What whales and wildlife will I see?

Faxaflói Bay hosts humpback whales, minke whales, and harbour porpoises. You'll also encounter puffins, gannets, guillemots, and other seabirds feeding in the bay's rich fishing grounds. Marine biologists on board provide real-time identification and behaviour commentary.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

Yes. The heated indoor saloon with large viewing windows offers comfort for families, and blankets are provided. The Visitor Centre exhibition also engages children before departure. However, the boat is active and uneven, so supervise younger children closely.

Wear layered, windproof clothing and sturdy shoes. Bring a camera, sunscreen, and seasickness medication if prone. Blankets and waterproof overalls are available to borrow onboard. The cafeteria sells light refreshments, but you may want to bring your own snacks.

How do I get to the meeting point from central Reykjavík?

The ticket office is located by the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavík, within walking distance of the city centre. The Visitor Centre and boarding pier are just steps away. Parking is available nearby for those driving.

What is the cancellation or rescheduling policy?

Specific terms depend on your booking platform, but tours may be cancelled or rescheduled in poor weather or rough sea conditions for safety. Check your booking confirmation for details.

Is seasickness common on this tour?

Faxaflói Bay can have moderate swells, particularly in winter and spring. Seasickness-prone passengers should take preventative medication and focus on the horizon or move to the heated indoor saloon. The marine biologists and crew are experienced in managing rough conditions.

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Reykjavík Classic Whale Watching

(3)

Reykjavík, Iceland

BirdwatchingDay Trips & ExcursionsSafari & WildlifeBoat ToursWater Activities

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About this activity

Set out into Faxaflói Bay from Reykjavík's Old Harbour for a 3-hour guided whale-watching voyage led by marine biologists. Beyond cetaceans, you'll spot puffins, gannets, and guillemots feeding in nutrient-rich waters, framed by Iceland's dramatic coastal landscapes.

Enjoy a magical journey into Faxaflói bay with our expert crew and specially trained naturalists. Explore the whales of Reykjavík under the excellent guidance of our marine biologist guides and learn all about the incredible wildlife that call Iceland their home. The bay is even full of birdlife, from puffins and gannets to guillemots and more, that actively feed on the plentiful fish found in the bay. Magnificent landscapes surround the area and add a unique contrast to the vast ocean, where the spectacular views on the horizon are certainly not to be missed.

Meet us at our ticket office by the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavík, where you will exchange your pre-paid voucher for boarding tickets. A few steps down the pier you will find our Visitor Centre, facilitated on board a converted fishing vessel permanently placed by the pier. This is where you will meet crew. Head downstairs to the hull of the boat and stroll through our unique floating wildlife exhibition to learn more about the animals we may come across on our tours.

You board the whale watching boat through the Visitor Centre, where you will find several outdoor viewing platforms, a heated indoor saloon with large viewing windows, a cafeteria where you can buy light refreshments, toilet facilities and a cloak room where you can borrow our blankets and overalls for the duration of the tour. You can stay outside in the fresh air but you are also welcome to settle inside the heated lounge and observe from within. One of our excellent naturalists will give a live commentary throughout the tour and notify you of any sightings as we go.

The most common whale species encountered on our tours are the minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. Occasionally we see other species such as killer whales, fin whales, sei whales and long-finned pilot whales, however they are not as common. The whales are most abundant in summer, giving us a great chance to enjoy and understand them in their natural environment. Each year continues to surprise us however with the variety of whales we see in winter, and as our research shows, more and more whales are staying in the area all year round!

Combine this activity with Puffin Watching in the summer or with a Northern Lights Cruise in winter! You can also check out some of the other combo tours we have put together!

Highlights

✓Expert marine biologist narration on whale behaviour and Iceland's marine ecosystem
✓Multiple viewing options: heated indoor saloon with large windows or open-air decks
✓Abundant birdlife including puffins, gannets, and guillemots alongside whales
✓Pre-tour wildlife exhibition in the converted fishing-vessel Visitor Centre
✓Onboard cafeteria and amenities (blankets, overalls, toilets, cloak room)

Insider tips

★Arrive early to explore the floating wildlife exhibition in the Visitor Centre before boarding—it contextualizes what you'll see at sea
★Layer clothing even in summer; bring a windproof jacket and opt for the heated indoor saloon if seas are rough, though outdoor decks offer better photography angles
★Seasickness is possible in Faxaflói Bay; take preventative medication if prone, and focus on the horizon while outside

Good to know

•Meeting point: ticket office by Old Harbour, downtown Reykjavík; exchange voucher for boarding tickets before heading to Visitor Centre
•Heated indoor saloon available for all weather; outdoor viewing platforms also provided
•Blankets and waterproof overalls available to borrow at the cloak room
•Light refreshments sold onboard; bring cash or card for cafeteria purchases

Who it's for

Wildlife enthusiasts and marine biology buffs wanting expert-led interpretationBird lovers seeking puffin and seabird sightings alongside whalesFamilies wanting comfort options (heated cabin, indoor viewing) without sacrificing adventurePhotography-focused travellers drawn to Iceland's marine and coastal scenery

Best time to visit

Peak whale-watching season runs April through October, with calmer seas and longer daylight hours in summer (June–August). Morning departures often offer clearer skies and calmer conditions than afternoon slots.