REVIEW · REYKJAVIK
Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik
Book on Viator →Operated by Reykjavik Sailors · Bookable on Viator
Whales, Harpa, and a heated boat. You’ll cruise from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour into Faxaflói Bay in search of humpback whales and other marine wildlife, with warm overalls and heated indoor space so you’re not miserable in the cold. Guides and captains focus on smart spotting, plus you’ll get comfortable bonus views back near the city.
The biggest thing to know is that whale sightings are never guaranteed. Even when the crew works hard, weather and whale behavior can affect what you see, so go in with reasonable expectations for wildlife luck.
In This Review
- Key Things to Know Before You Go
- Old Harbour Departure: Where the Bay Cruise Really Starts
- Faxaflói Bay Feeding Grounds: What You Might See
- Two Seating Areas and Outdoor Deck Time: Comfort Tactics That Matter
- Guides and Local Scouting: How You Get Better Odds
- Harpa, Mount Esja, and Snæfellsnes: The Scenic Bonus
- Getting Warm on Board: Overalls, Hot Drinks, and Practical Extras
- Free Re-Join If No Whales: How That Changes the Value
- Price and What You Really Get for $97
- Who Should Book This Whale Watching Tour
- Should You Book From Reykjavík?
- FAQ
- How long is the whale watching tour?
- How much does the tour cost?
- Is the tour offered in English?
- Where do I meet for the tour?
- What’s included on board?
- Do they provide overalls for cold weather?
- What should I bring or wear?
- Is there WiFi on board?
- What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?
Key Things to Know Before You Go
- Warm overalls + heated cabins: comfort matters when you’re out on a North Atlantic boat.
- Real local searching: the captain and guide use local know-how to find the best viewing spots.
- Two seating areas: choose the position that best matches your comfort and viewing style.
- Whales are the goal, but not the promise: nature drives the sightings.
- Free re-join if you don’t spot whales: a policy that reduces the risk.
Old Harbour Departure: Where the Bay Cruise Really Starts
Your tour begins at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, at Geirsgata 11. If you want the easiest start, show up about 30 minutes early, because you’ll need a little time to check in, get organized, and settle before departure.
From the start, you’re not stuck staring at the same horizon. As the boat leaves the harbor, you get big, open views of the Reykjavík skyline and nearby mountains, with marine wildlife research mixed into the experience through onboard talk and spotting cues. It’s a nice way to ease into Iceland’s ocean rhythm before you focus on the wildlife.
Also, this is a practical meeting area. It’s near public transportation, and you’ll use a mobile ticket for entry. Just plan for layers and good grip shoes, since Iceland boat ramps and decks can be slick when conditions are rough.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Reykjavik.
Faxaflói Bay Feeding Grounds: What You Might See
Once you’re out in Faxaflói Bay, the goal becomes clear: hunt for animals in the feeding grounds where sightings are frequent. The most commonly targeted wildlife includes humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises.
Depending on the season, you may also spot other treats. In summer, puffins can show up, and seals are often seen as the boat scans the water. The pattern is simple: the crew watches for surface activity and then moves to the best possible viewing angle without turning the trip into chaos.
One useful mindset: treat this as whale-spotting with expert help, not as a staged show. When the boat finds animals, it can be exhilarating. When it doesn’t, you’ll still get time at sea plus big coastal views, and the crew keeps working the area.
Two Seating Areas and Outdoor Deck Time: Comfort Tactics That Matter
Comfort is a big deal on a Reykjavík whale trip, because the sea wind can cut right through you. This tour gives you warm flotation overalls, and you’ll also find heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities. That combination is what keeps the trip enjoyable even when the weather turns.
You can also pick between two seating areas based on how you like to watch. If you want maximum fresh-air scanning, prioritize the areas that let you stay closer to the outdoor deck action. If you want shelter for longer stretches, choose the warmer zone and step outside when you get a sighting cue.
A few extra practical points from real-life experience on similar Iceland boat days: wind chill can make you feel colder than you expect, and it helps to keep layers on even if you start out thinking you’re fine. If you’re prone to seasickness, take advantage of the complimentary seasickness tablets offered onboard.
You’ll have space to move around too, which is important when whales pop up, dip down, and pop up again. And if you do get cold, warm up inside, use the restroom facilities, and then rejoin the spotting from a position that suits your energy level.
Guides and Local Scouting: How You Get Better Odds
This tour is led by experienced, professional guides, and the captain’s local knowledge is a core part of the value. The best guides don’t just announce sightings. They also explain what you’re seeing, how these animals behave, and why certain patches of water matter.
In the feedback for this operator, names like Patrick and Joe show up with praise for being informative and engaging. That tells you something useful: you’re likely to get commentary that stays clear and helpful, not a nonstop lecture that fries your attention when the whales are just below the surface.
The other skill to look for is positioning. Great whale watching isn’t about racing after every splash. It’s about finding the right viewing spot, maintaining a respectful distance, and waiting for the animal to surface where you can actually see it.
