Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Watch for whales in the Icelandic sea and visit the Whales of Iceland exhibition on this experience from Reykjavik. Choose from a 2.5- or 3.5-hour whale watching cruise to watch for minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises in Faxaflói Bay. Then, admire full-scale models of whales and dolphins at Whales of Iceland, Europe’s largest whale exhibition. Explore independently to learn about the different species and grasp the magnitude of these giants of the sea. You can join a live-guided tour at Whales of Iceland at 10:30 and 13:30 every day (free for all ticket holders).
Please note that the Whales of Iceland Exhibition is open daily from 10:00-17:00 (closed Dec. 25th)
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Exhibition is Wheelchair Accessible
What To Expect
Enjoy this 3-3.5 hour whale watching adventure, sailing out from Reykjavik´s Old Harbor, selecting your preferred departure time. Meet your captain, listen to a safety briefing, pull on a pair of provided coveralls, and find a spot on deck or in the indoor cabin. As your boat pulls away, listen to onboard commentary about the marine life of Faxaflói Bay, and learn about the minke and humpback whales that can frequent the waters. Enjoy the views over the Icelandic mountains while scanning the water for whales, porpoises and white-beaked dolphins - and keep your camera ready!. In the unlikely event that you don’t spot a whale, you’ll receive a ticket for another cruise. Either before or after you join the whale watching tour, make your way independently to the Whales of Iceland exhibition, Europe's largest exhibition dedicated to whales. Ogle life-size models of whale and dolphin species including belugas and killer whales, and see replicas of the minkes and humpbacks you may have seen or will be seeing on the boat tour. Learn about these giants of the sea from the displays, and perhaps relax over drinks and snacks (own expense) at the café before you leave. The Whales of Iceland museum is open daily from 10:00-17:00 (Closed December 25th).
Options
Classic Departures
Classic Whale Watching: 3-3.5-hour express whale watching tours from Reykjavik
Express Departures
Whale Watching Express: 2-2.5-hour express whale watching tours from Reykjavik
What‘s Included
Complimentary sea sickness tablets, if needed
Experienced biologist on Whale Watching tour
Heated indoor seating areas
Free WiFi on board and at Whales of Iceland
Use of thermal overalls during Whale Watching - also available in children's sizes!
Admission to the Whales of Iceland Exhibition (Open 10:00-17:00)
Gratuities
Hotel transfers (available for whale watching on request for an additional cost)
Food and drink (available to purchase at both locations)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
28 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Enjoyed the boat ride and animals
erbr63,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We much enjoyed the whale watching classic tour from Reykjavik. Despite the wet weather we spotted whales and dolphins and plenty of birds
Super!
Carola L,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did 2 tours. Both sea angling and whale watching. Both tours were excellently guided and we really enjoyed them.
It was incredible...
Elis A,May 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was incredible watching the whales. We were lucky and we could see and record several of them. The capitain is really experienced on finding them.
Magic
V6103ELalexandraf,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was perfect. Don’t try to take pictures and videos at all costs, enjoy the show. Get off at the front of the boat. It's colder, but it's worth it.
Beautiful experience
salvolauricella,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! The tour lasts more than 3 hours and allowed me to observe and photograph the humpback whales!
Whales on the bay
CARLOS G,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Splendid afternoon on the bay. We were fortunate to spend almost the entire time actually observing a pair of whales rather than just looking for them. Jitka, our guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about what she does.
Whale watching & W Museum in Reykjavik, Iceland
victoria20252025,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour is unforgettable! Very worth the money you pay for it. On first day we visited a wonderful museum with real size replicas of Whales, Dolphins, etc. Whale watching was cancelled due to bad weather but re programmed efficiently next day. The ship was very nice, "Andrea". They provide Free overalls and sea sickness tablets. Crew and services are excellent. It was freezing cold and we spent 3 hours and a half on this tour. The guide was very knowleadgable and took pictures you can download for FREE from their website. I'm fascinated by this adventure and would recommend it to all. This company is very professional. We saw plenty of whales and dolphins. Can not be more satisfied and happy!!
Very well done
187fre,Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We received a very warm welcome on board. Before the trip started, I would have liked a more detailed briefing, but unfortunately this was only provided after the boat had departed. Overalls are available, and I would have liked to have been told that these were self-service. This would also have freed up some space in the cabin for changing. All in all, however, I felt very comfortable and safe, and the guide explained everything well and clearly during the trip, making the time between whale sightings very entertaining. I also really liked her sense of humor! I had expected a little more from the exhibition at the museum, but that was just a bonus for me. However, certainly very interesting for younger children
Great afternoon out
liam s,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The boat trip was brilliant, we saw humpback whales and (stinky) Minke on the trip, our guide was good and kept us upto date with the positions of the whales and what to look for
Amazing and interesting...
Enrica F,Jul 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Amazing and interesting experience with a nice and funny guide, wonderful animali behaviour never seen before
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Operated by Special Tours Iceland