Whale Watching and Marine Life Tour in Reykjavik
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 58 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Whale Watching and Marine Life Tour in Reykjavik worth booking?
Whale Watching and Marine Life Tour in Reykjavik is a 3-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $49 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 58 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (58)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $49 per person
Our extensive whale spotting network, has given us a 90% sighting success rate. Our whale watching tour focuses on Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, Orca Killer Whales, and other marine wildlife such as porpoises, dolphins
What you get
About this experience
Our extensive whale spotting network, has given us a 90% sighting success rate. Our whale watching tour focuses on Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, Orca Killer Whales, and other marine wildlife such as porpoises, dolphins and other species. Please note Since this is a wildlife tour we can never predict or guarantee sightings of any kind. If there are no sightings on the tour, we do not offer refunds but instead, we offer our passengers a free return to join our tour depending on availability, valid for up to three years. Weather is a big factor for the tour, we may have to cancel the tour due to unfavorable weather conditions. We will notify you via email in the event of a cancellation.
What's included
Included
- Panoramic views
- Free WiFi
- Drinks and snacks are available for purchase
- Spacious observation decks
- Professional guides
- Restroom on board
- Guided language in english
What you'll see and do
Experience the joy of close encounters with mighty whales, graceful dolphins or playful porpoises on our easy-to-join whale watching tours from downtown Reykjavík. We’ll make this a “once-in-a-lifetime experience for you to remember! All year round, you’ll be able to see a wide variety of ocean-going mammals just a few minutes off the coast, including minke, humpback and killer whales, as well as white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. The summer is the peak period, but there is always something amazing to be found in Faxafloi Bay – as well as enjoying the spectacular scenery that surrounds the capital city.
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Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
Harpa is a concert hall and conference centre in Reykjavík, Iceland. The opening concert was held on May 4, 2011. The building features a distinctive colored glass facade inspired by the basalt landscape of Iceland.
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Faxafloi bay is situated on its southern shore. From Reykjavik it is possible to see the peninsula of Akranes in the northeast and even the Snæfellsjökull at a distance of about 120 km (75 mi). This bay has few islands and the ones it does have are close to land, in particular contrast to the bay directly north of it, Breiðafjörður, which has the most islands of any bay in Iceland.
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Engey is the second largest island of the Kollafjörður (Faxa Bay) fjord in western Iceland.
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Lundey, literally "Puffin Island" in Icelandic, is a small, uninhabited island off the western coast of Reykjavík, Iceland.
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Videy Island
Viðey is the largest island of the Kollafjörður Bay in Iceland, near the capital of Reykjavík.
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Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Reykjavik
We are located at the Reykjavík Old Harbour close to the city's center. It is the main port of departure for whale watching and northern lights tours. *Please arrive at the meeting point 30 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We are located at the Reykjavík Old Harbour close to the city's center. It is the main port of departure for whale watching and northern lights tours. *Please arrive at the meeting point 30 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE.
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Iceland Discover
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 58 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
58 verified traveler reviews for Whale Watching and Marine Life Tour in Reykjavik. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
It was amazing
I was great experience with the staff and activity was amazing guide was so amazing. Even the captain was a great man was good experience snaks and drinks was onboard
via Viator
Great crew no whales
The crew was great and the boat comfortable. The weather was cold and wet with only one whale tail spotted. Disappointing but I’ll keep trying because when the whales cooperate it is fantastic. Was offered a free retry on another day
via Viator
Great whale watching experience!
We saw so many whales and dolphins on this trip! The guides were so helpful speaking about the different species and pointing out where they were. They circled the boat around so everyone could see, which we appreciated because we were traveling with a 9 and 7 year old (kids must wear provided life vests) so running from one side to the other took a few mins. Highly recommend this experience!
via Tripadvisor
We saw 2 Humpback Whales
We were lucky to watch 2 Humpback Whales. Maria the biologist was very nice and helpful withe the information requested. Everything wea amazing. Thank you
via Viator
Join us and go to bother the whales
This was one of the worst experiences I’ve ever had in all my years of traveling around the world. It’s not really a whale watching tour at all. In reality, it consists of going out in a boat that never gets far from the harbor and then chasing poor whales, disturbing their peace. Every time a tail or even the smallest water spout appears, the boat rushes toward the unfortunate whale, which of course gets scared and swims away. In 2026, activities like this should be banned. Neither my family nor I would ever have joined had we known it was something so barbaric. I strongly suggest the company rename it to what it truly is: “Join us and go to bother the whales.” Stay away, this is a complete waste of money.
via Viator
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
- Price range
- $49 to $98
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 20
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Whale Watching and Marine Life Tour in Reykjavik: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.
How much does Whale Watching and Marine Life Tour in Reykjavik 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 Whale Watching and Marine Life Tour in 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 Whale Watching and Marine Life Tour in Reykjavik worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 58 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 Marine Life Tour in 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 Whale Watching and Marine Life Tour in Reykjavik suitable for kids and families?
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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 Whale Watching and Marine Life Tour in Reykjavik?
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Around 20 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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Whale Watching and Marine Life Tour in Reykjavik 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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