Reykjavik: Whale Watching Morning Expedition

Whales and birds are right off Reykjavik. I really like the warm flotation overalls and the heated indoor cabin, which make the cold part of the trip feel manageable. One consideration: this tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, even though seasickness tablets are provided.

You sail from the Old Harbour, head into Faxaflói Bay, and spend about 2.5 hours scanning for Minke and Humpback whales. You also keep an eye out for dolphins and Harbour porpoises, and there’s even a chance of seeing Killer whales.

You’ll have an English live guide onboard, plus a bar for drinks, complimentary Wi-Fi, and toilets in the heated cabin. It’s a straightforward morning outing that still feels like a real ocean adventure, not a quick photo stop.

Key things I’d watch for on this Reykjavik whale tour

• Departing from the Old Harbour gives you a classic Reykjavik start point.
• Faxaflói Bay sightings can include Minke, Humpback, dolphins, Harbour porpoises, and possibly Killer whales.
• Heated indoor cabins plus warm overalls help you stay comfortable for long scanning sessions.
• Bar drinks and complimentary Wi-Fi keep downtime from feeling wasted.
• A complimentary second tour ticket if there are no sightings adds real value.

Reykjavik Old Harbour at 9:00 AM: the moment the day starts

This tour runs in the morning, with departure at 9:00 AM from downtown Reykjavik’s Old Harbour area. If you like starting early, you get to trade crowds for quiet water scanning, plus you’re back in town with time left for other plans.

The meeting point is at the Special Tours office at Geirsgata 11, and you’ll want to arrive 30 minutes before departure. No pickup is included as part of the basic price, though pickup is offered for an extra charge if you need it.

What I like here is how simple the flow is. You show up, get outfitted with what you need, and then you’re out on the water focusing on the main event: whales and other marine life.

Quick practical tip

Bring the basics they specify: warm clothing, a camera, and water. Even if you’re used to cold weather, the wind and spray on the bay can feel sharp fast.

Faxaflói Bay: what you might actually see (and how to think about it)

The whale watching happens in Faxaflói Bay, with about 2.5 hours on the water for sightings. The species you’re specifically looking for include Minke and Humpback whales, plus dolphins and Harbour porpoises. There’s also a mention that you might catch a glimpse of Killer whales.

That mix matters because it tells you this isn’t just a one-species gamble. You’re scanning for multiple types of wildlife, and you’ll often get better odds when you treat the whole area like a living menu, not a single-item target.

You’ll also be watching the air. Birdlife is active overhead, so even when the sea is quiet for a few minutes, you’re not stuck staring at nothing. The combination of birds in the sky and whales below changes how the time feels.

One realistic expectation to set

This is wildlife viewing, not a guarantee. The tour addresses that risk directly with a complimentary ticket for a second tour if no sightings occur, which is a nice safety net for your money and your time.

The boat setup: overalls, heated cabin, toilets, and Wi-Fi

The comfort details are a big part of why this morning tour works. You get warm flotation overalls, which is exactly what you want when the air is cold and the boat is moving. On top of that, you can relax in heated indoor cabins, with toilet facilities available there too.

That indoor space is not just a convenience. It changes your ability to stay focused. When your body isn’t freezing, you can keep scanning for spouts, blows, and movement instead of rushing back inside every ten minutes.

There’s also a bar onboard, so you can get a drink while you wait. And yes, there’s complimentary Wi-Fi, which is helpful if you want to look up photos of what you’re seeing, share updates, or just pass the time between sightings.

What to remember while you’re waiting

You’ll probably spend a lot of time looking out toward open water. If you’re planning to photograph, bring your camera, and keep it accessible so you’re not fumbling with gear every time something surfaces.

A guided hunt: how the professionals shape your odds

You get a professional guide onboard and an English live tour guide. That matters because whale spotting is partly luck, but it’s also about reading the water. When a guide is actively scanning and interpreting what you’re seeing, you waste less time chasing the wrong angles.

You also get complimentary seasickness tablets. Here’s the important part: the tour explicitly states it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. So tablets are a support, not a loophole. If you know your stomach doesn’t handle boats well, I’d skip this type of outing.

Where the 3.5 hours goes

The whole tour is 3.5 hours, with the whale watching accounting for 2.5 hours. That leaves time for getting settled and getting back to port, so the “on task” part of your trip is still substantial.

Price and value: is $103 per person fair?

The price is $103 per person for a 3.5-hour morning tour. On paper, it’s not cheap, but it includes the things that usually add up in Iceland: professional guiding, warm flotation overalls, heated cabin access, toilets, and even seasickness tablets.

You also get complimentary Wi-Fi, which is a small thing until you want it. And most importantly for value, you get a complimentary second tour ticket if there are no sightings. That’s the kind of policy that turns wildlife luck into a less stressful financial risk.

What’s not included is also clear. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on board, and there’s no pickup included in the base price. If you’re the type who hates surprise costs, plan to budget for drinks and snacks during the trip.

The best value move

If you want the most value out of your day, treat this as your main Reykjavik activity for the morning. Spend the rest of your day doing something you can enjoy without needing a second weather-dependent plan.

Who this whale watching fits best (and who should skip it)

This tour makes sense if you want a classic Reykjavik morning with real ocean wildlife potential. You’re not stuck on a short loop. You have time on the bay, and your target list includes multiple whale species plus dolphins and porpoises.

It’s also a strong choice if you care about comfort. The combination of warm overalls and heated indoor cabins is what lets you stay present for the whole viewing window.

If you’re bringing kids, or you’re traveling as a couple or solo, the structure can feel friendly because it’s straightforward: one departure, one main viewing block, one return. The guide helps keep things organized and understandable in English.

But if you’re prone to seasickness, this is where your decision gets simple. The tour is not suitable for you, even though seasickness tablets are provided.

My booking decision checklist

Should you book this tour? Here’s how I’d decide, using only what matters from the tour details.

Book it if:

• You want a morning experience that starts at 9:00 AM and lasts 3.5 hours.
• You’re excited by the chance to see Minke and Humpback whales, plus dolphins and Harbour porpoises.
• You’ll appreciate warm flotation overalls and a heated indoor cabin with toilets.
• You want a built-in option if sightings don’t happen, thanks to the complimentary second tour ticket.

Skip it if:

• You’re prone to seasickness and know boats are a problem for you.
• You don’t want to plan around a start time and meeting location at Geirsgata 11.

If you’re trying to choose between “another city walk” and “real wildlife time,” this one leans firmly toward the second option. You’re paying for time on the bay, guided whale spotting, and comfort designed for Reykjavik weather.

FAQ

What time does the Reykjavik whale watching tour depart?

The tour departs at 9:00 AM.

How long is the Reykjavik whale watching tour?

The total duration is 3.5 hours, with 2.5 hours of whale watching.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the Special Tours office at Geirsgata 11, and arrive 30 minutes before departure.

Is pickup service included?

No. Pickup service is available for an extra charge.

What animals could I see on this tour?

You keep an eye out for Minke and Humpback whales, dolphins, and Harbour porpoises. There is also a chance of seeing Killer whales.

What is included to keep you warm and comfortable on board?

Warm flotation overalls are provided. You can also relax in heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities.

Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?

Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available on board.

Are seasickness tablets included?

Yes. Complimentary seasickness tablets are included. The tour is also listed as not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

What happens if there are no sightings?

If there are no sightings, you receive a complimentary ticket for a second tour.

Can I cancel, and do I have to pay right away?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, so you pay nothing today.