From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour

Your chance to see humpbacks and dolphins starts right in Reykjavik harbor. This 3 to 3.5-hour whale-watching outing takes you toward Faxaflói Bay, with stops and cruising that focus on finding whales while you enjoy the coast and wildlife all around.

I especially liked two things: the heated indoor cabins (a real sanity saver when the wind picks up) and the guides who are both funny and packed with real facts. If you get a guide like Lukas or Patrik, expect a lot of humor and very sharp whale-spotting tips.

One thing to consider: whale watching is never guaranteed, and some days can be quieter than others. Still, the crew works hard to keep you on the water longer when sightings are slow.

Key Points You Should Know Before You Go

• Overalls + heated cabin: you stay warm outside without turning the trip into a shivering contest
• Faxaflói Bay focus: the route is built around whale and dolphin habitat, not random cruising
• Guides scan for signals: birds and water activity help them judge where whales might be
• Real-world comfort: WiFi onboard, toilets in the heated area, and seasickness tablets are included
• Second chance if no sightings: you can get a complimentary ticket for another tour
• Views depend on weather and crowding: choose your spot early for the best sightlines

From Geirsgata 11 to the Sea: Getting Started Right

The experience begins at Geirsgata 11, at the Special Tours ticket office. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes early so you’re not rushing when you’re already cold, excited, and ready to go.

Before you head out to the bay, you get a short guided tour time in Reykjavik. It’s brief, but it helps you understand what you’re looking for once the boat is underway—especially how Icelandic wildlife and seabirds often give clues about what’s happening below.

Then it’s off across the water with the main goal in mind: spending your time where whales and dolphins are most likely to show up.

Kollafjörður Cruising: Birds, a Small Island, and Calm Moments

On the way toward Faxaflói Bay, the route includes cruising past Kollafjörður, described as a quiet coastal area with an island and lots of bird life. Even before the big “where are the whales” moments happen, this stretch adds a different feel—less hunt mode, more Iceland coastline watching.

If the weather is decent, you’ll likely enjoy the scenery as the coast opens up. If it’s windy, you’ll probably spend more time shifting between deck and cabin, which is normal on this kind of tour.

This part matters because it sets expectations. You’re not just waiting for a whale. You’re learning how the ocean looks when marine life is active.

Faxaflói Bay: Where You’re Really Looking for Minke, Humpbacks, and Dolphins

The core of the trip happens at Faxaflói Bay, with about two hours focused on dolphin watching and whale watching. The targets include minke whales and humpback whales, plus dolphins that can pop up quickly and vanish just as fast.

Based on what’s been described in many successful outings, you might also spot other wildlife along the way. Reviews mention puffins and seals showing up during whale time, which is a nice bonus when you’re lucky enough to be there during active periods.

You also get that classic whale-watching rhythm: the guide points out signs, people scan the water, and then suddenly everyone’s looking at the same spot. When humpbacks are active, you can get long stretches of watching them surface and move around the boat’s area, not just a quick glimpse.

A realistic note on “how close” you get

Expect to watch from the boat (not from a water-to-whale swim). One reviewer noted that it’s not about being right on top of the whales in the most literal sense. That said, multiple reports describe whale sightings that are very satisfying—sometimes with whales swimming near the boat for a while.

The Boat Comfort Setup: Overalls, Heated Cabins, WiFi, and Bathroom Access

Cold water and wind are part of the deal in Iceland. The big advantage here is that your comfort is handled for you.

You’re provided flotation overalls, which reviews repeatedly call out as making a big difference when you’re out on deck. The overalls help with the wind-chill factor, so you can actually stay outside long enough to catch a surface moment instead of sprinting back inside every five minutes.

Inside, there are heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities. This is huge on a tour that runs around three and a half hours. You’ll also find WiFi on board, which is handy if you want a short break or if you’re traveling with kids.

They also include seasickness tablets. That doesn’t mean you’ll feel sick, but it’s comforting to know you’re not stuck with the “guess and hope” plan.

One more practical perk: onboard snacks and drinks are available for purchase, so you can warm up with something hot instead of relying only on whatever the sea air does to your appetite.

How the Guides Really Add Value: Spotting Skills and Funny, Clear Narration

The guide experience is one of the strongest reasons to pick this tour. Many reports mention guides who are both informative and funny, keeping people engaged while still staying alert for wildlife.

