Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise

If you’re headed to Reykjavik and eager to spot some of Iceland’s stunning marine life, a whale-watching cruise might be on your list. We haven’t personally taken this exact trip, but after reviewing the details and feedback from travelers, it’s clear that this experience can be quite memorable—especially if you love being out on the water and enjoy the chance to see whales in their natural setting.

What truly shines about this tour is the knowledge of the guides and the opportunity to see a variety of marine creatures like minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, porpoises, and humpback whales. Plus, the fact that you can try again if nothing is seen on your first trip adds peace of mind. On the downside, it’s worth noting that whale sightings are never guaranteed, and sometimes the weather or whale activity can be unpredictable.

This tour would suit travelers who are curious about marine wildlife, don’t mind a bit of sea adventure, and appreciate detailed commentary from experts. If you’re traveling with family or friends who are excited about nature or just want a relaxing trip on the sea, this could be a good pick—but keep expectations realistic about spotting whales every time.

Key Points

• Wildlife sightings depend on luck, but the guides do their best to find the animals.
• The guided commentary enhances the experience, making it both educational and engaging.
• Multiple options are available, including a slower, 3.5-hour cruise or a shorter, high-speed trip for those eager for a quick adventure.
• Warm gear and seawear are provided, making the chilly days more comfortable.
• Booking the tour includes a free re-try if no whales are seen, adding reassurance.
• Reviews highlight the importance of choosing the right timing for whale activity—sometimes the whales are elsewhere.

An In-Depth Look at the Whale-Watching Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure kicks off at Skarfabakki Harbour in Reykjavik, a convenient spot close to the city’s public transportation options. The pickup service is offered, which helps free you from the hassle of figuring out how to get to the harbor, though travelers have reported some discrepancies in the pickup times, so it’s worth confirming your schedule beforehand.

Once on board, you’ll find the vessel comfortable and well-equipped. The boat’s capacity can be up to 189 travelers, but it generally feels spacious, with plenty of room to move around, especially on the larger boats. The crew is praised for being helpful and friendly, which makes a difference when you’re out at sea for several hours.

Duration and Choice of Cruises

You have two main options: a leisurely 3.5-hour cruise or a faster, 2.5-hour high-speed trip. Choosing between them depends on your priorities: if you want to maximize your chances of seeing whales and don’t mind a longer trip, the longer cruise might be better. The high-speed trip is appealing if you prefer to get back sooner or are prone to seasickness.

The tour timings are important. For example, some travelers experienced delays in pickup, and timing can influence whether whales are still around. Most reviews indicate that the trip’s success in spotting whales can vary, influenced by the weather and whale movement.

What to Expect on the Boat

Once aboard, you’ll quickly notice the thoughtful touches—such as thermal coveralls in children’s sizes and adults’ sizes, which keep you warm in the cold sea air. The fact that WiFi is available onboard is a bonus, ensuring you can share your experience or check in with loved ones.

The boat offers complimentary sea sickness tablets—a considerate touch—so if you tend to get queasy, you might find this helpful, especially in choppier seas. The onboard commentary is highlighted as a major plus, with guides providing educational insights in multiple languages via the new Special Tours Iceland app, which includes text and audio info about wildlife, the nature around you, and the tour itself.

Wildlife Encounters and Realities

The core goal is whale sightings, but as many reviews point out, success hinges on luck. Some travelers reported seeing minke whales, dolphins, and even humpback whales, with others only catching glimpses or seeing just the tip of a whale’s spine. A common theme is the unpredictability of wildlife: “Whale sightings are not guaranteed, but the guides do their best to find them,” a sentiment echoed in reviews describing trips where whales were absent despite sunny weather and calm seas.

The guides are often praised for being knowledgeable and humorous, making the trip enjoyable even when whales don’t appear. One review mentions that the crew was skilled at keeping a respectful distance from the animals, which is crucial for responsible wildlife watching.

