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Humpback whale near Reykjavik on a whale watching tour
All Day Tours
Year-round

Whale Watching & Puffins

Sail from Reykjavík harbour to spot humpback whales, dolphins, and puffins.

Gallery

  • Whale Watching & Puffins — landscape view 1
  • Whale Watching & Puffins — landscape view 2
  • Whale Watching & Puffins — landscape view 3
  • Whale Watching & Puffins — landscape view 4
  • Whale Watching & Puffins — landscape view 5
3 hr
Max 80
Year-round
Reykjavik

About this tour

Faxaflói Bay just off Reykjavík is one of the most reliable whale-watching grounds in Europe. Minke whales feed here year-round; humpbacks visit in summer; white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises are common; Atlantic puffins nest on Akurey island from May to August.

Our boat is a stable, purpose-built whale-watcher with stabilizers — much less seasickness than the smaller RIB boats. The marine biologist on board narrates each sighting and explains the bay's ecology. Hot drinks bar on board.

Whale sightings are 95%+ in summer, 80% year-round. If we don't see a whale, your ticket transfers to another sailing free of charge.

What's planned

  1. Old Harbour boarding

    30 min before sailing

    Walk down to Pier 4 in Reykjavík's Old Harbour. We provide warm overalls if needed.

  2. Outbound to feeding grounds

    30 min

    The captain narrates the bay's geography. Marine biologist begins species briefing.

  3. Active viewing

    90 min

    Slow-cruising the prime feeding zones. Whales surface multiple times; sightings narrated as they happen.

  4. Return to harbour

    30 min

    Hot chocolate served on the return leg.

Highlights

  • Humpback whale sightings
  • Puffin colonies
  • Dolphin encounters
  • Reykjavík harbour departure

What's included

  • Boat trip from Reykjavík harbour
  • Knowledgeable marine guide
  • Warm overalls provided

Not included

  • Hotel transfer
  • Wildlife sightings not guaranteed

Pickup & meeting point

Pickup & meeting point

This tour boards directly at Reykjavík's Old Harbour (Pier 4) — no hotel pickup. Please arrive 30 minutes before sailing time. We provide warm overalls onboard.

Harpa Concert HallAusturbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Arrive 15 minutes before departure.

View on map

Meeting point

  • Harpa Concert Hall

    Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Frequently asked questions

What's included in the tour price?

All transportation, professional English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and drop-off in the Reykjavík capital area, and any entrance fees specific to your tour. Meals are not included unless explicitly stated.

What should I bring?

Warm waterproof outer layer, sturdy footwear, gloves, and a hat — Iceland's weather changes quickly. Charged phone and camera. We provide bottled water on board; a small snack is wise for longer routes.

What's your cancellation policy?

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable. If we cancel due to weather or road conditions, you receive a full refund or a free reschedule — your choice.

Will the tour run if the weather is bad?

We run year-round and adapt routes to conditions. If a specific stop becomes unsafe, we substitute a comparable alternative. If the entire tour is unsafe, we contact you the night before with a refund or reschedule option.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. We pick up at designated stops in the Reykjavík capital area; your booking confirmation lists the exact stop nearest your hotel. The driver waits 5 minutes maximum, so please be ready 5 minutes before your scheduled pickup.

Can I bring my children?

Most tours are family-friendly for ages 6+. Northern Lights, glacier hiking, and highland tours have minimum-age restrictions detailed on each tour page. Children under 12 receive a 25% discount on most tours.

Are tours wheelchair accessible?

Our coaches are wheelchair-friendly with ramp access. Most stops are accessible, but some highland and glacier sites involve uneven terrain. Contact us before booking and we'll confirm accessibility for your specific tour and any adjustments we can make.

How small are the groups?

Day tours are capped at 19 guests. Highland and multi-day tours are capped at 14 guests. Multi-day expeditions to remote regions cap at 8. We never combine groups — your booking is your group.

Ready to book Whale Watching & Puffins?

From 79 per person

From79