Whale watching from Reykjavík — tours, tips and honest expectations
Reykjavik: Original 3 hour whale watching
Duration: 3 hours
Is whale watching from Reykjavík worth doing?
Yes, particularly from May to September when success rates are 85–90%. You will most likely see minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises. Humpbacks appear but less reliably than in Húsavík. The big advantage is convenience — boats leave from the Old Harbour, a 10-minute walk from the city centre.
The departure point for whale watching from Reykjavík is the Old Harbour (Gamli Höfnin), a working harbour of fishing boats, seafood restaurants, and tour operator kiosks. It is genuinely close to the city centre — 10 minutes on foot from Tjörnin pond or 15 from Hallgrímskirkja — which makes whale watching here one of the easiest wildlife activities to add to a Reykjavík itinerary.
Faxaflói bay, where tours operate, is a sizeable open bay on Iceland’s southwest coast. It is not the whale hotspot that Húsavík’s Skjálfandi Bay is, but it holds minke whales, dolphins, and occasionally humpbacks throughout the summer. For many visitors, a Reykjavík whale tour delivers a genuinely satisfying wildlife experience without requiring any additional travel.
What you will actually see
Minke whales are the core expectation. These small baleen whales (7–10 m) are regularly present in Faxaflói from April through October. They are curious and will often approach boats, surfacing alongside at close range. Their characteristic white flipper patches and arched backs are distinctive.
White-beaked dolphins are a summer highlight — they travel in groups of 20–200 and frequently race alongside boats at high speed. When a pod intercepts the vessel, it is one of the more exhilarating wildlife moments available on a whale tour.
Harbour porpoises are in the bay year-round but are small (1.5–2 m) and inconspicuous. They are easy to miss unless the sea is flat calm and you know what to look for — a small dark fin rolling briefly at the surface.
Humpback whales appear irregularly. In a good summer week, boats may see humpbacks every 2–3 trips; in quieter periods, they might go several days without one. If seeing humpbacks is your primary goal, Húsavík is the more reliable choice.
Other species: minke sightings sometimes include fin whales in Faxaflói. Killer whales are extremely rare on summer Reykjavík tours.
The main operators
Elding is the dominant Reykjavík operator, with four vessels and multiple daily departures. The original Elding boat has been running tours since 1999. Their marine biologists on board explain cetacean biology and identification in real time. The 3-hour classic tour departs from Ægisgarður pier and costs around 12,900 ISK (€84). Elding also runs the Puffin Express and a combo whale-and-puffin tour.
Reykjavík original 3-hour whale watching — departs Old Harbour, marine guide on board, guaranteed sighting or free returnWhale Safari runs smaller-boat tours with higher guide-to-passenger ratios. They emphasise educational content and are well-reviewed for guide quality on TripAdvisor and Google. Tours cost around 13,500–14,500 ISK (€88–95). A good option if you want a more intimate experience.
Special Tours runs RIB speedboat tours — 2-hour high-speed format with a maximum of 12 passengers per boat. Full floatation suits provided. The speed allows them to chase sightings across a wider area. Prices are similar to traditional boats, around 13,000–14,000 ISK (€85–91). Good for dolphin watching specifically.
Reykjavík speedboat whale watching — 2-hour RIB tour, max 12 passengers, full floatation suit includedWhale and puffin combo tours
Several Reykjavík operators combine whale watching with a stop at Akurey (Puffin Island), a small island 4 km offshore that hosts a large Atlantic puffin colony. The combo tours are 2.5–3 hours and add meaningful value in the April–August puffin season.
If you are visiting in summer and interested in both species, the combo tour is clearly the better value choice over two separate bookings.
Reykjavík whale watching and puffin excursion — 3-hour combo tour, Akurey puffin colony included, guides explain both speciesSuccess rates and seasonal expectations
| Season | Whale/dolphin sighting chance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| May–June | ~85% | Minke arrivals, dolphins active |
| July–August | ~88–90% | Best conditions, humpbacks more likely |
| September | ~80% | Good conditions, some species departing |
| October–April | ~50–60% | Winter tours viable, higher weather risk |
Most operators offer a free return trip guarantee if no cetaceans are sighted. Elding and Whale Safari both honour this.
Booking and logistics
Tours depart from Ægisgarður pier at the Old Harbour. Most operators have booking kiosks at the pier, but online booking is cheaper and secures your preferred departure time. Peak July and August: book 2 days ahead for popular morning times (9:00–10:00). Other times: same-day booking is usually fine.
Classic tours run at 9:00, 13:00, and 17:00 in summer, with some operators adding an 11:00 departure on busy days. Evening tours in summer (17:00) are atmospheric — the golden light on the water is excellent for photography.
Dress for cold even in July — sea temperatures are around 10–12°C and wind chill is significant. Operators provide overalls; bring a thermal layer underneath. Waterproof shoes are useful.
