Whales of Iceland: Sea Watch Experience and Exhibition Visitation
3.8
12 Ratings
Reykjavík
Watch for whales in the Icelandic sea and visit the Whales of Iceland exhibition. Choose from a 2.5- or 3.5-hour whale watching cruise and explore Europe's largest whale exhibition independently or on a guided tour.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Enjoy this 3-3.5 hour whale watching adventure, sailing out from Reykjavik´s Old Harbor, selecting your preferred departure time. Meet your captain, listen to a safety briefing, pull on a pair of provided coveralls, and find a spot on deck or in the indoor cabin.

As your boat pulls away, listen to onboard commentary about the marine life of Faxaflói Bay, and learn about the minke and humpback whales that can frequent the waters. Enjoy the views over the Icelandic mountains while scanning the water for whales, porpoises and white-beaked dolphins - and keep your camera ready!. In the unlikely event that you don’t spot a whale, you’ll receive a ticket for another cruise.

Either before or after you join the whale watching tour, make your way independently to the Whales of Iceland exhibition, Europe’s largest exhibition dedicated to whales. Ogle life-size models of whale and dolphin species including belugas and killer whales, and see replicas of the minkes and humpbacks you may have seen or will be seeing on the boat tour. Learn about these giants of the sea from the displays, and perhaps relax over drinks and snacks (own expense) at the café before you leave. The Whales of Iceland museum is open daily from 10:00-17:00 (Closed December 25th).

Points of Interest

  • Geirsgata
What's Included
  • Complimentary sea sickness tablets
  • Experienced biologist on tour
  • Heated indoor seating
  • Free WiFi on board and at Whales of Iceland
  • Use of thermal overalls available
  • Admission to Whales of Iceland Exhibition
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel transfers (available for whale watching on request for an additional cost)
  • Food and drink (available to purchase at both locations)
Additional Information

Embark on a journey in search of whales in the vast seas of Iceland and explore the Whales of Iceland exhibit on this unique tour from Reykjavik. Take a 2.5- or 3.5-hour seafaring expedition and watch for the presence of minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises in Faxaflói Bay. Afterward, marvel at life-size models of whales and dolphins at Whales of Iceland, Europe’s most extensive whale exhibition. Discover at your own pace to understand the different species and comprehend the immense size of these oceanic behemoths. Avail a live-guided tour at Whales of Iceland at 10:30 and 13:30 each day (free for all ticket holders).

Kindly note that the Whales of Iceland Exhibition is accessible daily from 10:00-17:00 (closed Dec. 25th)

  • Exhibition is Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Geirsgata
Please meet us for the whale watching at our Special Tours Ticket Office, located at Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavik's Old Harbour.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.8
(12 Ratings)
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Rhysm584
Feb 1, 2024
We saw whales, we loved it - We went during the end of January and saw multiple hump back whales, so we’re pleased. The staff gave us waterproof overalls to everyone, so no one was cold or wet. They have a cafe on board, with drinks, hot drinks, snacks, and everything you need. The tour guide was passionate about the whales and this was easy to notice and understand, they are magical.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Davina_m
May 3, 2022
Whale watching - We were so lucky to see a humpback whale breach to the side of our boat and we saw harbour porpoises too. Jonathan our guide was super knowledgeable and gave us the heads up as to where they were and what breeds were around. Thank you for the use of the warm overalls. Museum was great too, we did this in the morning, the video in the back room especially worth a watch. What a day, one that We’ll never forget! Such a privilege to see these beautiful animals up close. Thank you!
Review provided by Viator
Markus-dottir
Sep 9, 2021
Where can we buy the whale song? - Iga,the tour Guide, was very entertaining, in 5 languages and singing so beautifully a whale song, that 2 of them showed up right after. Where can we buy the record?
Review provided by Tripadvisor
473tristans
Jul 4, 2020
Perfect tour - Amazing tour we good to see many whales and our fantastic guide Daniel explained everything we needed to know and more I would recommend this very much it was amazing we even got to see a whale jumping I Gotta Hand it all to Daniel he was a perfect tour guide have a nice day :) -Tristan Salzwedell
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tony
Nov 16, 2015
Super ,dud see any whales but not... - <p>Super ,dud see any whales but not for want of trying by the crew 3.5 hours looking. The added bonus of a visit to the whales of Iceland as a freebie was very much appreciated.</p>
Review provided by Viator
Jmy67
Sep 16, 2021
A worthwhile morning - Iga knows whales & speaks several langs, but queasy from wearing the suits. Saw a few humpbacks 👍🏼
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yara_k
Jun 25, 2019
A little disappointed - The only issue I had is that the boat is very big, which has its advantages, however, you are less likely to have time to move around when the captain points out a whale somewhere in the ocean. I was not able to see any of the whales the captain mentioned. Despite that, the boat trip was comfortable and the weather was amazing.
Review provided by Viator
Matteo_c
Feb 21, 2022
A bit disappointed, no... - A bit disappointed, no Whale and the boat was crowded. Don't go if you have motion sickness or it becomes a nightmare. People were kind and provide pills for motion sickness. Only other plus is the free entry for the Museum
Review provided by Viator
Mlt
Feb 27, 2016
Before booking this trip I read... - <p>Before booking this trip I read reviews and didn't really expect to see any whales as its out of season although I was hoping to. I think if I went back again I would give this trip a miss.</p>
Review provided by Viator
Paul
Nov 16, 2015
Frankly, this tour was a disaster... - <p>Frankly, this tour was a disaster. The weather was quite rough, with high winds, big waves, and cold temperatures. This alone would not have been a problem, but we saw no wildlife on this trip. Admittedly, spotting a whale can be hit or miss but, after studying this more, I found out that the Reykjavik bay is relatively shallow for whales and, at best, you can hope to see Minke whales but no humpbacks. My wife and I had done a similar trip in Akureyri and there we spotted many humpbacks, possibly because of the greater depth of the bay in that part of Iceland.</p>
Review provided by Viator
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up to 9 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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