Are whale sightings guaranteed?

No—whales are wild animals. Sightings are frequent in Faxaflói Bay, especially in summer, but not certain. The bay is rich in marine life including dolphins and porpoises, so you'll see something, but specific species vary daily.

Can I do the museum and boat tour on different days?

Yes. Your museum ticket is open-dated, so you can use it independently of your whale-watching tour departure. This is useful if weather affects boat operations.

What's the difference between Classic and Express whale-watching tours?

Both tour types are included in this package. Express tours are faster, while Classic tours allow more time on the water. Choose based on your schedule and comfort with extended boat time.

What do I need to bring?

Waterproof, warm layers are essential—Icelandic seas are cold and spray is common. Wear non-slip shoes and bring a camera. Seasickness medication is recommended if you're prone to motion sickness.

How long does this activity take?

Approximately 4 hours if you combine the boat tour and museum on the same day. The boat tour duration depends on sightings; the museum typically takes 1.5–2 hours with a guided tour.

Are English-language tours available at the museum?

Yes. Daily guided tours in English are offered at Whales of Iceland. Confirm specific times when you visit, as schedules vary seasonally.

Whale Watching & Whales of Iceland Museum 1

Whale Watching & Whales of Iceland Museum 2

Whale Watching & Whales of Iceland Museum 3

Whale Watching & Whales of Iceland Museum 4

Whale Watching & Whales of Iceland Museum 5

Whale Watching & Whales of Iceland Museum 6

Whale Watching & Whales of Iceland Museum 7

Whale Watching & Whales of Iceland Museum 8

Whale Watching & Whales of Iceland Museum 9

Whale Watching & Whales of Iceland Museum 10

1 / 10

Whale Watching & Whales of Iceland Museum

(3)

Reykjavík, Iceland

Museums & ExhibitionsWhale WatchingBoat ToursNature Tours

Instant confirmationSecure checkoutNo hidden fees

About this activity

Combine a genuine whale-watching expedition in Faxaflói Bay with immersive visits to Europe's largest whale museum, featuring full-scale anatomical models of 23 North Atlantic species. This dual experience lets you observe whales in their natural habitat, then grasp their true magnitude through life-sized displays and expert interpretation.

Special Tours and Whales of Iceland have partnered up to offer this combo tour, allowing 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 museum Whales of Iceland.

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 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 museum 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 museum. The ticket for the museum 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 museum 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
✓See all 23 whale species found in Icelandic waters as full-scale models at Whales of Iceland museum
✓Choose Classic or Express boat option to suit your schedule and comfort preference
✓Flexible museum access—use your ticket any day, not necessarily same day as boat tour
✓Learn whale biology, behaviour and conservation through guided museum tours in English

Insider tips

★Book the faster Express option if you're pressed for time or prone to seasickness; calmer bay conditions often occur in afternoon departures
★Visit the museum on a separate day if weather forces a boat tour cancellation—your ticket remains valid
★Arrive early for whale watching to secure the best deck position and photograph angles
★The museum visit typically takes 1.5–2 hours; plan accordingly if combining both on one day

Good to know

•Whale sightings are not guaranteed; the bay is rich in marine life but animals are wild and unpredictable
•Bring warm, waterproof layers and non-slip footwear for the boat tour; Arctic waters and spray are common even in summer
•Museum ticket is open-dated and can be redeemed independently; you do not need to book a museum time slot in advance
•Daily guided tours in English run at the museum; check local schedule for exact times
•Total activity time is approximately 4 hours if combining boat and museum on the same day

Who it's for

Wildlife enthusiasts and marine biology loversFamilies with children aged 8+Photography-focused travellersFirst-time visitors to Iceland seeking authentic nature experiences

Best time to visit

Visit May–October for highest whale sighting probability and calmer sea conditions. Morning and early afternoon boat departures tend to be less crowded; afternoon sailings often enjoy more settled weather. Museum operates year-round.