Top Reykjavik Whale Watching
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When it comes to whales in Europe, Iceland is tough to beat. As Reykjavik continues to rise as a popular destination for travelers from around the world, more and more options are popping up for whale watching. See below for our tips on seeing these amazing creatures in Reykjavik.
When to Go
Although whale watching tours are offered year-round, the best time to go is between April and September when the weather is mild and daylight is plentiful. Be sure to dress in layers, as it gets cold out on the water even in summer. Many tours provide thermal coveralls to help keep you cozy as you look for whales.
What You'll See
While Iceland is home to more than 20 species of whale, the most common types seen near Reykjavik are orca, minke, and humpback whales. In addition, you'll likely catch a glimpse of dolphins, porpoises, seals, and other ocean creatures.
How to Go
There are many options for whale watching tours from Reykjavik. Choose a standalone cruise, or combine it with another popular activity such as puffin viewing, a Northern Lights viewing experience, or a visit to the Blue Lagoon. See our top choices below.
23 results | All Reykjavik Tours

The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik
Experience the magic of whale watching on a cruise from Reykjavik. With a knowledgeable guide, cruise the coastal curve of Iceland to marvel at whales in their natural habitat. Scour the sea for sightings of porpoises and dolphins as you listen to fascinating facts surrounding the majestic creatures that inhabit the Icelandic ocean. Heighten your chances of seeing whales on this tour, the success rates of which are 95% in summer and 80% in winter.
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From
$87.00
From
$87.00

Whale Watching & Dolphin Luxury Yacht Cruise
Discover Iceland’s aquatic wildlife on a relaxing cruise aboard a spacious yacht. Board your vessel at Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and venture out to Faxafloi Bay, keeping your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins, and, during the summer months, puffins. While you sail, admire the coastline dotted with mountains, Reykjavik landmarks, and small islands.
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From
$91.95
From
$91.95

Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik
Watch for minke whales, dolphins and humpbacks on a whale watching cruise from Reykjavik, and take in views of the coast from an open viewing platform or an enclosed cabin. Get the ultimate whale watching experience during the peak season from April through October, when over 20 kinds of whale flock to the North Atlantic. Cruise the harbor in comfort and style, enjoy access to an indoor saloon stocked with snacks and drinks (sold on board), and spot Iceland’s diverse aquatic species with help from the experienced crew.
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From
$85.00
From
$85.00

Whale-Watching Tour from Reykjavik
Cruise Faxaflói Bay in search of humpback and minke whales during this whale-watching tour from Reykjavik. A naturalist guide talks about the biology and behavior of these magnificent marine mammals while you look for signs of their presence. Stay warm and dry in provided thermal coveralls as you keep your eye out for whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. Choose from a 2.5-hour, high-speed express boat option or a full, 3.5-hour tour.
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From
$88.67
From
$88.67

Speedboat Whale Watching in Reykjavík Iceland - Small group
Iceland’s Faxaflói Bay is home to diverse marine life including dolphins, puffins, and whales, but knowing where the native sea life is likely to appear requires skill and experience. On this whale-watching tour, zoom across the waves by powerful speedboat with your guide and reach the action swiftly. Wrapped up warm against the cold, keep watch for native whales in their natural habitat and enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour—limited to 12 people.
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From
$150.00
From
$150.00

Whale Watching Cruise on a Yacht in Reykjavik
See Reykjavik from a different perspective and observe local wildlife during this whale-watching cruise from the Old Harbor. Board a spacious yacht, featuring panoramic viewing windows, and sail through Faxalfoi Bay. While you sail, keep your eyes peeled for cetaceans in the water including minke, humpback, and sometimes even killer whales. If you don’t see any wildlife on your tour, receive a ticket for another day.
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From
$89.00
Price varies by group size
From
$89.00
Price varies by group size

Magical Whales in the Midnight Sun | from Reykjavik
Embark on a unique whale-watching cruise at night, aided by the glow of Iceland’s ‘midnight sun.’ Because the sun doesn’t fully set during the summer months, you can observe the nocturnal habits of dolphins and whales under the colorful light of this northern phenomenon. Learn about Iceland’s native marine life through a multimedia show on board, and spot sea creature splashing around during a 2.5-hour night cruise from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.
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From
$85.00
From
$85.00

Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon Including Admission & Kerid Volcanic Crater
Make the most of your time in Iceland and embark on a jam-packed day of the country’s key attractions with a small group. Start your day bright and early for your drive around the Golden Circle, stopping at Thingvellir, Geysir Hot Spring, Gullfoss, and the Kerid volcanic crater. Then, end your day with a soak in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon.
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From
$212.00
From
$212.00

Golden Circle Classic Day Trip from Reykjavik
Witness the three wonders of the famous Iceland Golden Circle on this day trip from Reykjavik. Travel by air-conditioned vehicle with an expert guide and learn the history and geology of each site. See the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall, the bubbling pools and Strokkur waterspout at Geysir and the incredible tectonic rift at Thingvellir National Park. On route, drink in Iceland’s stark beauty and learn how islanders are using its natural steam and geothermal waters to produce sustainable energy.
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From
$68.97
From
$68.97

Small-Group Reykjavik RIB Whale Watching Cruise
Cruise Faxaflói Bay in a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) on a 2-hour, small-group whale-watching expedition from Reykjavik. Board a speedy RIB at the Old Harbor, and skim alongside graceful seabirds as you pass seasonal puffin colonies. Watch for minke and humpback whales, porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins, and then return to the harbor along the Reykjavik shoreline. Pause alongside the Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture as you take in the city’s most distinctive sights from the water.
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From
$157.19
From
$157.19

Iceland Super Saver: Puffin Cruise plus Whale-Watching Tour from Reykjavik
Discover the natural majesty of Iceland with the Reykjavik Super Saver, a combination of two popular tours at a discounted price. Realize your dreams of seeing wild whales during a 2.5- or 3.5-hour whale-watching tour and marvel at adorable puffins as you sail the rugged shores of Akurey island on a 1-hour puffin cruise. Enrich your knowledge of the majestic creatures while listening to commentary from a knowledgeable guide on each captivating cruise.
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From
$121.51
From
$121.51

Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik
Enjoy unforgettable adventure in Iceland’s great outdoors on this 5.5-hour horse-riding and whale-watching tour from Reykjavik. Follow your guide through Iceland’s lava fields on horseback and gain insight into the country’s native horse breeds. Explore trails through the wild moorland and enjoy panoramic views over the rugged terrain. Afterward, hop aboard your whale watching boat and cruise out onto the waves. Watch the water for sightings of whales, porpoises and dolphins, and keep your eyes on the skies for birdlife. With your camera to hand, capture Iceland’s wildlife through your lens.
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From
$205.80
From
$205.80

Deluxe Whale Watching and Whales of Iceland Exhibition Combo from Reykjavik
Realize your dreams of observing whales in their natural environment on a whale-watching trip from Reykjavik. Cruise on the Atlantic Ocean in search of the Minke and humpback whales native to Iceland. With luck, you’ll see dolphins and porpoises while listening to enriching commentary. Then, gain free entry to the Whales of Iceland exhibition—home to 23 full size models of whales—and plunge into an immersive experience guaranteed to amaze.
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From
$100.00
From
$100.00

Arctic Rose Whale Watching Tour in Reykjavík Bay
Arctic Rose Whale Watching is unique because it provides a thrilling and memorable experience to witness the breathtaking beauty of Iceland's marine life in their natural habitat. The tour's comfortable boat, the Arctic Rose, is a state-of-the-art vessel that is designed for the safety and comfort of its passengers. The boat's spacious deck and comfortable seating provide ample space to relax and take in the stunning views of Iceland's coastline while searching for marine creatures.
The tour is also unique because it is led by an expert crew with years of experience in whale watching and knowledge of the area's wildlife. The crew's expertise ensures that passengers have the best chance to spot magnificent humpback whales, orcas, and dolphins that call these waters home. The crew also shares their knowledge of the area's marine life with passengers, providing an educational experience that adds value to the tour.
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From
$74.00
From
$74.00

Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise
Realize your dream of spotting wild whales in their natural environment on a 2.5- or 3-5-hour shore excursion around Faxaflói Bay from Reykjavik Port. Opt to enjoy either a 2.5-hour high speed cruise or a relaxed 3.5-hour cruise and then embark on an exhilarating whale-watching adventure. Enjoy illuminating commentary from an expert guide as you scour the sea for an incredible array of wildlife; look out for minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, porpoises and humpback whales as you cruise the beautiful area. Return to your cruise ship well in advance of its departure time on this enriching excursion.
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From
$93.05
From
$93.05

