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Whales & White Water Rafting

(5)
Reykjavík, Iceland
RaftingWhale WatchingSightseeing Tours
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About this activity

Combine Iceland's two most thrilling water adventures in one unforgettable day: three hours whale watching in Faxaflói Bay followed by 60–90 minutes of white-water rafting down the glacial Hvítá River in Gullfoss Canyon. This back-to-back experience showcases Iceland's wildlife and raw landscapes without needing separate bookings.

This tour combines two true adventures on the water. After exploring the wonders of the whales and birds it it is time to set your adrenaline free - rafting down the glacial river Hvítá admiring its stunningly beautiful landscape.

Available: May - September
Duration: 10 hrs. approx.
Min age: 11 yrs.

Enjoy 3 hrs. at sea in the stunning Faxaflói bay searching for whales and other wildlife on our Classic Whale Watching tour. You will be picked up at your hotel by our shuttle bus between 8:15 and 8:45 for the whale watching tour starting at 9:00 from Reykjavík's Old Harbour. Travel the seas in search for whales, dolphins and birdlife while enjoying the incredible views on the horizon. After exploring the wonders of Faxaflói bay and the beautiful creatures that live there, Arctic Rafting bus will pick you up by our ticket office between 12:00-12:30.

You will be driven to Drumboddsstaðir rafting base camp which is about 100 km. from Reykjavík where the river rafting takes place in Gullfoss Canyon. The total duration of the rafting is around 60-90 min. The nature and scenery on the rafting trail is stunning and adds that something special to an otherwise exciting and thrilling ride. Once back at the basecamp you can relax in the sauna or hot tub before being driven back to your hotel by Arctic Rafting shuttle bus. Remember to bring a bathing suit and a towel!

Keep in mind that pickup is included for the River Rafting part of this tour. Choose pickup at checkout to be collected for the whale watching part of this tour. If you wish to self-drive, you need to make sure to be at the Old Harbour BEFORE 09:00 and at the rafting base BEFORE 15:00.

Please note that all participants have to sign a waiver before undertaking the rafting trip stating that they realise that the activity carries an inherent risk.

Highlights

  • ✓Three hours whale and dolphin spotting in Faxaflói Bay from Reykjavík's Old Harbour
  • ✓Guided white-water rafting through Gullfoss Canyon on glacial meltwater
  • ✓100 km scenic drive to the rafting basecamp in Iceland's interior
  • ✓Relax in sauna or hot tub post-rafting at the basecamp
  • ✓Hotel pickup and drop-off included for both activities

Insider tips

  • ★Wear layers under your wetsuits; glacial water and sea breezes cool quickly even in summer
  • ★Bring seasickness medication if prone—Faxaflói Bay can get choppy on windy days
  • ★The midday transition (12:00–12:30 pickup by rafting operator) is tight; confirm your whale tour ends on time
  • ★Post-rafting sauna is a local custom—bring a bathing suit and towel for a genuine Icelandic experience

Good to know

  • •Minimum age: 11 years old; younger children may not be permitted on white-water sections
  • •Total duration: approximately 10 hours including transfers, with ~3 hours at sea and ~60–90 minutes rafting
  • •Hotel pickups between 8:15–8:45 AM for whale watching; rafting operator collects you from ticket office at midday
  • •Bring: swimsuit, towel, waterproof jacket, and sunscreen; wetsuits provided for rafting
  • •Available May–September only; book well in advance for peak summer months

Who it's for

Adventure seekers wanting to pack multiple experiences into one dayWildlife enthusiasts keen on marine mammals and Icelandic natureFamilies with older children (11+) seeking active, outdoor-focused toursVisitors with limited time in Reykjavík needing high-impact itineraries

Best time to visit

May through September, with June–August offering the highest whale sighting rates and calmest sea conditions. Early morning departure (8:15 AM start) maximizes daylight and reduces afternoon fog on the bay.

Frequently asked questions

More things to do in Reykjavík

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Available
From€330
per person