Whales feel closer than you expect in Reykjavik. From downtown Old Harbour, this whale watching boat trip heads into the Atlantic waters of Faxaflói Bay for a real shot at seeing minke and humpback whales, plus dolphins and other wildlife. You also get steady, guided scanning for birds, sea life, and wildlife around the coast.

I love two things most. First, the warm flotation overalls and seasickness tablets help you stay comfortable in that Iceland wind. Second, you’re not left guessing, you get live English guidance that helps you spot what’s actually there, not just hope for it.

The main drawback to plan for is simple: sightings are never guaranteed, and some outings can be quieter than others. If you need a guaranteed whale show, you might feel a little frustrated, because the ocean calls the shots.

Key highlights before you go

• Heated indoor cabins plus space to watch from outside when conditions cooperate
• Warm overalls included, and yes, you should use them
• Live English guide who helps you actually find whales, dolphins, and birds
• Faxaflói Bay wildlife mix, including minke, humpback, and dolphins
• Comfort perks like a toilet onboard, Wi-Fi, and an onboard bar
• Fair chance support, including seasickness tablets and a ticket to rejoin if there are no sightings

Old Harbour check-in at Geirsgata 11

Most whale watching starts with a quick reality check, the weather. On this tour, you meet at Geirsgata 11, check in at the Special Tours office at the corner, and you should arrive 30 minutes early. There’s no hotel pickup listed, so you’ll want to build in time to reach downtown on foot or by taxi from where you’re staying.

What I like about this setup is that it keeps things straightforward. You’re in the middle of the city, you get a clear meeting point, and you’re not stuck waiting around with confusing transfers. If it’s rainy or blustery, downtown Reykjavik is at least easy to navigate. Once you’re checked in, you’ll focus on one goal: getting onto the water with enough time to settle in.

The Faxaflói Bay cruise, where the whales show up

The heart of the experience is the time on the water in Faxaflói Bay. You head out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour into the Atlantic, and the guide keeps an eye on the patterns that matter: where marine life tends to surface, how birds behave, and what direction to look as the boat moves.

This area is especially interesting because you can combine wildlife with real scenery. You’re watching whales and dolphins while also taking in panoramic views of Reykjavik’s mountains and nearby islands. On good days, that mix makes the trip feel bigger than just spotting animals. On rough days, it at least keeps you visually engaged while the guide scans.

Species you may encounter include:

• Minke whales
• Humpback whales
• Dolphins (listed in the tour details)
• Harbour porpoises (listed)
• Killer whales (noted as elusive)

A few reviews mention seeing humpbacks very close, and one person described a humpback making repeated dives right near the boat. That’s the kind of moment you’re hoping for, even though conditions can change quickly.

The guide and captain teamwork that makes spotting easier

This tour stands or falls on the human part. You’re traveling with a live guide in English, and that matters because whale watching is partly skill and partly timing.

I’ve seen enough wildlife tours to know the difference between a guide who talks at you and a guide who points and teaches while you look. Here, the guide actively helps you with where to watch. In one review, the guide was praised for being passionate and alert, calling out what to look for in perfect timing. Another mentioned the navigator spotting birds as well, which is useful because birds often act like a clue in marine environments.

Names that come up in the provided comments include Lucas and Badger. Both are referenced for being enthusiastic and highly engaged, which fits what you want on a cold boat: someone who keeps morale up while helping you focus your eyes.

The captain also plays a key role. One review specifically praised the captain’s maneuvering once whales were found, repositioning the boat so people on different sides could get a look. Another review mentioned that staff respected whales by not using sonar. Taken together, this is a good sign if you care about watching wildlife without turning it into a noisy spectacle.

Heated cabins and warm overalls, your real protection plan

Reykjavik weather can flip fast. That’s why the included gear is not a small detail.

You’ll get warm flotation overalls to wear on board. Reviews call out how damp, windy, and cold it can get, even when the tour is running in seasons you might expect to be milder. One person said using the provided overcoat mattered a lot for staying warm. So yes, plan to wear them, not just hold them.

Inside, the boat has heated cabins, toilet facilities, and several places to view. That flexibility is a huge quality-of-life factor. If you get cold on the outside decks, you can warm up and still keep an eye on the water through windows or from indoor viewing areas. Reviews also mention that the boat was larger than expected, with plenty of options to watch even when it’s rainy.

Other practical perks listed:

• Onboard bar (food and drink can be purchased)
• Wi-Fi
• Seasickness tablets provided if needed

One useful trick: even if you think you’ll spend most of your time outside, Iceland wind has a way of winning. Plan to go inside at least once, warm up, then return out when the guide calls out a sighting.

A practical look at what happens during the 3.5 hours

The total trip time is 3.5 hours, with about 2.5 hours out sailing and whale watching in the bay. The exact pacing can vary based on where wildlife is, but the flow is usually consistent.

1) Starting point and check-in

You meet at Geirsgata 11 and check in at the Special Tours office. Arriving early helps you avoid a scramble in the cold.

2) Sailing into Faxaflói Bay

This is when the guide starts helping you get oriented. Expect scanning for birds and marine activity while the boat heads to the best area for sightings.

