Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik
Badge of Excellence
Reykjavik, Iceland
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Enjoy a nature experience like no other—and watch out for minke whales, dolphins, and humpbacks—on a half-day sightseeing cruise from Reykjavik. Cruise the harbor in comfort and style: Take in views of the coast from an open viewing platform or an enclosed cabin. Along the way, enjoy access to an indoor saloon stocked with snacks and drinks, and look out for Iceland’s diverse aquatic species with help from the experienced crew.
- Attend again for free if you don't spot any whales on your trip
- Pick between two seating areas to fit your needs and preferences
- Benefit from your captain's local knowledge as you look out for whales
- Discover a side of the Reykjavik region many other visitors miss
What's Included
- 2,5-3,5 hours Whale Watching tour
- Experienced and professional guides
- Free ticket to join again in case of no sightings
- Warm flotation overalls
- Free WiFi on board
- Heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities
- Complimentary seasickness tablets available
- Snacks and beverages sold on board
- Pickup is available for extra charge
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Meet us at Geirsgata 11, Special Tours ticket office, for your upcoming tour. Please arrive 30 minutes early at the meeting point.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Old Harbour (Pass By)
Faxafloi Bay (Pass By)
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre (Pass By)
Mount Esja (Pass By)
Old Harbour (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- NOTE: You should schedule to be at our departure point at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure.
- Please, check our DAILY DIARY before you come for the tour, all the important daily information of all our tours will be notified on our website.
- If you have a boat tour booked, please check your email before the tour as all important daily information will be notified via email.
- We recommend wearing good footwear and warm clothing. Don´t forget to bring your camera to take amazing photos!
- Kindly notify us if you require wheelchair access, as not all of our boats are equipped for accessibility.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 198 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Shannon_S
It was an incredible experience! Very magical.
I saw lots of whales & purposes. The crew was great very knowledgeable. It’s a beautiful day. I saw the humpback whale breach and dance out of the water for us! So cool.
Reviews
4.4
based on 796 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Richard_B, Aug 2026
We had a great trip! Beautiful weather, calm waters and multiple whales, dolphins, birds including the Puffin, so cute!
Jaime_B, Aug 2026
Great experience. We were able to see whales within the harbor of the city. We had five or six different whale sightings. Whale dives so the amazing fluke photos…. Good knowledge from the Capt and host.
Kevin_J, Aug 2026
It was awesome. They provided a full body spray suit and the moderator was excellent. I'd totally recommend
Caleb_F, Aug 2026
Excellent tour with a very helpful and knowledgeable tour guide. Saw lots of whales and dolphins… one whale was very active too. An enjoyable experience. Thank you
Ghada_S, Aug 2026
The staff on the boat are very kind and very informative! It’s very cold and they provide overalls to wear and they also have motion sickness medication and candy. I recommend the candy! It was a bit hard to see the whale.
Todd_J, Aug 2026
Wonderful boat ride out to the whales, had dolphins play with us along the way. Great guide that was both informative & entertaining. Saw some whales, overall great time!
Emese_V, Aug 2026
Was amazing, the staff thinks of everything, they provide great information, we spotted a whale many times during the trip.
Aziz_A, Jul 2026
Be careful. The local tour operator, Special Tours, knew it was going to be a rough water for their guests and took us out anyway. My entire family and many of the other guests got seasick, which ruined the experience. When I complained through Viator, I was denied even a partial refund.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear the sea conditions affected your experience.
Passenger safety is always our highest priority. Before every departure, the captain carefully assesses the weather and sea conditions, and tours only operate when it is safe to do so. While the sea was rough, it was considered safe for sailing.
On some departures, we share a vessel with one of our trusted partners for operational reasons. Regardless of which vessel is used, the same safety standards apply.
As the tour operated as scheduled, it does not qualify for a refund under our cancellation policy. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back in calmer conditions.
Best regards,
Reykjavik Sailors Team
Sarah_B, Jul 2026
It was an easy walk to get to the port. We were able to spot three different hump back whales during our time. I highly recommend putting on the jumpsuit!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We're delighted to hear you had a great experience and were lucky enough to spot three humpback whales during the tour. That's always a memorable sight! We're also happy to hear you'd recommend our warm overalls—they really do make the trip much more comfortable out on the water.
Thank you for choosing to sail with us. We hope to welcome you back on board for another unforgettable wildlife adventure!
Best regards,
Reykjavik Sailors Team
iram_r, Jul 2026
Yes it was nice we did see and made videos of breathing whale every now and then, people on the boat were very nice and knowledgeable. But there were just a few glimpses of whales Haha
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience!
