Whale Watching in Reykjavik: An Enterprising Encounter with Sea Mammals
4.6
1,742 Ratings
Reykjavík
Embark on an unforgettable whale watching adventure in Reykjavik. Encounter whales, dolphins, and porpoises in their natural habitat while supporting an environmentally friendly company.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Elding Whale Watching - Enjoy a 3 hr. cruise in Faxaflói bay in search for whales and other wildlife. Stunning views on the horizon and excellent onboard services provided. Feel free to borrow our overalls to stay warm on the outside deck.
Most common whales we encounter are humpback whales and minke whales, although other species make their way into the bay a handful of times a year. If no whales or dolphins make an appearance on the tour, we will offer you to try again another day, free of charge!
What's Included
- Complimentary on-board WiFi
- Live guide expertise
- Protective gear including overalls, raincoats, and blankets
- Included admission to the Wildlife Exhibition
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information
Experience sightings of whales, dolphins, porpoises and birds during this ~3-hour voyage departing from Reykjavik. Observe these marine animals in their authentic habitats off the coast of the capital. With more than 90% of summer trips and 80% of winter trips resulting in mammal sightings, the chances are favorable. However, if you don’t see a whale or dolphin on your trip, we offer a free ticket for a future tour.
Elding is globally acknowledged for its focus on sustainability, operating as an eco-friendly organization. We’re dedicated to minimizing our operational impact on the environment, while still providing a memorable sea adventure.
Our operations adhere to a code of conduct promoting responsible whale watching.
- The tour may sometimes depart from other harbours when the conditions in Reykjavík are rough. In this case, the tour may be 1-2 hrs. longer than advertised.
- No whales or dolphins on your tour? Try again another day for FREE!
- Please note that our fleet is not completely wheelchair accessible as there are steep stairs between lower and upper decks and high thresholds to get from the decks into the saloon as well as from the saloon to the toilets.
- Wheelchair users are welcome to bring a foldable chair onboard our bigger boats, but if possible, please advise our office prior to departure as we may need to assist with boarding.
Location
Elding Whale Watching
Meet us in the ELDING ticket office located at Ægisgarður 5c by the Old Harbour district in Reykjavík. Once at the pier, simply follow the red colour to find us! Be sure to arrive at least 15 min. before departure to ensure enough time to check in and to board the boat.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.6
(1742 Ratings)
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Frankw1983
Apr 13, 2024
Great trip - We sadly only saw a very brief viewing of a dolphin/whale. We saw some puffins and other bird life. In general this was a very informative tour and the guide was great. You see some beautiful coast line. The boat is well equipped and you can chose to sit in the warm or outside. The sea was quite rough and I felt instantly sea sick when below deck, so I recommend staying outside and taking up their offer of seasickness tablets at the start if you suffer from motion sickness. You can’t control nature, but it was disappointing not to spot whales
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rebeccarf3949ae
Apr 9, 2024
Fabulous whale watching trip - We had an amazing morning and saw 2 Minke whales and 2 humpbacks as well as puffins. The crew were very knowledgeable and professional. I would definitely recommend wearing the overalls and getting them as soon as you get on the boat.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cathyorkshire
Apr 9, 2024
Excellent trip - We were delighted with out trip out to see the whales - a humpback and a minke whale both put in an appearance and we spotted one of the first puffins of the season fly past. Though we could have stayed with the humpback for the whole of the trip the captain quite rightly decided to retreat to avoid too much stress to give the animal space as there were by then other boats arriving to view this magnificant creature. This was a well organised boat trip - overalls were available for those without suitable clothing ( it is very cold out there!) and there is a small bar area to get hot and cold drinks and snacks. A nice touch was offering images online of the whales seen on your tour - free as part of the service - good as they are quite difficult to photograph unless you know what you are doing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shannon_m
Apr 8, 2024
What an experience! - Me and my family went on this tour in hopes of seeing at least one whale. The day we decided to book for, there was over 50 whales in every direction! What added to this moving experience, was the marine biologist that told us where to look was so excited and enthusiastic by what she was seeing that it made everyone 10x more excited. 10/10 experience
Review provided by Viator
Olivierf843
Apr 7, 2024
30+ whales !! - 30+whales for more than an hour in a fabulous journey.
Thanks to all the team that makes it so special and was exited them them self. Passionate people that teach you a lot also
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melanie_r
Apr 6, 2024
Elding Whale watching - We had an afternoon trip, 1pm. It was very calm and we saw Porpoises, Minke whales and the icing on the cake, Orcas, at least 5. The afternoon trip the day before saw at least 50 humpback whales. Very well organised and great commentary. Would highly recommend Elding Whale watching Iceland.
Review provided by Viator
T_s
Apr 16, 2024
only one whale but a nice experience - Despite the cold, the seas were calm and it was a nice cruise. The staff were very friendly and attentive and it was enjoyable. Unfortunately, we only saw one whale but these things happen
Review provided by Viator
Baukje_d
Apr 13, 2024
Whale watching - Unfortunately no whales but a lovely boattrip. Very windy and waves. Lucky enough we did see puffins!
Review provided by Viator
Irelandbecky
Apr 7, 2024
Beautiful - A lovely morning out in the sunshine with Elding! We saw a pod of white beaked dolphins, 2 minke whales and a humpback. Also lots of bird life. The scenery is stunning!! The guide was really nice and very knowledgeable, plenty of room on the boat but if it was fully booked I can imagine there's limited room to enjoy the views. We were given overalls which really helped to keep us warm and the guide sent on some pictures she had taken! The only downside is it is quite expensive.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisa_o
Apr 6, 2024
Not spectacular, but Ok - Was ok but a bit over priced. I know you can never guarantee sighting of an animal in nature but just seemed to me we were trawling around the Atlantic. The guide was lovely and seemed to have some knowledge. The sickness pills were an advantage. All in all, 3 hours out at see was a bit much for me!
Review provided by Viator
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