Names that come up include Lukas and Patrik (and in one case Patrick), and the common thread is how the guides help you “read” the water. They don’t just say look over there. They explain what to watch for—often connecting what you see in the sky (birds) with what might be happening in the ocean.

A few people also mention the crew and skipper actively navigating to the best locations to increase the chance of sightings. That matters because whale watching is partly luck, but it’s also strategy: being in the right area at the right time.

On the practical side, guides also help you know when to stay on deck and when it’s worth retreating into the warm cabin.

Timing and Sighting Chances: Why You May See Lots, or See Nothing

Whale watching has a simple truth: it can be a hit or miss day. What you can control is how the company responds when sightings are slow.

Several accounts describe the tour staying out longer to improve the odds, including a report of an extra 40 minutes. Even if you don’t get whales immediately, that extra time can be the difference between a sad return and a trip you remember for years.

You should also know that, for environmental reasons, boats may be shared with another activity partner during certain times of year. The operator also tries to keep the water less crowded, which is better for wildlife and better for the overall “less noise, fewer boats” vibe.

If weather is rough, you’ll feel it. One reviewer described choppy water and said the captain navigated in a way that helped them avoid feeling too bad. Still, bring layers and expect deck time to be colder than cabin time.

Price and Value: Is $103 Worth It for 3.5 Hours?

At $103 per person for about 3.5 hours, the value depends on what you care about: comfort, guidance, and your chance to maximize sightings.

This isn’t just a boat ride. It includes a lot that you’d otherwise pay for:

• Flotation overalls for warmth and protection
• Heated cabins with toilet access
• WiFi on board
• Seasickness tablets
• Guides and live narration
• A complimentary second tour ticket if you don’t have sightings

That second-chance piece is a big deal. It doesn’t turn “no whales” into “always whales,” but it does reduce the risk that you waste half a day for nothing.

And in the days when the whales show up, the tour’s structure pays off: you’re not just passing through. You’re spending time in the bay area looking for minke and humpbacks, plus dolphins and other wildlife.

If you’re traveling in Iceland during a short stay and you really want the water-view experience, this price can feel fair—especially because the comfort kit is handled.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)

I think this tour fits best if you want:

• a half-day adventure from Reykjavik with marine wildlife as the main goal
• solid comfort for cold weather (overalls + heated indoor space)
• a guide who actually helps you spot animals

It’s also a good match for families. One review mentions bringing kids and using the warm dry cabin and onboard WiFi as a break when needed.

If you’re someone who hates any chance of cold wind, you might find deck time hard. But the tour is built around that reality, with heated space ready when you need it.

Also consider the nature of whale watching. If you need guaranteed sightings, no tour can promise that. What this one seems to do well is working hard for chances and offering a second outing if sightings don’t happen.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Whale Watching Tour?

Yes, I’d book it if whale and dolphin sightings are a top priority for your Iceland trip—and especially if you like the idea of being warm, informed, and guided while you search.

Here’s my quick decision rule:

• Book if you want comfortable deck-to-cabin flexibility and you’ll appreciate expert spotting help.
• Think twice if you’re the type who gets miserable in rough seas or you truly can’t handle the possibility of a quiet outing.

If you can handle cold weather with layers and overalls, this tour offers a strong mix of real wildlife potential and onboard comfort, with guides who make the time on the water feel worth it even when the whales are taking their sweet time.

FAQ

What time do I need to arrive at Geirsgata 11?

Plan to arrive about 30 minutes early at the Special Tours ticket office at Geirsgata 11.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 3.5 hours, with around two hours at the Faxaflói Bay whale and dolphin area.

What animals can I expect to see?

The tour focuses on minke whales and humpback whales, along with dolphins. You may also see other wildlife such as birds and seals.

Are flotation overalls included?

Yes. Flotation overalls are included, and they can make a big difference in wind and cold on deck.

Is there indoor space on the boat?

Yes. There are heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities.

Do I need to bring my own seasickness medication?

Seasickness tablets are included, but you should still dress for cold weather and consider what you personally need.

Can I buy snacks or drinks during the tour?

Snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board, but they are not included in the ticket price.

What happens if there are no whale sightings?

If there are no sightings, you get a complimentary ticket for a second tour.