We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour, captured some great videos, and found our crew friendly and knowledgeable. Seeing a whale surface and breathe is always a special moment, and we're glad you were able to witness that.
We completely understand that wildlife can sometimes be a bit elusive—after all, whales are wild animals and every encounter is unique. While some days bring spectacular close-up sightings, other days offer only brief glimpses. That's part of what makes each trip an authentic adventure on the open sea.
Thank you for joining us, and we hope to welcome you back on board for even more whale encounters in the future!
Best regards,
Reykjavik Sailors
Cathy_C, Jul 2026
The boat ride was fun. Our naturalist was a wealth of information and we learned a great deal about the whales. Our captain did an amazing job of getting us up close to the whales without disturbing them.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your wonderful review!
We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the trip and found our naturalist's commentary both informative and engaging. Our team is passionate about sharing knowledge about Iceland's marine life, so it's always rewarding to hear that guests learned something new during their adventure.
We're also pleased that you appreciated the captain's approach to whale watching. Respecting the animals and following responsible wildlife viewing guidelines is at the heart of what we do, and we're glad you were able to enjoy some fantastic close-up encounters without disturbing the whales.
Thank you for choosing Reykjavík Sailors. We hope to welcome you on board again for another unforgettable experience in Faxaflói Bay! 🐋🌊💙
Best regards,
Reykjavik Sailors
Celeste_H, Jul 2026
Such an amazing excursion to be out in the bay watching whales, dolphins and puffins, happily frolic and swim in their own environment. Our guide was so informative . Any wildlife and nature lover will remember this experience for a lifetime!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hello,
We're delighted to hear that you had such an amazing experience in Faxaflói Bay. Seeing whales, dolphins and puffins thriving in their natural environment is truly something special, and we're so pleased that you were able to enjoy these unforgettable wildlife encounters.
It's also fantastic to hear that you found your guide informative and engaging. Our team is passionate about sharing knowledge about Iceland's marine life and helping guests connect with nature.
Thank you for your kind words. We couldn't agree more—it's an experience that stays with wildlife and nature lovers for a lifetime. We hope to welcome you aboard again on your next visit to Iceland!
Best regards,
Reykjavik Sailors
Nadia_W, Jul 2026
It was a fabulous excursion, with a very professional team. I loved it. To do it again without hesitation.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hello,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We're delighted to hear that you had a fabulous excursion and that our team helped make it such a memorable experience. Your kind words about our professional crew mean a lot to us.
It’s especially rewarding to know that you enjoyed the tour so much that you would do it again without hesitation!
Thank you for choosing Reykjavík Sailors, and we look forward to welcoming you back on board for another unforgettable adventure in the future. 🌊💙🐋
Best regards,
Reykjavik Sailors
Elke_H, Jun 2026
We saw many humbacks and got a lot of information about the whales living around Iceland. The guide was very friendly.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your lovely review!
We're delighted to hear that you saw many humpback whales during your tour and enjoyed learning more about the whales that visit Icelandic waters. Our guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge, so it's wonderful to know that their information helped make your experience even more memorable.
We're especially pleased to hear your kind words about your guide. We'll be sure to pass on your compliments to the team.
Thank you for choosing Reykjavík Sailors, and we hope to welcome you aboard again for another fantastic whale watching adventure! 🐋💙🌊
Best regards,
Reykavik Sailors
Joanna_M, Jun 2026
Really well organised and great commentary. I would recommend dressing warmly but there is viewing inside which is great if it rains. It was amazing to see dolphins and humpback whales.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you found the tour well organised and enjoyed the commentary from our crew. We always strive to provide an informative and enjoyable experience for our guests.
Your advice about dressing warmly is spot on! While Icelandic weather can be unpredictable, we're glad you appreciated the indoor viewing areas where guests can stay comfortable while still enjoying the scenery.
Seeing both dolphins and humpback whales is truly an unforgettable experience, and we're thrilled that you got to enjoy such fantastic wildlife encounters during your trip.
Thank you for choosing Reykjavík Sailors. We hope to welcome you aboard again for another amazing adventure on Faxaflói Bay! 🐋🐬🌊
Best regards,
Reykjavik Sailors
Julia_F, Jun 2026
We had a great day! I was a bit nervous about whether we’d see any whales since they had seen them on the earlier outing. We were on the boat for about an hour when two were spotted. What a blast! They hung around our boat for a good 45 minutes. Those two whales put quite a show on! The crew was very good at giving us all the info on the whales, and what we could see. I definitely recommend this excursion.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Guest,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re delighted to hear that you had such a great day with us and that your patience was rewarded with an unforgettable encounter 🐋 It’s always a special moment when whales choose to stay close to the boat, and it sounds like you truly got to enjoy an amazing and extended show!
