Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour, Whales of Iceland Exhibition

Traveling to Iceland and looking to see its iconic whales in their natural environment? This whale watching tour combined with the Whales of Iceland Museum offers a balanced mix of adventure and education. While it’s not guaranteed you’ll spot whales every time, the experience delivers plenty of memorable moments, especially thanks to its knowledgeable guides and well-organized itinerary.

What we love about this tour is its generous boat size, which provides stability and comfort, along with the chance to see marine wildlife like humpbacks, dolphins, and porpoises. The visit to the interactive museum is a bonus for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of these majestic creatures. A possible consideration is that whale sightings are never guaranteed, depending on the season and luck. Still, with the opportunity to re-try for free, it’s a low-risk adventure best suited for travelers eager for a genuine Icelandic marine experience, whether seasoned wildlife enthusiasts or first-time visitors.

Key Points

• Large boat ensures comfort and stability during the 3.5-hour trip
• Wildlife sightings include humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises
• Interactive Whales of Iceland Museum offers life-sized models and VR experiences
• Flexible itinerary allows you to choose the order of activities
• Re-visit option available if no whales are seen during your tour
• Kid-friendly with available sizes of thermal overalls and accessible facilities

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Starting at Reykjavík’s Old Harbor, this tour draws you into the lively maritime scene of Iceland’s capital. The boat, one of the largest whale-watching vessels in Iceland, offers plenty of space for passengers, which is a real plus on a sometimes windy North Atlantic day. The boat’s size helps with stability and offers clear views from multiple angles, so everyone has a good chance to spot whales and marine life.

Once aboard, you’ll set sail into Faxaflói Bay, a hotspot for marine activity. The guides, praised for their knowledge and friendliness, help you identify the most common species like minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and the occasional humpback whale. We’ve seen reviews where travelers specifically mention the guides’ ability to train you on how to spot whales, which adds an educational layer to the fun. Expect about three hours on the water, which is enough time to enjoy the scenic views and hopefully some wildlife encounters.

While whale sightings can’t be guaranteed, the tour offers a free re-visit ticket for those who don’t see anything. This policy demonstrates confidence in Iceland’s whale populations and provides peace of mind. Many reviews mention seeing dolphins and humpbacks, with some lucky travelers even witnessing whales breach—an unforgettable moment.

After the boat trip, you’ll stroll over to the Whales of Iceland Exhibition located at Fiskislod 23. Here, you’ll find 23 life-size whale models representing all species found in Icelandic waters. The exhibit is interactive, featuring virtual reality headsets, audio guides, and videos. Reviewers rave about the size of the models and how well they help visualize what’s underwater. It’s a great way to put the sightings into context and satisfy curiosity about whale biology and behavior.

Marine Wildlife: What You Might See (and What You Might Not)

The most common sightings include minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises, which are frequently observed by guides. Some travelers report seeing humpback whales, with a few lucky ones catching a breach or playful activity. One review mentioned “three humpbacks playing around the boat,” which underscores how dynamic whale watching can be.

The seasonality matters. The best whale watching in Iceland is during summer months (April–September), though many travelers still find December through March rewarding, thanks to the chance to see dolphins and other marine mammals. Keep in mind that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the tour’s policy of a free re-visit encourages a no-pressure approach.

The Museum: An Educational Complement

The Whales of Iceland Museum offers a rundown of whale species in Icelandic waters. The large models are impressive in size, giving visitors a true sense of scale. The virtual reality and audio guides make it a lively, engaging experience, especially for children or those keen to learn more about whale anatomy and ecology.

Many reviews highlight the value of the museum as a learning tool that complements the boat trip. One traveler called it a “great way of putting what we saw into context,” especially since the models are so detailed and realistic. It’s a quieter, relaxed environment after the sometimes windy boat ride, perfect for reflection and photos.

The café within the museum offers coffee and pastries, ideal for a quick refresh. It’s a calm environment that adds to the overall value of the experience.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, with two daily departures at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. It’s priced at $119 per person, which includes the guided boat ride, museum entry, thermal overalls (a true lifesaver in cold weather), WiFi, and the option to return for free if no whales are seen. This makes it a solid value for an immersive half-day adventure.

Meeting at the partner’s office in Reykjavík is straightforward, and the activity ends back at the same location. Since hotel transfers aren’t included, travelers should plan to meet directly at the designated spot or arrange local transportation.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and the provided audio guides are available in several languages, including English, German, Spanish, Chinese, and others, making it accessible for international travelers.

Weather can be chilly, even in summer, so layered clothing and sturdy shoes are essential. The tour provides thermal overalls on the boat, which help keep you warm, but it’s wise to bring hats and gloves. Sunscreen in summer is recommended to protect against UV reflection off the water.

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What Real Travelers Say

The reviews reflect a generally high satisfaction level, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 from 173 reviews. Many mention the guides’ expertise and the thrill of whale sightings. One noted, “The guides were knowledgeable, and we saw many humpbacks and dolphins,” while another appreciated the size and comfort of the boat.

Several travelers highlight the museum as a worthwhile addition, with one saying, “The museum was such a great way of putting what we saw into context.” Others appreciated the chance to revisit the tour for free if they didn’t see whales, emphasizing the value and confidence in the service.

On the practical side, some reviewers mention windy conditions making hearing guides a bit tricky, and dirty windows on the boat, but these are minor compared to the overall positive experience.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This whale watching adventure is an excellent choice for travelers who want more than just a boat ride. It’s ideal for those interested in marine life, nature, or Icelandic wildlife. The combination of a large, comfortable boat and an interactive museum makes it suitable for families, nature buffs, and curious travelers alike.

If you’re looking for a value-packed half-day with potential for extraordinary wildlife sightings, this tour checks many boxes. While whales are wild animals and sightings can’t be guaranteed, the re-visit policy offers reassurance. Plus, the educational aspect enriches the experience, especially for those who want to understand what they’re seeing.

This tour balances adventure and learning, providing a well-rounded Icelandic marine experience at a fair price point. It’s a great way to connect with the ocean and its inhabitants, making memories that last well beyond your trip.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, including the boat ride and museum visit.

What is included in the tour price?
Your ticket covers the guided boat tour, thermal overalls, WiFi, museum entrance, and the option to re-visit free of charge if no whales are seen.

Are there specific departure times?
Yes, tours depart at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM daily; check availability when booking.

Can I visit the museum separately?
The museum visit is included with your ticket, and you can do it either before or after the boat trip, depending on your preference.

What marine animals are commonly seen?
Expect to see minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and sometimes humpbacks.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and children are welcome, with thermal overalls available in smaller sizes.

What should I wear?
Layered clothing, sturdy shoes, and a hat are recommended. Thermal overalls are provided onboard for warmth.

What happens if I don’t see any whales?
You’ll receive a free re-visit ticket to try again on another day.

Is transportation to the meeting point provided?
No, transportation isn’t included, so plan to meet at the designated office in Reykjavík.

To sum it up, this combined whale watching and museum experience offers a thoughtful blend of adventure and education at a reasonable price. With friendly guides, ample opportunities to see marine life, and a chance to learn about whales up close, it’s a worthwhile addition for anyone eager to explore Iceland’s oceanic wildlife. Just remember, patience and layers are key—whale sightings are never guaranteed, but the journey itself is often rewarding enough.

You can check availability for your dates here: