From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour

Whales can turn a cold day into a great story. This 3.5-hour cruise from Reykjavik heads through Kollafjörður and into Faxaflói Bay, where you search for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. I like the warm flotation overalls and heated cabin, and I like the no-sighting promise of a complimentary second trip. The main catch is simple: wildlife follows its own schedule, and the open bay can be rough and very cold.

The trip also earns points for its guides. Patrik has been praised for mixing whale facts with humor, while Lukas has been singled out for his clear, friendly commentary. A guide may point out bird activity, explain what signs to watch for, and help you understand why the boat changes course.

This is not a tiny, private wildlife outing. It is a proper boat trip with other passengers, indoor seating, toilets, WiFi, and a snack bar. That makes it a sensible choice for families and anyone who wants comfort, but it can be harder to claim the best viewing place when a whale surfaces.

Key points before you book

• Faxaflói Bay is the main wildlife area: Expect about two hours searching for whales and dolphins after the short guided section around Reykjavik.
• Humpback whales are the most frequently celebrated sighting: Minke whales, dolphins, seals, puffins, and other seabirds may also appear.
• Warm overalls are supplied: They make a major difference on the outside decks, where wind and rain can cut through ordinary clothing.
• The boat has a useful indoor fallback: Heated cabins, toilets, WiFi, seasickness tablets, and drinks or snacks for purchase soften the rough-weather experience.
• No sighting does not mean no value: You receive a complimentary ticket for a second tour if no wildlife is seen.
• The price is $103 per person: That is fair for a half-day cruise with a guide, equipment, indoor facilities, and a second-chance policy, though food and hotel pickup cost extra.

Leaving Geirsgata 11 for Reykjavik’s open water

Your trip begins at the Special Tours ticket office at Geirsgata 11, near Reykjavik’s harbor. Arrive 30 minutes early. That gives you time to check in, sort out the flotation suit, and get aboard without turning the first few minutes into a small Icelandic sprint.

The harbor departure is convenient if you are staying in central Reykjavik. Pickup is not included, but the meeting point is in the city, so you can reach it on your own and avoid paying for an added transfer.

The boat first passes through the waters around Reykjavik, with a guided section lasting about 30 minutes. This is more than dead time before the whales. You get views back toward the city and out toward the coast, while the guide begins explaining the area and the wildlife you might see.

The route continues toward Kollafjörður, a quieter coastal setting with an island and a busy bird population. It gives the trip a gentler opening before the boat reaches the wider waters of Faxaflói Bay. Keep your eyes open for seabirds here, since the outing is about the whole marine setting, not just the largest animals.

Kollafjörður offers a calm start

Kollafjörður is one of the pleasant details of this itinerary. The water and shoreline can feel more sheltered than the open bay, and the island gives birds a place to gather. If whales are not immediately visible, the guide can still make this part worthwhile by identifying birds and explaining the coast.

This early section also lets you get used to the boat. You can test the outside deck, find the heated cabin, and work out where you are most comfortable before the search begins in earnest.

The tradeoff is that wildlife watching involves plenty of waiting. You may spend time scanning the water for a blow, a fin, or a group of birds suddenly moving over feeding activity. The guide may be excellent, but no commentary can make every quiet stretch feel exciting.

That uncertainty is part of the deal. The operator does not pretend a sighting can be guaranteed. Instead, a free second ticket is offered if the trip finishes without wildlife sightings, which gives this tour a useful layer of protection.

Faxaflói Bay is where the real search begins

The main portion of the cruise takes place in Faxaflói Bay, with around two hours set aside for whale and dolphin watching. This is the part that can produce the memorable moments: a humpback surfacing, a minke whale appearing briefly, or dolphins moving through the water.

Humpback whales are the sightings most often described on this trip. Several outings have produced two or three humpbacks, and some have allowed passengers to watch one whale for 20 to 40 minutes. That does not mean every departure will bring the same result, but it gives you a realistic idea of what a strong day can look like.

Minke whales are another possibility. They are smaller and can surface quickly, so spotting one may require patience and a sharp eye. Dolphins can add movement to the trip, especially when whale sightings are slow. Seals, puffins, porpoises, and other sea birds have also been seen.

The captain and guide work together to locate activity. The guide may ask everyone to watch for signs such as birds feeding or a blow on the horizon. A boat full of scanning eyes is useful, although it also means you should be ready to react quickly when someone spots something.

The boat may stay out longer when wildlife appears late or when the crew wants to give you a better chance to watch. One outing continued for about 40 extra minutes. This is welcome when the search has finally paid off, but it may affect the rest of your day, so avoid scheduling something immediately afterward.

The views are part of the ticket

Faxaflói Bay gives you more than animal sightings. The surrounding mountains create a strong backdrop, and on clear days you may see Snæfellsjökull Glacier in the distance. Weather controls how much of this you see. Cloud, rain, fog, or blowing snow can reduce the view, while a crisp day can make the bay feel much larger than it does from Reykjavik.

The scenery matters because whale watching can include quiet periods. When the water is empty, you still have mountains, birds, changing light, and the coast to watch. In poor visibility, the outing becomes more dependent on the guide’s talk and the comfort of the boat.

Several passengers have described snowy mountains behind the whale sightings as one of the most memorable parts. That combination, a humpback surfacing with Icelandic peaks behind it, is the kind of moment that makes the cold worth tolerating.

You should keep your expectations sensible. The whale may surface far away or only for a few seconds. The boat is designed to carry a substantial number of people, not to provide a private viewing platform. Some visitors have found it difficult to get a clear view when everyone moves toward the same side.

What the boat does well

The onboard setup is one of this trip’s strongest features. Flotation overalls are available at no extra charge, and they help block the wind on the outside decks. You should still wear weather-appropriate clothing underneath, especially warm layers, waterproof footwear, and a hat or gloves.

