Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik
4.5
Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik
By Reykjavik Sailors
About
The best chance to see some of the 20 species of whales that migrate off Iceland’s coast during peak season is on a guided whale watching tour. Your captain and crew take you to the spots known to have the most whales and provide plenty of information about wildlife along the way. Details like provided warm layers and motion sickness tablets make this tour stand out.
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from per adult
$78.00
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 60 per group
Duration: 3h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English
Features animals
Highlights
- Iceland whale watching tour from Reykjavik
- Spot whales and other wildlife out on the ocean
- Learn about local marine life from your guide
- Indoor and outdoor viewing areas available
- 3-3,5 hours Whale Watching tour
- Experienced and professional guides
- Free ticket to join again in case of no sightings
- Warm flotation overalls
- Free WiFi on board
- Heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities
- Complimentary seasickness tablets available
- Text description is available in English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese in the app.
What's not included- Snacks and beverages sold on board
- Pickup is available for extra charge
- Arrive at a central meeting location in downtown Reykjavik to meet your guide and begin your Iceland whale watching tour. Optionally put on warm layers and take a seasickness tablet before setting sail in search of whales in the North Atlantic. Peak season visitors (April to October) can expect to see some of the 20 different species of whales that swim off the coast of Iceland, while off-season visitors might see other animals like seals and seabirds. Regardless of which animals are around, your seasoned crew brings you to the best wildlife viewing spots and provides plenty of information about the animals you see while you sail. Admire views of the coast and spot wildlife from one of the boat’s three outdoor viewing platforms or indoor saloon, fully equipped with internet. Tour concludes at start point. Please note: Check tour status before arrival directly with tour operator. If canceled due to weather, contact vendor to reschedule. Tour may be operated on shared boat with partner organization.
- Departure details
- Reykjavik Sailors Whale Watching and Northern Lights Adventures, Hlésgata Vesturbugt F101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland Note: Pick-up starts 60 minutes before departure. Pickup service is available for extra charge. If pickup service is not chosen - please meet us at departure point at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure.
Return details- Returns to original departure point
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 21533P4- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- NOTE: You should schedule to be at our departure point at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure.
- Please, check our DAILY DIARY before you come for the tour, all the important daily information of all our tours will be notified on our website.
- If you have a boat tour booked, please check your email before the tour as all important daily information will be notified via email.
- We recommend wearing good footwear and warm clothing. Don´t forget to bring your camera to take amazing photos!
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 60 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- How much is Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik?
- Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik price starts from $78.00. Discover and book Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik on Tripadvisor
- What is the Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik cancellation policy?
- Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik on Tripadvisor
- Which company provides Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik?
- Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik is hosted by Reykjavik Sailors. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Reykjavik Sailors on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik on Tripadvisor
- How much time do I need for Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik?
- On average, this experience will take approximately 3h 30m. Discover and book Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik on Tripadvisor
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 21533P4
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Similar experiences
About the operator
Reykjavik Sailors
410
Reykjavik, Iceland
Joined in December 2015
#17 of 50 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Reykjavik
- ferruccioz39300It's raining whalesIt has been a wonderful experience, from the very first moment. We also had so much luck because the sea was full of whales and dolphins, i recommend to try this even if you have a short time to spend in iceland: it deserves.
- marysueg201900Overall, very goodWe were all very excited to take the ship out into to the bay to see Northern Lights, unfortunately it was not our time. Although the company offered to continue taking us out until we seen them, the only night that was perfectly clear, they chose not to show themselves. For that and that reason only, we were all pretty disappointed. We did know there was always that chance and we chose to take it :-( Because we never did see them, we were told our tickets are valid for the rest of our lives when we return to Iceland again. Patrick, the narrator, did an absolutely phenomenal job. He not only explained what and where we should focus our sights but he also interacted with the guests. He seemed to be very knowledgable on the scientific portion of what creates the Northern Lights. Would definitely recommend with keeping in mind, there's always the possibility of them not appearing.
- Michelle F00Not goodSpent 2.5 looking for a whale when we found it got to see the dorsal fin and tail before it went down only took 5 mins. Then boat turned to go in to port instead of letting us see it come back up the other boats stayed out to watch it was not happy as it was reason to go go Iceland
- Viviane W005 stars, seen bothGreat day, seen whales and northern lights on not such a promising day. Lucas made the day with his funny informative talk :)
- shaadanh00UnforgotableVery cold and stil enjoiable day with a lot humor, expectation en feeling like a child... Crew was funny and a lot of knowledge about the ocean life.
