From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour

Faxaflói Bay can turn a simple boat ride into a fine Iceland memory, especially when a humpback surfaces beside the boat or dolphins cut across the water. The search itself is part of the fun: you scan the sea, watch the birds, and wait for the next blow.

I like the warm indoor cabin and flotation overalls, which make cold-weather viewing far more manageable. I also like the practical no-sighting policy: you receive a complimentary ticket for a second trip, so one quiet outing does not have to be the end of the story.

The main drawback is that wildlife is never guaranteed, and the sea can be rough. A few people also found the boat crowded around the best viewing spots, so arrive early, dress warmly, and expect a busy rather than private experience.

Key points to know before sailing

• Humpback whales are the main prize: Sightings can include several humpbacks, sometimes active near the boat, along with minke whales and dolphins.
• The trip lasts about 3.5 hours: About two hours are devoted to whale and dolphin watching in Faxaflói Bay.
• Cold weather is manageable: Flotation overalls, heated cabins, toilets, and seasickness tablets are included.
• Guides make the search worthwhile: Patrick, Patrik, Lukas, and other English-speaking guides have been praised for lively facts and good spotting advice.
• The no-sighting return ticket matters: You can take another tour free if no wildlife is seen.
• The meeting point is central: Go to the Special Tours ticket office at Geirsgata 11 and arrive 30 minutes early.

Sailing from Geirsgata 11 into open water

Your trip begins at Geirsgata 11, at the Special Tours ticket office near Reykjavik’s harbor. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure. That extra time is useful for checking in, finding the boat, and collecting seasickness tablets if you think you may need them.

The tour lasts roughly three and a half hours. The first part is not a straight dash to the whale grounds. You leave the city behind, pass through the waters around Kollafjörður, and gradually move into Faxaflói Bay. That slow change of scene gives you time to get settled and listen to the guide.

The boat has heated indoor cabins with toilets, WiFi, and space to sit when the wind picks up. You can buy drinks and snacks on board, and some boats have served hot drinks and waffles. Do not treat the café as a full meal service, though. If you need something substantial, plan ahead.

I would still dress as if you will spend the whole trip outside. The flotation overalls help a great deal, but they do not replace warm layers, gloves, a hat, and weatherproof shoes. Icelandic weather can shift quickly, and the sea wind feels colder than conditions in town.

Kollafjörður offers a calm start

The first scenic section takes you toward Kollafjörður, a quieter area with an island and a busy bird community. It is a pleasant introduction to the coast before the boat reaches the more open water of Faxaflói.

This part is especially useful if you are not familiar with Iceland’s coastal setting. You get views of the shore, nearby islands, birds, and the mountains around Reykjavik. On a clear day, the changing light can be as memorable as the wildlife.

Do not expect a formal shore stop. The boat keeps moving, and the main purpose is to reach the bay. Still, this opening stretch helps the tour feel like more than a quick wildlife hunt. The guide may point out birds and explain what you are seeing, which gives you something to watch before the first whale appears.

Faxaflói Bay is where the real search begins

Faxaflói is the main focus of the trip. The boat spends about two hours in the bay looking for minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Seabirds are also part of the show, and sightings can include seals and porpoises.

The crew watches for signs such as blows, movement at the surface, and concentrations of birds. You are encouraged to keep scanning too. With many people looking at once, someone may spot a fin or a spout before the guide does.

This is not a guaranteed performance. You might see a humpback surface repeatedly for a long period, or you might get only brief glimpses of a minke whale. Some trips have produced several humpbacks, dolphins, puffins, and seals. Other outings have had poor visibility or no wildlife at all.

That uncertainty is not a flaw in the tour. Whales are wild animals, and a responsible operator cannot promise a sighting. The complimentary second ticket is therefore important. If the water is empty, you can return for another trip without paying again, subject to the provider’s arrangements.

The crew may also stay out longer when wildlife appears late in the trip. Reports from past outings describe the boat remaining on the water for extra time so people could get a proper look. That flexibility is valuable, though you should not assume every departure will run longer than the stated duration.

What whale sightings are really like

Humpback whales are the species most often singled out on this route. You may see the back rise, a blow, a tail fluke, or a whale rolling at the surface. A breach is possible but never something to expect on demand.

When a whale stays near the boat, the experience becomes much more than a quick tick on a wildlife list. One outing involved watching a humpback for around 20 minutes, while another followed whales for close to 40 minutes. These moments give you time to notice the animal’s rhythm and size.

Dolphins can add quick movement to the trip. They may appear in groups near the boat, while porpoises can be harder to spot because they surface quickly. A minke whale is smaller and often less dramatic than a humpback, but seeing one in open water is still a fine result.

