Top Reykjavik Whale Watching

You can do some wonderful whale watching in Reykjavik. Here are the top tours recent travelers have loved:

• The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik
• RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik
• Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik
• Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise
• Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik

Yes. The whale-watching excursions in Reykjavik can be an incredible experience, with up-close encounters with Minke whales, humpback whales, orcas, and other wildlife such as puffins and dolphins. Needless to say, you wouldn’t be able to get out on the water to see these creatures without a dedicated tour.

Whale-watching tours start at US$48 for a basic 1-hour guided tour with a naturalist and go up to US$100 for a deluxe tour ranging from 3–4 hours, which may include additional tickets and attractions. Generally, food and drinks are not included but may be available for sale on board.

Minke and humpback whales are relatively common sights in the waters that surround Reykjavik. You might also catch a glimpse of orcas, fin whales, and sperm whales. It is rare (but possible) to see blue whales and even rarer to see narwhals.

The best time of year to go whale watching in Reykjavik is in the spring and summer—roughly April to October. If you visit during the summer months in June, July, and August, you’ll visit at peak season for whale watching.

You will have a chance to see whales in Reykjavik throughout the day—there is no better or more advantageous time to see them. Seasoned captains and naturalists are experts at scanning the water and spotting the telltale signs of a whale about to surface, and they know the best spots where they are most likely to be found.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Reykjavik aside from whale-watching tours. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Horseback Riding

• Bus Tours

• Thermal Spas & Hot Springs

• Port Transfers

Reykjavik whale-watching tour prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now:

• Whale-Watching Tour With Professional Guide From Reykjavik

• Whale-Watching Boat Tour With Expert Guide From Reykjavik

• Whale Wonders Morning Expedition From Reykjavík

• Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise

• The Original Classic Whale Watching From Reykjavik

Before booking your whale-watching tour, know that peak whale-watching season runs from May to September, though different months bring different species. (If you want to see orcas, go in winter.) Larger vessels are more stable and cheaper, while smaller vessels are more intimate, often faster, and more expensive. Try to book with a company that will get you a second outing if you don’t see whales the first time.

Dress in warm, waterproof layers, even in summer—out on the water, the winds can get chilly—and wear sturdy shoes in case you have to deal with wet decks. If you get seasick, take medication 1 hour before departure. If you don’t get seasick, consider booking a tour on a rigid inflatable boat, as they can get closer to the creatures (but it’ll be a bumpy ride).

The best time of day for whale watching in Reykjavik is typically morning and evening. In the morning, you often experience calmer waters (a relief for those prone to seasickness), smaller crowds, and feeding whales. In the evening, you get the golden light of sunset and the whales’ dinner time. Regardless, know that sightings are more about season and feeding patterns than time of day.