From the Old Harbour to your tour
The Old Harbour is a destination in its own right — FlyOver Iceland (an immersive aerial experience), Saga Museum, Aurora Reykjavík, and Whales of Iceland are all within 200 m of the whale tour departure points. The harbour also has a concentration of good seafood restaurants including Sægreifinn (Sea Baron), famous for lobster soup and grilled fish skewers at very fair prices (around 1,700–2,800 ISK / €11–18 per dish).
For more things to do in Reykjavík, see our Reykjavík destination guide.
Should you do Reykjavík or Húsavík?
The honest summary:
- Already in Reykjavík and short on time → Reykjavík whale watching, absolutely worthwhile
- Wildlife is a trip priority and you have transport → Húsavík is substantially better
- Travelling with young children → Reykjavík is easier logistically; traditional boats work well for families
- Want to see humpback whales specifically → Húsavík in June–July is the correct choice
Frequently asked questions about whale watching from Reykjavík
Where exactly do the boats depart from?
Elding and most operators depart from Ægisgarður pier at the Old Harbour (Gamli Höfnin). GPS: 64.1538° N, 21.9380° W. There is a car park immediately adjacent (paid), and bus stops within 200 m. Walk west along the waterfront from downtown.
How far offshore do tours go?
Tours typically venture 10–25 km into Faxaflói bay, depending on where the cetaceans are located. In good conditions, the bay is flat and blue; in rougher weather, swells of 1–2 m are common. The trip out takes 20–40 minutes each way.
Is the Whales of Iceland exhibition worth visiting?
Whales of Iceland (near the Old Harbour) features 23 life-size blue-lit whale models at 1:1 scale — including a 25 m blue whale model hanging from the ceiling. It is visually impressive and well-suited to children. Admission around 3,200 ISK (€21). Elding offers a combo ticket (whale tour plus exhibition) at a discount.
Can I buy tickets at the dock on the day?
Yes — kiosks are open from around 08:00 in peak season. You may pay a slight premium over online prices (typically 500–1,000 ISK difference). In high summer, morning tours sometimes sell out at the dock.
What if the tour is cancelled due to weather?
Operators contact you by email/phone if conditions are unsafe. You can rebook or receive a refund. Light rain and moderate wind are not grounds for cancellation — only gale-force conditions (Beaufort 7–8+) prompt suspension.
The Old Harbour area beyond the whale tour
The departure point for Reykjavík whale watching is the Old Harbour (Gamli Höfnin), and the surrounding area warrants more than the 10 minutes most visitors spend walking to and from the boat.
FlyOver Iceland: an immersive aerial film experience using a motion-enhanced seated platform and spherical screen. You are “flown” over Iceland’s landscapes. Best pre- or post-tour activity for first-timers. Around 3,800 ISK (€25) per adult.
Whales of Iceland exhibition: the indoor 1:1 scale whale exhibition described above. Spending 45 minutes here before a tour dramatically improves your ability to recognise species and understand scale on the water.
Reykjavík Maritime Museum (Sjóminjasafn Íslands): exhibits the Coast Guard vessel Óðinn — a vessel with real history in the Cod Wars with Britain — and the history of Icelandic fishing. Admission around 1,900 ISK (€12). Worth 45 minutes for those interested in Icelandic maritime culture.
Sægreifinn (Sea Baron): the most recommended casual food on the Old Harbour — a small lobster soup and fish skewer kiosk that has been operating since 2003. Lobster soup is 1,600 ISK (€10); a fish skewer on a skewer (lambhúsar, minke whale, or catch of the day) is 1,200–1,600 ISK. The minke whale skewer is on the menu — a personal decision for each visitor given the whaling context discussed elsewhere on this site.
Íslenski Barinn: Icelandic street food restaurant 5 minutes’ walk from the harbour with excellent fish and chips, lamb soup, and Icelandic hot dogs at reasonable prices (1,200–2,400 ISK / €8–16 per dish). Better value than the Grandi area restaurants.
Understanding your sighting expectations
Guides on Reykjavík whale watching tours sometimes over-promise on what a sighting means. A realistic assessment:
A “minke whale sighting” typically means: the animal surfaces briefly (3–5 seconds visible), shows its back and dorsal fin, then dives. It may surface 2–4 times at unpredictable intervals over 20–30 minutes before disappearing. Close approaches (10–20 m) do happen, particularly when minkes are curious.
A “harbour porpoise sighting” may be: a brief dark fin rolling at the surface, visible for 1–2 seconds before submerging. Most people do not find this satisfying on its own. Porpoises are present on most trips but do not define the experience.
A “dolphin sighting” (white-beaked dolphins) is genuinely exciting — pods of 20–100 animals riding the bow wave or milling around the boat. When dolphins appear, the energy on the boat changes dramatically.
A “humpback sighting” from Reykjavík is unpredictable but when it occurs — fluke raises, potential breach, proximity — is the trip highlight. These are genuine bonus sightings rather than reliable expectations.
Knowing this helps calibrate the experience appropriately: a trip with minkes and dolphins is a good wildlife trip; a trip with a humpback is an exceptional one.
