Whales in the bay, right from Reykjavik. I like that this trip sails straight from the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavik, and you’re not stuck staring at pictures—you’re scanning real water for whale blows. Add the provided warm flotation overalls, and it feels built for getting outside, even when the wind comes off the bay.

My second favorite part is the comfort setup: heated indoor cabins, a toilet onboard, free Wi‑Fi, and even a bar for drinks you can buy. One thing to think about first: this isn’t suitable for people prone to seasickness, even though you do get complimentary seasickness tablets.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Old Harbour departure keeps the morning simple and central, in downtown Reykjavik
• Faxaflói Bay wildlife chances include Minke, Humpback, dolphins, porpoises, and sometimes Killer whales
• Warm overalls + heated indoor cabin help you stay outside without freezing your toes off
• Bar drinks and free Wi‑Fi make the downtime between sightings less dull
• Second-tour ticket if no sightings is a rare bit of insurance

Setting out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour at 9:00

This is a straightforward morning outing that starts with location convenience. You meet at Geirsgata 11 at the Special Tours office about 30 minutes before departure, then you’re on your way to the harbor where the boat leaves at 9:00 AM. Plan to arrive early, not because you need to rush, but because you’ll feel better when you’re not trying to time cold sidewalks with a tight departure.

The tour lasts 3.5 hours total, and the whale-watching time is listed as about 2.5 hours on the water. That timing matters. Two and a half hours is long enough to learn the rhythm—scan, wait for a spout, then adjust your angle—without turning into an all-day weather gamble.

Even if you’re new to whale watching, the boat is designed to make the experience manageable. You’re given warm flotation overalls, and there’s a heated indoor cabin to duck into when you need a breather. In Iceland, that’s a huge part of enjoying the trip rather than just surviving it.

What you’re actually hunting for in Faxaflói Bay

Faxaflói Bay sits close to Reykjavik, so you get ocean action without traveling far. The operator’s target species list is clear, and it’s the heart of deciding whether to go: you keep an eye out for Minke and Humpback whales, plus dolphins and porpoises.

Here’s how that plays out in real time. You’ll be on the lookout for signs before the whales fully surface—usually the quick drama of a blow, then movement at the surface, then more time waiting for the next change. Minke whales can be more subtle, while Humpbacks are sometimes easier to spot when you catch the timing of their surfacing.

You’re also told to watch for harbour porpoises, and there’s even a chance of Killer whales. That doesn’t mean you’ll see them. But the fact that Killer whales are on the lookout list tells you the area can have bigger surprises when conditions are right.

Overhead birdlife is another big part of the experience. You might see seabirds circling and swooping as you scan the water. It’s not just a nice extra—birds can hint that there’s activity happening below, which helps you stay focused on the right patches of water.

The onboard comfort that makes the difference in cold weather

A lot of whale watching in cold places comes down to comfort, and this tour is built around that. First, you get warm flotation overalls. They’re the kind of practical layer you’ll be glad you didn’t try to “figure out later” with a mismatched coat and gloves that don’t seal well.

Next, you can relax in heated indoor cabins. That matters because you can’t spend the entire 2.5 hours outside without paying for it. Having a warm indoor space is what lets you keep your eyes on the water when it counts, then recover quickly when you need it.

There’s also a toilet onboard, which sounds basic, but it’s one of those details that makes a short tour feel civilized. And because the cabin is heated, you can wait for sightings without turning the whole outing into a battle against the elements.

If you’re sensitive to motion, take this seriously. This tour is explicitly marked as not suitable for people prone to seasickness. You still get complimentary seasickness tablets, but the operator’s label is the best clue. If you know you’re the person who feels awful on boats, choose a different experience.

Live English-guided scanning: how the crew helps you spot whales

You’re not just dropped onto a boat and left to guess what you’re looking at. The tour includes professional guides, and you’ll have a live tour guide in English. That’s valuable because whale watching has a learning curve.

Even with a species list, the experience is more than a checklist. A good guide helps you understand where to look, what kinds of surface behavior can mean whales nearby, and how to interpret the patterns—like when the water calms and then suddenly starts showing signs of movement.

This is also where the “morning” aspect helps. You often start with clearer focus and better energy than you would later in the day, and you’re more likely to be fully present instead of half-asleep.

Wi‑Fi, the bar, and small wins that keep the trip fun

I like that the tour doesn’t try to make the onboard time feel like dead waiting. There’s free Wi‑Fi onboard, so you can message home, plan your next stop, or just catch up without draining your phone battery in the cold.

