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Whale Watching & Whales of Iceland Exhibition

(5)
Reykjavík, Iceland
Museums & ExhibitionsWhale WatchingBoat ToursNature Tours
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About this activity

Combine active whale watching in Faxaflói Bay with a visit to Europe's largest whale exhibition to fully grasp the scale of these ocean giants. This flexible combo lets you see humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins in their natural habitat, then explore full-scale models of all 23 whale species found in Icelandic waters.

This combo tour, allows you to see these beautiful animals in the wild and then see full-scale models of them to get an idea of just how big they actually are. You can choose to start with whale watching, or with a a trip to the Whales of Iceland Exhibition.

Set sail on board a Classic or Express Whale Watching tour with Special Tours to see the whales in their natural habitat. We head out to the feeding grounds in Faxaflói Bay where we search for commonly spotted whales like humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. It is sometimes difficult to realize how huge these animals are when you see them in the water, which is why we recommend stopping by Whales of Iceland Exhibition on the other side of the harbour. Here you can get a good idea of how small we humans are compared to the ocean wildlife. At the largest whale exhibition in Europe all 23 species that can be found in the surroundings of Iceland in real size are shown and you learn lot of interesting facts about the whales and their history.

Please note: You only need to select a departure time for the whale watching tour, and not for the exhibition. The ticket for the exhibition is an open ticket, meaning you can simply choose when you want to go. This does not have to be the same day as your whale watching tour. Both Whale Watching Classic and Whale Watching Express apply for this tour.

There are daily guided tours in English at Whales of Iceland at 11:00 and 15:00, open to anyone with a ticket to the exhibition at no extra cost. The film Sonic Sea (60 minutes) is shown daily at 10:30, 12:15, 14:00, and 15:45.

NEW

Special Tours Iceland app with 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish and simplified Chinese) available for Android and Apple. It is available for all clients to download during their tour, with both text and audio information. The app will is as close to an audio guided wildlife adventure as possible

Highlights

  • ✓Search for humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises in Faxaflói Bay
  • ✓Europe's largest whale exhibition with real-size models of 23 species
  • ✓Choose Classic or Express boat tour based on preference and schedule
  • ✓Flexible timing: use your exhibition ticket any day, not tied to boat departure
  • ✓Guided tours at the exhibition in English at 11:00 and 15:00 daily
  • ✓Learn marine biology facts and whale behaviour from naturalists

Insider tips

  • ★Book the morning whale watch (if available) to maximise sighting odds; whales are often more active in calmer early waters
  • ★Use your exhibition ticket flexibly—visit it days before or after your boat tour to better retain what you've learned
  • ★The Express tour is faster; choose Classic if you prefer a more leisurely pace and higher comfort
  • ★Dress in waterproof layers; even in summer, North Atlantic spray is cold and wind picks up quickly at sea

Good to know

  • •Duration is 4 hours for the whale-watching portion; exhibition visit is self-paced
  • •Exhibition ticket is open and can be used on a different day from your boat tour
  • •Daily guided tours at the exhibition run at 11:00 and 15:00 (English-language)
  • •Both Classic and Express whale-watching options are included; choose at booking
  • •Meeting point is Reykjavík harbour; wear waterproof jacket and non-slip footwear

Who it's for

Wildlife enthusiasts and ocean lovers seeking authentic animal encountersFamilies wanting hands-on nature education combined with immersive exhibition learningPhotography travellers keen to capture whales in their natural habitatFirst-time Iceland visitors wanting a signature Reykjavík experience

Best time to visit

Visit June to August for the warmest seas and most stable weather, though whale sightings are possible year-round. Opt for morning departures when water conditions tend to be calmest and marine activity peaks.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€116
per person