Reykjavik: the Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour

If you’re heading to Iceland and love marine life, this whale watching tour from Reykjavik is bound to catch your interest. It’s one of those experiences that promises a mix of excitement, natural beauty, and a good dose of education—all packed into a manageable three hours. While it might not be a full-day adventure, it hits the sweet spot for those who want a quality wildlife encounter without spending too much time out at sea.

What we really like about this tour is its high success rate—whales are seen on more than 90% of trips, which means your chances of spotting some of Iceland’s incredible marine animals are pretty good. Plus, the company’s commitment to environmentally responsible whale watching gives us peace of mind, knowing they follow a code of conduct to protect the animals and their habitat. A bonus? The live commentary by a trained marine biologist makes the whole experience more engaging and insightful.

Of course, there’s one thing to consider: weather and sea conditions can influence what you see and how comfortable you are during the cruise. If the seas are choppy or the weather isn’t cooperating, sightings might be fewer or the trip more challenging. If you’re prone to seasickness, taking the provided tablets might be worth considering. This tour is perfect for those who don’t mind a bit of unpredictability and want a well-organized, knowledgeable guide to help spot wildlife.

Overall, if you’re after a marine adventure that balances quality and value, and you’re okay with the potential for a weather-dependent outing, this whale watching tour will serve you well. It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate expert guidance, responsible tourism, and the thrill of spotting these majestic creatures in their natural environment.

Key Points

• High success rate with whales, dolphins, and porpoises seen in over 90% of trips
• Environmentally certified company committed to responsible whale watching
• Expert guides provide lively, informative commentary, often by marine biologists
• All-year-round excursions into Faxaflói bay offer flexibility regardless of season
• Warm overalls and WiFi on board help keep guests comfortable and connected
• Sightings guarantee with a free try again policy if no whales are spotted

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tour

This is a three-hour cruise operated by Elding Adventure at Sea, based out of Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. It’s a fairly streamlined experience, but the details matter—especially when it comes to wildlife viewing and comfort.

The boat departs from the Old Harbour, where you check in at the red Elding ticket office. Once aboard, you’ll be provided with warm overalls, which are a real plus given Iceland’s often chilly weather, especially out at sea. There’s also WiFi onboard, so you can share your whale sightings immediately or just stay connected while waiting for the action to happen.

Most trips explore the southern part of Faxaflói bay, a well-known zone for whale activity due to the unique ocean currents. This area creates some of the best conditions for whale watching, which is part of why the success rate is so high. The boat’s crew works closely with passengers, helping you spot whales, porpoises, and dolphins. Many reviews mention how the guides are attentive and passionate, eager to share their knowledge about the marine life.

Wildlife Encounters

The main attractions here are humpback whales, minke whales, and sometimes orca (killer whales). But it’s not just about whales—sea birds, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises are also common sights. Several travelers mention how close the whales often come, surfacing within just a few meters of the boat. That proximity makes for some fantastic photo opportunities if you’re quick enough.

The reviews reflect this: many guests were thrilled to see such a variety of marine animals. One reviewer described the experience as “the most incredible” after spotting a pod of six killer whales. Others appreciated the chance to see whales breaching, lunging, or just peacefully surfacing—each moment adding to the magic.

Responsible Tourism and Education

A key aspect of this tour is its commitment to responsible whale watching. The company abides by a code of conduct that minimizes disturbance to the whales. Travelers can feel good about supporting a business that prioritizes wildlife conservation. As one reviewer pointed out, buying a ticket contributes to summer research projects and environmental organizations involved in protecting marine life.

The live commentary, led by guides who have undergone extensive training, adds another layer of value. They don’t just point out whales—they share fascinating facts, answer questions, and help you understand these animals’ behavior and ecology.

Duration, Pricing, and Value

At $94 per person, the tour is generally considered a good deal, especially considering the potential for multiple whale sightings. The price includes the guides, warm overalls, WiFi, and access to the whale-watching center before departure. The sighting guarantee also means if you don’t see whales, you can try again for free, which many reviews commend as a fair policy.