One of the most repeat-sung strengths here is that the crew aims to find whales without disrespecting them. If you care about wildlife ethics as much as you care about getting the photo, this is the kind of setup you want.
Harpa, Mount Esja, and Snæfellsnes: The Scenic Bonus
Even though whales are the headline, the Reykjavík area rewards you while you wait. As you depart or return, you’ll see Harpa, Reykjavík’s iconic glass concert hall. The shimmering façade reflects bay light and makes a strong “you’re really here” photo moment.
On clear days, the views expand. You may be able to see Mount Esja rising behind Reykjavík. If visibility is good, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula can appear in the distance, often described as an Iceland-in-miniature region because of the range of terrain you can spot from far away.
This matters because it keeps the trip enjoyable even if whales are slow to show up. You’re not trapped in a guessing game with nothing else happening. You can still enjoy the changing skyline and coastal scenery while the crew scans the water.
Getting Warm on Board: Overalls, Hot Drinks, and Practical Extras
A whale tour can be cold in Reykjavík, even when the air looks manageable from land. This tour helps you fight that with warm flotation overalls and a setup that includes heated indoor cabins and a toilet.
On the “back toward harbor” stretch, there’s also a bit of comfort. You’ll warm up with a hot drink onboard as you reflect on what you saw. That small routine can make a huge difference when your hands are stiff and your face is windburned.
You should also know what’s not included. Snacks and beverages are sold onboard, so don’t count on free food beyond what’s specifically listed. If you want something specific to nibble on, plan to purchase.
And for modern sanity: the tour includes free WiFi on board. It’s a handy backup for uploading photos later or checking in with family when you’re out at sea and signal on your phone can get weird.
Free Re-Join If No Whales: How That Changes the Value
Whale watching is always a gamble. This tour’s standout “risk reducer” is a free ticket to join again if you don’t spot any whales on your trip.
That policy is more than a nice gesture. It changes how you should evaluate the price. If your priority is wildlife sightings, you’re buying access and effort from a crew that searches the bay, not a guarantee. The free re-join gives you a second chance without the emotional sting of paying twice for the same missed luck.
Of course, you still need to go with weather reality. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled because conditions aren’t suitable, you’ll be offered a different date or a refund. The big idea: the company is planning around real sea conditions, not ignoring them.
Price and What You Really Get for $97
At $97 per person for roughly 3 to 3.5 hours, this isn’t a bargain-basement activity. But it’s also not priced like a private charter. The “why” is clear when you look at the inclusions.
You get:
- a professional guide and captain searching the bay for whales and dolphins
- warm overalls and heated indoor cabins
- onboard toilet facilities and complimentary seasickness tablets
- free WiFi, plus a hot drink on board
- a free re-join option if whales don’t show
Add in the practical time factor: this tour is long enough to scan multiple parts of the bay and stay on the water during potential peak surfacing windows. Shorter trips can feel rushed. Here, the length gives you room for the boat to circle, reposition, and wait for the next good moment.
One more detail that affects value: the maximum group size is 198 travelers. That’s not a small intimate boat. If you hate crowds or want quiet space, you’ll want to lean on the seating choices, use the outdoor viewing moments in short bursts, and accept that this is a shared excursion.
Who Should Book This Whale Watching Tour
This tour fits best if you want a first-timer-friendly whale experience from Reykjavík. It’s also a good match for families, since the structure is straightforward and the crew’s job is to keep things moving while you focus on spotting.
You’ll likely enjoy it most if:
- you’re comfortable bundling up and spending time on a boat
- you like learning what you’re seeing, not just snapping photos
- you want a Reykjavik activity that shows both marine wildlife and city landmarks like Harpa
If you’re extremely sensitive to cold, you may need to plan extra layers under the overalls and be ready to use the heated cabin often. And if you’re the type who demands guaranteed whale sightings, you should reconsider—or book with the mindset that this is nature, not a predictable performance.
Should You Book From Reykjavík?
Yes, I’d book this if whale watching is a priority and you’re okay with the natural odds. The free re-join policy is a strong safety net, and the comfort setup (overalls, heated cabins, toilets, seasickness tablets) makes it easier to stay happy even when the wind bites.
Skip it only if you want a guaranteed wildlife outcome or you hate shared boat crowds. Otherwise, this is a solid way to spend a half-day: you get serious time out on the bay, expert guidance, and a great Reykjavík view bonus even while you wait.
FAQ
How long is the whale watching tour?
It runs about 3 to 3.5 hours.
How much does the tour cost?
The price is $97.00 per person.
Is the tour offered in English?
Yes, it’s offered in English.
Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.
What’s included on board?
Included items are the 3 to 3.5 hour tour, experienced guides, a free re-join ticket if no whales are sighted, warm flotation overalls, free WiFi, heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities, and complimentary seasickness tablets.
Do they provide overalls for cold weather?
Yes. Warm flotation overalls are provided.
What should I bring or wear?
Wear good footwear and warm clothing, and bring your camera for photos.
Is there WiFi on board?
Yes, free WiFi is available on board.
What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?
If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
