Reykjavik

Dolphin & Whale Watching

Take a boat trip from Reykjavik’s harbor to discover Iceland’s rich marine life, which is one of this island country’s highlights. All year round you can spot a variety of whales and other marine animals in the Reykjavik area, including minke and humpback whales, harbor porpoises, and whale-beaked dolphins. Have an opportunity to see some of Iceland's most beautiful marine animals, along with the stunning scenery of the Icelandic coast. The peak season for whale watching runs from April to October, but of course, the ocean is always full of magical creatures, and you never know what you might see. Benefit from the services of specially-trained whale watching guides who are experts at spotting the animals. You will be free to listen as they tell you about the behavior of the whales, and answer any questions you may have. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Icelandic coast as you spot local wildlife. Take a break and warm up in the heated indoor area. Relax on board the boat and enjoy the indoor and outdoor seating, and purchase drinks and snacks along the way from the onboard bar and cafeteria. You will experience a pleasant and comfortable ride, even at higher speeds, and will be able to share your adventure live on social media with the onboard WiFi.

Hop aboard a RIB speedboat and head out for a thrilling adventure just off Reykjavik's coast. Marvel at the abundance of sea life Iceland has to offer, such as majestic whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Begin your tour from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor and cruise among the small islands in the Faxaflói Bay, as well as along the coast of Reykjavík. Admire fantastic views of the city and its landmarks like the Harpa concert hall as you search for wildlife in the water. During your tour, pass by Engey, the second-largest island of the Kollafjörður (Faxa Bay) fjord in western Iceland. Also cruise past Lundey, literally “Puffin Island” in Icelandic, a small uninhabited island off Reykjavík’s western coast. Enjoy the chance to see incredible animals in their natural habitat without being overcrowded onboard the boat. And if you don't get lucky with wildlife sightings on the day you go, you'll receive a complimentary ticket to try again another day.

Come aboard a luxurious yacht and see the incredible wealth of marine wildlife that lives in the waters just off the shores of Reykjavík City. See some of Iceland's majestic whales, dolphins, and porpoises on this small-group whale watching tour.  Your ship sets sail from Reykjavík's Old Harbor and sails among the small islands in the Faxaflói Bay, as well as along the coast of Reykjavík, providing you with fantastic views of the city as you search for the wildlife in the water. Spot minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises. If you're lucky, you may even see a few orcas (also known as killer whales) as well as a wealth of other species. Make the most of three panoramic deck areas aboard the luxury yacht, moving about the decks to get the best views and take advantage of great photo opportunities. The outside decks are also partially covered, providing some shelter from wind and rain. The professional crew on board the Amelia Rose are very experienced in spotting whales and they are dedicated to making sure you leave with a smile.  Combine relaxation with education as you enjoy a personal and memorable experience. Amelia Rose is designed as an offshore vessel, making it better adapted to take on the turbulent waves of Iceland's waters, resulting in a smoother sail with less probability of passengers experiencing nausea or seasickness. 

Climb aboard a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) equipped with special shock suspension seating for a smoother ride. Look for whales and other marine life in the wild. Travel aboard the 12-meter long boat to get extra close to whales in a way that is safe for passengers and the animals. Benefit from warm flotation suits, life vests, gloves and goggles to keep you cozy and safe, and avail of the services of an experienced guide who will provide information about the animals and bay in English.  Stop by the island of Akurey to look for adorable puffins during the summer. See their nests along the coast during their breeding season. Head out to the bay on a fast and thrilling ride with the wind in your hair. Reach a comfortable cruising speed of 32 knots and get plenty of time in the feeding grounds. Then, take a scenic route back along the coast of Reykjavik. After your tour, you can visit the Whales of Iceland Museum, located in the Grandi harbor district of Reykjavik. Here, you can discover more about the various whale species of the Atlantic, with exhibits on whale biology, migration, and conservation.

Get back to nature and look for whales off the coast of Iceland aboard a brand new RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) equipped with 12 suspension seats to enhance your comfort and safety. Make your way to the meeting point in the old harbor of Reykjavik and put on the provided warm waterproof overall, life jacket, googles and your own whale watching scarf. Depart from the harbor and pass the Harpa Concert Hall and Sun Voyager sculpture. Continue to Faxaflói Bay, where up to 23 species of whales, along with dolphins and seals can often be found. Look for the magnificent creatures in their natural environment and encounter sea birds of various species. Keep a look out for the puffins that come to lay their one egg on the many islands in Faxaflói Bay as you cruise up close. Ask your guide any questions you have and hear interesting facts about the whales and other wildlife.

See the incredible northern lights from the panoramic decks of a luxurious yacht. This tour is perfect for those looking for an awe-inspiring experience watching the celestial display of the aurora borealis. Meet your captain and crew at Reykjavik's Old Harbor, where you'll board the luxury yacht. You will sail among the small islands in Faxafloi Bay and along the coast of Reykjavik before the yacht begins to sail away from the lights of the city. This will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the northern lights to the fullest. The panoramic triple deck area allows every passenger to enjoy the breathtaking colors of the Aurora, and to capture some amazing photos of the green, pink, and white lights. The tour is conducted in a small group, so your experience will be both personal and memorable. Don't worry if there is rain or wind, as the decks are partially covered to provide shelter from the elements. If you wish to stay inside during the trip, you will find a lovely bar and lounge area inside where you can relax in comfort. If the lights do not show up, the captain and crew will still make sure that your journey is enjoyable. You will be given the chance to taste Icelandic delicacies such as shark, dried fish, and brennivin, the local liquor. 

Experience the whales and wildlife of Faxaflói bay on a small-group whale watching tour. Board a specially designed RIB speedboat so that you can enjoy up close and personal views of whales, dolphins, and more. The boats are small yet powerful and capable of covering a large area in search of wildlife during a 2-hour tour. The RIB boats are equipped with brand new high-quality suspension seats designed to increase safety and comfort during the adventure. During the summer months (May - August) this tour includes puffin watching as the colorful birds nest just outside the city's harbor. After the whale safari, head back to Reykjavík while enjoying a ride along the city's shoreline. Experience unique views of some of the cities most famous landmarks from the sea.

Board your boat in Reykjavík's Old Harbor and sail to Faxaflói Bay. Faxaflói has a rich variety of wildlife, but you'll most commonly spot minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises and humpback whales. Ask your knowledgeable guide any questions you have throughout the tour and they'll be happy to answer.  You'll also visit the Whales of Iceland Exhibition. The exhibit features 23 life-size models of all the whale species found in Icelandic waters. Immerse yourself in the exhibit with virtual reality headsets, information stands, audio guides and videos. After the exhibition, grab a coffee and pastry at the café and relax in the exhibit's dreamy ambiance. Whales of Iceland offers two live-guided tours every day, available at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. This is free for all ticket holders. Note: You can choose the order in which you do these two activities.

Go whale watching under the beautiful midnight sun during Iceland's summer months of nearly 24-hour daylight. Admire the special glow of the evening sun reflecting off the waters of the North Atlantic as your English-speaking guide helps you to spot these magnificent creatures. Set sail from Reykjavík's Old Harbor at 9 PM on Rósin, a custom-built boat for whale watching tours in Iceland. Kit yourself out in included warm overalls to stay comfortable during your trip, and enjoy the boat's facilities, such as indoor and outdoor viewing decks, 2 restrooms, and a snack bar. Spend between 2-2.5 hours looking for whales with an experienced guide. The 4 most common species seen in Faxaflói Bay are humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and minke whales. Finally, return to the harbor just before midnight.

Enjoy a memorable whale watching tour and exhibition visit in Reykjavik. Whale watching is a unique experience and Iceland has in recent years become one of the best countries in the world for well-organized excursions. All year round you’ll be able to see a variety of whales off the Reykjavik coast. Minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and harbor porpoises are among the species often spotted along the coast of Iceland. Your 3-hour program begins in the Vesturbugt Harbor area, located in downtown Reykjavik. Your dedicated tour guides will provide you with the best whale watching experience possible. The summer is the peak season for spotting all sorts of wildlife. Visit the Whales of Iceland exhibition, the largest of its kind in Europe. Nowhere else can you stand face-to-face with so many whale species, all of which have been found in Icelandic waters through the ages. Marvel at the 25-meter-long blue whale, the full-size sperm whale (like the one in Moby Dick), the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, and many others. At the exhibition you can learn about the life and behavior of these giants of the sea as well as listen to their singing and look into their eyes. The experience, being surrounded by these giants of the sea, is a unique one that’s appealing to both adults and children. The interactive stations are based on the latest scientific data. You can, for example, learn about the biology of the Minke whale and follow the migration routes of whales that have been tagged and monitored by satellite. Whale watching is a natural activity that is subject to the weather. If the trip is canceled due to bad weather, the whale watching part of the ticket will be refunded. If there are no sightings during the trip, then you have the option to go again.