Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide

Traveling to Iceland and looking for a true taste of its wild, watery world? The whale watching experience from Reykjavík offers just that—an authentic encounter with majestic marine creatures in Faxaflói Bay. We haven’t personally set out on this adventure, but based on detailed reviews and tour descriptions, this trip promises a memorable peek into Iceland’s rich maritime ecosystem with a good dose of comfort and education.

What we love about this tour is the focus on comfort—a spacious, well-equipped vessel and supplied overalls make braving the sea much easier. Plus, the expert guides and engaging onboard app promise an educational experience that’s accessible, even if you’re new to marine biology. The possibility of spotting multiple whale species and dolphins keeps the excitement high. On the flip side, potential travelers should keep in mind that wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed—a natural truth of wildlife tours—and weather conditions can sometimes make the trip less smooth.

This tour is ideal for anyone who appreciates a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and learning. Families, solo travelers, or couples eager to see Atlantic whales with friendly, knowledgeable guides will find it especially appealing. Be prepared for some chilly weather, but rest assured, the onboard amenities and safety measures help turn a blustery day into a memorable experience.

Key Points

• Comfortable Experience: Spacious vessel Andrea and provided overalls keep you warm and relaxed.
• Educational & Interactive: Guides share fascinating insights, supported by an onboard app in five languages.
• Wildlife Guarantee: No whales? You get a free ticket for another trip—no worries about a wasted day.
• Flexible Options: Multiple departure times, including a speedier Express tour during summer months.
• All-Inclusive Feel: Indoor seating, WiFi, and a café make the trip more enjoyable.
• Authentic Encounters: Many reviewers highlight sightings of humpbacks, orcas, dolphins, and more, with some experiencing multiple species.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Whale Watching Tour

Starting Point & Logistics

The adventure begins at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, just a five-minute walk from the city centre. The meeting spot, marked by blue “Whale Watching” flags, makes it easy to find. The tour is operated by Special Tours Iceland, a reputable provider with years of experience. For those who prefer, optional hotel transfers are available for a fee, though many find the walk straightforward.

The tour lasts between 2 and 3 hours, with specific departure times ranging from morning to late evening, especially during summer. This flexibility means you can pick a slot that fits your Iceland itinerary, whether you’re an early riser or prefer an afternoon outing.

The Vessel & Comfort

The flagship vessel, Andrea, is Iceland’s largest whale-watching ship. Its size means plenty of space for passengers, which many reviews praise—critics often comment on how roomy the decks are and how easy it is to find a comfortable spot. Inside, heated seating and panoramic windows ensure good visibility, even in less-than-ideal weather.

The crew supplies warm overalls (including children’s sizes), a thoughtful touch that turns a chilly ride into a cozy one. Many reviews mention how these overalls, combined with the indoor heated areas, make the experience enjoyable even in cold or rainy conditions.

The Voyage & Wildlife Watching

Once aboard, you’ll cruise into Faxaflói Bay, an area known for its diverse marine life. The crew, along with experienced guides, actively work to locate whales and dolphins. Multiple reviews mention how dedicated and knowledgeable the guides are, often sharing interesting facts about the animals’ behaviors and the local ecosystem.

Sightings vary, but many travelers report seeing minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and sometimes orcas. A common praise is the guides’ ability to point out whales even at a distance, often with the help of onboard technology and binoculars.

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Educational & Interactive Elements

This tour isn’t just about looking at whales; it’s about understanding them. The onboard app, available in five languages, enhances the experience with detailed information about the marine animals, their behaviors, and the environment. On deck, displays of whale bones, baleen plates, and teeth provide tactile engagement and visual context.

Travelers appreciate the enthusiasm and expertise of guides. One review notes, “Great knowledge of the location and behaviors of whales,” which helps make the sightings more meaningful. Guides are approachable, happy to answer questions or share stories, which adds a personal touch.

Sightings & the Wildlife Guarantee

Wildlife sightings are inherently unpredictable, and this is recognized by the tour operator. Still, many reviews emphasize the high success rate—often seeing several whales and dolphins during a trip. For those unlucky enough not to spot anything, the company offers a free ticket for another trip, which many travelers find reassuring.

According to reviews, some lucky groups have seen up to eight whales in a single outing, including breaching humpbacks and orcas. Others appreciated how the guides kept the mood lively, even when the sea was rough or sightings were sparse.

Food & Amenities Onboard

Feeling peckish? The onboard café offers snacks and warm drinks, which many reviewers say are reasonably priced and hit the spot. The souvenir shop provides a range of Icelandic memorabilia, perfect for remembering the trip or bringing a gift home.

WiFi is available on board, allowing you to share photos or research sightings in real time. The indoor seating, combined with large windows, means you can stay comfortable while still enjoying the view.

Price & Value Analysis

The tour costs about $90 per person, which for many is a reasonable investment considering the potential for multiple whale sightings, expert guidance, and onboard comfort. The value is especially high if you’re lucky enough to see whales, but the free re-ride policy adds peace of mind—you’re not just throwing money into the sea.

Compared to other Icelandic whale tours, this offering balances price, comfort, and educational value well. The larger vessel and included amenities help justify the cost, especially when you consider that many reviews mention high satisfaction and frequent sightings.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience appeals most to travelers who want a relaxed, educational, and comfortable whale watching outing. Families with children will appreciate the safety and indoor facilities, while solo adventurers and couples will enjoy the chance to learn from passionate guides. It’s also an excellent choice for those who value wildlife guarantees, knowing they’ll have a second chance if they don’t see whales the first time.

When to Go

Summer months (June through September) are the best time for whale watching, with more consistent sightings and longer daylight hours. However, tours run year-round, and some reviews mention sightings in colder months, although less reliably. The Express tour during summer can save time and get you to the whales faster, which is perfect for those on a tight schedule.

The Sum Up

This whale watching tour from Reykjavík offers a well-rounded, comfortable, and educational experience that’s suitable for a broad range of travelers. The large, stable vessel combined with supplied overalls ensures comfort, while the guides’ knowledge helps turn a simple boat ride into a meaningful encounter with Iceland’s marine life. The wildlife guarantee provides peace of mind, and the onboard amenities make the journey more enjoyable regardless of weather.

For those eager to see whales in their natural habitat without sacrificing comfort or educational value, this tour hits the right notes. It’s especially well-suited for families, first-time visitors to Iceland, or anyone who enjoys a leisurely, informative outing on the water.

If you’re prepared for the possibility of no sightings (which is part of wildlife watching), this tour promises a memorable voyage with the potential for awe-inspiring encounters. Pack warm layers, bring your curiosity, and prepare to be captivated by Iceland’s ocean giants—an experience that often becomes a highlight of any Iceland trip.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching tour?
Most tours last between 2 and 3 hours, but check the specific departure time for your booking.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, only a short walk from the city center, and ends back at the same spot.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tours are wheelchair accessible and provide children’s sizes of warm overalls, making it family-friendly.

What should I wear?
Bring warm, layered clothing and waterproof outerwear. The vessel supplies overalls to help keep you dry and warm.

Can I get a refund if I don’t see any whales?
Yes, if no whales or dolphins are sighted, you’ll receive a free ticket to try again on another day.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there is an onboard café with snacks and warm beverages at reasonable prices.

Is WiFi available onboard?
Yes, free WiFi is offered, so you can share photos or check other info during the trip.

Would I recommend this tour?
Absolutely—if you’re looking for a comfortable, educational, and wildlife-focused trip, this offers great value and many satisfied reviews.

You can check availability for your dates here: