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Reykjavík Whales & Helicopter Tour

(5)
Reykjavík, Iceland
Helicopter ToursWhale WatchingBoat ToursBirdwatching
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About this activity

Combine an aerial helicopter tour of Reykjavík and Iceland's dramatic landscape with an afternoon whale-watching expedition from the Old Harbour. This full-day experience pairs bird's-eye views of the city, mountains, and coastline with a guided marine wildlife tour led by expert naturalists.

Helicopter tour with Norðurflug and an afternoon Whale Watching with Elding

View the city and surrounding area with a bird's eye before exploring the wonderful creatures that live under the sea!

Available: All year
Departure: 11:00
Duration: 4-6 hours
Minimum: 2 passengers

Your day will start at the domestic airport where you will meet up with the Heli pilot for a quick briefing. After the rundown you will hop on board the Helicopter and get to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Reykjavík, mountain range and surrounding areas in the 30-45 minute tour. Before heading back, the pilot will make a few minute's stop on one of the mountains near Reykjavík where you can enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the city!

Once you have landed back at the domestic airport, you will make your own way down to the Old Harbour where the Whale Watching tour departs from. Once you have collected your tickets in the sales booth you will be shown to the Whale Watching Centre (our "floating museum") located in an old fishing vessel permanently placed by the pier. There you can relax and sit down with a coffee or check out our whale exhibition located in the hull of the boat prior to boarding the Whale Watching boat. For the duration of the tour, our expert tour guide will share with you more information about the surrounding landscape, whales and dolphins that we are likely to see on the tour, where to look and what to look for.

After the Whale Watching, you will find yourself again in the Old Harbour where the tour started and have the opportunity to hang around in the city centre, a mere 5 minute walk from the harbour area where you will find various shops and restaurants.

Please note that there is no pickup available for the Helicopter tour, but for an additional fee you can get picked up by Elding's mini bus afterwards and be driven to the Whale Watching meeting point. Please contact Elding directly for this service.

Highlights

  • ✓30–45 minute helicopter flight over Reykjavík, mountain ranges, and surrounding terrain
  • ✓Mountain stop with panoramic views of the city and fjords
  • ✓Afternoon whale and dolphin-watching tour from historic Old Harbour
  • ✓Pre-tour access to floating whale exhibition museum in restored fishing vessel
  • ✓Expert guide commentary on landscape, marine biology, and wildlife behaviour
  • ✓Year-round availability with flexible departure times

Insider tips

  • ★Arrive early at the domestic airport for your helicopter briefing to avoid time pressure before the Old Harbour transfer
  • ★Bring layers even in summer; the helicopter cabin and boat deck expose you to wind and cold, especially at altitude
  • ★Visit the whale exhibition in the harbour vessel while waiting to board—it provides context for what you might see and makes identification easier
  • ★Sit on the starboard (right) side of the boat during whale watching for better photo angles if whales are spotted to the west

Good to know

  • •Minimum 2 passengers required; book in advance during peak season (June–August)
  • •Helicopter briefing at domestic airport; self-transfer required to Old Harbour (short distance, taxis and buses available)
  • •Total duration 4–6 hours including briefing, flight, transfer, and boat tour
  • •Wear warm, waterproof clothing; bring a windproof jacket and comfortable shoes for boarding
  • •Helicopter tours may be weather-dependent; confirm departure the day before

Who it's for

Adventure seekers wanting combined air and sea perspectivesWildlife enthusiasts and marine biologistsPhotographers seeking landscape and animal documentationCouples and small groups celebrating special occasions

Best time to visit

Visit June to August for the longest daylight, calmest seas, and highest whale-sighting probability, though the tour operates year-round. Late morning (11:00 departure) allows optimal light for both helicopter photography and wildlife spotting.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€316
per person