
Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 73 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 $112 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 73 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 (73)
- Duration
- 3.8 hours
- From
- $112 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 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 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's included
Included
- Free WiFi
- Complimentary sea sickness tablets, if needed
- Roundtrip transfer from Skarfabakki Harbour: pickup 1 hour before departure and dropoff after
- Use of thermal overalls - also available in children's sizes!
- Free ticket to try again if nothing is seen on your tour
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Reykjavik
Skarfabakki Cruise Port if transfer selected, or the Special Tours Ticket Office in the Old Harbour if meeting directly.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Skarfabakki Cruise Port if transfer selected, or the Special Tours Ticket Office in the Old Harbour if meeting directly.
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 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Special Tours Iceland
Know before you go
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 73 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
73 verified traveler reviews for Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
In Iceland from Maryland
The boat, Andrea, was about the right size, clean and enough room and choice of viewing locations. Luckily, for us we had a great day, the weather was right. We were able to see a few whales and also dolphins. Our guide was great on providing information about the whales. It was a great experience for me and my family. Recommend doing this tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you and your family had such a great experience with us. It's fantastic that Andrea provided plenty of space, was comfortable and clean, and offered a variety of viewing spots for wildlife watching. We're also glad the weather cooperated and allowed you to enjoy sightings of both whales and dolphins during the tour. Thank you as well for your kind words about our guide. We're pleased that the information shared about the whales helped make the experience even more enjoyable and memorable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are grateful that you chose to join us. We hope to welcome you and your family back on board for another unforgettable adventure in the future!
via Viator
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
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
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
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
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 26
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Special Tours Iceland, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.5.
See everything Special Tours Iceland runsWhy this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
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?
+
Prices start at $112 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?
+
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?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 73 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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
Around 26 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 3.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise 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?
+
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 Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise?
+
Included: Free WiFi; Complimentary sea sickness tablets, if needed; Roundtrip transfer from Skarfabakki Harbour: pickup 1 hour before departure and dropoff af; Use of thermal overalls - also available in children's sizes!; and Free ticket to try again if nothing is seen on your tour. Not included: Gratuities; and Food and drinks, unless specified. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Reykjavik. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise 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 Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise?
+
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 Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise 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 Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise?
+
Across 73 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise.
Pick your date




