Reykjavík: Classic Whale Watching

Venture into Faxaflói bay with our expert crew and specially trained marine biologist naturalists. Led by our passionate crew, you will explore the whales of Reykjavík and learn about the incredible wildlife that call Iceland their home. Encounter a variety of whale species, such as humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of majestic killer whales, fin whales, or long-finned pilot whales!

The bay is even full of birdlife, from charming puffins to northern gannets and arctic terns, the skies are teeming with life. Watch as these incredible birds dive and feast on the abundant fish that thrive in the bay. Surrounding landscapes offer a beautiful contrast to the vast sea, with stunning mountains on the horizon creating a picturesque backdrop.

While summer brings an abundance of life to the bay, each winter continues to surprise us with its own unique encounters. Our ongoing research shows that numerous whales inhabit the area all year round, making every season an ideal time to explore these nutrient rich waters!

Make the most of your day by combining this activity with Puffin Watching in the summer, or Northern Lights Cruise in winter! Alternatively, you can book our Premium Whale Watching for a more exclusive experience, or explore our combo tours if you're seeking even more adventures!

Check-in

Meet us at our ticket office by the Old Harbour in Reykjavík at least 15 min. before scheduled departure for check-in. We are located in a double A-frame house by the pier; simply follow the red colour at the harbour to find us. Our team will show you to the boat, located just a few steps down the harbour.

Wildlife Exhibiton & Boarding

Step aboard Fífill, our one of a kind floating Wildlife Exhibition, housed in a beautifully converted fishing vessel. As you wander through the hull, you'll immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the whales and other marine wildlife you might encounter on your tour. Discover real whale and dolphin skeletons, baleen plates, teeth, and an impressive bird display, offering a captivating preview of the wonders that await you.

Head directly to the whale watching vessel, where you’ll present your boarding card to the crew. Once on board, you’ll have access to multiple outdoor viewing platforms for prime wildlife spotting, a heated saloon with ample seating and large windows, a cafeteria serving drinks and light refreshments, as well as toilet facilities. To keep warm, complimentary overalls are available for your comfort.

Classic Whale Watching

Choose your spot, whether you prefer the comfort of the heated saloon or the crisp air and panoramic views outside. While the excitement builds, your experienced naturalist will deliver a safety briefing and introduce you to the incredible wildlife you may encounter on the journey ahead. As we set off into the bay, where the thrill of spotting wildlife awaits, keep your eyes peeled for majestic humpback whales, sleek minke whales, playful white-beaked dolphins and swift harbour porpoises - species commonly seen on our tours throughout the year. 

Our passionate naturalist will share fascinating insights about the marine life and the environment along the way, enriching your experience as we venture further into their world. As we search the waters, remember that we adhere to a strict code of conduct to ensure that all interactions occur naturally, on the animals' terms. While we aim to bring you as close as possible to these magnificent creatures, the wellbeing of the wildlife is our top priority, so specific encounters can't be guaranteed.

Disembarking

The total duration of the tour is approximately 2-3,5 hours, from boarding to disembarking, with the time spent observing wildlife varying based on the sightings. We hope you enjoy your experience with us and leave with lasting memories of Reykjavík’s beautiful wildlife. If you’d like photos from your tour, feel free to email us at elding@elding.is, and our team will be happy to share any they were able to capture!

Now that you're back on land, we recommend taking a stroll through the charming Old Harbour area, where you'll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafés. If you need a ride back to your hotel, please contact our ticket office for assistance.

Please note

This is the original whale watching tour from Reykjavík and one of the most popular attractions in Iceland! Join us for a chance to encounter the incredible whales and dolphins of Faxaflói bay.

As the weather in Iceland can be quite unpredictable, we advise you that this tour is weather dependent. In case of unfavourable conditions in the bay, the itinerary may be altered (possibly resulting in a longer duration) or the tour could get cancelled on short notice. You will be notified of any changes as soon as possible, but we suggest that you have a look at our online whale diary to check for updates.

Since this is a genuine wildlife tour we can never predict or guarantee sightings of any kind. Additionally, we abide by a Code of Conduct for responsible whale watching and thus each encounter is on the animals' terms. In the event that we don't encounter any whales or dolphins, we do not offer refunds, but instead give our passengers a complimentary ticket to use another day. 

See here for more information about whale watching from Reykjavík and get to know the cetacean you can expect to come across on the tour.