great choice if you want to see the country’s top sights without the hassle of organizing multiple tours yourself. The inclusion of whale watching makes it special, especially with the good chance of sightings and the added thrill of being on the water.

The tour’s value is evident, given the inclusion of transportation, guiding, and activities in one package. Plus, the positive reviews about guides and the scenery suggest it’s a well-run experience. It’s definitely suited for travelers eager to experience both land and sea in one day—especially those who aren’t too fussed about squeezing every possible detail into their trip.

In short, if you’re looking for an efficient, scenic, and wildlife-focused day out in Iceland, this tour from Reykjavik could be just what you need.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from multiple central Reykjavik locations is included, starting around 08:15 for the whale watching and 12:00 for the Golden Circle.

How long is the whale watching cruise?
The whale watching boat tour lasts about 3 hours, providing plenty of opportunity to see whales, dolphins, and seals.

What should I wear for the boat tour?
Warm coveralls are provided, so you don’t need to worry about getting cold on the water—even in Iceland’s brisk weather.

Can I join the Golden Circle part if I miss the whale tour?
This particular tour is designed to combine both activities, so missing the whale tour would mean missing the first part of the day’s experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as family-focused, the stops and boat trip are generally suitable for children, but be prepared for early start times and a full day.

What happens if I don’t see whales?
The tour boasts a 97% success rate. If no whales are spotted, you can join another whale watching trip for free.

How long does the entire tour last?
About 11.5 hours, including pickups, transportation, sightseeing, and rest stops.

This tour offers a practical way to see many of Iceland’s highlights in just one day, combining wildlife, geology, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re keen on spotting whales or marveling at powerful waterfalls, it’s designed to give you a memorable, well-organized experience—worthy of consideration if your schedule is tight but your curiosity is high.

You can check availability for your dates here: