Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik

If you’re heading to Reykjavik and eager to see some of Iceland’s incredible marine wildlife, a whale watching tour might be just what you’re after. These excursions promise the chance to spot whales, dolphins, and other sea creatures in their natural environment, all while exploring the stunning coastlines from the water.

Several things make this tour stand out: the knowledgeable guides who help you spot wildlife and provide some fun facts, and the overall comfort of the boat, especially with indoor heated cabins and warm flotation suits. But, it’s worth noting that with wild animals, sightings are never guaranteed, and weather conditions can heavily influence your experience.

This tour is well-suited for travelers who enjoy a relaxed, scenic boat trip with a good chance of seeing wildlife, especially if you’re okay with the unpredictability of nature. If you’re seeking a more guaranteed wildlife encounter or traveling with very young children, you might want to weigh these factors carefully.

Key Points

• Wildlife sightings are dependent on nature, but the tour offers a full refund or free rebook if no whales are seen.
• Comfort and amenities are a priority, with heated indoor cabins, warm flotation suits, and onboard Wi-Fi.
• Expert guides help enhance the experience with information, spotting tips, and friendly service.
• The tour length of around 3.5 hours strikes a good balance between adventure and relaxation.
• Pricing at $78 per person provides solid value, considering the included amenities and the chance to see multiple species.
• Weather can affect the experience, so dressing warmly and preparing for cold conditions is advised.

An In-Depth Look at the Reykjavik Whale Watching Tour

Introducing the Experience

If you’re drawn to Iceland’s legendary landscapes, adding a whale watching tour from Reykjavik can elevate your trip. We haven’t personally been on this specific tour, but based on reviews, it seems to hit a good balance of comfort, information, and wildlife encounters.

You’ll typically start from the Old Harbour in Reykjavik, where friendly staff welcome you 30 minutes early, giving you time to settle in. The boats are designed with passenger comfort in mind—offering both open decks for unobstructed views and heated indoor cabins to retreat from the cold. For many travelers, the ability to stay warm and dry is a big plus, especially in Iceland’s often chilly weather.

What Makes This Tour Special

Two things we especially like about this experience are the knowledgeable guides and the comfortable boat setup. The guides are praised for their enthusiasm and deep knowledge about Iceland’s marine life, which can really enhance your trip by pointing out whales and dolphins, and sharing interesting facts along the way. Multiple reviews highlight just how friendly and professional the crew is, making everyone’s time on the water more enjoyable.

Another highlight is the access to outdoor decks for those who want closer views and enjoy the fresh air, along with the indoor saloon for a more relaxed experience. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase, and Wi-Fi is free on board, so you can share photos and stay connected.

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

The tour focuses on exploring Faxaflói Bay, a prime location for marine sightings due to its rich biodiversity. The departure point is the Old Harbour—a lively, well-known spot, easy for most to reach via public transportation or walking.

Once on board, the boat cruises in search of various marine animals. The main stars are Minke whales, Humpback whales, and Dolphins, with the chance of spotting harbor porpoises and even the rare killer whales. The ocean and mountain views around Reykjavik are captivating, with islands and birdlife adding to the scenery.

Several reviews mention the unpredictability of sightings—some passengers see multiple whales, while others only catch glimpses or encounter dolphins instead. For example, “We managed. Got to see humpbacks mum and baby. Great guide. Multiple deferrals managed successfully,” says a happy traveler. Another notes, “Although we searched for whales, we only saw white-beaked dolphins which was lovely but I was disappointed,” highlighting the variability.

Comfort and Practical Details

The tour lasts about 3 to 3.5 hours, which is a comfortable length for most people—long enough to get several chances for sightings but not so long as to become tiresome. For those concerned about seasickness, complimentary tablets are available, and the boat’s stability and onboard amenities aim to minimize discomfort.

At $78 per person, the price reflects good value, especially considering the included features: warm overalls, Wi-Fi, indoor toilets, and the chance for a free re-ride if no whales are seen. Many reviews emphasize the importance of dressing warmly, especially if you plan to stay outside on the decks. Good footwear and layers are recommended, as the open-air viewing can get quite cold.

The Real Experience from Travelers

Many reviewers are enthusiastic about their time on the water. One called it a “Great trip with excellent staff,” noting the guide’s enthusiasm and the wide, warm cabins. Others appreciated the value for money, especially with the included amenities like hot drinks and snacks.

The guides are praised for their knowledge and humor—one reviewer mentioned the “impeccable sense of humor” of the guide with the microphone. That kind of personality adds a lot to what could otherwise be a straightforward boat trip.

Potential Downsides

While most feedback is positive, a few travelers express disappointment when they don’t see whales, which is an inherent risk in wildlife tours. One review pointed out that the boat’s positioning might make it harder for everyone to see—especially if the boat is angled for the best whale spotting at the front. If you’re a seat-sensitive person or traveling with young children, sitting at the front might be your best bet for a good view.

Weather conditions can also influence your trip—bad weather can cause cancellations or re-scheduling, and cold, rainy days may dampen the experience despite the onboard amenities.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This whale watching tour caters well to those who appreciate a balanced mix of comfort, education, and adventure. It’s ideal for travelers who want the chance to see Iceland’s whales and dolphins, but also value a well-organized, friendly environment. If you’re okay with the possibility of not seeing whales, but want to enjoy the scenery and wildlife, this could be perfect.

It’s less suited for travelers who need a guaranteed wildlife sighting, as this depends entirely on nature’s mood, or those with very young children who might struggle with the cold or motion of the boat.

FAQ

What is the duration of the whale watching tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, providing enough time for a good chance at sightings and a comfortable experience.

Is there a refund if we don’t see whales?
Yes. The operator offers a free ticket to join again if no whales are sighted during your trip. Just contact them via email, and they’ll rebook you for free, with no expiry.

What amenities are available on the boat?
The boat features heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities, free Wi-Fi, and a bar selling snacks and drinks (sold onboard). Warm flotation overalls are provided, which are highly appreciated in cold weather.

How can I improve my chances of seeing whales?
Arriving at least 30 minutes early and sitting at the front of the boat may increase your chances, as some reviews suggest. Dressing warmly and taking seasickness tablets if needed can also help.

Are there any age restrictions or family considerations?
The tour is open to most travelers, but always consider whether young children can handle the cold and boat motion. The reviews don’t specify age limits, but good judgment about children’s comfort is advised.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-sensitive. If conditions are too rough, the trip may be canceled or rescheduled. In that case, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I book transportation to the departure point?
Pickup services are available for an extra fee, but most travelers find the meeting point at Geirsgata 11 easy to reach via public transportation or walking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a well-organized, enjoyable wildlife adventure in Reykjavik, this whale watching tour has plenty to offer. The combination of knowledgeable guides, comfortable boats, and the excitement of spotting whales and dolphins makes it a strong choice for many travelers.

While the unpredictability of wildlife sightings means you shouldn’t set your expectations too high, the overall experience seems to deliver memorable moments, especially with the added comforts of indoor seating, warm suits, and friendly service.

This tour is best suited for those who value a relaxed, scenic outing with good amenities and are willing to embrace the wild unpredictability of nature. If your main goal is whale sightings, just remember you’re dealing with animals that come and go on their own schedule. Otherwise, it’s a genuinely enjoyable way to spend a few hours off the coast of Reykjavik.

Happy whale watching! May your trip be filled with close-up views and wonderful stories to tell.