- Holhiker100Northern LightsIf the weather is compliant go by boat. The Northern Lights were clearly visible.! Hooray! One of the most exciting parts of our trip.
- beckysL7978RX00No Lights but still a good tripVery talented crew - kept us entertained while trying to locate the Northern Lights. Given the warning about rough seas, we did not experience any issues at all. The fact that we are able to try again due to the Northern Lights being a bust s a huge plus!
- Inspire2663511182200Whales and Northern Lights Amazing tourThis was a brilliant day, the tour guide was very knowledgeable and funny. The thermal suits were great and we were very excited to see a Humpback Whale. The Northern lights part of the tour was also really special, I'd definitely recommend seeing them from the boat. A great day out.
- Sarah487900Humpback whales - would recommend!Excellent communication from the company throughout. The weather was extremely cold, blowy and snowy but this did not affect our enjoyment of the trip. Warm overalls were provided and free seasickness tablets were available for those who wanted them. We travelled for only about 20mins before we saw a humpback whale. The sightings of humpbacks were then frequent, a few times coming very close to the boat, for the next hour and a half or so. The guide, Rosalinda, presented well and was very informative. There were drinks and snacks available to purchase and warm indoor space for those who didn’t wish to remain outside. The northern lights part of our tour was cancelled due to weather conditions, but we were offered to rebook (which we sadly couldn’t do this time), to visit the whales museum or a refund for this part of the trip which was processed extremely efficiently.
- MichelleM21500Great DayCrew members were very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the tour. We were fortunate enough to see a Humpback Whale more than once, however, were not so successful with the Northern Lights later - such is nature. The crew did keep us amused with facts and knowledge and stories of the area and Northern Lights and we were offered to return at our convenience to try again. Great little cafe/shop on the boat, warm and comfortable inside and the offer of suits to stay warm for outside ventures. Only comment would be that it says you can use your mobile ticket to get onboard when in actual fact you need to queue in the office for a boarding ticket first - caused a bit of confusion as everyone was going to the boat first. Great trip though - highly recommend ☺️
- willies66800Disappointed with northern lights part of combo.Enjoyed the day saw some whales Disappointed with northern light part of trip there was a 5 hour wait between end of whale watching tour & northern lights tour. Didn't see northern lights. Other operators canceled as it was to cloudy to see anything .
- Q386SAchrism00Excellent tripSeeing the Northern Lights! The guide on the boat was also fantastic, both entertaining and informative.
- MalcolmB112300Saw the lights before we leftKnowledgeable punctual had already seen a great show had a great time. Full body life jackets supplied. Drinks available couldn't fault it
- Q2534HWdg00Do itThis was top of my list when visiting Iceland. Lucas was the guide and kept us informed throughout the trip. I got to see a humpback and minke They even provide complimentary sea sickness tablets
- carmendI3400GG00Northern lights by seaWe took the tour twice, as we were not able to see the northern lights on out first attempt. The company gives you the chance to take the second tour for free and I only had to pay for the pick-up/drop-off, which is fair enough. The guides were amazing and experienced. A special shout out to Daniel and Hygga, who were fun and informative. I highly recommend this tour if you want to see the northern lights from a special place and, if you're not lucky at your first shot, at least you get to have a boat tour by night and see the starriest sky ever.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
187 reviews
Excellent
117
Very good
37
Average
21
Poor
4
Terrible
8
Linda W
Gravesend, UK101 contributions
Feb 2020
There are many reviews stating that no whales are seen on such whale watching trips but you must take a chance and give it a go. We were so glad we did! We booked a 3 hour Winter whale & dolphin watching trip with Elding from Reykjavik harbour, which at present runs twice a day at 9am & 1pm, weather depending. Wear warm clothing because the very best chance of seeing a whale or dophin is if you stand out on deck, however thermal overalls are provided. We were extremely lucky to see a Minke whale, which the boat tracked for some considerable time and some porpoises. The commentary is interesting and factual and there is a café on board.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ReykjavikSailors
Hi, I think you confused us with Elding but we are glad you had a great time ! :D
Written March 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BearFam3
Wichita Falls, TX49 contributions
We did a 2:00 whale watching tour at the last minute on our last day in Iceland. We didn’t see too much, a wonderful pod of playful dolphins and one minke whale, but not for a lack of trying! Other tours out that day spent their whole trip waiting for the one whale to show but our captain took us over by the dolphins who provided a lot of entertainment and we still got to see the whale. Our guide provided so much great whale information and had a real passion for them and for conservation. The warm suits were awesome because I was totally underdressed and it was very cool to see Iceland from the water.
Written July 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ReykjavikSailors
Hello
We are truly happy that you enjoyed your experience with Reykjavik Sailors, and we hope that you enjoyed your stay in Iceland.
Best regards
Reykjavik Sailors team
Written July 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JMB247
Stirling, UK170 contributions
Excellent staff but smaller boats didn’t see whales. The boat Rosin was small and cancelled due to very rough weather the first day, rebooked for two days later and it went ahead. Smaller boat was faster ( assuming weather conditions allow for fast cruising ) , the boat was small compared to some of the other options and not sure this was a good thing . It was not full ( just as well) and it rocked about in the swell with waves coming over the bow and up to half way down the boat. Dolphins and puffins were see a lot and up close but only the blow of a whale was seen on a few occasions at some distance . The claim in the daily log on their website was that whales were sighted , which was not strictly true so beware. Obviously sightings of natural animals are not guaranteed but the trip was worth it for the dolphins alone . I think some of the bigger boats would give a better viewing angle and be less susceptible to rolling and seaspray
Written June 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ReykjavikSailors
Hello
Thank you for your review. We do offer always all passengers a free tour if their tour they joined was not successful, it is according to our conditions and best solution for everybody as we do provide you a 3 hours tour by boat with the crew and we do our best to make your time on the boat enjoyable with information provided by guide about ocean mammals and we also do our best to spot the whales, sometimes without a success but this is the risk everyone consider while booking a Whale Watching tour which takes place in wild nature and any human is not controlling.
Best regards
Reykjavik Sailors team
Written June 25, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mobile74698
2 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
We enjoyed our trip immensely. The suits kept us warm so that we could stay on deck the whole time. Any time a whale was sighted, the captain slowed the boat and moved that direction for all to see. I highly recommend this trip!
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ReykjavikSailors
Hello
Thank you so much for your great review, such a pleasure to hear that you enjoyed your time with us and our service.
Best regards
Reykjavik Sailors team
Written July 24, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brittany R
17 contributions
Oct 2021
Affordable 2 Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik
We had a great time on this tour. We saw lots of minke whales and some dolphins, and even got lucky to see a humpback whale. Our guide was great in pointing out each one, and giving us all sorts of great information.
The boat was great too...was nice to be able to get out of the cold when we wanted to. Plenty of space inside and out, even with quite a few people on board. There were warm overalls to use, but we didn't.
We had a great time on this tour. We saw lots of minke whales and some dolphins, and even got lucky to see a humpback whale. Our guide was great in pointing out each one, and giving us all sorts of great information.
The boat was great too...was nice to be able to get out of the cold when we wanted to. Plenty of space inside and out, even with quite a few people on board. There were warm overalls to use, but we didn't.
Written November 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ReykjavikSailors
Hello
Thank you so much for your great review, such a pleasure to hear that you enjoyed your time with us and our service.
Best regards
Reykjavik Sailors team
Written November 10, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cdmd345
New York City, NY40 contributions
May 2021
It is incredible to see these amazing animals in front of you. The day we booked there was some bad weather and we didn't get to see anything whales or dolphins. So the company gave us a complimentary second visit. We went back the next day. The conditions were much better and we got to see a few whales. It was amazing! The guides and employees were all very friendly and great!
Written August 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello
Thank you for your review, we truly appreciate your feedback. We are so happy to hear that you had a good time with us on your tour. I will pass along the compliments to our guides.
Best regards
Reykjavik Sailors team
Written September 22, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pathfinder56821
4 contributions
Apr 2023
Our guide was friendly and well informed about the area and how to spot whales. He gave good instructions on where to look as he spotted the whales, While we didn't see many whales, we got a good view of the ones there. The pictures that they took and shared helped with the memories.
Written April 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ReykjavikSailors
Hello
Thank you for your review, we truly appreciate your feedback. We are so happy to hear that you had a good time with us on your tour. I will pass along the compliments to our guide.
Best regards
Reykjavik Sailors team
Written April 21, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Adventurer153427
1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Couples
The original date for our morning whale watching trip was cancelled due to poor weather conditions. We were able to re-book for the following morning. The weather was perfect.
The boat was busy and although the guide gives you some direction eg; humpback surfacing at 3 o' clock, what you see is very dependent upon luck and your position on the boat.
We took seasickness tablets before we boarded the boat and did not suffer, however, the weather was the calmest it had been all week.
We were lucky enough to see a singular puffin, a minke, a humpback and a pod of dolphins. Nothing spectacular unfortunately - no theatrics but very enjoyable.
I would book whale watching again, but would be tempted by a trip that allowed more time at the feeding ground rather than spending the majority of the time travelling to and from the feeding ground.