Viewing Experience and Tips

To maximize your chance of spotting whales, it helps to sit at the front of the boat—a tip from several reviews. Since whale activity varies, timing your trip during periods when whales are more likely to be in the area can improve your chances. Remember, even if you don’t see whales, you’ll still get a lovely boat ride and an opportunity to experience the scenic views of Faxaflói Bay.

Cost and Value

At around $106.72 per person, this tour is priced competitively for the quality of experience, especially considering the included gear and the chance to try again if no wildlife is seen initially. The fact that a free ticket to rebook is part of the package adds a layer of reassurance—if the weather or whale activity doesn’t cooperate, you won’t lose out completely.

Many reviews highlight the value of the guides’ knowledge and the overall comfort of the boat, which makes this trip worthwhile even in less-than-ideal wildlife conditions. It’s not just about whale sightings but about enjoying a peaceful cruise, learning from experts, and experiencing the marine environment.

Practical Considerations

• Weather can be a factor. Tours are weather-dependent, and poor conditions might lead to cancellations or less successful wildlife spotting.
• Seasickness is a common concern, but with the free sea sickness tablets, most travelers find the trip manageable.
• Accessibility might be limited for some, as the boat isn’t fully handicapped accessible, and seasickness can affect some passengers.
• Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, but cancellations are free up to 24 hours beforehand, making it less risky if your plans change.

Reviews — The Real Talk

Reviewers share a balanced picture: some have brilliant sightings and memorable encounters, with one describing “amazing whales, dolphins, and puffins for over an hour”. Others express disappointment when no whales appear, but mention that the crew’s helpfulness and the boat’s comfort mitigate some of that frustration.

One reviewer pointed out that the timing of pickup can be off, so double-check logistics. Several reviews note that whales aren’t always around, and that’s just part of the game—it’s a wildlife tour, after all, not a guaranteed show.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This whale-watching experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who want to combine a scenic boat ride with educational insights. It’s especially suited for those willing to accept the unpredictability of wildlife sightings but who appreciate the effort the crew makes and the comfort provided onboard.

If you’re traveling with kids or family, the boat’s facilities, waterproof gear, and the chance to learn about marine life can make it a memorable day, provided everyone’s prepared for the possibility of no whales. It’s also a good choice if you want a relaxing, yet educational outing that adds a bit of adventure to your Iceland itinerary.

FAQs

How long does the whale-watching cruise last?
It varies: you can choose between a roughly 2.5-hour high-speed cruise or a 3.5-hour leisurely trip. The longer trip gives you more time to spot whales and marine life.

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, pickup is available, but some travelers have noted that pickup times can vary. It’s wise to confirm your pickup schedule in advance.

What should I wear on the boat?
The tour provides thermal coveralls in all sizes, which are highly recommended given the cold conditions on the water. You might also want to bring warm layers, gloves, and a hat.

Can I try again if I don’t see whales?
Absolutely. One of the key benefits of booking through this operator is that your ticket includes a free re-try, so if you don’t see any whales, you can come back another day without extra cost.

What wildlife might I see?
Expect to see porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, and humpback whales when they’re around. Birdlife like diving gannets and puffins can also make an appearance.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, including families, especially since waterproof gear and sea sickness tablets are provided. However, the boat isn’t fully handicapped accessible, and young children should be prepared for a possibly bumpy ride.

What happens if the weather is poor?
Tours are weather-dependent. If conditions are too rough or the weather is severe, the trip may be canceled or rescheduled. In such cases, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a reliable chance to see whales and marine life in the beautiful setting of Faxaflói Bay, this tour offers a balanced mix of comfort, education, and adventure. The guides’ knowledge, the warm gear, and the flexibility to rebook if no whales are seen make this a solid choice for those willing to embrace the unpredictability of wildlife encounters.

While it’s not a guarantee of sightings, the overall experience—combined with stunning scenery and expert commentary—makes this a worthwhile addition to your Reykjavik trip, especially if marine wildlife sparks your curiosity.

This tour is best for adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates a scenic boat ride with the hope of a close encounter with Iceland’s incredible marine animals. Be prepared for the possibility of no whales and enjoy the journey regardless—sometimes, it’s just about the experience on the water.