Reykjavík whale watching versus a day trip to Húsavík
The practical comparison for a visitor with limited time:
Reykjavík tour (3 hours, from the city centre, ~12,900 ISK):
- Convenient: no extra travel
- Species: minke, dolphin, porpoise (humpback occasional)
- Success rate summer: ~85–90%
- Suitable for: limited-time visitors, families staying in Reykjavík
Húsavík day trip (1 day including 4–5 hours driving + tour, ~25,000–35,000 ISK total):
- Requires planning and transport or a tour bus
- Species: humpback (reliable June–July), minke, dolphin, potential blue whale
- Success rate summer: 97–99%
- Suitable for: wildlife-focused travellers willing to make the trip
If you have two full days for activities from Reykjavík, consider using one for a whale watching day from Reykjavík and one for the South Coast or Golden Circle. If you are specifically prioritising whale quality, add a north Iceland leg and go to Húsavík.
See our whale watching in Iceland overview and Húsavík guide for comparative detail.
Whale watching for photography from Reykjavík
The technical considerations for whale photography from Reykjavík boats:
Lens choice: a 200–400mm zoom lens gives the most flexibility — long enough for decent fill when whales surface 20–40 m away, wide enough to capture close-range approaches. A 100–400mm equivalent (or a mirrorless camera with 5x optical zoom on a phone) is workable.
Shutter speed: whales surface and dive in 2–5 seconds. A minimum of 1/800s is needed to freeze motion; 1/1600s or faster is better on overcast days when the autofocus is challenged by flat contrast.
Where to position yourself on the boat: the bow is the best photography position — the angle allows you to photograph ahead of the boat’s direction, toward where the guide is watching. Avoid the stern (other passengers and exhaust). Mid-deck is a reasonable compromise.
When to expect the best sightings: the guide on a well-run tour is constantly communicating cetacean positions on a handheld radio network shared between all Reykjavík boats. When a sighting is confirmed, the boat will turn toward it. Stay alert during the 15–20 minutes before each surfacing sequence — this is when the guide’s body language signals incoming contact.
Photography in poor light: overcast Reykjavík days produce flat, unflattering light. A RAW file gives more recovery latitude than JPEG. Many visitors are disappointed by their phone photos from overcast whale tours — the scene looks better in person than in photographs under these conditions.
Child-friendly aspects of Reykjavík whale watching
The Reykjavík whale watching experience is particularly accessible for families:
Elding’s main vessels have fully enclosed heated salons, allowing children to stay warm while watching through large windows. This is the feature most parents appreciate — the ability to alternate between outdoor deck and indoor comfort as conditions change.
The 3-hour duration is manageable for children aged 6 and up. For younger children (3–5), the 1.5-hour puffin tour is more appropriate. Combination whale and puffin tours at 2.5–3 hours are the sweet spot for families wanting both species.
The Whales of Iceland exhibition (near the Old Harbour) is specifically well-designed for children — the 1:1 scale blue whale model is genuinely awe-inspiring for younger visitors, and the interactive touch-screen elements hold attention.
Most operators accept children aged 3+ on traditional boats. Children under 6 typically ride free or at significant discount; ages 6–12 receive a 30–50% discount on adult prices.
Frequently asked questions about Whale watching from Reykjavík
What species are seen on Reykjavík whale watching tours?
Minke whales are the most common sighting. White-beaked dolphins are seen in groups frequently throughout summer. Harbour porpoises are present year-round but small and easy to miss. Humpback whales are sighted irregularly — usually a few times per week in peak summer. Orcas are rare.How do Reykjavík whale watching tours compare to Húsavík?
Húsavík is better for humpback whale density and success rates (97–99% vs 85–90% in summer). Reykjavík is far more convenient if you are already in the city. If wildlife quality is the priority and you have transport, Húsavík is the better choice.Which operator should I book from Reykjavík?
Elding is the largest and most established Reykjavík operator, running multiple vessels including combo whale-and-puffin boats. Whale Safari is smaller and well-reviewed for guide quality. Special Tours offers RIB speedboat tours. All three have good reputations.Can I see puffins on a Reykjavík whale watching tour?
Yes — several operators include or offer combo trips to Akurey (Puffin Island) and Lundey in Faxaflói bay. Puffins are present from late April to mid-August. The whale and puffin combo from Reykjavík is popular and genuine value.Are Reykjavík whale watching tours available in winter?
Yes, year-round. Winter (November–March) brings lower success rates (around 50–60%) and rougher conditions. Minke whales and dolphins are still present. The main reason to go in winter is if you have no other opportunity — summer is clearly better for wildlife.How close to the Old Harbour are the departure points?
Elding departs from Ægisgarður pier, about a 10–15 minute walk from Laugavegur or Hallgrímskirkja. Most hotel concierges in the city centre can point you there. Taxis and buses also run to the harbour area.Is seasickness a problem in Faxaflói bay?
Faxaflói is an open bay and can be choppy when southwest winds are present. Conditions vary significantly. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, take medication before boarding. Traditional motor vessels are more stable than RIBs.
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