The trip lasts about three hours, which is enough time to venture into Faxaflói bay, search for wildlife, and enjoy the surroundings without feeling rushed or exhausted. If you’re worried about seasickness, the company provides tablets, and some reviewers noted how helpful this was, especially during choppier days.

In terms of value, many travelers felt that this tour delivered a memorable wildlife encounter without overpaying. The combination of expert guides, responsible practices, and a high success rate makes it a solid choice for anyone wanting a genuine chance to see whales in their natural habitat.

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The Experience in Practice

Picture yourself on a boat, bundled up in a warm overall, feeling the cool breeze, and scanning the water with binoculars or just watching with your eyes. When a whale surfaces close by, the entire boat often erupts into excited chatter. Many guests mention how often whales come near, sometimes just meters from the vessel, creating perfect photo moments.

The crew is helpful; they work as a team to spot whales and keep everyone engaged. Several reviews mention how the guides are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, sharing interesting facts about the animals and environment. For example, one reviewer said, “Mila the guide was incredible! Her enthusiasm was contagious,” highlighting how engaging the guides can be.

And even when sightings are limited—like in cases where no whales are seen—the overall experience isn’t lost. Guests often enjoyed the scenic cruise, the chance to get out on the water, and the opportunity to learn about Iceland’s marine ecosystem. One reviewer said, “Even if we didn’t see whales, just the experience of being on the boat was breathtaking.”

Practical Tips

• Arrive early: To secure the best spot on the boat, especially if you want to be at the front. Several reviews recommend getting onboard early to avoid missing out.
• Dress warmly: Layer up and wear the provided overalls—they really help if the weather turns chilly or windy.
• Bring your camera: Many sightings happen quickly, so having a camera ready makes a difference.
• Consider seasickness tablets: Especially if you’re prone to nausea; many reviewers found them helpful.
• Check the weather forecast: The trip can be choppier in bad weather, which might impact comfort and sightings.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This whale watching experience is well-suited for travelers who enjoy wildlife, value responsible tourism, and want a reliable chance of seeing whales. It’s ideal for those who appreciate guides that are both friendly and informative—adding educational value to the adventure.

If you’re not particularly phased by the possibility of weather or choppy seas and are eager to see majestic marine creatures, this tour will likely meet your expectations. It’s also a good choice if you prefer a shorter outing, especially when you’re short on time but still want to tick a major Icelandic wildlife experience off your list.

In summary, this tour offers a well-organized, eco-conscious, and engaging way to explore Iceland’s spectacular marine environment. The high success rate and knowledgeable guides ensure your trip is both fun and educational, making it a solid choice for anyone who wants to connect with Iceland’s wild side.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The trip lasts about 3 hours, providing ample time to explore Faxaflói bay and spot wildlife without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the whale-watching cruise, a guide (often a marine biologist), use of warm overalls, WiFi onboard, and access to the whale-watching center beforehand.

Is there a guarantee if I don’t see whales?
Yes, there’s a sighting guarantee. If no whales are seen, you can try the tour again for free.

What should I wear?
Warm layers are recommended. The tour provides overalls, but bringing extra thermals or a hat and gloves can boost comfort.

Can I bring food or drinks?
Food and drinks are available for purchase on board, but you might want to bring snacks if you prefer.

Are children allowed?
While not explicitly mentioned, the tour is generally suitable for most age groups, especially considering the short duration and family-friendly approach.

What’s the best time of year for whale sightings?
The tour operates year-round, with whales visible in both summer and winter, thanks to the area’s consistent whale activity.

How crowded does it get?
The tour seems well organized; popular departure times might fill up early, especially during peak seasons.

Will I see other wildlife besides whales?
Yes, expect to see dolphins, porpoises, sea birds, and possibly seals, depending on the day.

Is this tour eco-friendly?
Absolutely. The company is environmentally certified and follows responsible whale-watching practices to minimize disturbance to wildlife.

If you’re looking for a memorable, educational, and responsible way to connect with Iceland’s incredible marine life, this whale watching tour from Reykjavik ticks many boxes. Just remember to dress warmly and arrive early—your chance to see these gentle giants is worth the effort.

You can check availability for your dates here: