Whales of Iceland

Whales of Iceland: Our most recommended tours and activities

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  1. From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour

  Leaving from Reykjavik’s old harbor, you’ll sail in style on the Andrea, the largest whale-watching ship in Iceland. In the summer, you can also join an express tour on a faster express whale watching boat. The waters off Reykjavik are rich with aquatic life. Most commonly spotted creatures are minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises – and even humpback whales. The Andrea features spacious public viewing areas as well as a deck that offers fantastic 360-degree views of the stunning environment. There’s a café on board that serves a range of refreshments and a souvenir shop. The experience is built on a special Educational focus, with a microscope, baleens, and whale teeth on board for passengers to learn about the whales and other sea life. Humpback Whales are often spotted from the boat as well as Minke Whales, White Beaked Dolphins, Harbor Porpoises and occasi...

  Seeing Humpback whale for the first is amazing and the guide was interesting to listen to - and her singing too.

  Reviewed by Katja, 10/09/2021
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  2. Reykjavik: 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour

  Whales are the most mysterious and fascinating of creatures, and some of the best whale watching in the world is off the coast of Iceland, where the ocean currents create excellent viewing conditions. Climb aboard a whale watching boat operated by the only environmentally certified whale watching company in Iceland, and explore the southern part of Faxafloi Bay off Reykjavik’s old harbor. On the 3-4 hour tour you will get up-close to humpback, minke, and orca whales, as well as abundant sea birds, white beaked dolphin and harbor porpoise. Whales are seen on more than 95% of summer tours and 80% of winter tours, often surfacing within a few meters from the boat. To ensure that the animals are not disturbed, boats sail at a constant speed towards the whales' habitat. This is also is part of a sustainability policy that tries to minimize oil use and pollution. Guides have gone through an...

  Nice guide, lots of information, great weather and lots of whale spottings! You even get thermo-suits for free! Really amazing!

  Reviewed by Anonymous, 22/10/2019
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  3. From Reykjavik: Express Whale Watching Tour by RIB

  Climb aboard a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) equipped with special shock suspension seating for a smoother ride. Look for whales and other marine life in the wild. Travel aboard the 12-meter long boat to get extra close to whales in a way that is safe for passengers and the animals. Benefit from warm flotation suits, life vests, gloves and goggles to keep you cozy and safe, and avail of the services of an experienced guide who will provide information about the animals and bay in English.  Stop by the island of Akurey to look for adorable puffins during the summer. See their nests along the coast during their breeding season. Head out to the bay on a fast and thrilling ride with the wind in your hair. Reach a comfortable cruising speed of 32 knots and get plenty of time in the feeding grounds. Then, take a scenic route back along the coast of Reykjavik and take great photos before you a...

  An excellent trip! Well organised with a very friendly and knowledgable guide!! Saw two whales which was magical! Would very highly read this trip!! Thankyou!!

  Reviewed by STEPHEN, 19/08/2021
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  4. Reykjavik: Whales of Iceland Exhibition Entrance Ticket

  Visit the largest exhibition of its kind in the Europe at the Whales of Iceland Exhibition, and see 23 life-size models of whales spotted in the waters in and around Iceland. Spend a few hours gaining a new perspective and greater appreciation for these majestic animals. Take a leisurely 20-minute walk - or short drive - from the heart of Reykjavík to the harbor. Upon arrival at the Whales of Iceland Exhibition, play with interactive displays and read detailed information about 23 species of aquatic mammals. Marvel at the leviathan of the sea at a display of a blue whale that stretches nearly the length of a basketball court. Learn more about the narwhal, the “Unicorn of the Sea” and see the “horn” or “tusk” that is actually an elongated tooth. Stroll among the displays of beluga, humpback, minke, and killer whales.  Absorb in-depth information about the marine mammals around Iceland w...

  Very nice and educative when you cant go whale-watching on the sea or while raining.

  Reviewed by Miriam, Slovakia, 01/09/2021
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  5. Reykjavik: Midnight Sun Whale Watching Tour

  Whales are the most mysterious of creatures, and some of the best whale watching in the world is just off the coast of Iceland’s capital, where the ocean currents create excellent viewing conditions. Climb aboard a whale watching boat operated by the only environmentally certified whale watching company in Iceland, and explore the southern part of Faxafloi Bay in the Midnight sun of the summer months. On the 3.5-hour tour you will get up-close to whales such as playful minke, as well as see abundant sea birds, dolphin and harbor porpoise. Whales are seen on more than 95% of summer tours, often surfacing within a few meters from the boats. To ensure that the animals are not disturbed, boats sail at a constant speed towards the whales' habitat. This is part of a sustainability policy, trying to minimize oil use and pollution. Guides have all gone through an extensive training program, b...

  It was such a beautiful evening and the whales sure gave a good show! Our guide was very informative and helpful. She was quick to let us know where to look and she also gave great information about the wildlife there.

  Reviewed by , United States, 15/08/2021
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  6. Reykjavik: 2-Hour Northern Lights by Boat with Backup Plan

  Sail from Reykjavík's Old Harbor for a fantastic and unique experience chasing the famous northern lights. Your expert guide will explain the scientific facts about this amazing natural phenomenon, share stories and myths about the lights and answer all your questions. Please note that it's never guaranteed the lights will show up during the tour.  Here's the bonus: In the event that the tour must be postponed because of cloud cover, you won't be let down. Another activity awaits you. You'll head to the Whales of Iceland Exhibition in Grandi, just minutes away from the harbor, where a guide will greet you for a tour of the exhibit. You'll see full-sized whale models and try out fun and interactive technology. After touring the exhibit, including a fascinating 25 minute video, you'll end the night with a drink on the house and a complimentary ticket to try the Northern Lights Boat Tour ...

  Notified us when they saw the northern lights by mic - lots of seating and warm suits to wear!

  Reviewed by Anonymous, 18/12/2019
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  7. From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Trip by Express Boat

  Join the Whale Watching Express tour for an unforgettable experience in Iceland. Climb aboard a faster and newer boat, which will take you to the whale watching grounds in just 20-30 minutes. The boat has a high cruising speed, making it great fun for the adventurous. The express boats are fast and are equipped with the latest technology and numerous luxury amenities, your safety and comfort are assured on the water, both inside the cabin and out on deck during your time at sea. This also means that you will get to the whales in much less time, fitting this enjoyable experience into your busy schedule when visiting Iceland.

  I've only been on two whale watching tours. But this boat - BIG so steady - but FAST so not wasting time getting to the whales, made al the difference. Options for everybody - inside, outside, top, front, back! They had warm waterproof gear for everyone too, but even with various size options they were bulky. I had brought my own snow board pants and a winter coat, which worked really well for me.

  Reviewed by Heather, United States, 03/07/2019