The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Encounter whales, dolphins, porpoises and birds on this cruise from Reykjavik and see the wildlife in their natural habitat off the capital’s coast. Whales and dolphins are seen on more than 90% of tours in both summer and winter! In the unlikely event you do not see a whale or a dolphin you receive a complimentary ticket to join us again another day.
Elding is an environmentally friendly company and recognised worldwide for its sustainability efforts. Our aim, mission and goal is to minimise the operational impact on the environment while offering an unforgettable experience at sea.
We follow a code of conduct for responsible whale watching, which ensures that our tours respect marine life by minimising disturbance, keeping a safe distance from the animals.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Passengers with limited mobility are warmly welcome. However, please note that our boats are not fully accessible, as steep stairs and high thresholds may limit access to inside areas and toilet facilities.
Wheelchair users are welcome to bring a light-weight chair on board our larger boats. If possible, please notify us of your arrival in advance, as assistance with boarding may be required.
If conditions in Reykjavík are unfavourable, the tour may either be cancelled or depart from an alternative harbour, which could extend the duration by 1-2 hours.
No whales or dolphins spotted on your tour? Join us again another day for FREE!
What To Expect
Enjoy a 2-3,5 hr. cruise in Faxaflói bay in search for whales and other wildlife. Stunning views on the horizon and excellent onboard services provided. Feel free to borrow our overalls to stay warm on the outside deck. Most common whales we encounter are humpback whales and minke whales, although other species make their way into the bay a handful of times a year. If no whales or dolphins make an appearance on the tour, we will offer you to try again another day, free of charge!
Options
Classic Whale Watching
Duration: 3 hours: Total duration of the tour is approx. 2-3,5 hours, depending on factors such as wildlife sightings and weather conditions. Refreshments: Light refreshments and beverages are available for purchase on board. Whale Watching Zone: We sail from Reykjavík's Old Harbour and our search area is Faxaflói bay. On rare occasions, we depart from other harbours. Boat Amenities: We operate on a specially modified 150-200 passenger boat. Heated indoor areas, toilets and bar available on board. Dress Code: Please make sure to dress according to the weather at sea. If needed, we have overalls you can borrow for free.
What‘s Included
Free WiFi on board
Excellent live guide
Overalls, raincoats and blankets
Admission to Wildlife Exhibition
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2,803 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
On a cold and misty day,...
Scott P,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00On a cold and misty day, it was great they had heavy duty slickers. The boat was very active looking for whales and other sea mammals and we saw porpoises and a humpback
Great Facilities. Definitely Recommend.
vanessa s,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Well organised. Great facilities. Saw porpoise, dolphins, minke whales and a hump back! Good commentary through. Nice warm inside lounge too.
Elding + Hafsúlan = happy guests
GrandTour27071402621,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The BEST whale watching company in Iceland
100% recommendable.
Marisela C,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent service, kindness, explanation during the journey.
This was s great tour...
Rene S,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was s great tour with a knowledgeable guide. It was comfortable for all age groups with bathrooms on board and complimentary seasickness pills if needed. We saw 5 different whales and various birds. Such a cool experience. We even received pictures from the guide after the tour via email.
Great experience! Worth doing!
theshakeycompass,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Booked last minute with Viator as we were chatting to some girls in the morning and they highly recommended doing it as they saw the whales and apparently this is the best time to see them. So, after a bit of admin on the go, we booked with Viator (my chosen app, as you get good deals, cash back for your next booking and the communication is excellent!) We wandered along to the harbour, found the Edling ticket office and exchanged our mobile voucher for tickets. We wandered along to the boat and as boarding was another 45 mins away, we wandered around the office boat where there is toilets, coffee, seating, whale watching clips, museum and a little shop! We boarded 15 minutes to leaving after a safety demonstration. All children under 13 have to wear life jackets and there are waterproof raincoats and some boiler suits to wear (yes, we had to do this and they were warm!) You are also offered sick sickness tablets which kick in after 30 minutes if you need them. Off we went and immediately started seeing a few minke whales, porpoise, dolphins and after an hour you could see the hump back whales. It was a bit wet and windy, but we had fun wearing the outfits! You can also sit in the indoor heated lounge with tables, chairs and a bar where you can buy all sorts of drinks. There is good commentating as you are on top deck and the staff are really helpful. We would definitely recommend going. We went out on the 5pm one, but the last one is 8pm. Total cost was £161.74 for the two of us.
Great tour
Joslyn C,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour with great guides and crew. It was even better that we got to see several animals— 2 types of whales, dolphins, puffins, and other birds.
Great boat with amazing team
Chaim B,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00We had a great time. Very nice boat ride. Unfortunately for us we did not get to see any whales on our trip. Operator offers a second chance on a later date which is very nice. If you're prone to to motion sickness, make sure you take a pill prior to boarding. They do offer before you get on the boat as the water is quite rough.
Great experience, not to be missed!
davemg64,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience, far better than I was expecting. We were made to feel very welcome, briefed properly, and treated to a running commentary which was entertaining, informative, and kept us on our toes. First class experience and highly recommended. Only 4 stars for value for money due to the Cruise Line pricing rather than direct.
Wrap up warm and be...
Ruth F,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Wrap up warm and be prepared for some rough waves. You will be offered outdoor overalls to protect you outside. Don’t be too disappointed if you do not see any whales as they will offer you a free return trip, so make sure you book at the start of your trip to be able to advantage of the offer.
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