3) Whale watching time

This is the main block. When whales or dolphins are spotted, the boat positions so multiple people can see. That’s where the captain’s driving decisions and the guide’s directing really show.

4) Return to Geirsgata 11

You head back to the meeting point. If you’re hoping to keep taking photos, give yourself time on the return because visibility can sometimes change.

One more seasonal note that’s worth knowing: the tour may be on a shared boat with another activity partner during certain times of the year for environmental reasons. That doesn’t automatically mean a worse experience, but it can affect crowding and space to move around.

What to expect when the sightings are big, small, or rare

Let’s talk honestly about whale watching odds. The tour is designed to find whales and dolphins, and the wildlife list is specific, but the sea is unpredictable.

You might get:

• Multiple whale sightings in a good window
• One whale that stays active and gives repeat views
• Dolphins and porpoises even when whales are harder to spot

In the provided feedback, a few patterns show up:

• Humpback encounters can be intense when they surface and dive repeatedly close to the boat.
• Dolphins may show up first, followed later by whales.
• Some trips end up with fewer sightings than expected, but people still describe the experience as special because they saw real behavior, not just a distant shape.

Also, one comment praised seeing animals without the tour cutting across whales, which points to careful boat handling when sightings happen.

If your number-one goal is maximum chances for lots of animals at once, you’ll still need luck. The value here comes from comfort, guidance, and the fact that the tour supports your time on the water even if sightings are limited.

Price and value: what $103 gets you in Iceland

At about $103 per person, this is not a bargain. But it’s not just a ticket to sit on a deck either.

Here’s what you’re paying for, based on what’s included:

• Whale watching tour with a live guide
• Warm flotation overalls
• Seasickness tablets if needed
• A ticket to rejoin if there are no sightings
• Heated indoor cabins, toilet facilities, and Wi-Fi
• Onboard bar where you can buy food and drink

In other words, you’re not buying the hard part separately, like cold weather gear or a guide. Also, that rejoin option matters psychologically. It doesn’t magically guarantee whales, but it reduces the risk of feeling like you paid a premium for an empty outing.

One review also noted that drinks were relatively cheap compared with nearby cafes, which can be useful if you plan to warm up with hot drinks or a simple snack while on board.

If you’re comparing costs, consider the bigger picture: Iceland whale watching is weather- and wildlife-driven, so higher prices are common. This one looks like fair value because it stacks comfort, instruction, and a second-chance support into the ticket.

Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)

This is a great match if:

• You’re seeing whales for the first time and want real guidance, not random searching
• You care about comfort in cold weather, especially heated cabins and warm overalls
• You want a well-structured half-day activity in Reykjavik that still feels like it’s out in nature
• You want wheelchair accessibility, since the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible

You might want to think twice if:

• You’re extremely sensitive to crowds. One review mentioned it felt a bit crowded.
• You need a guaranteed number of animal sightings. Some outings may be quieter, and the sea can choose that for you.

Also note what’s not allowed: pets and smoking. If you’re traveling with a pet, you’ll need to plan a different activity.

Booking tips that help you get the most from the day

A few practical pointers make a difference here:

• Dress for wind and cold. The tour provides overalls, but you still need weather-appropriate clothing underneath.
• Use the warm coveralls even in warmer seasons. Reviews clearly say they’re essential for damp, windy conditions.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, take advantage of the seasickness tablets offered.
• Be open to the idea that dolphins and birds can be the highlight when whales are scarce. That can still be a great trip, especially if the guide keeps you learning while you watch.

One more environmental note: the operator aims to keep the water pristine by using fewer boats when possible. That may mean operating with a shared boat at certain times, but it also suggests they’re trying to reduce impact.

Should you book this Reykjavik whale watching boat tour?

If your budget allows and you want a well-run, comfort-focused whale watching trip from Reykjavik, I’d say this is a solid choice. The ticket covers the things that usually make or break a cold Atlantic outing: warm overalls, heated indoor space, a live English guide, and a plan for seasickness. Add in the captain’s positioning and the guide’s active scanning, and you’ve got a much better shot at a memorable encounter than a self-guided approach.

Book if you’re flexible about sightings and you’re excited by the chance to see humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, and other wildlife in their actual home water. If your expectations are strict and your trip would feel ruined by a quieter run, then it’s worth weighing alternatives.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Geirsgata 11, and you check in at the Special Tours office at the corner.

How early should I arrive?

Check-in is recommended 30 minutes before departure.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 3.5 hours, including about 2.5 hours sailing and whale watching in Faxaflói Bay.

What species might I see?

The tour information lists minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises, and possibly killer whales. It also mentions other aquatic species and wildlife.

Is there a guide on board?

Yes, there is a live tour guide in English.

What comfort items are provided?

You get warm flotation overalls, heated indoor cabins, toilet facilities, and Wi-Fi. Food and drink can be purchased onboard.

Are seasickness tablets included?

Yes, seasickness tablets are included if you need them.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Can I bring pets or smoke onboard?

No pets are allowed, and smoking is not allowed.

What if there are no whale sightings?

The tour includes a ticket that lets you rejoin again in case of no sightings.