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Whale-Watching Tour from Reykjavik

star-3.5
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Reykjavík, Iceland
(30)
Whale-Watching Tour from Reykjavik
See More (30)
30

From $90.40

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Free Cancellation
up to 24 hours in advance
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icon3 hours  (Approx.)
iconOffered in: English and 1 more
Good for avoiding crowds
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your visit
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
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Safety precautions are provided by the tour operator and are not checked by Viator for accuracy
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(888) 651-9785

Overview

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.
  • Faxaflói Bay whale-watching cruise from Reykjavik
  • Watch out for harbor porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales and humpbacks
  • Learn about some of Iceland’s most majestic native wildlife from an onboard guide
  • Choose between a 3.5-hour whale-watching cruise, or a 2.5-hour high-speed boat version

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

A choice of two tour durations and multiple departure times means you can tailor this excursion to your schedule. Indoor/outdoor viewing areas and provided thermal coveralls let you decide your threshold for exposure to the Icelandic elements while you scan for local marine life.
Add to Cart
Experienced biologist on board
Free ticket to try again if nothing is seen on your tour - sightings guarantee!
Use of thermal overalls - also available in children's sizes!
Free WiFi
Heated indoor seating areas
Complimentary sea sickness tablets, if needed
Gratuities
Food and drink (can be purchased on board)
Hotel transfers (can be added for an additional fee)

Departure Point

Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Return Details

Returns to original departure point
Following pickup at your Reykjavik hotel (if booked directly with the supplier), you'll be transferred to the city's Old Harbor. Choose between an express 2.5-hour, high-speed tour or a 3.5-hour cruise at the time of booking.

Step aboard your comfortable boat and pull on a pair of thermal coveralls to protect you from the Icelandic elements. Find a comfortable spot on the deck and settle in for the scenic ride out into Faxaflói Bay. If at any point you get chilly, make your way into the warm indoor viewing area, where hot chocolate, tea, coffee and snacks are available for purchase. 

As the boat cruises through the surf, keep your eyes open for white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, humpback whales and harbor porpoises.This company has a 90 percent whale-spotting success rate, so have your camera at the ready. As the boat cruises through the surf, keep your eyes open for white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, humpback whales and harbor porpoises. Keep your camera ready to photograph these magnificent creatures. In the unlikely event that you don't see any wildlife, you'll receive a complimentary ticket for a second whale-watching excursion. 

At the conclusion of your eco-adventure, return to shore and board your land vehicle for drop-off back at your hotel (if booked).
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • German guidance available on Classic tours from May 1st - September 30th.
  • Operates in a variety of weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • If cancelled due to unsuitable sailing conditions, you will be give the option of an alternative date or a full refund.
  • Hotel pick up: Available to book directly with supplier (extra fees apply).
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Special Tours Iceland

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Whale-Watching Tour from Reykjavik?
A:
The policy on face masks and attendee health is:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
See all safety measures taken by Whale-Watching Tour from Reykjavik.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Whale-Watching Tour from Reykjavik?
A:
The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Whale-Watching Tour from Reykjavik.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Whale-Watching Tour from Reykjavik?
A:
The policies on staff health & safety are:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
See all safety measures taken by Whale-Watching Tour from Reykjavik.
Q:
What is the maximum group size during Whale-Watching Tour from Reykjavik?
A:
This activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers.

See all safety measures taken by Whale-Watching Tour from Reykjavik.

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "Difficult to get to the railings to see the couple of whales that were spotted." See review
  • "But it's still a nice boat trip (tip 1: put on an overall, it gets extremely cold)." See review

Reviews

3.5
star-3.5
345 Reviews
5 stars
121
4 stars
96
3 stars
62
2 stars
38
1 star
28
Reviews by Viator travelers
Showing 1-10 of 345 reviews
star-1
What a waste
Patrick_F
, Jul 2020
It was awful. You'd see far more wildlife in a fish aquarium at home.... Even if your aquarium only has two or three fish in it.
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icon Response from Host , Jul 2020
Thank you for taking the time to write a review - we're sorry to hear that you did not see anything on your whale watching tour with us. We can never guarantee sightings of wild animals, which is clearly stated in our terms and conditions. Whenever nothing is seen on a tour we invite passengers to come again for free. This offer never expires, so whenever you know the date you'd like to try again please contact us at info@specialtours.is and we can arrange your next tour. We hope that you enjoy your stay in Iceland, Kind regards, Special Tours Crew
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star-4
Very nice
simonerizzi91
, Feb 2020
Unfortunately we didn’t see any whales but the all boat trip was so interesting and the guy was so excited when talking about the whales! Definitely something to do
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star-5
Beautiful tour!
marcospuk
, Feb 2020
Unfortunately I didn’t get to see large whales, just small species... but despite the bitter cold, due to the season, the tour was fantastic and at the end we saw a pretty large group of dolphins swimming around us for a while. Wales and dolphins are wild animal, and they will not be there waiting to be seen! I would do this tour again, for sure And the lady who was spotting them for us and giving all the explanations was great!
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star-4
Whale watching
charlesgillham
, Oct 2019
Fantastic crew and though we didn’t see any whales we did see plenty of dolphins and education was excellent. This was especially true with regards plastic pollution and it’s negative impact on sea life. It was therefore strange (and disappointing) that the company sell numerous plastic bottles on board. It would be great if this could be stopped to set an example
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star-2
Disappointed boat trip
jackongps
, Oct 2019
We went for the whale trip hoping to see at least the shadow or even the tail of whale but much to our disappointment we didn't see any whale or even dophin. We do see a lot of birds flying around..which i don't think i have to pay to see that. Overall the service by the crew was good.
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star-5
Saw four species! Very informative guide!
tb4192
, Oct 2019
I believe our guide was Johnathon, a marine biologist. He was very informative and funny. We were able to see two types of whales and 2 types of dolphins. He also talked to us about preserving the animals by not eating at restaurants that serve whale, as it’s not actually a common Icelandic food, but a tourist gimmick. He really made me think, and his tour had a positive impact.
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star-5
A great experience
Colin T
, Sep 2019
It was morning and we headed out to sea. Rain, wind and a heavy swell had some passengers reaching for the seasick tablets. I went out on deck and planted myself at the prow picturing myself as Captain Ahab, only my weapon was a camera, not a harpoon. 'There, at two o'clock,' shouted out guide. I wiped the rain from my eyes and was too late. But the minke whale appeared several more times, or perhaps there was more than one of them. My wife even caught one on camera which is not easy when you have no idea where or when a whale might surface. Just keep watching and hoping. Overall a great experience.
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star-5
Whales didn't get the memo, but we had a great time!
christopherbO7615RZ
, Aug 2019
The company running the tour was great. Prompt, professional, boarded right on time and the ship was very comfortable. Our guide was very knowledgeable and clearly communicated a lot of information about whales and marine life in general; very informative. We only saw one whale, but recognize it's us that are invading the animals' habitat, so they do what they do at their own pace. The company seemed committed to our experience, though, and offered credit toward a future excursion (with no expiration, which was a nice touch). Good job all around, maybe we'll see more next time.
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star-3
Hoped For More
Dreamer488000
, Jun 2019
When you go whale watching you hope to see whales. We saw a glimpse of a minke whale but not much more. The crew was professional and nice and the boat was fine. Just hoped to see whales.
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star-4
Whale of a time!
Discover118380
, May 2019
Really good crew and guide, very knowledgable and great that we got to see two whales, a mother and calf!
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Product code: 5477WHALE

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