Enjoy an unforgettable experience at sea on the Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik. This tour takes you out onto the beautiful waters of Faxaflói Bay – one of the best places in Iceland for whale watching. As you set sail from Reykjavik's Old Harbour, a panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountains unfolds, making for a perfect start to your adventure.
This Whale Watching Tour offers a ‘wildlife guarantee’, which means you can go on the tour again free of charge if you don’t spot any whales.
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Every day of the week. Starts at 09:00 and 13:00.
In Reykjavik at your chosen pick-up point or at the tour starting point at:
Elding Ticket Office, Ægisgarður 5c, Reykjavík 101, IS
Leave the city behind and sail out to sea for an exhilarating adventure on the Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik. Feel the rhythm of the ocean and the promise of the unexpected as you step aboard in the charming Old Harbour. The city slowly recedes into the horizon as the rugged coastline gives way to the vast blue of Faxaflói Bay – one of Iceland’s best places for whale watching.
The Whale Watching Tour starts off gently, with a short introduction from the onboard guides, who will get you started with interesting facts about the species you might encounter. These waters are home to humpback whales, minke whales, harbour porpoises and sometimes even orcas, each with their own characteristic behaviour and impressive appearance. As the ship glides further into the bay, you will scan the horizon, looking for the moment when a fin cuts through the water or a huge tail appears above the surface.
The tension on deck grows as someone catches a glimpse of movement in the water. The guides, armed with years of experience and a keen eye for marine life, help you locate the animals while sharing fascinating stories about whale behavior, their migration patterns, and how climate change is affecting the ecosystem. Their passion for life in the ocean is infectious, making this tour not just a visual spectacle but an educational experience as well.
You can choose whether to experience the trip outside, in the fresh sea air with an unbeatable view, or prefer to stay inside in a warm saloon with panoramic windows. Even in inclement weather, the ship offers comfortable shelters and facilities such as a café for hot drinks, snacks and free Wi-Fi so you can share your experiences right away. If it’s cold, warm overalls are available so you can stay comfortable on deck and watch.
What makes this Whale Watching Tour special is the respect for nature. Everything is done with minimal impact on marine life. If you don’t see any whales one day – which is rare – you can come back for another try for free, so you don’t miss out on any of the experience.
The Whale Watching Tour lasts approximately three hours, but the memories will last much longer. Every trip is different, depending on the season, weather conditions and the mood of the ocean. In summer, the light is almost endless, with often multiple species visible on a single trip. In winter, you will sail under a low sun and have the chance to see dramatic skies and mysterious silhouettes in the twilight.
This tour is a must for anyone who wants to experience the real Iceland – raw, impressive and close to nature. Whether you see a whale for the first time or have been out to sea before, the moment when such a colossus appears next to the ship is always magical. This is no ordinary excursion; this is an encounter with the ocean, at its purest.
We had a great time on the morning tour. We saw a humpback whale and a dolphin. There were seasickness tablets available for anyone who needed them, as well as overalls for extra warmth. The guide was great, with information about what to expect and the whales we might see.
A fantastic opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. I saw lots of tail wags as the humpback dived down!
We had quite a tough day, the wind and swell were strong but the boat was very safe and we felt comfortable on the deck on the viewing platform. We saw a humpback whale in a nearby harbour and stayed with him for about 30 minutes watching him feed, along with numerous sea birds, before heading back. In total we had a 3 hour trip and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
We went on a morning whale watching trip in February. It was very exciting and educational. We were lucky to see some pretty active whales. It is also great that we can email Elding and get the official photos of our trip.
Excellent trip, very well organized, highly recommended. The guide gave a lot of information and we saw humpback whales up close. 5 stars.
