Set sail from Reykjavik's old harbor for an unforgettable whale watching adventure in Faxaflói Bay. Spot minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises in their natural habitat with expert marine biologists as your guides.
Cruise through Faxaflói Bay on a comfortable vessel with indoor and outdoor viewing areas. Expert guides identify marine species, explain whale behavior, and share fascinating facts about Iceland's marine ecosystem. Whale sighting success rates exceed 95% during peak season.
What whales might we see? Minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises are commonly spotted.
What if I get seasick? Seasickness tablets are recommended. The boat has indoor areas and the bay is usually relatively calm.
What's the best season? Whale watching operates year-round, with peak season from April to October.
Duration: 15 Minutes
Arrive at the Special Tours Ticket Office to check in and meet your guide. Once onboard, your guide will introduce you to the boat’s amenities and safety features, ensuring you're well-prepared for the journey ahead. Warm, floatable overalls are available for all guests, including children's sizes, to keep you comfortable.
Duration: 30–45 Minutes
As the boat departs Reykjavik’s harbor, enjoy the views of the city’s skyline against the dramatic Icelandic landscape. During this time, the crew will provide an overview of the tour, sharing information on the marine life you might encounter and offering tips on spotting wildlife in the open water.
Duration: 2 Hours
The main event! With experienced guides at the helm, you’ll be guided to the best spots for sightings. Watch for humpback whales, minke whales, and playful dolphins as they surface or leap out of the water. The crew will share insights into the behavior and ecology of each species, adding depth to your experience.
Duration: 30–45 Minutes
On the return trip to Reykjavik, relax onboard as you take in the beautiful Icelandic coastline. This is a great time to revisit sightings and learn more from the guides or grab some refreshments from the café onboard.
After the tour, guests can extend their adventure with a discounted visit to the Whales of Iceland Exhibition. Here, explore life-sized whale models, interactive displays, and educational exhibits to deepen your understanding of Iceland’s marine giants.
Humpback and minke whales are the most commonly spotted. Orcas, blue whales, dolphins, and porpoises are occasionally seen.
April to October offers the best sightings, with peak activity in summer. Tours operate year-round, but winter sightings depend on sea conditions.
No, sightings are not guaranteed as marine life is unpredictable. Most operators offer a free return trip if no whales are spotted.
Dress in warm layers as it's cold on the water even in summer. Waterproof boots and warm floatable overalls are typically provided.
Yes, cameras are welcome. Use a strap to secure it as the boat can move unexpectedly.
Will I get seasick on the tour?
The tour typically lasts 3-3.5 hours, departing from Reykjavik's Old Harbour.
We went on the 9 AM excursion and are so happy that we did! We saw a ton of dolphins, even some teeny tiny little baby ones. Then we saw several humpback whales. Unfortunately, the whales didn’t do...
We were lucky with the weather in Iceland in March and the sea was calm. We were tied to the date (mid-March) as the trip was for a family birthday and as it was low season, I wasn't expecting to see much.We got an email early morning to confirm that the 9am trip was going....
Absolutely fantastic tour - the guides were lovely, boat so well equipped. It rained quite a lot but the thermal suits were excellent. We saw 10-12 orcas! Surpassed our expectations.
Why should you?