Tours & experiences

Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik

About this experience

Two ways to see Faxaflói Bay: a leisurely 3.5-hour cruise or a 2.5-hour high-speed RIB — same whales, different ride. Both depart from Reykjavík's Old Harbour, where your guide kits you out in warm overalls and sets the scene before you leave the dock.
Out on the bay, you're scanning for minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises — with up to 90% sighting success. Your guide narrates every encounter live, mixing marine biology with the kind of old sea stories that only make sense when you're actually out there. Camera out from the moment you clear the harbour mouth.
If the cold gets to you, the heated indoor lounge has coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. If the whales don't show — unlikely, but it happens — your next trip is complimentary.

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

Classic Whale Watching
Classic Whale Watching Tour: 3-3.5 hour Classic Whale Watching
Express Whale Watching

Plan your experience

Guide languagesGerman (live guide), English (live guide)

Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What is included

  • Free onboard Wi-Fi
  • Heated indoor lounge with hot drinks available on board
  • Complimentary seasickness tablets on request
  • Whale sightings guarantee — up to 90% success rate; no whales spotted? Free try again ticket.
  • Warm, floatable thermal overalls — adult and children's sizes provided

Not included

  • Food and drinks (available to purchase on board)
  • Hotel transfers (available as a paid add-on at checkout)

Itinerary and highlights

See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.

Meeting and pickup information

  • Please make your way to the Special Tours Ticket Office, located at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik.

Languages and tickets

  • German — Guide
  • English — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Special Tours Iceland

Accessibility and practical details

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • German guidance available on Classic tours from May 1st - September 30th.
  • Operates in a variety of weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • If cancelled due to unsuitable sailing conditions, you will be give the option of an alternative date or a full refund.
  • Hotel pick up: Available to book directly with supplier (extra fees apply).
  • Wheelchair accessible for the 3 - 3.5 hours trip

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

Which guide languages are listed?
German (live guide), English (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 0–6; Youth tickets: age 7–15; Adult tickets: age 16+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What accessibility information is provided?
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Wheelchair accessible for the 3 - 3.5 hours trip
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveller reviews and photos

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