Reykjavik: Whale Watching Express

If you’re heading to Iceland and eager to see its famed marine life, the Reykjavik Whale Watching Express offers an efficient, exciting way to glimpse whales, dolphins, and seabirds. This tour, operated by Special Tours Iceland, is designed for travelers who want to maximize their chances of wildlife sightings without spending all day at sea. It’s a quick, modern trip that gets you out on the water in just 20-30 minutes—perfect for those with tight schedules or who prefer a fast-paced adventure.

What we love about this experience are the speed—you’re on a high-tech, fast boat that cuts down on travel time—and the guides who are knowledgeable, passionate, and eager to share their insights. Plus, the comfort and safety features, like warm overalls and onboard Wi-Fi, make the trip enjoyable even if the weather isn’t perfect. One consideration? Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so a bit of luck is involved. Nevertheless, this tour suits travelers keen to see marine life without the fuss of longer excursions, making it an excellent choice for families, first-time whale watchers, or anyone looking for a quick, memorable experience.

Key Points

• Fast, modern boat gets you quickly to whale hotspots, maximizing your viewing time.
• Knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights about whales, seabirds, and the marine environment.
• Comfort features like warm overalls and Wi-Fi keep travelers cozy and connected.
• Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but the tour offers a good chance and a free ticket if you don’t see whales.
• Flexible booking options allow you to reserve now and pay later, with full cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Ideal for those short on time or wanting a less crowded, more focused wildlife experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Whale Watching Experience

Starting Point and Convenience

The tour departs from Reykjavik’s old harbor, just a few minutes walk from the city center and most hotels. This proximity makes it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing without complicated transfers. Meeting at this central location means you can comfortably combine mountain visits, museums, or a dip in the thermal pools before heading out to sea.

The Boat: Speed and Comfort

The highlight of this tour is the high-speed, modern vessel. It’s known for its stability and safety, even in choppy waters—a big plus for anyone prone to seasickness. Many reviews mention the boat’s robust build and smooth ride, which helps keep motion sickness at bay, especially since motion sickness tablets are handed out at the start.

Onboard amenities include indoor seating and outdoor decks, providing options depending on your preference and the weather. The vessel’s latest technology helps the crew locate marine life efficiently, reducing wait times and increasing your chances of sightings.

The Itinerary: Quick but Effective

The boat sets sail and reaches the whale watching grounds in approximately 20-30 minutes, thanks to its speed. This rapid transit means more time focused on wildlife observation rather than just traveling. Once at the spot, the guides provide educational commentary about the whales, seabirds, and the marine ecosystem.

While whale sightings cannot be guaranteed—something acknowledged openly by the operator—the crew’s expertise and tracking technology often result in successful wildlife encounters. On days when whales or dolphins aren’t present, the company offers a complimentary ticket for a future trip, which many reviews praise as a generous and reassuring policy.

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Wildlife Encounters and Sightings

Most travelers hope to see minke whales, dolphins, and possibly larger species like humpbacks. Several reviews mention seeing Minke whales and dolphins up close, with some lucky travelers catching rare feeding behaviors or large whales. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge enhance the experience, turning what could be a simple boat ride into a fascinating lesson about the marine environment.

Some travelers, unfortunately, report not seeing whales on their trip. However, they still enjoyed the scenic ride, friendly crew, and the generous policy of offering free re-tries. Many reviewers express appreciation for the dedication of the guides and the comfortable, safe environment onboard.

Weather and Clothing

Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, especially at sea. The tour recommends dressing warmly, even if the day looks sunny, because it can get chilly and windy out on the water. The warm overalls provided are a big help, but bringing sunglasses is also advised to cut glare and protect your eyes from spray. Some reviews highlight the adequate gear and inside seating, which keeps everyone comfortable regardless of conditions.

Cost and Value

At $88 per person, this tour is priced quite competitively for a wildlife-focused activity with high-tech boats and knowledgeable guides. When you consider the efficiency of reaching the wildlife spots and the included amenities—like warm gear and Wi-Fi—it offers good value, especially for those with limited time.

Flexibility and Booking

The tour offers reserve-now, pay-later options and full cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it flexible for travelers with changing plans. This ease of booking is a plus in Iceland’s often unpredictable weather and travel environment.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This Whale Watching Express is perfect for travelers looking to maximize their time and still enjoy the thrill of marine wildlife. It appeals to families, first-time whale watchers, and adventurers who want a fast, fun, and informative trip. If you’re comfortable with a shorter sea voyage and are excited about seeing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, this tour won’t disappoint.

It’s also suitable for those who appreciate expert guides, modern, fast boats, and cozy onboard amenities. If weather conditions are unfavorable, the tour’s policy of offering free re-tries provides reassurance that you’ll have another chance to see these magnificent creatures.

The Sum Up

The Reykjavik Whale Watching Express offers a value-packed, engaging way to experience Iceland’s marine life. Its fast boat and knowledgeable guides ensure you spend less time traveling and more time enjoying the sights and sounds of the ocean. The comfort features and flexible booking options make it accessible and stress-free, even if weather or wildlife sightings don’t go entirely as planned.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a quick, reliable introduction to Iceland’s whales and seabirds. It’s a great choice for families, solo travelers, or anyone short on time but eager to glimpse the country’s iconic marine creatures. Though sightings are never guaranteed, the expert crew, modern vessel, and positive reviews suggest you have a very good chance—and a memorable experience—out on the water.

FAQ

• How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, including the boat ride to and from the whale watching grounds.

• Where does the tour start?

It departs from Reykjavik’s old harbor, close to most hotels and easily accessible from the city center.

• Is the boat comfortable and safe?

Yes, the boat is modern, fast, and equipped with safety features. Many reviews mention its stability and smooth ride.

• What should I wear?

Dress warmly, even if it’s sunny, because it can get chilly out at sea. The tour provides warm overalls to keep you cozy.

• Can I see whales?

Sighting whales isn’t guaranteed, but the guides are experienced and use advanced technology to locate them. If no whales are seen, you can get a free ticket for a future trip.

• What wildlife might I see?

Common sightings include minke whales, dolphins, and seabirds like puffins. Some reviews also mention seeing striped dolphins and white-beaked dolphins.

• Are there indoor seating options?

Yes, the boat offers indoor seating and outdoor decks, providing options depending on the weather and your preference.

• Is Wi-Fi available onboard?

Yes, Wi-Fi is included, helping you stay connected and share your experience.

• Can I book this tour in advance?

Absolutely. You can reserve your spot now, with the option to pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

• What if the weather is bad?

The crew will decide whether to sail based on safety and weather conditions. If the trip is canceled, you’ll be offered a full refund or reschedule.

This well-rounded, efficient whale watching tour provides a fantastic glimpse into Iceland’s marine wildlife, balanced with comfort and expert guidance—making it a worthwhile addition to any Iceland itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: