
Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 722 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik worth booking?
Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik is a 2-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $103 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 722 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (722)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $103 per person
Two ways to see Faxaflói Bay: a leisurely 3.5-hour cruise or a 2.5-hour high-speed RIB — same whales, different ride. Both depart from Reykjavík's Old Harbour, where your guide kits you out in warm overalls and sets the scene before you leave the dock. Out on the bay, you're scanning for minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises — with up to 90% sighting success. Your guide narrates every encounter live, mixing marine biology with the kind of old sea stories that only make sense when you're actually out there. Camera out from the moment you clear the harbour mouth. If the cold gets to you, the heated indoor lounge has coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. If the whales don't show — unlikely, but it happens — your next trip is complimentary.
What you get
About this experience
Two ways to see Faxaflói Bay: a leisurely 3.5-hour cruise or a 2.5-hour high-speed RIB — same whales, different ride. Both depart from Reykjavík's Old Harbour, where your guide kits you out in warm overalls and sets the scene before you leave the dock. Out on the bay, you're scanning for minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises — with up to 90% sighting success. Your guide narrates every encounter live, mixing marine biology with the kind of old sea stories that only make sense when you're actually out there. Camera out from the moment you clear the harbour mouth. If the cold gets to you, the heated indoor lounge has coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. If the whales don't show — unlikely, but it happens — your next trip is complimentary.
What's included
Included
- Free onboard Wi-Fi
- Heated indoor lounge with hot drinks available on board
- Complimentary seasickness tablets on request
- Whale sightings guarantee — up to 90% success rate; no whales spotted? Free try again ticket.
- Warm, floatable thermal overalls — adult and children's sizes provided
Not included
- Food and drinks (available to purchase on board)
- Hotel transfers (available as a paid add-on at checkout)
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Reykjavik
Please make your way to the Special Tours Ticket Office, located at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please make your way to the Special Tours Ticket Office, located at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik.
Options you can book
Classic Whale Watching
Classic Whale Watching Tour: 3-3.5 hour Classic Whale Watching
Express Whale Watching
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, 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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- German guidance available on Classic tours from May 1st - September 30th.
- Operates in a variety of weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- If cancelled due to unsuitable sailing conditions, you will be give the option of an alternative date or a full refund.
- Hotel pick up: Available to book directly with supplier (extra fees apply).
- Wheelchair accessible for the 3 - 3.5 hours trip
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 721 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
721 verified traveler reviews for Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing
Amazing 5star, yoda was amazing and annika WS an amazing guide. We saw a humpback whale, active for 45 minutes. Just incredible. Totally incredible
via Tripadvisor
Great Trip !
We really enjoyed this Whale Watching Trip. It was well organized and timed perfectly. We did see many Humpback Whales , dolphins and some saw porpoise, I did not. We arranged to be picked up at our hotel and returned back, well worth it. The young lady guide was knowledgeable and clear to understand.
via Tripadvisor
Whale of a time!
The ease to check-in, friendly staff on the boat, and the hot chocolate/Dramamine provided were top notch! It didn't take long before we saw a humpback whale and Minke whales. A nice ending was seeing the dolphins. Our tour guide was very informative, great sense of humor, and a delight to listen to. The captain provided a smooth boat ride and kept the boat turned to where we could see the whales as they moved. I highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you had such a great experience, from the easy check-in process to the warm welcome from our crew. It's fantastic that you were able to see both humpback and minke whales, and that the dolphins made for a perfect ending to the tour. We're especially pleased that you enjoyed the hot chocolate, found the commentary informative and entertaining, and appreciated the captain's efforts to provide the best possible viewing opportunities while ensuring a smooth ride. Reviews like yours mean a lot to our team. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you onboard again for another unforgettable whale-watching adventure in Iceland!
via Tripadvisor
Breathtaking Memories!
We had the most amazing experience whale watching on the Andrea! Our guide Alessio was super nice and knowledgeable. He made the trip fun and entertaining. We encountered harbour porpoises, two friendly minke whales and two breaching humpback whales! It was just breathtaking! Can recommend a thousand times! If you come to Iceland you have to do the tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear that your whale watching tour on Andrea was such a memorable one. Seeing harbour porpoises, minke whales, and breaching humpback whales all in the same trip is truly special, and we're so glad nature put on an incredible show for you. A big thank you as well for your kind words about Alessio. We'll be sure to pass them along. It means a lot to know that his knowledge and enthusiasm helped make your adventure even more enjoyable. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back on board for another unforgettable wildlife encounter in Iceland!
via Tripadvisor
Great Experience! Lots of Whales.
Very nice whale watching tour. We were able to see several different groups! Board early to get your preferred seating.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the whale-watching tour and that you were able to see several different groups of whales during your trip. Thank you as well for sharing the tip about boarding early to choose your preferred spot on board. We appreciate you joining us and hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable wildlife encounters in the future!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 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
- 253
- 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 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.
How much does Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik cost?
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Prices start at $103 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 Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik take?
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Plan for about 2 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 Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 722 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 Boat Tour with Expert Guide 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 Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik?
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Around 253 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 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from 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, 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?
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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.
What is included in Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik?
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Included: Free onboard Wi-Fi; Heated indoor lounge with hot drinks available on board; Complimentary seasickness tablets on request; Whale sightings guarantee — up to 90% success rate; no whales spotted? Free try again tick; and Warm, floatable thermal overalls — adult and children's sizes provided. Not included: Food and drinks (available to purchase on board); and Hotel transfers (available as a paid add-on at checkout). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik?
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Please make your way to the Special Tours Ticket Office, located at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik offered in?
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It is offered in German and 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 Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik?
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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 Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Wheelchair accessible for the 3 - 3.5 hours trip. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik if the weather is bad?
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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 Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik?
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Across 722 reviews averaging 4.2 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 Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Classic Whale Watching, Express Whale Watching. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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