Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik | The Original

Highlights

Chance to see a range of whales and dolphins
Multiple daily departures make this a convenient option
Sustainable tour designed for minimum environmental impact

Summary

Make your way to a location in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, and then board a whale-watching boat for a cruise on Faxafloi Bay. You’ll see views of Mount Esja, Akrafjall, and other landmarks on Faxafloi Bay as you cruise, with trained guides to watch for wildlife and help identify what you see. Some of the most common species are humpback whales, minke whales, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins, but some lucky visitors may even see blue whales, one of the largest animals on earth. The cruise is designed to reduce environmental impact, pollution, and disruption to the animal habitat, so you know your whale-watching experience won’t harm Iceland’s spectacular coastal ecosystem. Whales or dolphins are spotted on more than 90% of summer tours and 80% of winter tours. Should you not see a whale or dolphin, you’ll receive a complimentary ticket for a second tour. Note: To ensure the best whale-watching opportunity when conditions in Reykjavik are rough (especially in winter), the tour may depart from other harbors, such as Grindavík, Keflavík, Sandgerði, or Hafnarfjörður.

Tour info

Duration

3 hours

Why take this tour?

Humpback, orca, blue, and minke whales patrol the Reykyavik coast, but you’ll have to leave the shore for the best chance of spotting them. This whale-watching cruise goes deep into the natural habitat of Iceland’s whales and dolphins, getting as close as possible without disturbing the animals. Let a guide direct your attention as you travel across Faxafloi Bay, where a blend of warm and cold ocean currents creates spectacular whale-watching opportunities.

What’s included?

Excellent live guide
Overalls, raincoats and blankets
Admission to Wildlife Exhibition
Free WiFi on board
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Things to know

Before you book

Duration: 3h
Mobile tickets accepted
Instant confirmation

Covid Policy

Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Efforts are made to invite passengers to stay 2 meters apart from others whenever possible, but guests are asked to wear a face mask during the tour for their own safety. You can purchase a mask in our ticket office before departure. Hand sanitiser dispensers are available on board.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operator Website

Operated by:

Elding Whale Watching

About operator:

Elding is a tour supplier in Reykjavik offering whale watching and other adventures at sea all year round. We are conveniently located just off Reykjavik's old harbor. The various types of whales commonly sighted include minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises and the popular humpback whales. We will be accompanied by sea birds such as gannets, puffins, guillemots, cormorants, gulls, kittiwakes, arctic terns, and many more. Check our online Whale Diary for daily updates on whale sightings. To make our tours even more comfortable, we provide our passengers with warm (and floatable) overalls and raincoats. For safety reasons, all children under 12 years of age are required to wear life jackets during the tour.