We’re also very happy to hear that our crew helped make the experience even better by sharing information and guiding you through what you were seeing. Creating those memorable moments is exactly what we strive for.
Thank you for your kind recommendation—it means a lot to us. We hope to welcome you on board again sometime in the future!
Best regards,
Reykjavik Sailors
Nigel_R, Jun 2026
Great up close sightings of multiple Hump back Whales. Comfortable boat with good facilities. The whole family enjoyed the trip. The weather was amazing too. Actually got a tan.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re delighted to hear that you had such great up-close sightings of the humpback whales—that’s always a special experience 🐋 It’s also fantastic to know that you found the boat comfortable and that the whole family enjoyed the trip together.
And what a bonus with the amazing weather—getting a tan in Iceland is not something that happens every day! ☀️
We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and hope to welcome you all on board again in the future.
Warm regards,
The Reykjavík Sailors Team
Emma_F, Apr 2026
Amazing once in a lifetime experience. We were so lucky to see all the species on offer, even some puffins. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and clearly very passionate about whales. She was very good at spotting and pointing out every whale. And on the journey back she gave a presentation about the different whale species, their anatomy and how we can help to prevent whaling. I had a bad bout of sea sickness while aboard and another staff member supplied me with ginger sweets which helped massively. Overall a very fun experience that I shall not forget.
Response from Host, May 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your wonderful and detailed feedback. We’re delighted to hear you had such a memorable experience and were able to see a wide variety of wildlife. It’s great to know the guiding made a strong impression and added depth to the trip.
We’re also glad our crew could assist when needed and help make your time on board more comfortable. Your kind words mean a lot to us.
Best regards,
Reykjavik Sailors Team
SAMPINA_A, Apr 2026
It was a very unique experience, but to be honest it was really exhausting. To many hours in the cold weather, if you want to be outside and sightseeing.
The beautiful whales were shy, and we didn't see them a lot, but it's ok.
And actually we were wondering if it's good for the whales to watching them.
As experience it was a good chance to see the Reykjavik sea, the beautiful birds and the horizon.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your honest feedback. We’re glad you found the experience unique and enjoyed the scenery along the way. We understand that spending extended time outdoors can be challenging in colder conditions, and we always aim to provide indoor comfort options when needed.
Regarding wildlife, sightings can vary as we observe animals in their natural habitat, and we follow strict guidelines to ensure minimal disturbance and respectful viewing at all times.
We appreciate your perspective and thank you for joining us.
Best regards,
Reykjavik Sailors Team
Jessica_W, Apr 2026
We had THE BEST experience - we saw so many whales, dolphins and puffins. One humpback whale we saw was breaching continuously for at least half an hour. We had a great guide, plenty of time to find and observe the whales and we would thoroughly recommend.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your amazing review. We’re thrilled to hear you had such an unforgettable experience with so many sightings and such active wildlife — truly special moments out on the water.
It’s also wonderful to know the guiding and time spent observing made the trip even more enjoyable. We really appreciate the recommendation.
Best regards,
Reykjavik Sailors Team
Danielle_G, Apr 2026
A great experience and we were so lucky to see a pod of whales.
Everything was well organised and the guide was very passionate and knowledgeable.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your kind review. We’re delighted to hear you had such a great experience and were lucky with your sightings. It’s also wonderful to know everything felt well organised and that the guiding made a positive impression.
Best regards,
Reykjavik Sailors Team
janet_M, Apr 2026
Fantastic experience. The guide was very knowledgeable and very humorous. We learnt a lot and saw the whales, dolphins and puffins close up. Really incredible experience not to be missed.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We’re delighted to hear you had such an enjoyable and informative experience, and that you were able to see a variety of wildlife up close.
We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you on board again.
Best regards,
Reykjavik Sailors Team
Carol_T, Mar 2026
A lot of people trying to see the whale. Staff was very knowledgeable and provided a lot of information about whales.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re pleased to hear you enjoyed the informative guiding and learned more about the whales during the tour.
Best regards,
Reykjavik Sailors Team
Leann_S, Mar 2026
Great experience! Everything went as planned, the guides were enthusiastic and funny. We were lucky to see whales and dolphins. Dress warm as it gets very windy if you are on the top upper decks. It was nice there is indoor seating if you want to warm up. Take something for sea sickness ahead of time.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your great feedback. We’re delighted to hear everything ran smoothly and that the guiding made the experience both fun and engaging. It’s wonderful you were able to spot multiple species during the tour.
