From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour

Whales in Iceland’s Atlantic feel startlingly close. This 3.5-hour Reykjavik Sailors cruise targets humpback whales and dolphins in Faxaflói Bay, with expert English guidance and the kind of warmth that keeps you sane out on the water. I love that it is not just a toss-the-hope-at-the-ocean kind of trip.

I also like the way the boat crew and guides work together to increase your chances, including the free second tour idea when wildlife is shy. The one drawback is simple: whale watching is never guaranteed, and weather can change visibility and timing.

Key things to know before you go

• Faxaflói Bay is the main draw for humpbacks, minke whales, and dolphins.
• Warmth is built in, from flotation overalls to heated indoor cabins.
• Bird activity helps you read the water, explained during the search.
• Guides bring energy, with hands-on spotting tips and lively narration (including Lukas and Patrick in recent outings).
• You are not stuck if you strike out, thanks to the included return option.

Faxaflói Bay whale watching: why this tour feels worth it

If Iceland has a superpower, it is making nature do the talking. This Reykjavik whale watching tour is designed for that exact feeling: you cruise out far enough to have real search time, then you slow down when life shows up. The goal is not just to “go whale watching.” It is to actually look for whales where they might be, and to stay comfortable while you do it.

The other reason I like this one is the balance. You get the real sea part, including cold Atlantic wind and the rocking boat moments. But you also get a warm plan for the in-between time. On a half-day tour, that matters more than people think.

What species you’re hoping to see

The tour focuses on:

• Humpback whales
• Minke whales
• Dolphins

In practice, your sightings can include other wildlife too. Recent guides have called out seals and seabirds along the way, and the bird spotting is not just filler. Birds often tip you off that food is nearby, which makes whale spotting more likely.

Geirsgata 11 and the short Reykjavík start

Your day starts at Geirsgata 11, at the Special Tours ticket office. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early, because you want time for a smooth check-in and to get suited up before the boat leaves.

There is also a 30-minute guided Reykjavík portion at the start. You do not need to overthink it. Think of it as a quick, practical warm-up to the day, before you head into the water and start the real action.

This start matters for two reasons. First, it keeps the timing tight. Second, it helps you get in the right headspace. Whale watching gets easier when you know what the guide is looking for.

Kollafjöður: the quiet stop that sets the scene

Before you push toward the main area, you sail toward Kollafjöður. This is one of those Iceland coastal moments where the water is calmer and the surroundings do the entertaining. You are not just waiting for whales. You are building awareness.

Kollafjöður is described as a tranquil haven with a bird-filled vibe and an island feel to it. That matters because it changes how you watch. Instead of scanning only for blows and fins, you also notice patterns: bird behavior, sudden changes on the surface, and the way the water looks when something is feeding.

If you like the “search” part of whale watching, this leg is a good warm-up.

The chase in Faxaflói Bay: dolphins, humpbacks, and patience

Once you reach Faxaflói Bay, the tour turns into the main event. This is where you spend about two hours actively looking for dolphins and whales, with guide commentary as your moving map.

How spotting usually works

Whales are not stationary, so spotting is an art. Guides use what they can see in real time, then adjust the boat’s position. In recent outings, guides have also timed their scanning for the moments when whales surface and show more activity.

You can also watch for what the guide is monitoring from the boat:

• Where birds are gathering
• Where the water looks disturbed
• Where the guide calls out signs of feeding behavior

Sea conditions tip that actually helps

Even with heated cabins, the deck can feel harsh when the sea is rough. If you get even mild motion sickness, consider using the seasickness tablets provided. You’ll be more comfortable switching between deck views and warm cabin time.

And if you are hoping for a photo, position yourself early. When the whale shows up, everyone wants the same spot at the same time.

The view: mountains, a ring of peaks, and Snaefellsjökull on clear days

One of the underrated parts of this tour is that the scenery is not just background. The bay sits in an impressive setting, with a mountain ring visible on the horizon. On clear days, you may also get a sight of Snaefellsjökull Glacier standing out among the peaks.

That matters because it reduces the letdown factor. Even if the whales are late, you still have strong Iceland visuals while you wait. And on many days, whale watching and scenery go together like they were designed that way.

What the guide does: why the narration can make or break the trip

The biggest consistency in the feedback is not about whale luck. It is about the people running the trip.

Guides like Lukas and Patrick/Patrik have been praised for being:

• clear about what they’re seeing
• fun while still serious about scanning
• good at keeping passengers engaged during the search

You can think of this as the difference between spotting and watching. Spotting is random. Watching is guided.

A good guide also helps you understand whale behavior. That gives you something to do besides stare. It turns the sighting into a richer moment because you know what you are seeing, whether it is a surfacing pattern, a breach, or dolphins moving around the boat.