The heated indoor cabins matter more than they might sound on paper. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and even a successful sighting loses its charm if you are shivering for the entire return journey. You can warm up indoors between sightings, then head back outside when the guide spots activity.

Toilets and WiFi are also useful. Families can retreat inside during wet or rough spells, and WiFi may help keep children occupied while the boat reaches the whale-watching area. The snack bar sells drinks and food, with hot coffee and hot waffles mentioned as welcome options on cold trips.

Seasickness tablets are available. Take the possibility seriously if you are sensitive to motion, since the bay can be choppy. One family found the captain handled the waves well, while other passengers still felt sick. The boat can reduce discomfort, but it cannot remove the movement of the sea.

Smoking and pets are not allowed. The tour is wheelchair accessible, although the supplied information does not explain the precise boarding arrangement or which viewing areas are easiest to reach. If you use a wheelchair, confirm the practical details with the operator before booking.

Guides make the waiting worthwhile

A good guide is essential on a whale-watching trip. You need someone who can explain what you are looking at, keep the search lively, and avoid filling every quiet moment with empty chatter.

Patrik has received particular praise for his humor, energy, whale facts, and willingness to answer questions. He has also taken photographs during the cruise, allowing passengers to watch the water rather than stare at a phone. Lukas has been praised for friendly, clear explanations and a helpful approach.

The guides also discuss birds and the wider marine environment. That is valuable because you may see plenty of life without a dramatic whale breach. Learning why birds gather in one area or how to recognize a whale’s blow gives you a better chance of spotting something for yourself.

Do not expect a formal lecture from a marine research vessel. This is a public sightseeing cruise, and the tone can be light and entertaining. That suits most people, especially families, but those seeking a quiet, highly specialized wildlife expedition may find the boat more social than personal.

Comfort comes with a tradeoff in viewing space

The boat offers a good balance of outdoor viewing and indoor shelter. You can move between decks and cabins, and large windows may let you watch from inside when the weather turns unpleasant. That flexibility is a major reason I would choose this trip over a bare-bones boat ride.

The drawback is crowding around a sighting. When a whale appears, people naturally gather at the rail and on the side closest to the animal. One passenger found that pushing toward the best viewing area made the experience less comfortable.

Arriving early may help you choose a preferred position, though there is no guarantee you will keep it once the action starts. If you are traveling with children, make a simple plan: stay together, use the cabin when needed, and do not let the excitement tempt anyone into unsafe movement around the deck.

The larger boat also means you are not likely to feel as close to the animals as you might on a small vessel. That is the price of having more indoor space, toilets, and protection from the weather. For many people, that is a good bargain.

How the $103 price measures up

At $103 per person, this is not a cheap add-on, but it is a reasonable half-day expense in Reykjavik if whale watching is high on your list. The price covers the cruise, live English-speaking guides, flotation overalls, WiFi, heated cabins, toilet facilities, seasickness tablets, and a free second trip if nothing is seen.

That last benefit changes the value calculation. Wildlife sightings are never fully predictable, so the second-tour policy gives you another chance instead of leaving you with an expensive boat ride and no remedy. You will need enough time in Reykjavik to use the extra ticket, however.

Food and drinks are not included. You can buy snacks onboard, but budget separately if you want coffee, waffles, or something more substantial. Hotel pickup also costs extra, so the central meeting point is the better-value choice if you can reach Geirsgata 11 easily.

The shared-boat arrangement also deserves a note. For environmental reasons, the operator may share the boat with another activity partner during parts of the year. That may reduce the number of vessels on the bay, which is a sensible environmental choice, but it means the exact onboard mix may vary.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a well-supported first whale-watching trip from Reykjavik. It suits families, couples, and solo visitors who value a heated cabin and a proper bathroom as much as they value time outside.

It is also a good fit if you are visiting Reykjavik for only a few days. The 3.5-hour schedule leaves room for other plans, although you should allow extra time if the captain keeps searching after a late sighting.

You may want a different style of outing if your priority is a small boat, very close viewing, or a quiet private atmosphere. You should also think twice if you strongly dislike rough water or cold weather. The overalls and indoor cabin help, but this is still an ocean trip in Iceland.

Photography-minded visitors should bring a camera but avoid spending the whole trip looking through it. The crew may take pictures during the outing, and some passengers have been able to download those images afterward. Your best whale photograph may be luckier than anything you can plan.

The final call

Book this cruise if you want a comfortable, informative introduction to Iceland’s marine life and can accept that sightings are never guaranteed. The strongest reasons are the experienced guides, warm overalls, heated cabin, helpful onboard facilities, and complimentary return trip after a no-sighting outing.

I would schedule it early enough in your Reykjavik stay to use the second ticket if needed. Bring serious layers, arrive 30 minutes early, and expect the best moments to arrive suddenly after a stretch of watching empty water. For $103, it offers solid value, especially when humpback whales, dolphins, mountain views, or puffins turn the search into a memorable half-day.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching tour begin?

It begins at Geirsgata 11, at the Special Tours ticket office in Reykjavik.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 30 minutes before departure at the meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, with the wildlife search in Faxaflói Bay lasting around two hours.

Which animals might I see?

Possible sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, seals, puffins, porpoises, and other birdlife.

Is a whale sighting guaranteed?

No. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, but you receive a complimentary ticket for a second tour if no sightings occur.

Are warm clothes provided?

Flotation overalls are provided. You should still bring weather-appropriate clothing and wear warm layers.

Is there an indoor area on the boat?

Yes. The boat has heated indoor cabins, toilet facilities, and WiFi.

Can I buy food and drinks onboard?

Yes. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard. They are not included in the tour price.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup service is available for an additional charge, while the standard meeting point is Geirsgata 11.