The boat was busy and although the guide gives you some direction eg; humpback surfacing at 3 o' clock, what you see is very dependent upon luck and your position on the boat.
We took seasickness tablets before we boarded the boat and did not suffer, however, the weather was the calmest it had been all week.
We were lucky enough to see a singular puffin, a minke, a humpback and a pod of dolphins. Nothing spectacular unfortunately - no theatrics but very enjoyable.
I would book whale watching again, but would be tempted by a trip that allowed more time at the feeding ground rather than spending the majority of the time travelling to and from the feeding ground.
Written April 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ReykjavikSailors
Hello
Thank you so much for your review. We love getting our guest feedback. Glad to hear that you enjoyed your tour with us.
Best regards
Reykjavik Sailors team
Written April 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Svenja U
8 contributions
Not recommended.
We booked a tour with a group size up to a maximum of 15 people.
Unfortunately, the first tour was cancelled due to the weather (which can happen, okay).
We were able to reschedule the tour for another day, which was very uncomplicated.
When we arrived at the meeting point, we were led onto a ship with more than 100 people. We were supposedly informed in advance, but this did not happen.
This was definitely not the tour we booked.
We booked a tour with a group size up to a maximum of 15 people.
Unfortunately, the first tour was cancelled due to the weather (which can happen, okay).
We were able to reschedule the tour for another day, which was very uncomplicated.
When we arrived at the meeting point, we were led onto a ship with more than 100 people. We were supposedly informed in advance, but this did not happen.
This was definitely not the tour we booked.
Written October 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ReykjavikSailors
Hello
Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback. We are proud to offer the best price on the market. In order to operate our tours, the most environmentally friendly way, we have made the decision to partner with other companies in Reykjavík during slower period. This also allows us to offer you the best price on the market. We do our best to make your time on the boat enjoyable with information provided by guide about ocean mammals and we also do our best to spot the whales.
Best regards
Reykjavik Sailors team
Written October 8, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ed H
1 contribution
Jun 2023
rescheduled by sending us an email hours before the trip. when we went two days later, they had changed the meeting point and had to run to a mile to make it to the ship. never saw any whales or dolphins or anything even though the guide claimed he saw some. Very rough waters and uncomfortable ride. many people got sick.
Written June 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ReykjavikSailors
Hello
Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback, and we're very sorry to hear that you did not enjoy your tour with us.
Best regards,
Reykjavik Sailors team
Written June 25, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
robalveston
bristol63 contributions
I am sure you care about whales but in 16 days 29 fin whales have been slaughtered and butchered in Reykjavik. Watch sea shepherd you tube report it's sickening.
Vic Goldenberg
Bucharest, Romania15 contributions
This company I was with has a slogan "meet whales, not eat whales"! and inform their clients how to recognize a restaurant which is friendly with environment. They present a small environmental protection lesson during the journey. The young people in Iceland are against whale haunting.
Camper548963
2 contributions
Bonjour est-il « prudent » de réserver le dernier jour de notre séjour ? Sachant qu’il nous sera impossible de programmer une autre sortie si pas de baleine or mauvais temps au jour programmé ! Merci FP
Camper548963
2 contributions
Bonsoir est-il « prudent » de réserver le dernier jour de notre séjour ? Sachant qu’il nous sera impossible de programmer une autre sortie si pas de baleine ou mauvais temps au jour programmé ! Merci FP
Laura M
Haymarket, VA33 contributions
Are there any age limits for this tour? Could I bring small children (2 and under) on the boat?
Vic Goldenberg
Bucharest, Romania15 contributions
Yes!
Danny W
Liverpool, UK61 contributions
When is the best time of year to go? Hoping to take my girlfriend in March/April time but as she's whale obsessed I wanna give her the best chance to see them
TMS44
London, UK76 contributions
I went Easter 2018 and it was fab. Great views. Very cold. Not sure of if whale migrations change chances of sightings. I have heard that if you go from the north rather than Reykjavik you may see blue whales. Worth checked by blue whale seasonal sighting times
StephW23
London, UK48 contributions
Is February a good time to take the trip. Thanks
Felicity W
Portadown, UK9 contributions
The best time to see whales is the summer months. We enjoyed the trip in October and we lucky to see white nosed whales. Not sure about February, but it's a trip out into the old harbour, hopefully you will see something.
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Product Overview: Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik
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| Duration | 210 minutes |



































































