Sightseeing Cruises

Reykjavik: Whale Watching Boat Tour

Orca whales surfacing during a whale watching tour.

Cruise ship with tourists on deck during whale watching tour in Icelandic waters.

Inside seating area of a whale watching tour boat with rows of chairs and large windows.

Humpback whale breaching during whale watching tour.

Duration

3 hrs

Open today

9:00am - 8:30pm

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Set sail on a 2.5 to 3-hour guided whale-watching cruise in Faxafloi Bay, to spot humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises in their natural habitat.

Learn from expert whale-watching guides about the behavior of whales and other marine life as they help you spot them with ease.

Enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavík’s coastline and spot marine life from the open deck or stay warm in the heated indoor cabin.

Buy snacks from the onboard cafeteria, ensuring a comfortable experience no matter the weather.

Enjoy peace of mind with a free return ticket if no wildlife is spotted, giving you another chance for unforgettable sightings.

2.5 to 3.5-hour cruise aboard a modern, spacious boat

English-speaking marine biologist guide

Warm flotation overalls

Access to indoor lounges, open decks & onboard café

Free Wi-Fi onboard

Food & drinks (available for purchase on board)

Hotel pick-up & drop-off

TOTAL DURATION3 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
Timeline
Map
Start point
Reykjavík Old Harbour
Get direction
1. Faxaflói Bay
2 activities
Things to do
Whale watching
Included in price
Bird watching
Included in price
End point
Reykjavík Old Harbour
Get direction
Your ending point would be same as your start point

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

19 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from United Kingdom, United States, Netherlands and over 9 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Arnold M
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
We saw dolphins, puffins, and a whale. Great food and friendly staff.
Margaretha K
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
She was a great guide. She knew a lot about the birds and the fish. The staff were friendly.
Stephen H
Couple
Verified booking
Apr 2026
The boat was nice, the people were great, especially the person who was the whale spotter. We saw lots of whales, some came real close to the boat. Even saw a few who breached close to the boat.
John B
Couple
Verified booking
Apr 2026
This was great fun! Easy to find, plenty of parking. While the water was a bit rough, the captain managed the boat very well!
Deborah K
Group
Verified booking
Jan 2026
I loved that I saw a whale breaching.

Observe Iceland’s incredible marine life, including humpback whales and dolphins, on this classic whale-watching cruise from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour.

Getting started

Arrive at the Old Harbour House in Reykjavík (by yourself or get picked up at your hotel), where you can check in at a self-service kiosk for a smooth start. Board the whale-watching vessel, which features both indoor cabins and an open deck for optimal viewing.

What to expect

Faxaflói Bay

Set sail into Faxaflói Bay, a prime whale-watching destination known for its rich marine biodiversity. The tour follows ethical whale-watching practices, ensuring a respectful and natural encounter with wildlife. Keep an eye out for minke and humpback whales, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins as they swim in their natural habitat.

Exploring with a guide

Your expert guide shares fascinating insights into the marine ecosystem, explaining the behaviors and characteristics of the whales and other sea creatures you encounter.

Features

Spacious vessel: Enjoy one of Iceland’s largest whale-watching boats with indoor lounges, outdoor decks and a family-friendly environment.

Expert guidance: Learn from experienced specialists who share insights on whale behavior, seabirds and spotting techniques.

Interactive education: Explore onboard displays featuring whale teeth, bones, baleen and microscopes for a deeper understanding of ocean life.

Warm overalls: Stay comfortable with complimentary floatable overalls available in all sizes.

Free retry ticket: Receive a complimentary second tour if no wildlife is spotted on your trip.

What to Bring

Dress warmly with multiple layers and wear strong, non-slip shoes for your comfort.

Bring a camera or sunglasses to enhance your experience.

You will be required to present a valid form of identification upon arrival.

What’s Not Allowed

You are not permitted to bring alcoholic beverages onto the boat.

Accessibility

The vessel is wheelchair accessible.

Additional Information

You must check in at least 30 minutes before the tour begins.

You may be relocated to another harbour during the winter months if sea conditions require it, with transport included.

If you're prone to seasickness, collect complimentary seasickness tablets before boarding or during the tour.

You are eligible for a free return tour if no sightings occur.

Feel free to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on board.

You should expect rapidly changing Icelandic weather, which may impact the tour’s operation.

At the harbor, you can explore the Whale Watching Centre, watch videos, view skeletons and information boards, or browse the gift shop.

By purchasing a ticket, you support summer research projects, eco-friendly tourism, and wildlife protection organizations.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Please arrive at the meeting point 30 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

Meeting point

Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.