The guide’s commentary helps you understand what you are seeing. Patrick and Patrik have been praised for mixing facts with humor, while Lukas has been noted for clear explanations and a friendly manner. Guides may also show whale bones or explain how to read bird activity and surface movement.

Some boats have a photographer taking pictures during the outing. In the past, images and videos have been available to download online after the trip. Check the current arrangement when you board, since onboard services can vary when boats are shared with another activity partner.

Views beyond the whales

Keep looking past the water. Faxaflói offers broad views back toward Iceland’s mountain ring, and the scenery gives the trip its sense of place even during a quiet wildlife spell.

On clear days, you may see Snæfellsjökull Glacier in the distance. It will not be visible in every kind of weather, but when the air is clear, the glacier adds a striking focal point beyond the bay.

This is one reason I would not book the tour only as a whale guarantee. You are also buying time on the water with views of the coast, mountains, islands, and birdlife. In poor weather, the views can disappear, but the heated cabin gives you somewhere dry to wait.

The boat may also offer sea angling or fishing activity in the bay, though the central purpose of this experience is whale and dolphin watching. Environmental measures can mean sharing a boat with another activity partner at certain times of year. That helps reduce the number of vessels on the water, but it may affect the feel of the trip and the exact onboard setup.

Boat comfort, crowds, and the best viewing spot

The larger boat is a practical choice for families and anyone who prefers shelter over a small, exposed vessel. You can move between the outside decks and the heated cabin, and the indoor area is useful when rain or spray becomes unpleasant.

The trade-off is personal space. When a whale appears, people naturally gather on the side with the best view. One past passenger found it difficult to see because people pressed toward the front and crowded the viewing area. If you want a good position, arrive early and move outside before the boat reaches the main sighting area.

The boat can also feel exposed despite its size. A smooth harbor departure does not mean the open bay will be calm. Several accounts describe choppy water, and seasickness is a real possibility. Tablets are available, but take the issue seriously if you are prone to motion sickness.

I would choose a spot where you can retreat indoors without fighting through a crowd. Keep your phone and camera secure, and do not spend the whole trip staring through a viewfinder. The best moment may last only a few seconds.

Is $103 a fair price?

At $103 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning or afternoon in Reykjavik. The value depends on how much you care about having a proper boat, indoor shelter, guide commentary, and a second chance if the sea is empty.

The price includes the whale-watching trip, English-speaking guide, flotation overalls, WiFi, toilets, heated cabins, and seasickness tablets. Snacks and drinks cost extra, and hotel pickup is not included. You need to make your own way to Geirsgata 11 unless you pay for a separate pickup service.

For me, the free return trip after no sightings makes the price easier to accept. Wildlife tours always carry risk, and this policy reduces the chance of paying for a completely fruitless outing. It is still wise to confirm how the return booking works before departure.

Families may also find the facilities worth paying for. The cabin gives children a dry place to warm up, and the overalls remove some of the stress of keeping everyone comfortable. If you want a tiny boat and a private feel, this is probably not the right product.

Who should book this Reykjavik whale tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want a well-organized half-day outing that combines wildlife with coastal views. It suits first-time visitors, families, couples, and anyone who prefers a boat with a heated cabin rather than a bare-bones trip.

It is also a good fit for photographers who want time on the water, though crowds can make an unobstructed view difficult. The onboard photographer, when available, means you can watch the sea instead of trying to capture every blow yourself.

You should think twice if you dislike boats, cold wind, or uncertain results. Even with a warm cabin, the journey can feel long when the sea is rough and wildlife stays hidden. If seeing a whale is the single reason you are booking, leave room in your schedule for a second trip.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, but contact the provider before booking if you need specific boarding assistance. Pets and smoking are not allowed.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want solid facilities, lively guiding, and a useful no-sighting backup. The strongest results come when humpbacks remain near the boat, but even a quieter trip includes Icelandic birds, mountain views, and time in Faxaflói Bay.

I would place it early enough in your Reykjavik stay to allow a return outing if needed. Arrive early, use the provided overalls, bring serious layers, and accept that nature sets the schedule. With those expectations, this is a good-value way to spend three and a half hours on Icelandic waters.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching tour depart from?

The meeting point is Geirsgata 11, at the Special Tours ticket office in Reykjavik.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 30 minutes before departure at the meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about 3.5 hours. The whale and dolphin watching portion in Faxaflói Bay takes about two hours.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, puffins, and other seabirds. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if no whales are seen?

You receive a complimentary ticket for a second tour if there are no sightings.

Are warm clothes provided?

Flotation overalls are provided, and the boat has heated indoor cabins. You should still bring weather-appropriate clothing and dress in warm layers.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. The tour is conducted in English, and smoking and pets are not allowed.