Faxaflói Bay Whale Watching Excursion, Reykjavík

4.9 (7 reviews)
Spot breaching whales and dolphin pods without leaving the Icelandic capital with this three-hour cruise around Faxaflói bay.
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Julie
Julie H.
Oct 01, 2023
We saw a pod of dolphins, a loan porpoise, three Minke whales, and a number of beautiful sea birds. Our guide was entertaining and knowledgeable, and... Read more
patty
patty p.
Jan 22, 2023
Even though it was cold, we loved every minute of it!!
Debbi
Debbi N.
Dec 25, 2022
We spotted 2 humpbacks about 10 minutes from leaving the dock! Holy cow!
S
Shannon K.
Oct 24, 2022
The staff was amazing. We found the tour very informative and enjoyed being out on the ocean.
John
John F.
Oct 17, 2022
This was a great activity. The boat and crew were wonderful, with constant communication about what we were seeing outside, where to look for whales, and... Read more
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Overview

Set off from Reykjavík's Old Harbour for a three-hour whale watching adventure in the wildlife-rich waters of Faxaflói bay. With the help of expert naturalist guides, you'll have the best chance of spotting the region's many remarkable species in their natural habitat—look out for breaching minke and humpback whales, cruise alongside playful pods of white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises, and glimpse diverse birdlife like puffins and arctic terns. The purpose-built whale watching boat also includes a cozy viewing area and a cafeteria with hot drinks, so you can enjoy this experience year-round.

Highlights

  • Learn about the marine life of Faxaflói bay from expert marine biologists
  • Experience close encounters with humpback whales, minke whales, and white-nosed dolphins
  • Spot diverse birdlife like arctic terns and puffins
  • Enjoy the cruise in comfort from a well-equipped boat with heated viewing areas and a cafeteria

Know before you go

Duration
3 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Small group

What you'll do

Your whale watching adventure begins at the Old Harbour in Reykjavík, where you'll check in at the ticket office at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. Then it's time to take a short stroll down the harbor and step aboard Fífill, a converted fishing vessel that now hosts a unique floating Wildlife Exhibition. Get a quick primer on the fascinating world of Iceland's marine wildlife as you marvel at whale and dolphin skeletons and learn about the different species that frequent the bay, then continue to your whale watching vessel.

You can choose to sit in the boat's heated interior with large viewing windows, or nab a place on one of the outdoor viewing platforms. You can also don a pair of complimentary overalls to stay warm on deck, or grab a hot drink from the boat's cafeteria. As you cruise into the bay, your expert naturalist guides will share fascinating facts about the region's diverse marine life and explain why the nutrient-rich waters are a prime habitat for whales.

Keep an eye out for humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises; if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of rarer species like orcas or fin whales. Along with the marine mammals, the bay is also teeming with birdlife, so keep your camera close as you spy puffins, northern gannets, arctic terns, and more. After a memorable three hours on the water, you'll cruise back to the harbor to disembark. This excursion has a wildlife guarantee, so on the rare chance you don't spot any animals, you'll receive a free ticket to try again!

Start times

  • Daily
    9:00 am, 1:00 pm

What's included

  • English-speaking naturalist guide
  • Access to the Wildlife Exhibition
  • Use of warm overalls and blankets
  • Wildlife guarantee (or try again for free)
  • Pictures taken by crew (when possible)

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Traveler photos
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Traveler reviews

7 total ratings, 7 with reviews
4.9
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.8
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.8
Transport
4.0
Julie
Julie H.
Elmhurst, NY | Reviewed on Oct 01, 2023
We saw a pod of dolphins, a loan porpoise, three Minke whales, and a number of beautiful sea birds. Our guide was entertaining and knowledgeable, and instructions and directions were clear and understandable. Read more

We saw a pod of dolphins, a loan porpoise, three Minke whales, and a number of beautiful sea birds. Our guide was entertaining and knowledgeable, and instructions and directions were clear and understandable.

Tips for future travelers

The seas were a little rough when we went out and they offered us free dramamine - it was a lifesaver!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was very good at directing us to look where animals were popping up
Transport
The walk to the harbor was not difficult, and the boat itself was pretty great! It had a little indoor saloon with various sorts of beverages and snacks.
patty
patty p.
Palm Valley, FL | Reviewed on Jan 22, 2023

Even though it was cold, we loved every minute of it!!

Tips for future travelers

By all means, GO!

Debbi
Debbi N.
Grants Pass, OR | Reviewed on Dec 25, 2022

We spotted 2 humpbacks about 10 minutes from leaving the dock! Holy cow!

Kim
Kim G.
Trinidad and Tobago | Reviewed on Oct 28, 2022
A really Thrilling experience, even if one does not handle the sea well. The tour company Elding, was very thorough about the safety considerations and on checking in they offered motion sickness pill to any who felt they would need it. The crew gave information on the population of mammals that they observe and study, and we were fortunate to see two groups of white billed dolphins, 3 humpback and a minke whale during the hour trip. The weather was fine so no rain coats were needed and... Read more

A really Thrilling experience, even if one does not handle the sea well. The tour company Elding, was very thorough about the safety considerations and on checking in they offered motion sickness pill to any who felt they would need it. The crew gave information on the population of mammals that they observe and study, and we were fortunate to see two groups of white billed dolphins, 3 humpback and a minke whale during the hour trip. The weather was fine so no rain coats were needed and there were life jackets on board for any emergency. It was exciting and the ride was smooth. My only reservation is that the initial booking was cancelled due to bad weather(understandably) but this was communicated to me after I arrived, which derailed my day plan and cost me extra taxi fare.

Quality of Experience
the ride was smooth and the staff knew where to search
Guides, Drivers and Staff
very knowledgeable and chatty staff. The sent photos afterwards but their photos were as crappy as mine
Transport
S
Shannon K.
Minneapolis, MN | Reviewed on Oct 24, 2022
The staff was amazing. We found the tour very informative and enjoyed being out on the ocean. Read more

The staff was amazing. We found the tour very informative and enjoyed being out on the ocean.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
John
John F.
Columbus, IN | Reviewed on Oct 17, 2022
This was a great activity. The boat and crew were wonderful, with constant communication about what we were seeing outside, where to look for whales, and dolphins, etc. There was a large indoor cabin where you could stay dry and warm, and they provided cold weather coveralls so that you could go out on deck without getting too cold. Being on deck was the best place to be for seeing the wildlife. We got to see several Minke whales, two Humpback whales who came alongside for close up... Read more

This was a great activity. The boat and crew were wonderful, with constant communication about what we were seeing outside, where to look for whales, and dolphins, etc. There was a large indoor cabin where you could stay dry and warm, and they provided cold weather coveralls so that you could go out on deck without getting too cold. Being on deck was the best place to be for seeing the wildlife. We got to see several Minke whales, two Humpback whales who came alongside for close up pictures, and many white nosed dolphins and countless sea birds.

Tips for future travelers

Make sure you have your driving directions to the ticket office prepared before you go; there are other tour operators in the same area and if you go to the wrong place you could miss your tour. Allow plenty of time to park and walk over to the tour office, since they don't have parking at the office or dock. Dress warmly; even in the summer it will be cool out on the water.

Quality of Experience
The great crew kept us informed and entertained. There was a place inside to get snacks and things to drink. The boat was large and comfortable. We got to see whales!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Excellent staff. They were constantly working to help us find whales and other things to see.
Transport
We drove ourselves. If a tour operator takes you there, it's no fuss, but otherwise you have to find your own parking and then walk over to the ticket office.
Amanda
Amanda D.
Wilkinsburg, PA | Reviewed on Jul 07, 2022
Informative and saw many whales and puffin. Really enjoyed. Read more

Informative and saw many whales and puffin. Really enjoyed.

Tips for future travelers

If I only had one day in Reykjavik, with small kids, I might skip it but only because it is a long tour. My kids did enjoy most of it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff

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