From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour

This whale-watching trip is interesting because it mixes a real nature chase with Iceland scenery that changes fast, from calm coastal waters to the wider Faxaflói Bay. You leave Reykjavik, cruise toward Kollafjöður, then spend the main chunk of time in a known spot for whales and dolphins.

I love that you get built-in comfort for Iceland weather: flotation overalls, plus heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities. Guides also do a great job of keeping the hunt moving, with humor and lots of practical whale facts, and names like Lukas and Patrick come up often in guest write-ups.

One drawback to plan for: whale watching is never a sure thing, and if the boat gets busy, getting a perfect view when an animal surfaces can feel like a quick scramble on deck. The tour does try to fix the no-sighting problem with a return ticket, but you should still go with realistic expectations.

Key takeaways before you book

• Faxaflói Bay focus: the main search time is where minke whales, humpbacks, and dolphins are most often spotted
• Warm gear included: flotation overalls and a heated interior make cold wind manageable
• Guide-led whale spotting: the crew scans for animal signs and guides you toward the best viewing spots
• Onboard comfort: WiFi and indoor cabins help you reset between sightings (or when the weather turns)
• A plan for no sightings: a complimentary ticket for a second tour if you do not see animals

Meeting at Geirsgata 11: what happens before you ever hit the water

Your start point is simple: Geirsgata 11, at the Special Tours ticket office. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes early. That buffer matters because you’ll want time to check in, grab any provided gear, and get yourself ready for cold air and fast-moving water.

You also get a short guided portion in Reykjavik (about 30 minutes). I like that this isn’t just a shove-out-the-door experience. It helps you understand what you are looking for once you’re on the water, especially if it is your first time whale watching in Iceland.

If you are sensitive to seasickness, this is where you should speak up. The tour includes seasickness tablets, and the best outcome is using them early, not after you feel awful.

Kollafjöður on the way out: calm water, birds, and quick scenery payoffs

Before the main whale search, the cruise heads toward Kollafjöður, a quieter coastal area with a small island and lots of birds. This part of the trip is a good warm-up. Instead of going straight to the hunt, you ease into the marine setting and start spotting wildlife at a slower pace.

This is also where the “Iceland coastline” feeling starts to click. You’re in open water, but the mood is still relaxed. You can watch for birds over the water, and those patterns often hint at what might be nearby.

Then the boat continues onward to Faxaflói Bay, with the bigger horizon building in the background. On clear days, you may see Snaefellsjökull among the distant peaks, and the dramatic ring-shaped mountain view adds a sense of scale that makes the whole outing feel more like a voyage than a quick harbor loop.

Faxaflói Bay for 2 hours of dolphins and whales: how the hunt actually plays out

The heart of the trip is the time spent in Faxaflói Bay, about two hours dedicated to dolphin watching and whale watching. The species you’re hoping for are minke whales and humpbacks, plus dolphins. You may also see other aquatic species and different wildlife, depending on what the day is doing.

Here’s the practical truth: whales do not follow a schedule. What makes this tour work is how the boat and guide team react. In many accounts, the skipper navigates to the best locations, and the guide keeps everyone scanning. More than once, guests describe the boat positioning itself to improve sight lines, with staff attentive to where animals are surfacing.

What it feels like when you get a real sighting

Expect the vibe to shift fast the moment there’s action. Guests report humpback whales swimming close by, sometimes for long stretches of time around the boat. There are also mentions of animals like seals and seabirds showing up during the chase, which is a nice bonus because it means you still get wildlife value even on slower stretches.

A note on viewing distance

Do not assume you will be right next to the biggest animals at all times. Several reviews make it clear that this is watching from the boat, not some close-encounter scenario. Still, you can get excellent views, and top deck viewing is often where the best sightings happen, with the guide calling out where to look.

Staying warm and steady: overalls, heated cabins, and WiFi that actually helps

Cold wind is a real factor on this type of trip. I like that this operator plans for it. You get flotation overalls, and that matters because it is not only about warmth. It helps you stay comfortable enough to keep watching outside when the best moment comes.

Inside, you’ll find heated cabins with toilet facilities. This is one of those “you will be glad it exists” features. If the sea gets choppy or you just need a reset between sightings, you can retreat to warmth and come back out without turning the whole day into misery.