Comfort on the water: overalls, heated cabins, WiFi, and toilets

This is where the tour earns its good value fast.

You get flotation overalls for warmth when you’re outside. Reviews mention these as a real lifesaver in wind and cold, and you will feel it most when the boat changes speed or turns to get into a better position.

Inside, you have:

• heated indoor cabins
• toilet facilities
• WiFi on board

That combination matters on a windy day. You can take a deck turn, then warm up without the whole trip becoming misery management.

There is also mention of onboard hot drinks and even simple snack options like waffles. If you come prepared for cold weather but still like a hot break, that kind of onboard option makes the day easier.

The photos and the included second tour if sightings are limited

Two features here can save your trip, even if the whales do not cooperate.

Photos during the tour

There is a photographer on board who captures moments when whales appear, and the photos can be downloaded online. That is practical because on a moving boat in real sea conditions, it is hard to get a perfect shot yourself. It also means you can enjoy the moment without burning your battery and shaking your arms.

Second tour when sightings are limited

A standout included perk is a complimentary ticket for a second tour in case of no sightings. This is a big deal for whale watching, where “hit or miss” is not a complaint, it is reality.

Even when you do see wildlife, that safety net reduces stress. You can walk into the trip thinking, I am going to try hard to find whales, and if it does not happen today, I have options.

Price and value: is about $103 fair for 3.5 hours?

At $103 per person for around 3.5 hours, this tour sits in the mid-range for Reykjavik half-day whale watching. What makes the price feel more reasonable is what is included, not just the boat time.

You are getting:

• the whale watching cruise and guide time
• warm overalls
• heated cabins and toilets
• WiFi
• seasickness tablets
• a second tour option if no sightings happen

Snacks and drinks are extra, but you can purchase them onboard. Also, there is no pickup included, so you need to make it to Geirsgata 11 on your own.

For me, the best value signal is this: the comfort and equipment are included, not sold as upgrades. When weather is unpredictable, that can be the difference between a trip you remember with joy versus a trip you remember as a cold struggle.

Timing and group reality: where you stand matters

Even when the crew is excellent, the ocean has the final say. If sightings are active, you will see lots of sudden changes in where people stand.

There is also a common reality with popular boats: view spots can get crowded. If whale viewing is your top priority, come ready to move. Pick a viewing position early, then be flexible when the guide calls out where activity is happening.

Your best strategy is simple:

• Spend a bit of time on deck early and often
• Use the heated cabin to reset when needed
• When the guide calls a sighting, go to the spot you can see first, not the spot you hope will open up

Who this tour fits best

This is a great fit if you want:

• a half-day whale watching plan that does not eat your whole schedule
• guides who explain what you’re seeing and keep you engaged
• comfort upgrades for cold and wind, including overalls and heated space
• a reliable “we will keep searching” approach in Faxaflói Bay

It can be a good choice for families, including kids who can handle brief cold deck time. The warm cabin also gives parents an easy break point.

If you hate boats or you get severe motion sickness, you’ll still have help (seasickness tablets and indoor comfort), but you should think twice and plan carefully.

Should you book this Reykjavik whale watching tour?

Book it if you want a practical Reykjavik whale watching experience with strong comfort support, lively guiding, and a real chance of humpbacks and dolphins in Faxaflói Bay.

Skip it only if you are very inflexible about weather-related changes or if you cannot handle being out on the water for a few hours. Whale watching is unpredictable by nature, but this tour is built to make that unpredictability feel manageable, not crushing.

If you’re choosing this one as a top activity in Reykjavík, go prepared for cold, arrive on time at Geirsgata 11, and give the guide your full attention during the search. That is when the trip turns from sightseeing into a story you’ll actually tell.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the whale watching tour?

Meet at Geirsgata 11 at the Special Tours ticket office. Arrive 30 minutes early.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 3.5 hours.

What animals can you see on this tour?

The tour focuses on minke whales, humpback whales, and dolphins. Other aquatic species and wildlife may also be spotted.

What is included in the price?

Included are the whale watching tour, guides, flotation overalls, WiFi on board, heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities, seasickness tablets, and a complimentary ticket for a second tour if there are no sightings.

Are snacks and drinks included?

No. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board.

Do I need to bring warm clothes?

Yes. Bring weather-appropriate clothing. You will also be given overalls to help you stay warm outside.

Is pickup from a hotel included?

No. Pickup service is not included and costs extra.

What about seasickness?

The tour provides seasickness tablets. Heated indoor cabins also help you take warm breaks if the sea is choppy.

Can I smoke or bring pets?

No. Smoking is not allowed, and pets are not allowed.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.