
Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 804 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik worth booking?
Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik is a 3-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $98 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 804 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (804)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $98 per person
Experience the best Iceland has to offer with spectacular Whale Watching opportunities. Our tours offer a unique experience and we do our best to make this a lifetime experience for you. A Whale Watching adventure departing from Old harbour in downtown Reykjavik. We sail into Faxaflói bay in search of Minke and Humpback whales, Dolphins and Harbour porpoises. On this tour, you will also experience the spectacular views of the mountains and islands around Reykjavik as well as the wonderful bird life. On board we have warm overalls, heated spacious indoor cabins, a nice bar and free WiFi.
What you get
About this experience
Experience the best Iceland has to offer with spectacular Whale Watching opportunities. Our tours offer a unique experience and we do our best to make this a lifetime experience for you. A Whale Watching adventure departing from Old harbour in downtown Reykjavik. We sail into Faxaflói bay in search of Minke and Humpback whales, Dolphins and Harbour porpoises. On this tour, you will also experience the spectacular views of the mountains and islands around Reykjavik as well as the wonderful bird life. On board we have warm overalls, heated spacious indoor cabins, a nice bar and free WiFi.
What's included
Included
- Free WiFi on board
- Free ticket to join again in case of no sightings
- Heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities
- Experienced and professional guides
- 2,5-3,5 hours Whale Watching tour
- Complimentary seasickness tablets available
- Warm flotation overalls
Not included
- Snacks and beverages sold on board
- Pickup is available for extra charge
What you'll see and do
Old Harbour
Your adventure begins at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, where you’ll board one of our comfortable whale watching boats. As you set sail into Faxaflói Bay, take in panoramic views of the city skyline and surrounding mountains while the crew shares insights about Iceland’s marine wildlife and natural environment.
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Faxafloi Bay
Sail through the rich feeding grounds of Faxaflói Bay, home to humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises. Keep your camera ready — sightings are frequent, and you may even spot puffins (in summer) and playful seals. Our experienced crew uses their local knowledge to find the best viewing spots while sharing fascinating facts about each species.
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Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
As you depart or return to the harbour, enjoy views of Harpa, Reykjavík’s iconic glass concert hall. Its shimmering façade reflects the light of the bay, making it one of Iceland’s most photographed landmarks.
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Mount Esja
On clear days, admire breathtaking views of Mount Esja rising behind Reykjavík and, in the distance, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula — often called “Iceland in Miniature” for its diverse landscapes and volcanic peaks.
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Old Harbour
After few hours at sea, the tour concludes back at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour. Warm up with complimentary overalls and enjoy a hot drink on board as you reflect on your unforgettable whale watching experience.
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Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Reykjavik
Meet us at Geirsgata 11, Special Tours ticket office, for your upcoming tour. Please arrive 30 minutes early at the meeting point.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet us at Geirsgata 11, Special Tours ticket office, for your upcoming tour. Please arrive 30 minutes early at the meeting point.
Options you can book
09:00 departure
Classic tour 3-3.5 hours
17:00 departure
Classic tour 3-3.5 hours
13:00 departure
Classic tour 3-3.5 hours
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
- Reykjavik Sailors
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
- NOTE: You should schedule to be at our departure point at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure.
- Please, check our DAILY DIARY before you come for the tour, all the important daily information of all our tours will be notified on our website.
- If you have a boat tour booked, please check your email before the tour as all important daily information will be notified via email.
- We recommend wearing good footwear and warm clothing. Don´t forget to bring your camera to take amazing photos!
- Kindly notify us if you require wheelchair access, as not all of our boats are equipped for accessibility.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 802 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
802 verified traveler reviews for Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Iceland Whale Searching
We enjoyed the tour and saw some whales. The length of the tour was 3 hours and that was just enough for the amount of whales we saw. Patrick our guide onboard seemed very knowledgeable and had a good sense of humor.
via Viator
Beautiful day on the water and saw whales!
I did this tour with my sister. We enjoyed an active Whale Watching Excursion on Oct. 6, 2026. Patrick was the guide. He was very knowledgeable and entertained and educated us about the variety of whales and their habitats and behaviors. He also shared a ton of ocean life facts and kept us laughing with his jokes. He took photos as we saw whales and dolphins! He posted them on the website following the experience for free! Knowing that he was taking photos, eliminated stress to capture if our photos. We took advantage of the insulated bibs to stay toasty warm. Do it! We would highly recommend this experience!
via Viator
Wow! Look at those whales saying hae hae!
Wow! We were lucky to see 4 whales! And several leaping dolphins. The tour operators were all fab! Amazing to see these creatures, really fascinating and helped by the operators doing their best to find success and inform us...
via Viator
Highly recommend
Easy to find and organized. Very knowledgeable staff. We saw a lot of whales and it was great! Good indoor and outdoor space on the boat
via Viator
Great tour!!
Well worth it. An hour sailing out, an hour watching whales, dolphins, and porpoises, and an hour back. Crew was very knowledgeable and they also took great pictures which were shared with guests.
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
- $98 to $109
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 281
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Reykjavik Sailors, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.4.
See everything Reykjavik Sailors runsWhy this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.
How much does Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik cost?
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Prices start at $98 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 Tour with Professional Guide from 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 Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 804 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Reykjavik, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Whale Watching Tour with Professional 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 Tour with Professional Guide from 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 Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik?
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Around 281 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 Tour with Professional 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 Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik?
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Included: Free WiFi on board; Free ticket to join again in case of no sightings; Heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities; Experienced and professional guides; and 2,5-3,5 hours Whale Watching tour. Not included: Snacks and beverages sold on board; and Pickup is available for extra charge. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik?
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Meet us at Geirsgata 11, Special Tours ticket office, for your upcoming tour. Please arrive 30 minutes early at the meeting point. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik offered in?
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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 Tour with Professional 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 Tour with Professional 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 Kindly notify us if you require wheelchair access, as not all of our boats are equipped fo. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Whale Watching Tour with Professional 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 Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik?
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Across 804 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including 09:00 departure, 17:00 departure, 13:00 departure. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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