Half-Day Whale Watching and Northern Lights Combo Tour
Many Northern Lights tours turn west to Iceland’s interior—but this one sails out of Reykjavik Harbor for a combination whale and Northern Lights spotting sea journey. It’s a great way to see two of Iceland’s most beautiful offerings, and you’ll travel on a boat with viewing platforms, an indoor bar, and free Wi-Fi. Viewings of whales or the lights cannot be guaranteed, but trips can be rebooked without an extra charge.
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From
$150.00
From
$150.00

Midnight Sun Whale Watching from Reykjavik
Two of the most magical summer attractions in Iceland are its whales and the midnight sun. You can experience both with this late-evening tour that maximizes your chances of seeing humpback and minke whales; white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises under the warm glow of the nighttime sun.
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From
$88.67
From
$88.67

Reykjavik Whales & White Water Rafting Adventure
Explore Iceland’s sheltered bays and churning rivers on a full-day whale watching cruise and white water rafting experience from Reykjavik. Watch for minkes, humpbacks, porpoises and white-beaked dolphins as you cruise Faxaflói Bay. Head into the interior to launch a raft into the Hvítá River, and paddle rapids and smooth water along riverside cliffs; warm up with a sauna and hot shower.
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From
$250.00
From
$250.00

Guided Whale Watching Experience from Reykjavik
Experience the best Iceland has to offer with spectacular Whale Watching opportunities.
Our tours offer a unique experience and we do our best to make this a lifetime experience for you.
A 2-hour Whale Watching adventure departing from Old harbour in downtown Reykjavik. We sail into Faxaflói bay in search of Minke and Humpback whales, Dolphins, Harbour porpoises and Killer whales.
On this tour, you will also experience the spectacular views of the mountains and islands around Reykjavik as well as the wonderful bird life. On board we have warm overalls, heated spacious indoor cabins, a nice bar and free WiFi.
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From
$78.00
From
$78.00

Whales of Iceland from Land and Sea
Gain insight into some of Iceland’s most magnificent native wildlife on an adventurous whale-watching cruise from Reykjavik along with admission to the Whales of Iceland Exhibition. Hop aboard your boat in Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and head out into Faxaflói Bay. Watch the waves for graceful minke and humpback whales, and curious porpoises and dolphins. Learn of the creatures’ life-cycles and habits from the informative on-board commentary. Before or after the cruise, visit the Whales of Iceland exhibition at your leisure and admire life-size models of Iceland’s native whale species.
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From
$99.62
From
$99.62

Reykjavik Whale Watching and Lava Show
Join a Whale watching sea adventure!
Something fun and different. Get in touch with the diverse sea life and witness the Reykjavík skyline from a whole new angle.
The only live LAVA SHOW in the world!
In order to recreate a miniature volcano eruption, they superheat real lava from the 1918 Katla eruption and once molten, pour it into a showroom full of people. It is an incredible, unforgettable experience. In an instant, the showroom heats up to a toasty temperature. And as the audience sits safe in their seats yet only a few feet away from the flowing lava, it is mesmerizing to see, hear, smell and feel the incredible heat that radiates from it.
It is such an intimate, educational and entertaining experience and so different from everything else you've ever experienced, that you can't help feel in awe. And after the show, you truly see the rest of Iceland with different eyes and a newfound appreciation for nature. It really is a must see experience.
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From
$116.00
From
$116.00

1hr ATV Adventure & Whale Watching Combination Tour from Reykjavik
Experience the wonders of the island nation of Iceland with a tour that combines the adrenaline of off-roading with the majesty of whale watching, all in one day. The adventure begins with an all-terrain vehicle trip that culminates at Ulfarsfell mountain with views of the city, ocean, and mountains. After a lunch break at the Reykjavik Harbor, embark on a journey into Faxafloi bay in search of Minke whales.
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From
$282.00
From
$282.00

Iceland Super Saver: Northern Lights Cruise plus Whale-Watching Tour from Reykjavik
Experience two of Iceland’s most incredible natural sights as you go whale watching and search for the Northern Lights with this package of two separate excursions from Reykjavik. Climb aboard your boat to search for the Aurora Borealis, a spectacular celestial display of colorful lights triggered by magnetic storms. For your second excursion, head out again by boat into Faxaflói Bay as you search for the area’s incredible marine life, including humpback whales, minke whales and harbor porpoises, among others. Both trips include hotel transport (if option selected), guides, warm coveralls and Wi-Fi on the whale watching cruise.
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From
$153.26
From
$153.26
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