Other onboard comfort items included in the tour package:

• WiFi on board, handy for keeping kids calm or simply checking your plans
• Seasickness tablets, given as part of the experience
• Guides and an onboard crew focused on the search

A few reviews also mention an onboard café where you can buy hot drinks and snacks (and in at least one account, hot waffles). The tour itself does not include snacks and drinks, but having a way to warm up with purchases can be a lifesaver on rainy or windy days.

My packing advice based on what guests report

The information you’re given is weather-appropriate clothing. In Iceland, that usually means layers you can peel on and off. Deck time can be cold even when the day starts fine. I’d rather you bring too much insulation than not enough, especially if you plan to watch from the outside.

When whales are shy: the free return ticket and shared-boat reality

This is a key part of the value. The tour includes a complimentary second tour ticket in case of no sightings. It’s not a guarantee that you will see whales, but it is a real safety net. Reviews include examples where people did not get whale sightings on the first run and were offered another chance for free.

Also, keep in mind the environmental and seasonal reality. At certain times of year, trips may be delivered on a shared boat with another activity partner. The provider tries to keep the number of boats on the water lower for environmental reasons, but you should still expect that the boat might not be only your group.

One more practical caution from reviews: some departures feel crowded on deck. If you know you will be frustrated by tight viewing spaces, arrive early, pick a spot thoughtfully, and be ready to move a bit when the guide calls out whale activity.

What the price covers, and why $103 can feel fair

At $103 per person for about 3.5 hours, this isn’t a cheap novelty. But the included items make it easier to justify:

• The boat tour itself (whale and dolphin watching)
• Guides
• Flotation overalls
• Heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities
• WiFi onboard
• Seasickness tablets
• A complimentary second tour ticket if you have no sightings
• A structured trip window, not a vague “sometime this afternoon” plan

The big thing is that this tour invests in comfort. Warm overalls and heated indoor space are not guaranteed on every whale-watching boat, and they can turn a rough day into a tolerable one.

What is not included is also clear. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard, but you should bring or plan your own food if you need more than what you might buy there. Pickup service costs extra, so you’ll want to be ready to get yourself to the meeting point.

If your top goal is whales, remember the math of wildlife: you’re paying for the best odds and the right setup, not for a guaranteed animal. Still, the combination of guide work, focused time in Faxaflói Bay, and the return-ticket safety net makes the value feel solid.

Who this whale-watching tour suits best

This tour is a strong match if you:

• Want a focused half-day whale watching option from Reykjavik, not an all-day expedition
• Value warmth and comfort, especially in winter or on cold windy days
• Travel with kids and want a heated interior plus WiFi to keep everyone settled between sightings
• Want a wheelchair-accessible experience (the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible)

It also suits animal lovers who can enjoy the whole ecosystem. Even when whales are slow, you can still get bird activity and other wildlife sightings, and the guide’s narration helps you understand what you’re seeing rather than watching blindly.

Quick decision guide: should you book this Reykjavik whale watching tour?

If your schedule is tight and whale watching is a priority, I’d book this. The best reasons are practical: time spent in Faxaflói Bay, included cold-weather gear, and the complimentary second tour ticket if you get skunked.

Do consider skipping or changing your expectations if:

• You hate crowds on deck and know you’ll struggle to get a clear view when whales surface
• You are very sensitive to motion, even with tablets available, because the sea can be choppy at times

If you go, show up early at Geirsgata 11, dress for wind and cold, and spend part of your time watching outside and part of your time warming up inside. That rhythm makes the biggest difference between a frustrating hunt and a day you still talk about when you’re back on dry land.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at Geirsgata 11 at the Special Tours ticket office.

How long is the Reykjavik whale watching tour?

The duration is about 3.5 hours.

What animals are you looking for on this tour?

The tour focuses on spotting minke whales, humpback whales, and dolphins.

What is included with the ticket?

Included are the whale watching tour and guides, flotation overalls, WiFi on board, heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities, seasickness tablets, and a complimentary second tour ticket if there are no sightings.

Are snacks and drinks included?

No. Snacks and drinks are not included, though they are available for purchase onboard.

Does the tour help with seasickness?

Yes. Seasickness tablets are included.

Is there wheelchair access?

Yes. The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.