There’s also a bar with drinks available for purchase. You shouldn’t count on the bar to save the trip—you’ll still want to be outside looking—but it’s a nice option if you warm up quickly inside and want something to take the edge off the weather.

And because snacks and beverages aren’t included, you’ll want to think about fueling yourself before you arrive (or bring what you personally like). Knowing it’s pay-as-you-go for food and drinks helps you avoid that last-minute decision stress.

Price and value: what you get for $103

At about $103 per person for a 3.5-hour morning tour, this isn’t the cheapest thing you can do in Reykjavik. But the value is in the package, not in the time alone.

You’re paying for a guided boat trip with:

• warm flotation overalls
• heated indoor cabins
• onboard toilet facilities
• complimentary seasickness tablets
• free Wi‑Fi
• English live guiding
• and a key “if you don’t see whales” perk: a complimentary ticket for a second tour if there are no sightings

That last one can swing the math. Whale watching is never guaranteed. The second-tour ticket is essentially the operator saying, We’ll try again, so your money doesn’t disappear if the ocean gives you a blank day.

One more practical value note: departure is at 9:00 AM. That makes the tour useful even if you’re spending other parts of your day exploring museums, soaking in hot pools, or just walking around the city. You’re not losing half a day to logistics.

Itinerary in real life: from Geirsgata 11 back to the same spot

Here’s the basic flow, and why it feels simple.

You meet at the Special Tours office at Geirsgata 11, 30 minutes before the 9:00 AM departure. That buffer helps you settle in, get comfortable with what to expect, and avoid the panic of being late in the cold.

Then the boat heads out, and the core whale-watching portion is listed as about 2.5 hours in Faxaflói Bay. This is the chunk where you’ll spend most of your time scanning for Minke and Humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises, with an eye out for Killer whales if conditions align.

Finally, you return to Geirsgata 11. Since the tour finishes where it starts, you don’t need to rearrange your plans for a different neighborhood or wrestle with a late-day ride.

If pickup is your plan, note that it’s offered for an extra charge. If you’re staying central, it may be easier to make your own way to the meeting point rather than paying more for transportation.

What to bring for a smoother morning on the water

This tour is gear-friendly, but you still need to show up prepared. Bring:

• warm clothing (layers beat one thick coat)
• a camera if you want to capture blows and birds overhead
• water

You’ll receive overalls, but you’ll still want warm layers underneath. Reykjavik mornings can feel sharp even when the sun is out, so treat this like a cold-weather day, not a mild seaside stroll.

Also, if you’re bringing a phone or camera, keep them secure. Wind and spray are part of the deal on open water, and you’ll want your equipment ready when something surfaces fast.

Who should book this and who should skip it

This tour is a good fit if you:

• want wildlife right outside Reykjavik without committing to a full day
• like the idea of warm indoor cabin time between outdoor scanning
• appreciate guided spotting, not just hoping for luck
• want a realistic chance at multiple species (not only one whale type)

It’s not a good fit if you:

• are prone to seasickness, since the tour isn’t suitable for that
• want food included (snacks and beverages are available to buy onboard)
• need pickup included in the base price (pickup costs extra)

Wheelchair access is noted, which is a meaningful plus if you need an inclusive option.

Should you book Reykjavik: Whale Watching Morning Expedition?

I think this is worth booking if you care about being comfortable while you wait for wildlife and you like the idea of a second attempt through the complimentary ticket if there are no sightings. The combination of warm flotation overalls, heated indoor space, and a guided experience makes it more than just a boat ride.

I would skip it if motion sickness is your weak spot. The tour gives seasickness tablets, but the “not suitable” note is there for a reason.

If you’re visiting Reykjavik and you want one morning that’s active, scenic, and focused on real animal sightings, this expedition is a solid choice. Just go in with the right expectations: the ocean decides what shows up, and your job is to stay warm, stay patient, and keep your eyes moving when the guides call attention to the water.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the Special Tours office at Geirsgata 11, about 30 minutes before departure.

What time does the tour start?

It departs at 9:00 AM.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is 3.5 hours, with about 2.5 hours spent whale watching.

What animals can you see on this trip?

You keep an eye out for Minke and Humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and there’s even a chance of Killer whales.

What’s included with the price?

Included are professional guides, warm flotation overalls, free Wi‑Fi, heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities, complimentary seasickness tablets, and a complimentary ticket for a second tour if there are no sightings.

Are snacks and drinks included?

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

Does the tour provide seasickness help?

Yes. Complimentary seasickness tablets are provided.

Is pickup included?

No. Pickup is offered for an extra charge.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring warm clothing, a camera, and water.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It’s wheelchair accessible, but it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.