The Wonders of Whale Watching in Reykjavík; What to know.

Did you know that Reykjavík is the best place for an overall comprehensive whale experience? 

Reykjavík isn’t just a launchpad for awe-inspiring whale encounters; it’s a treasure trove of convenience and experiences. Situated in the heart of the city, the old harbor is great if you want to pair whale watching with other activities. You can have lunch at The Old Harbour House or Bryggjan Brugghús, conveniently located close to the harbor.

Why Choose Reykjavík for Whale Watching?

Reykjavík offers unparalleled ease for whale watching, particularly if you’re tight on time and can’t venture to the north or east of Iceland. If your accommodation is located downtown Reykjavík, it’s likely that you are only a short walk away from the old harbour where we set out for our whale watching and northern light tours. The area is close to downtown so you can complement your whale watching trip with exploring the center of Reykjavík. You can also check out the biggest whale museum in Europe for more knowledge on marine animals. 

More important than the convenience of the location and the abundance of other attractions and restaurants in the area, the burning question travelers usually ask is; 

How likely is it to see whales in Reykjavik?

It’s highly likely that you will see whales in Reykjavík but it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact likelihood of whale encounters. According to a few whale watching companies, the chances range from 75 – 90% but there is never a guarantee. Faxaflói Bay is known for its rich marine life and you are likely to see Humpback whales, Minke whales, Blue whales and sometimes Orcas. You can also see dolphins, seals, puffins and a variety of other sea birds. Faxaflói Bay – Reykjavík lies along major migration routes, attracting a variety of whale species which increases your likelihood of seeing whales. 

As mentioned above, there is a wealth of marine wildlife to see during a whale watching tour and you can read about our top 10 animals to spot whilst whale watching in Reykjavík.

Curios About Our Whale Watching Tours?

Our company was set up in 2016 by three friends who love the ocean, as all Icelanders do. We wanted to share its wonders with the world, showing travelers to our lands the jaw-dropping sights that we see daily.

Between us, we have many years of experience and knowledge of whale watching and fishing, and of the diverse wildlife that can be found in Icelandic waters, especially in Faxaflói, the bay that lies outside Reykjavík.

Ethical whale watching and responsible tourism are the cornerstones of our philosophy. Our mission is to educate and preserve these magnificent creatures for future generations and the planet’s well-being.

For our whale-watching tours you have three options; boat, yacht, and speedboat.
What are the differences and what is the right whale-watching option for you?

Yacht – Amelia Rose;

With three panoramic deck areas, the vessel provides every passenger with a good view of the surrounding area as well as an excellent opportunity to capture some amazing pictures. The decks are partially covered, providing some shelter from wind and rain, and you can easily circle them to enjoy the best views.

Boat – Sailor;

A spacious Icelandic-style whale watching ship accommodating up to 125 passengers, equipped with warm indoor spaces and expansive outdoor observation areas.

RIB Speedboat – Tsunami;

A high-speed vessel offering close encounters with marine life, maneuvering swiftly for an immersive experience. Only available from mid-April to mid-October.

Navigating Your Whale Watching Expedition

First, you book your type of tour and preferred time online and then get a confirmation from the company; the website is super easy to navigate.

Once you make your way down to the harbour, you need to find your way to Sea Trip’s shed which is by on the pier. Make sure to be there at least 30 minutes prior to departure. We will help you check in and direct you to which boat/dock to go to to start your tour. The address is Ægisgarður 5b, the first wooden cabin in a row of wooden cabins. 

Now that you are checked in, make your way to your boat. Leaving the harbour, it is about 30 minutes to get out to where the whales are. This is a great time to enjoy the scenery and depending on the type of boat to grab a hot drink as you enjoy the view of Reykjavik harbour.

As you get closer, our expert guides will fill you in on the types of whales we could see and how you can help spot them. When we find the whales, we then follow them to give you the best viewing experience, while also ensuring we maintain an ethical distance so as not to disrupt them.

What to wear for Whale watching in Reykjavík?

Make sure to always be well dressed. It gets colder out on the water so it’s better to be dressed for any weather conditions, we recommend wearing layers. Even during summertime.

On the boat and the yacht there is an inside area where you can warm up and have a coffee and use the washroom. 

The total time of the whale watching tour is around 3-3.5 hours. The professional team onboard is very experienced in spotting whales and are dedicated to making sure their passengers leave with a smile! 

If you are coming to Iceland and want to experience whales up close, whether it’s on a speedboat, Icelandic-style boat or yacht we are here to make sure that you and the whales have a great experience.