Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise in Reykjavik
Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise

Outty Ranking 63 4.3 · 72 traveler reviews3.8 hoursFrom $49

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$49
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Outty Ranking

63/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.3/5

Based on 72 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise worth booking?

Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise is a 3.8-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $49 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 72 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
63 / 100
Rating
4.3/5 (72)
Duration
3.8 hours
From
$49 per person

Choose from a 2.5 or 3.5h shore excursion at a time to suit you – morning or afternoon – and then hop aboard your whale-watching boat at Reykjavik Port. Watch out for the incredible marine life for which Iceland is famed

What you get

    About this experience

    Choose from a 2.5 or 3.5h shore excursion at a time to suit you – morning or afternoon – and then hop aboard your whale-watching boat at Reykjavik Port. Watch out for the incredible marine life for which Iceland is famed as you head toward the waters of Faxaflói Bay. Your guide will hand you a pair of warm (and waterproof!) coveralls to wear, should you need them, enabling you to sightsee without feeling the cold. Listen to your guide explain the different species of whales that are found in Iceland, and hear captivating tales about encounters with these magnificent sea creatures. The waters around Faxaflói Bay are home to porpoises and white-beaked dolphins as well as whales, and the creatures often surface close to the boat; have your camera ready! Your cruise has a 90 percent success rate for seeing whales, but in the unlikely event that you don’t see any your guide will give you a complimentary ticket for another boat ride.

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 72 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    72 verified traveler reviews for Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    45
    4 star
    12
    3 star
    7
    2 star
    4
    1 star
    4
    Sort
    Richard_M · July 2026

    Wet and Wild with Whales

    The commentator was a great speaker. Full of enthusiasm and very knowledgeable! Described things very clearly. Showed us she really loves her field!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind review! We are glad you enjoyed our guide's enthusiasm and knowledge; this is very important to us!

    via Viator

    lisa_p · July 2026

    Worthwhile excursion

    Good weather for whale watching. The boat did a great job of calling out sightings and maneuvering so all guests could see.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind review! We are glad you enjoyed your tour, and the captain did a great job offering everyone a good view!

    via Viator

    Excursion62201336023 · June 2026

    Fantastic tour

    The tour was fantastic. The guide was very informative and was diligent in trying to find whales! The boat had good facilities as well.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for finding our tour fantastic! We are very happy that you were able to see whales during your trip. Thank you as well for highlighting our guide as an informative and diligent person who worked hard to locate the whales. We also appreciate you mentioning the good facilities on board. Your kind feedback means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you on board again in the future.

    via Tripadvisor

    702aidaa · June 2026

    Great experience

    It was amazing to see a whale so close. Our guide Laura from France was really good!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for rating us! We are very happy that you had the chance to see a whale so close to you. Thank you for mentioning Laura’s work, it truly means a lot to us!

    via Tripadvisor

    Crismitchell · June 2026

    Fantastic Experience

    We booked the 5pm classic (3 hour) whale watching tour for the three of us (adults). We really wanted to stay on the top deck but it was colder than expected! We were offered some lovely cozy overalls and then spent the whole trip outside!! The guide we had was lovely, very knowledgeable and the team knew exactly where to head. We were treated with sightings of Minky and Humpback Whales as well as dolphins. Brilliant time and would 100% recommend.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for recommending us! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed our Whale Watching Classic tour. Despite the cold weather, we're glad our crew could help keep you comfortable by providing warm overalls for the trip. It's wonderful to know that you were able to see not only whales but also dolphins during your excursion. Thank you as well for your kind words about our guide. We truly appreciate you highlighting their knowledge and friendly personality. We hope to welcome you back on board again in the future for another memorable experience!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    3.8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Booked in 30 days
    25
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 63

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)57
    Review evidence (18% weight)55
    Booking momentum (14% weight)48
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)5
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise cost?

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    Prices start at $49 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 Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise take?

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    Plan for about 3.8 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 Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 72 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 Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise?

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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 Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise?

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    Around 25 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?

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    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 3.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise start and how do I get there?

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    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, Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater, Reykjavík Small group Walking Tour - by CityWalk. 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?

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    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?

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    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?

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    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.

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