Sightseeing Cruises

Reykjavik: The Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour

Whale breaching near boat during Reykjavík Classic Whale Watching tour.

Whale breaching near cruise ship with guest watching in red jacket.

Whale breaching near boat in Reykjavík during classic whale watching tour.

Whale tail splashing near tour boat on Reykjavik whale watching and puffin tour.

Duration

3 hr

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.

Set sail on a 3-hour whale watching tour from Reykjavík with expert marine biologists guiding your marine safari.

Look for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the nutrient-rich waters of Faxaflói Bay off Iceland’s coast.

Stay comfortable with onboard Wi-Fi and warm overalls, and choose between the heated indoor saloon or open outdoor decks.

Visit the interactive whale-watching center before or after your cruise to learn more about marine life and conservation.

A wildlife guarantee lets you join another tour for free if no whales or dolphins are sighted.

3-hour whale watching tour

English-speaking marine biologist naturalists

Complimentary Wi-Fi on board

Access to the Wildlife Exhibition at the Visitoe Centre

Wildlife guarantee (or try again for free)

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Food and beverages (available for purchase)

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

89 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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What our guests say
Markus
Verified Partner Review
Feb 2026
Took my partner for her bday and wow, just wow. Saw 3 whales in the first half hour, didn’t expect that. Boat was clean and the crew kept joking around, which made it relaxed. Weather was chilly but we grabbed the dungarees they offered (life saver, trust me). Coffee from the tiny cafe was actually decent (not always the case on boats, haha). Only complaint: crowded on the top deck during whale sightings, but we managed to squeeze in for a few pics. 2.5 hours zipped by. Would happily do it again.
Yuki
Verified Partner Review
Feb 2026
Went solo cause friends bailed last min...but honestly didn’t feel weird at all. Crew was suuuper friendly, kept chatting with everyone so I never felt awkward. Saw a couple of humpbacks, loads of seabirds. Bring gloves!!! My fingers were popsicles even w/ the free overalls. Only downside—too many peeps crowding one side whenever the guide yelled ‘whale!’. Still, worth the price.
Paula
Verified Partner Review
Feb 2026
We took our two kids (8 and 11) and I was kinda nervous they’d get bored but NOPE. Guide kept them entertained with stories about the whales and even let them help spot birds. Highlight was when a whale tail SLAPPED the water right in front of us. Boat was warm inside, hot choc was a hit. Only thing: wish the trip was a bit longer, time flew.
Omar
Verified Partner Review
Feb 2026
Whale watching was on my bucket list forever and this did NOT disappoint. Got lucky with clear skies, saw two massive whales and a seal just lounging around. Sat on the lower deck for a bit—good views but windows had some algae so pics weren’t the clearest. Still, being outside was better for photos anyway. Staff knew their stuff.
Simone
Verified Partner Review
Feb 2026
Trip was pretty cool overall. Went with my bf and his parents—was worried about them getting cold but the free overalls actually worked. Only saw one whale (briefly) but guide explained it’s luck of the draw. Boat has snacks, pricey but hey, it’s Iceland. Would try again maybe in summer.

What to bring

Carry sunglasses, sturdy shoes, gloves, and a hat to stay comfortable during the tour.

You may bring small snacks or beverages on board in moderation.

What’s not allowed

Large meals and intoxicating beverages are discouraged on board to maintain comfort for all passengers.

Children under 16 cannot board without supervision unless written authorization is provided by a parent or legal guardian.

Drones are strictly prohibited.

Smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping, is not permitted anywhere on board or at the facilities.

Accessibility

The boats have limited accessibility due to steep stairs and high thresholds; wheelchair users should contact the operator in advance to discuss arrangements.

Hard-of-hearing and deaf guests are welcome, and an information leaflet is available on request.

Blind and visually impaired guests are welcome, and crew members are available to assist throughout the tour.

Registered service dogs are permitted on board.

Additional information

All tours are conducted in English.

Complimentary raincoats and floatable overalls are available for added comfort.

Free antiemetics and ginger tablets are offered to help reduce seasickness.

If no whales, dolphins, or northern lights are seen, you will receive a complimentary ticket valid for a future Classic tour, valid for two years.

Any tour cancellations due to weather conditions will be communicated using your booking contact details.

Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times and are required to wear life vests during the tour.

There is no locked storage facility on site, so avoid bringing large backpacks or luggage.

Guides take professional photos during the tour, which are available on request free of charge.