Iceland · Dolphin or Whale Watching

Reykjavík Premium Whale Watching

2 Hours Round trip from Reykjavík Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Small-group RIB boat tour with a maximum of 12 passengers
  • 02 Search for whales, dolphins and seabirds in Faxaflói Bay
  • 03 Seasonal puffin viewing from late April until mid-August
  • 04 High-quality suspension seats for added comfort and safety
  • 05 Expert naturalist guide and certified captain on board
  • 06 Panoramic views of Reykjavík’s coastline on the return journey
  • 07 See landmarks including Hallgrímskirkja, Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall
  • 08 Whale guarantee with a complimentary Classic Whale Watching tour if no whales or dolphins are seen

Set out from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour on a premium small-group whale watching adventure by RIB boat. With space for just 12 passengers, this fast-paced experience is designed to get you closer to the wildlife while exploring a wider area of the bay with an expert guide and captain.

Depending on the season, you may spot puffins near the islands by the harbour before heading farther out in search of whales, dolphins and seabirds. Common sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises, and the return journey offers panoramic views of Reykjavík’s shoreline, including Hallgrímskirkja, the Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall.

Common sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises, and the return journey offers panoramic views of Reykjavík’s shoreline, including Hallgrímskirkja, the Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
City Reykjavik
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Check-in and Boarding

Please make your own way to our ticket office at the Old Harbour in Reykjavík at least 30 minutes prior to departure to check in and sign the required safety waiver. You will be provided with warm overalls, goggles and necessary safety equipment before we board our custom made 12 seater RIB boat, in front of our office. Our expert guide and captain will give a safety briefing and ensure you’re comfortably seated in our high-quality suspension seats before we head out into the bay.

Whales, Dolphins & Puffins

On this small group tour, with no more than 12 passengers, the potential sightings include various species of whales, dolphins, and seabirds. Our specially designed RIB boats are engineered to get you closer and faster to the wildlife and allow us to cover a wider area, significantly increasing your chances of spotting whales, dolphins, and diverse birdlife.

*Your journey begins with a ride to one of three islands near the harbour, where you will get a chance to observe breeding puffins (*from late April until mid-August). Afterward, we venture further out into the open sea in search of whales and dolphins. The most common species seen on our tours are minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. The thrill of seeing these majestic creatures up close from our RIB boats is truly a unique experience!

Return to the Old Harbour

After exploring the sea and its wonderful inhabitants, we start sailing back towards Reykjavík. The return journey includes a ride along the city shoreline, offering unique views of Reykjavík's iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, Sun Voyager sculpture and the incredible Harpa Concert Hall. Arrive back at the Old Harbour approximately 2 hours after departure.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Reykjavík 1 city · 2 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 2 hr. expertly narrated whale whale watching tour on a RIB boat.
  • Small Group - only 12 passengers with expert naturalist & captain.
  • High quality suspension seats for extra safety and comfort.
  • Puffins are also seen on this tour (from late April until mid-August).
  • Reykjavík sightseeing with panoramic views of Sun Voyager & Harpa Concert Hall.
  • Whale Guarantee! Or try again on the Classic Whale Watching tour for free!
  • We supply warm overalls, goggles and all necessary safety equipment.

What's Not Included

  • Pick up / Drop off (not available for this tour)
  • Refreshments (not available for this tour)

Know before you go

  • Make your own way to the Old Harbour for check-in at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. The tour lasts 2 hours from start to finish and requires a minimum of 4 passengers for the tour to proceed. If the minimum is not met, you will have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.
  • For safety reasons, participants must be at least 145 cm tall, weigh less than 140 kg and able to stand comfortably in our saddle-like seats. The tour may not be suitable during pregnancy and is not recommended for those with a history of back or knee injuries. Please consult with your doctor prior to booking this tour. Keep in mind that you are required to sign a safety waiver prior to departure, confirming that you are physically fit.
  • We abide by a Code of Conduct for responsible whale watching, thus each encounter is on the animals' terms and distance may be kept to minimise disturbance. In the event that no whales or dolphins are seen, we do not issue refunds, but you will be offered a complimentary ticket valid on our Classic Whale Watching tour, for 2 years.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Reykjavík, IS
Tour start
Reykjavík, IS
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 2 hours finish where they began, in Reykjavík.

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