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!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
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.
Reviews
2,476 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
We went over time...
theresa p,
Sep 25, 2025
- Viator
4.00We went over time described in excursions detail. There was no hotel pick up. The tour director was very informative.
Really excellent!...
MatthewC,
Sep 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00Really excellent! Friendly informative guides (shout out to Emily) help showcase all the different cetaceans the bay has to offer whilst providing interesting background information. Saw all the main species and multiple of each and felt well cared for the whole time.
Comfortable boat, good facilities, knowledgeable guide…and we saw whales!!!!
marion H,
Sep 24, 2025
- Viator
4.00We saw hump back whales! Thanks Elding! Easy to deal with, spacious boat, super warm suits to remain on deck despite the weather. A friendly and knowledgeable guide. Great experience. A small problem was the load speaker not working at the bow meaning we could not hear the experienced guide whilst watching. We are sure this is being fixed!!
Iceland
Dennis B,
Sep 21, 2025
- Viator
1.00Our flight was cancelled causing us to miss much of our travel You lose my wife’s luggage that night. The next morning you were still not able to find, although we were told it would be at check in desk. Got a supervisor who went and found it after an hour wait. On out return and landing in Nashville: we landed at 7:00PM and it was 9:00 PM before we got off plane. I really would like a reply. Dennis Basden 601-942-8160 [email protected]
Whaley disappointed
Courtney D,
Sep 17, 2025
- Viator
1.00Spent 3 hrs on boat. Not a single dolphin, whale or wildlife at all. When I have done tours before the captains are in touch with other parties/crews to help locate something. It was a long day with wind and cold to see zero. I get that you can't predict nature but there was no effort given, they were mainly on phones scrolling.
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Operated by Elding Whale Watching