Whales of Iceland from Land and Sea

If you’re thinking about adding a whale-watching trip to your Reykjavik itinerary, you’re in for a decent experience. We’ve looked into the “Whales of Iceland from Land and Sea” tour, which aims to give you the chance to see Iceland’s majestic marine giants from both the water and land. It’s a well-rated activity, averaging 4 out of 5 stars from 16 reviews, and it offers a blend of boat time and educational fun at the museum.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the small-group size (max 10 people) promises a more intimate, less crowded outing. Second, the inclusion of a visit to the Whales of Iceland exhibition—Europe’s largest whale museum—adds a useful educational layer, especially if you want to know what you’re looking for before spotting whales in the bay.

A potential consideration? Whale sightings are not guaranteed, which can be a bit frustrating if you’re eager to see these creatures in person. The weather can also play a role, as with any outdoor adventure in Iceland, especially on the water.

This tour suits travelers who are keen on a relaxed, knowledge-packed experience that combines marine wildlife viewing with an informative museum visit. It’s perfect for those who appreciate smaller groups and want a more personal touch, though it might not be ideal for travelers with heavy motion sickness or those expecting guaranteed whale sightings.

Key Points

• Small-group tour (up to 10 travelers) for a more personalized experience.
• Includes access to the Whales of Iceland exhibition, allowing for a deeper understanding of the creatures you might see.
• Potential whale sightings of minke, humpback whales, porpoises, and dolphins, but no guarantees.
• Comfortable boat ride with heated indoor seating, thermal overalls, and free WiFi onboard.
• Tour duration of about 3 to 3.5 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity.
• Additional costs include food, drinks, and optional hotel transfers.

An Honest Look at the Experience

Let’s start with what you’re signing up for. The trip kicks off at Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, where a friendly crew welcomes you. You’re given a safety briefing and thermal overalls—crucial for staying warm if the weather turns brisk. With a maximum of 10 people, the boat doesn’t feel crowded, which we really appreciated. You can choose to stand outside on the deck or stay inside in the heated cabin, depending on your preference and how brave you are with the weather.

The boat departs into Faxaflói Bay, a stretch known for its marine activity. As you pull away from the harbor, the onboard commentary kicks in, offering insights into the marine life and the types of whales expected, like minke and humpbacks. We loved the way the guides shared their knowledge without talking down or overwhelming. Several reviews mention the guides’ expertise positively; one said, “Jonathan, our guide, was super knowledgeable and gave us the heads-up on whale locations.”

While the hope is to spot whales, you should brace yourself for the possibility of not seeing any. As one reviewer noted, “A bit disappointed, no whales, and the boat was crowded.” Weather plays a big role, and rough seas or high winds can make the trip less comfortable and harder for whales to come close to the boat. Still, even if the whales stay hidden, the boat ride itself offers stunning views of the coast and mountains, making it a scenic excursion.

The boat ride lasts around 3 to 3.5 hours, which feels just right for a half-day activity. The boat is equipped with heated indoor seating and WiFi, so you can stay warm and connected. The provided thermal overalls, available in children’s sizes, are a thoughtful touch, especially if you’re visiting during colder months. Plus, complimentary sea sickness tablets are available, a considerate perk given the unpredictable nature of ocean trips.

In the unlikely event that you don’t spot whales, the company offers a ticket for another cruise, which is a fair and reassuring policy. Many reviewers appreciated this, acknowledging the unpredictability of wildlife encounters.

The Museum: Whales of Iceland

Before or after your boat trip, you’re encouraged to visit the Whales of Iceland exhibition. It’s right in Reykjavik and open daily from 10 am to 5 pm (closed December 25). The museum features life-size models of whales like belugas and killer whales, along with replicas of minkes and humpbacks—helpful for visualizing the size and majesty of these animals.

Several reviews highlight how much they enjoyed the museum. One said, “The models are quite spectacular, and it’s a great way to learn more about these creatures before you try to spot them in the wild.” The museum is spacious, with open areas that don’t feel crowded, and offers a chance to relax with snacks and drinks at the café (own expense).

The combination of the museum and the boat tour offers a balanced experience—educational, scenic, and memorable. Plus, the museum offers a 50% discount when booked alongside the tour, which adds to the value.

Pricing & Value

At around $115 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest activity in Reykjavik, but it offers a fair value considering what’s included. Access to the museum, the expertise of the guides, thermal overalls, WiFi, and the boat ride itself all add up to a well-rounded experience.

However, bear in mind that whale sightings are not guaranteed, so if your main goal is to see whales, this could be a gamble. That said, many reviewers have had memorable encounters, and the overall experience is often described as “comfortable” and “scenic,” even without a whale in sight.

What We Like and What to Keep in Mind

• The small group size makes it easier to ask questions and enjoy a less hectic trip.
• The knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, especially when trying to identify whales in the water.
• The included museum visit adds educational value and helps set expectations before the boat ride.
• The weather-dependent nature means flexible plans or a positive attitude are useful.
• Comfort features like heated indoor areas, thermal overalls, and WiFi keep the trip enjoyable regardless of outdoor conditions.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This is a good pick for travelers who appreciate a more relaxed, informative experience. If you’re interested in marine life and enjoy small-group outings, you’ll likely find this tour satisfying. It’s also suitable if you want to combine a scenic boat trip with some educational time at the museum.

However, if whale sightings are a must for you, keep in mind the unpredictable nature of wildlife. It’s best to go with an open mind and enjoy the scenic boat ride as part of your Iceland adventure.

FAQ Section

What is the duration of the tour?
The whale-watching cruise lasts approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity.

Is transportation provided to the meeting point?
Not automatically, but hotel transfers are available on request for an additional fee. The meeting point is at Geirsgata in Reykjavik, which is near public transportation.

Are food and drinks included?
No, but you can purchase snacks and drinks at the museum and possibly on the boat, though they are not included in the tour price.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing, including thermal layers and waterproof gear if you have it. The tour provides thermal overalls, but dressing warmly is always smart, especially in Iceland’s unpredictable weather.

Can children join this tour?
The tour is suitable for most travelers, but specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned. The thermal overalls are available in children’s sizes, so it’s likely kid-friendly unless your little one has motion sickness concerns.

What happens if no whales are seen?
You’ll be issued a ticket to join another cruise at no extra cost, which many reviews say is a generous policy.

How much does the museum visit add to the experience?
The museum is included in the tour price with a 50% discount when booked together, and many find it a valuable addition for understanding whale species and sizes.

Is WiFi available onboard?
Yes, free WiFi is offered during the boat trip and at the museum.

What is the weather like during the trip?
The trip requires good weather; if canceled due to bad conditions, you can reschedule or get a full refund.

Is this suitable for travelers with motion sickness?
Sea sickness tablets are provided free of charge, and the boat has heated indoor seating, which helps reduce discomfort.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a thoughtfully organized marine wildlife experience that balances education with scenic views, “Whales of Iceland from Land and Sea” is a solid choice. The small-group setting and inclusion of the museum make it more personal and informative than many larger tours. While you should be prepared for the possibility of no whale sightings—an inherent risk in wildlife tours—the overall experience is often described as comfortable and rewarding.

This tour suits travelers who value learning about Iceland’s whales and want a less crowded, more relaxed outing. It’s especially good if you’re traveling with someone interested in marine biology or simply want a scenic boat ride amid stunning Icelandic landscapes. Keep in mind, patience is key, and an open mind will make whichever outcome more enjoyable.

Overall, it’s a memorable way to connect with Iceland’s natural beauty, even if the whales decide to stay hidden. And with the museum visit included, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for these gentle giants of the sea.