We also appreciate your helpful tips for future guests and are glad the onboard comfort added to your experience.
Best regards,
Reykjavik Sailors Team
Emma_M, Mar 2026
Cancelled 2 days in a row
Then once on board little commentary and we saw no whales at all
3 hours sailing and saw nothing
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re very sorry to hear about your experience, especially after multiple cancellations and limited sightings during the tour. Unfortunately, weather conditions are beyond our control, and for safety reasons we must always prioritise the well-being of our passengers and crew.
Best regards,
Reykjavik Sailors Team
Alivia_B, Mar 2026
It was very very cold and extremely windy, so come dressed for that if you want to sit top deck in open air. The thrill of locating a whale was fun. We saw one, a humpback. The eaters were very rough so thank goodness they give Dramamine before the trip.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the excitement of spotting a whale, even in challenging conditions. Icelandic weather can be quite unpredictable, so we always recommend dressing warmly, especially for the open deck. It’s also good to know the seasickness tablets helped make the journey more comfortable.
We appreciate you joining us.
Best regards,
Reykjavik Sailors Team
Taylor_Y, Mar 2026
Great crew!! Very friendly! They worked hard to make sure we saw a whale! I would go again for sure!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your kind words. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and the effort our crew put into making your experience a great one.
We’d love to welcome you on board again in the future.
Best regards,
Reykjavik Sailors Team
Liza_R, Feb 2026
Joe our guide was great fun and knowledgeable. We saw two humpback whales and some harbour porpoise.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your kind review. We’re happy to hear Joe made the tour both fun and informative, and that you enjoyed some great wildlife sightings along the way.
Best regards,
Reykjavik Sailors Team
Sarah_W, Feb 2026
Very well organized and they provided sea sickness medicine which helped a lot ! We were able to see whales on our first try but they allow rebooking if there is no sighting
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re glad to hear everything felt well organised and that the seasickness support made your trip more comfortable. It’s also great that you had successful sightings on your first tour.
We appreciate you joining us and hope to see you again.
Best regards,
Reykjavik Sailors Team
Ruxandra_C, Feb 2026
We found the whales and the boat made circles around them so we could all see them, followed them for some time. There was much information about whales in particular but also about wildlife in Iceland.
With your ticket you will get a huge discount (50%, I think) in the museum Whales of Iceland which is near the harbour and really worth visiting.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We’re very happy to hear that you enjoyed the whale sightings and that our approach allowed everyone on board to have a great view. It’s wonderful to know that the information shared about whales and Icelandic wildlife added to your experience.
We’re also glad you mentioned the ticket discount for the Whales of Iceland museum—it’s a fantastic place to visit and a great complement to a whale watching tour. Thank you for your kind feedback, and we hope to welcome you aboard again in the future!
Best regards,
Reykjavik Sailors
From $109.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik
795
3 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$109.00
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Sporting Events
- Extreme Sports
- Nature and Wildlife Tours
- Full-day Tours
- 4WD Tours
- Bus Tours
- Historical Tours
- Tickets & Passes
- Day Trips
- Outdoor Activities
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Private and Luxury
- Private Sightseeing Tours
- Cultural Tours
- Reykjavik
- Sporting Events - Heimaey Island
- Extreme Sports - Heimaey Island
- 4WD Tours - Heimaey Island
- Bus Tours - Heimaey Island
- Historical Tours - Heimaey Island
- Sporting Events - Vik
- Extreme Sports - Vik
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Vik
- Full-day Tours - Vik
- 4WD Tours - Vik
- Bus Tours - Vik
- Historical Tours - Vik
Attractions in Reykjavik, Iceland
- Perlan Tours & Tickets
- Vatnajokull National Park Tours & Tickets
- Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River Tours & Tickets
- Sun Voyager Tours & Tickets
- Imagine Peace Tower Tours & Tickets
- Hofdi House Tours & Tickets
- Aurora Reykjavik (Northern Lights Center) Tours & Tickets
- Skogar Museum Tours & Tickets
- National Museum of Iceland Tours & Tickets
- Blue Lagoon Tours & Tickets
- Whales of Iceland Tours & Tickets
- National Gallery of Iceland Tours & Tickets
- Silfra Fissure Tours & Tickets
- Geysir (Great Geyser) Tours & Tickets
- Snaefellsjokull National Park Tours & Tickets
- Harpa Tours & Tickets
- Thrihnukagigur Volcano Tours & Tickets
- Langjökull Tours & Tickets
- Árbaer Open Air Museum (Árbaejarsafn) Tours & Tickets