Reykjavik: Whale Watching Excursion & Whale Exhibition

When it comes to Iceland, whale watching is often high on the list of must-do experiences, and for good reason. This particular tour combines a boat trip out on the Atlantic with an eye-opening visit to the Whales of Iceland exhibition, making it a well-rounded way to get close to these gentle giants and learn more about them. Whether you’re a nature lover, a family seeking an educational outing, or someone simply curious about marine creatures, this experience offers something valuable.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it maximizes Iceland’s reputation as a prime whale-watching destination while also providing a chance to get up close with man-made whale models and detailed exhibits. Plus, the guides and interactive displays make the experience engaging and informative. One potential consideration is the weather—since whale watching is heavily weather-dependent, cancellations are possible if seas are rough, which can impact your plans. Still, this is a great choice for travelers who want a mix of adventure and education, especially if you’re okay with flexibility.

This tour tends to suit those who enjoy wildlife encounters but also want a bit of structure and learning along the way. It’s especially good for those who prefer a half-day outing without spending the entire day on the water or in the museum. Families, couples, and solo travelers who appreciate a mix of outdoor activity and indoor education will likely find it quite rewarding.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience combining whale watching with a detailed exhibition visit
• Guided tours ensure informative and engaging storytelling
• Weather-dependent activity; cancellations may occur with possible rescheduling or partial refunds
• Great for all ages, with interactive exhibits and educational content
• Includes practical amenities like heated indoor cabins, WiFi, and seasickness tablets
• Flexible museum visit allows you to explore at your own pace

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Reykjavik Whale Watching & Exhibition Tour

If you’re considering taking this tour, here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect and why it might be a good fit for your Iceland trip.

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off at Geirsgata 11 in downtown Reykjavik, a convenient spot within walking distance for most visitors staying near the city center. Check-in is recommended 30 minutes early at the Special Tours office, giving you time to settle in and get ready for departure. The group size isn’t explicitly stated, but the reviews suggest that vessels might be shared among several companies, which could mean a somewhat crowded experience on busy days. The crew seems attentive, and the guides aim to make everyone comfortable.

The Whale Watching Experience

The boat departs from Vesturbugt Harbor, sailing out into the Atlantic Ocean for approximately three hours. You’ll be on a warm flotation overall, which is essential given Iceland’s cool maritime climate, and there’s WiFi onboard to keep connected or share your sightings. The boat has heated indoor cabins and toilet facilities, making it comfortable even if the weather turns chilly or windy.

The main goal is to spot whales, dolphins, and porpoises that frequent Icelandic waters year-round. Common sightings include Minke whales, humpbacks, and harbor porpoises, with the possibility of seeing rarer species like the North Atlantic right whale. The guides are knowledgeable—they’ll share insights about the different whale species, their behaviors, and migration routes. Several reviews highlight how well-organized and caring the crew is, with one reviewer noting that the captain even mingled with passengers at the end, adding a personal touch.

What Happens if the Weather is Bad?

Since whale watching is reliant on weather conditions, there’s always a chance the trip could be canceled. If so, your whale watching ticket will be refunded, but please note that only the whale watching portion is refundable, not the entire ticket. The tour provider tries to keep boat traffic minimal to protect the environment, which is a responsible approach but also means cancellations are a real possibility. If no whales are spotted during your trip, you’ll have the option to go again at no extra cost—an appreciated gesture for travelers who want a second shot at seeing the animals.

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The Whale Exhibition: “Whales of Iceland”

After the sea adventure, you’ll be free to visit the “Whales of Iceland” exhibition at your convenience—it’s not scheduled for the same day necessarily, giving you flexibility. This is the largest whale exhibition in Europe, and it’s designed to be accessible and educational.

Inside, you’ll find life-sized models of notable whales like the blue whale (measuring 25 meters), the sperm whale (like Moby Dick), and the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. It’s genuinely impressive to stand face-to-face with these giants, especially for kids or anyone interested in marine biology. The exhibition doesn’t just showcase models; it also features interactive stations based on scientific data, where you can learn about whale biology, migration routes, and even listen to whale songs.

Visitors have noted how well-curated and informative the exhibit is. One reviewer mentioned that they learned about whale migration routes through satellite tracking, which gives a modern, science-based perspective. The exhibit is suitable for all ages and offers a deeper understanding of the whales you might see in the wild.

Practical Considerations

The price point of $123 per person may seem steep, but when you consider what’s included—guided boat trip, exhibition entry, warm gear, WiFi, and the chance to re-try the whale watching if no sightings happen—it starts to look like good value. The onboard amenities enhance comfort, especially since Iceland’s weather can shift quickly.

Food and drinks are not included, but you can buy snacks or beverages onboard, which can be handy during the trip. The tour doesn’t offer hotel pickup or drop-off, so be prepared to reach the starting point on your own.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

• One reviewer, Andrew, pointed out that sharing the boat with multiple companies sometimes made it hard to see whales clearly. This is worth considering if your priority is whale spotting.
• Elika praised the smooth organization and the personal touch of the captain engaging with guests.
• Karen shared her excitement about seeing humpbacks and dolphins, highlighting that staying on deck is key to avoiding seasickness and maximizing wildlife viewing.

The Sum Up

This combined whale watching and exhibition tour from Reykjavik offers an engaging way to experience Iceland’s marine life. It balances outdoor adventure with educational content, making it suitable for anyone interested in learning about whales in a relaxed, comfortable setting. The inclusions like warm gear, WiFi, and the option to re-try increase its appeal, especially given the unpredictable weather.

It’s an experience best suited for those who enjoy wildlife and nature, as well as families or groups wanting a well-structured half-day outing. But if you’re someone who values a quieter, less crowded experience, be aware that boat sharing arrangements might impact your view during peak times.

Overall, if you’re visiting Reykjavik and want a meaningful glimpse into the world of whales, this tour does a solid job of combining excitement and education, all while respecting Iceland’s environment.

FAQ

Is the whale watching tour suitable for children?
Yes, the experience is suitable for all ages, and the interactive exhibits make it engaging for kids and adults alike.

What should I bring?
Weather-appropriate clothing is essential. Expect to be outside on deck, so layers, waterproof gear, and warm accessories are recommended.

What if I don’t see any whales?
If there are no sightings during your trip, you’ll have the option to go again for free, which is a nice way to ensure you get the experience you’re hoping for.

Are there amenities onboard?
Yes, the boat has heated indoor cabins, toilet facilities, WiFi, and provides flotation overalls for warmth.

Can I visit the whale exhibition on a different day?
Absolutely. The museum ticket is open, allowing you to explore at your own pace, separate from the whale watching trip.

What happens if the weather cancels the trip?
The whale watching portion will be refunded if canceled due to bad weather, but note that the entire ticket price will not be refunded—only the whale watching part.

Through honest insights and practical tips, I hope this review helps you decide whether this Icelandic adventure matches your travel style. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or just seeking a different way to see the coast, it’s an experience worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: