Guided Whale Watching Experience from Reykjavik
Reykjavik, Iceland

Guided Whale Watching Experience from Reykjavik

Outty Ranking 71 4.7 · 66 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $97
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Outty Ranking

71/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 66 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Guided Whale Watching Experience from Reykjavik worth booking?

Guided Whale Watching Experience from Reykjavik is a 3-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $97 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 66 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
71 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (66)
Duration
3 hours
From
$97 per person

Discover the wonders of Iceland through our unparalleled Whale Watching excursions. Embark on a memorable journey from Reykjavik's Old Harbour, venturing into Faxaflói bay to encounter Minke and Humpback whales, Dolphins and Harbour porpoises. Admire the stunning vistas of Reykjavik's surrounding mountains, islands, and vibrant birdlife. Ensuring your comfort, our boats provide snug overalls, cozy indoor cabins, a delightful bar, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover the wonders of Iceland through our unparalleled Whale Watching excursions. Embark on a memorable journey from Reykjavik's Old Harbour, venturing into Faxaflói bay to encounter Minke and Humpback whales, Dolphins and Harbour porpoises. Admire the stunning vistas of Reykjavik's surrounding mountains, islands, and vibrant birdlife. Ensuring your comfort, our boats provide snug overalls, cozy indoor cabins, a delightful bar, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

    What's included

    Included

    • Free WiFi on board
    • Free ticket to join again in case of no sightings
    • Heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities
    • Experienced and professional guides
    • 2,5-3,5 hours Whale Watching tour
    • Complimentary seasickness tablets available
    • Warm flotation overalls

    Not included

    • Snacks and beverages sold on board
    • Pickup is available for extra charge

    What you'll see and do

    1. Faxafloi Bay

      Your adventure begins at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, where you’ll board one of our comfortable whale watching boats. As you set sail into Faxaflói Bay, take in panoramic views of the city skyline and surrounding mountains while the crew shares insights about Iceland’s marine wildlife and natural environment.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre

      As you depart or return to the harbour, enjoy views of Harpa, Reykjavík’s iconic glass concert hall. Its shimmering façade reflects the light of the bay, making it one of Iceland’s most photographed landmarks.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Mount Esja

      On clear days, admire breathtaking views of Mount Esja rising behind Reykjavík and, in the distance, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula — often called “Iceland in Miniature” for its diverse landscapes and volcanic peaks.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Old Harbour

      After few hours at sea, the tour concludes back at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour. Warm up with complimentary overalls and enjoy a hot drink on board as you reflect on your unforgettable whale watching experience.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Reykjavik

    Meet us at Geirsgata 11, Special Tours ticket office, for your upcoming tour. Please arrive 30 minutes early at the meeting point.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Meet us at Geirsgata 11, Special Tours ticket office, for your upcoming tour. Please arrive 30 minutes early at the meeting point.

    Options you can book

    • 13:00 departure

      Classic tour 3-3.5 hours

    • 17:00 departure

      Classic tour 3-3.5 hours

    • 09:00 departure

      Classic tour 3-3.5 hours

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Reykjavik Sailors

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • 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!
    • Kindly notify us if you require wheelchair access, as not all of our boats are equipped for accessibility.

    Photos

    Ocean views, endless memories., Guided Whale Watching Experience from ReykjavikMid-air magic! Witness the thrill of a breaching whale against Iceland’s deep blue waters — an unforgettable sight in Faxaflói Bay., Guided Whale...Pointing toward your next adventure., Guided Whale Watching Experience from ReykjavikGrace and power collide as a humpback leaps from the North Atlantic — feel the splash, the awe, the pure Icelandic adventure!, Guided Whale...A gentle giant glides just beneath the surface, sunlight dancing across its back — Iceland’s marine life at its most serene., Guided Whale...A whale exhales, catching a rainbow in its mist — nature’s artistry on full display in Reykjavík’s pristine waters., Guided Whale Watching...

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 66 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    66 verified traveler reviews for Guided Whale Watching Experience from Reykjavik. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    55
    4 star
    7
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    2
    Sort
    Dreamer548019 · September 2026

    Incredible Experience

    Incredible experience. We originally had a booking for a monday but the weather was awful, they emailled us a day before saying we could go on their 5pm tour instead. We took it up, and so glad we did. Not only was the weather on the monday awful, but on the tour we took up we saw 3 humpback whales. It was one of the most beautiful experiences we all witnessed. We couldn't get over how close the boats were able to carefully get, so we could all have incredible views of the whales. The guide was fantastic. It is cold, so definitely wrap up!

    via Tripadvisor

    928cathalq · September 2026

    A fabulous evening.

    A fantastic trip weather was excellent and there were plenty of whales to watch. Alex and all the staff were excellent.

    via Tripadvisor

    BoardingPass490530 · August 2026

    Whale watching

    Great service. Friendly staff. We were lucky to see humpback and minke whales. Definitely recommend.

    via Tripadvisor

    juttahY3392QD · August 2026

    Excellent experience

    very easy to manage, not complicated toi find, the guide was extremely both professionnel and entertaining and told a lot of interesting things about the whales, Reykjavik, the birds. Really great !

    via Tripadvisor

    792alicek · August 2026

    No whales

    Crew was very nice. Unfortunately we only saw birds. No whales. They do offer another trip if you have time

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    23
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Reykjavik Sailors, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.4.

    See everything Reykjavik Sailors runs

    Why this scores 71

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)80
    Review evidence (18% weight)54
    Booking momentum (14% weight)47
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)68
    Local standing (8% weight)44
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Guided Whale Watching Experience from Reykjavik: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.

    How much does Guided Whale Watching Experience from Reykjavik cost?

    +

    Prices start at $97 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Reykjavik usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Guided Whale Watching Experience from Reykjavik take?

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    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Reykjavik is not rushed.

    Is Guided Whale Watching Experience from Reykjavik worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 66 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Reykjavik, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Guided Whale Watching Experience from Reykjavik?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Guided Whale Watching Experience from Reykjavik suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Guided Whale Watching Experience from Reykjavik?

    +

    Around 23 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Reykjavik can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Reykjavik and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Guided Whale Watching Experience from Reykjavik start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Reykjavik within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Reykjavik?

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    On Outty we rank every Reykjavik experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland, Silfra Snorkeling Between Continents Photos Included- Self Drive, Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Reykjavik?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Guided Whale Watching Experience from Reykjavik?

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    Included: Free WiFi on board; Free ticket to join again in case of no sightings; Heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities; Experienced and professional guides; and 2,5-3,5 hours Whale Watching tour. Not included: Snacks and beverages sold on board; and Pickup is available for extra charge. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Guided Whale Watching Experience from Reykjavik?

    +

    Meet us at Geirsgata 11, Special Tours ticket office, for your upcoming tour. Please arrive 30 minutes early at the meeting point. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Guided Whale Watching Experience from Reykjavik offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Guided Whale Watching Experience from Reykjavik?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Guided Whale Watching Experience from Reykjavik wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Kindly notify us if you require wheelchair access, as not all of our boats are equipped fo. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Guided Whale Watching Experience from Reykjavik if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Guided Whale Watching Experience from Reykjavik?

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    Across 66 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Guided Whale Watching Experience from Reykjavik?

    +

    There are 3 options to choose from, including 13:00 departure, 17:00 departure, 09:00 departure. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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