Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik
Reykjavik, Iceland

Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik

Outty Ranking 61 4.3 · 10 traveler reviews11 hoursFrom $174
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Outty Ranking

61/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.3/5

Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik worth booking?

Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik is a 11-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $174 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
61 / 100
Rating
4.3/5 (10)
Duration
11 hours
From
$174 per person

If you are only in Iceland for a short time, or you simply wish to fit in as much as possible, our Full-Day Whale Watching & Golden Circle Tour might just be the perfect option for you. Start the day at sea, with a 3 hour adventure in the North Atlantic. Keep your eyes peeled for the breaching flukes of a number of whale species, most notably Minke and Orca. Our passionate guides will keep you entertained while we search for these elusive creatures. The waters here are also home to dolphins, seals and sea-birds. After a hopefully successful sighting, jump aboard our bus for your afternoon Golden Circle Tour. We stop at all the classic stops, including Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Hot Springs and Gullfoss Waterfall. Return to the city in time for dinner, where you can reflect on your fun-filled day spent exploring at sea and on land.

What you get

    About this experience

    If you are only in Iceland for a short time, or you simply wish to fit in as much as possible, our Full-Day Whale Watching & Golden Circle Tour might just be the perfect option for you. Start the day at sea, with a 3 hour adventure in the North Atlantic. Keep your eyes peeled for the breaching flukes of a number of whale species, most notably Minke and Orca. Our passionate guides will keep you entertained while we search for these elusive creatures. The waters here are also home to dolphins, seals and sea-birds. After a hopefully successful sighting, jump aboard our bus for your afternoon Golden Circle Tour. We stop at all the classic stops, including Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Hot Springs and Gullfoss Waterfall. Return to the city in time for dinner, where you can reflect on your fun-filled day spent exploring at sea and on land.

    What's included

    Included

    • On-board WiFi
    • Warm overalls are available for the whale watching boat tour
    • anding and/or facility fees
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Guide

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Bottled water

    What you'll see and do

    1. Reykjavik

      Embark on a whale watching boat tour from Reykjavík historic Old Harbour. This 3 hour adventure takes you far out from Fáxaflóa bay to the cold waters of the North Atlantic. These waters teem with foodstuff for many species, including Minke Whales, Orcas, Dolphins and more. Our devoted guides will entertain you with stories and science, while we search for these sometimes shy sea beasts.

      225 minutes here

    2. Golden Circle Route

      Golden Circle is the ultimate day tour route from Reykjavik. It includes three Iceland's iconic destinations: Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall and Thingvellir national park.

      60 minutes here

    3. After your whale Watching adventure, join your Golden Circle Afternoon tour. We meet you at Tour Bus Stop # 4, right by Reykjavík´s Old Harbour, where your boat tour termintates. The first stop on the Golden Circle tour is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a place with great cultural and historical interest for the Icelandic People. Walk along the Álmannagjá, a narrow gorge which makes the meeting point of the tectonic plates of Eurasia and North America. Your guide will give great insight into the history of this location, which served as the first meeting point for the Icelandic Athing, among the he oldest continuously meeting parliaments in the world.

      45 minutes here

    4. Geysir

      Geysir is among Iceland´s most famous and popular natural wonders. In fact, the generic English terms for this natural feature, geyser, is derived from the Icelandic word. Strokkur is the name of the geyser which can counted on to erupt every 5-10 minutes or so. So you will have time to catch several eruptions during your stop here. The spray can erupt up to 70 metres into the air. Take the walking paths through other bubbling and boiling pools.

      80 minutes here

    5. Gullfoss Falls

      Gullfoss Waterfall, or Golden Falls in English, is a very powerful waterfall nearby to Geysir. With several viewpoints and walking paths, you can view the immense falls from may perspectives.

      45 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Reykjavik

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    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
    BusTravel Iceland

    Know before you go

    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Total driving time on this tour is around 3h30mins

    Photos

    Geysir just before it spews, Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour from ReykjavikGullfoss waterfall, Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour from ReykjavikThingvellir National park gorge, Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour from ReykjavikThingvellir geological features, Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour from ReykjavikWhale watching tour from Reykjavík, Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour from ReykjavikGullfoss, an immensely powerful waterfall, Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 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

    10 verified traveler reviews for Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    7
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    auntally · September 2026

    Perfect Icelandic Tour

    Harold was great! He told good stories with fantastic history. The days long journey was enjoyable because of his explanations. His driving was very safe but not too slow.

    via Tripadvisor

    Dave_F · August 2026

    A great overview of Reykjavik

    The whale watching experience was great, particularly because the guide on the boat was clearly very interested in the topic. She gave us loads of info on the different types of whales and dolphins etc and we were lucky enough to see both whales and dolphins! The second half of the day, the golden circle drive, was also great. Our guide was Anna from Bus Travel Iceland and she had so much info to share having grown up in the area. It was a very dynamic tour, very enjoyable, and Anna was really a big part of that experience. We saw amazing waterfalls, geysers, and amazing landscapes.

    via Viator

    lilianam812 · August 2026

    Best in Iceland

    Saga was exceptionally good and knowledgeable. The driver was very mindful.. Highly recommended.

    via Tripadvisor

    elisef689 · August 2026

    Golden tour with an incredible and magical bus and guide. Connection between golden and whale very risky. And whale watching disappointing

    I give a 10/10 for the golden tour and extra and attentive guide. That small bus tour was magical! However, for the whale watching... It is misleading... Success 97 percent yes we saw two backs and back whale tails. It's not bad already, that's for sure, but they left very quickly as soon as we spotted them. Just to say, okay, we finally found them. In any case, don't expect to see them up close if you take the big boat... Besides, we were supposed to try the speed boat again today... Cancelled this morning, cancelled this afternoon, and they state that the whale museum is included in it, before OR after, and in fact it's impossible to do it before, supposedly it doesn't work with the ticket... We'll see tomorrow if we manage to do the speed boat, but this company is very complicated... Not to mention a small detail, the boat-whale AND Golden Circle connection is a nightmare... the bus was ready to leave and we still had 30 minutes of boat ride left... Fortunately, the nice guide was willing to wait for us, but it was stressful... Anyway, I'm giving 4 stars for the Golden Circle but not for the boat...

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    442roryo · March 2026

    Ottar

    Great trip and experience. Ottar was so helpful and funny. He even supplied me with clothes when mine got soaked.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    11 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $174 to $218
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by BusTravel Iceland, who run 14 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 73.9 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything BusTravel Iceland runs

    Why this scores 61

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)72
    Review evidence (18% weight)31
    Booking momentum (14% weight)24
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)31
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik cost?

    +

    Prices start at $174 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 Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik take?

    +

    Plan for about 11 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 Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 10 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 Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik?

    +

    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 Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik?

    +

    Around 4 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 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour 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?

    +

    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 Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik?

    +

    Included: On-board WiFi; Warm overalls are available for the whale watching boat tour; anding and/or facility fees; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Guide. Not included: Lunch; and Bottled water. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    What languages is Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour 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 Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour 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 Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour 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 Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik?

    +

    Across 10 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.

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