Reykjavik Whale-Watching Cruise: Experience Marine Life in Faxaflói Bay

Embark on a thrilling whale-watching cruise in Reykjavik’s Faxaflói Bay. Spot whales, dolphins, and porpoises while learning about Iceland’s marine life. Book now!

Duration: 3 hours, 50 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Faxaflói - Wave goodbye to Reykjavik Port and head out on a whale-watching cruise around Faxaflói Bay! Choose from two shore excursions – a leisurely 3.5-hour cruise or a 2.5-hour high-speed cruise – and then sit back and relax aboard your sightseeing boat. Watch out for porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales and humpback whales that swim in abundance around the area, and learn all about them from an onboard guide.

NEW - the new Special Tours Iceland App is available for all clients to download before or during the tour, with both text and audio information about your tour, wildlife, and the surrounding nature. Available for Andriod and Apple in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.

What's Included
  • Complimentary sea sickness tablets if needed
  • Free WiFi
  • Use of thermal overalls in all sizes
  • Access to our multilingual Special Tours App
  • Free retry ticket if no sightings
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
Additional Information

Opt for a 2.5 or 3.5-hour beachside adventure at your convenience, either in the morning or in the afternoon, and commence your whale-spotting journey from Reykjavik Port. Be on the lookout for the diverse aquatic life that Iceland is renowned for, as you venture toward the waters of Faxaflói Bay. Your guide will provide you with a pair of warm, waterproof jumpsuit if needed, allowing you to enjoy your sightseeing without the chill. Pay attention to your guide’s description of the various types of whales seen in Iceland, coupled with fascinating stories of interactions with these grand marine beings. In addition to whales, Faxaflói Bay also shelters porpoises and white-beaked dolphins, often seen surfacing near the boat – a perfect photo opportunity! While the cruise boasts a 90 percent whale-spotting success rate, you’ll receive a complimentary ticket for another tour if the whales remain elusive during your trip.

Location
Geirsgata 11
Geirsgata
Skarfabakki Cruise Port if transfer selected, or the Special Tours Ticket Office in the Old Harbour if meeting directly.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.9
(39 Ratings)
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Jogom23
Apr 5, 2024
Once in a lifetime experience! - This tour exceeded all my expectations :D We were surrounded by so many whales and you didn't even know where to look at! At some point we had humpback whales, fin whales and dolphins all together!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
W5874gkphilipg
Feb 12, 2024
Whale watching in reykavic - Fantastic trip from start to finish, great and informative guide, and to see these magnificent whales in the natural habitat was beautiful
Review provided by Tripadvisor
David_s
Sep 5, 2023
Great trip, guide was... - Great trip, guide was very knowledgeable with a good sense of humour. We where lucky as weather was lovely & sea was calm. Wish there would of been more whales around, but trip was very enjoyable and would recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Kathleen_d
Sep 5, 2022
The tour was... - The tour was well-organized, we boarded and left on time and there were warm, waterproof jackets available for those that were underdressed. It was easy to hear the guide throughout the boat with the installed speakers and she made a point to orient us to the position of the animals so we could all find them quickly no matter where we were. Dominiki was our guide and she had a lot of great information about the local whale and other cetacean species, local geography, and we felt like we learned a lot despite having taken other whale-watching tours in the past. The captain did a great job of making sure people on the port and starboard sides had a good view, and we were able to see so many species- minki whales, harbour porpoises, white-beaked dolphins. Would definitely recommend this tour, we were out on the water for the full promised 3hrs.
Review provided by Viator
Lesley_r
Jun 22, 2022
Great experience - Saw lots of Whales and the guide was knowledgeable. Took care to stay a distance from the whales whilst still giving us a memorable experience. The warm clothing and sea sickness tablets were welcome. Would definitely recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Rosa_s
Jul 13, 2021
Great cruise - We had a great time. The boat was nice, the tour guide was a very knowledgeable biologist and we were able to see some whales up close!
Review provided by Viator
Kinseyf2024
Mar 30, 2024
March 2024 - We were not very lucky seeing whales. We saw some harbor porpoises and one or two minke whales briefly if you turned your head fast enough. Try to get on board first/early so you can get a good spot. Bring layers because the wind will get ya. Also bring binoculars if you can! Guide was knowledgeable and had fun facts about whales or other sea creatures. Despite not seeing whales much, we had clear skies and a beautiful view of the Icelandic landscape.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bernadette
Mar 7, 2020
We saw a whale yippee! - So we booked this on the day saturday at the local tourist office along with another trip for our last day the monday. I think it was pretty expensive but no more than booking in advance. We got tickets and walked down to meet the boat at the harbour. All clearly signed for Special tours. The boat was pretty packed and we were amongst the last to board. We were offered extra clothing to keep us warm and dry. These were all in one Regatta heavy duty outdoor suits with hoods to wear over or instead of coats. To note no medium available obviously the most popular size! Not in great condition either but served the purpose. We headed to upper deck and managed to squeeze in..most seats taken initially but people moved about all the time. ...so you get a seat at some point. Bit of a safety talk from crew member and shown where sick bags were (needed by a few later in the trip?) Sea sickness pills brought round too. Quite calm initially leaving the harbour but a lot more choppy further out. Not too long out and saw a minke whale...hurrah! Appeared a few times. Crew member on speaker telling you all the time where to look and telling everyone to share sightings. Quite exciting! Best views on deck hanging off the rails but make sure you have face protection a good warm scarf to wrap around you. Saw lots of birds too. Trip is 3 hours long...for the last hour started to feel a bit nauseous and went below decks. Overall a great experience! Impressed with company who do a daily blog on their website with photos in case you missed anything. So I happily stole their photos. Worthwhile but as with the lights no guarantees of seeing a whale! Nature rules in Iceland .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Helen
Mar 5, 2020
Enjoyable, wrap up warm - The staff are very friendly and the boat was spacious and comfortable. The cafe on board is very nice and on the way back they do a little educational talk. They let you use their warm overalls but I recommend that you wear lots of layers including warm footwear and face masks/hats/gloves. We saw a minke whale a few porpoises.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
850philipr
Feb 27, 2020
Was as Advertised - Didn’t get to see any whales which obviously was the whole point. This is clearly advertised and nature is nature. Did make me think however .... what realistically are the chances of jumping on a boat, going out to Atlantic Ocean and seeing one? Not sure but this is no reflection of the tour as it was accurately described
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 9 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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