Whale watching Reykjavik trips leave from Reykjavik's Old Harbour and head into Faxafloi Bay. Standard cruises last about 3 to 3.5 hours, and faster RIB speedboat tours last about 2 to 2.5 hours. The main season with daily departures is April 1 to October 31, with some operators also running year-round.
Whale watching from Reykjavik at a glance
Reykjavik's departure point is the Old Harbour, at Aegisgardur. The harbour sits in central Reykjavik, a short walk from downtown and the Harpa concert hall.
The boats used for these trips range from large steady vessels to small fast RIB speedboats. Large boats are steadier in swell, while RIBs are faster and more exposed.
Where the boats go: the Old Harbour and Faxafloi Bay
Whale-watching boats from Reykjavik explore Faxafloi Bay, the wide bay off Reykjavik. This is open sea, so warm, windproof layers are advised. Many larger boats also provide warm overalls.
Which whales and dolphins you might see
Commonly seen species on these trips are minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises. Minke whales are the whale most often seen on Faxafloi tours.
Humpback whales are larger than minke whales and sometimes breach clear of the water. You may also see seabirds, including puffins and gannets. Killer whales, or orcas, are possible, but a rare sighting.
The season: when whales and puffins are around
The best chances are April to October, when migratory whales feed in the bay and summer seas are calmer. In summer there are several departures a day, while sailings are less frequent in the spring and autumn shoulder months.
Puffins are around Reykjavik roughly May to August.
Combining whales and puffins in one trip
Combined whale-and-puffin trips pair a short puffin-island visit with the main whale cruise. The puffin islands near Reykjavik are Akurey and Lundey, where puffins nest in summer.
If you want a trip focused only on puffins, dedicated puffin boat tours last about 1 hour.
Choosing a tour and what to pay
The main practical choice is boat type and trip length. A classic Reykjavík whale-watching cruise runs about 3 to 3.5 hours, while RIB speedboat tours run about 2 to 2.5 hours.
If you want to compare current options, check the live listings here: whale watching tours in Iceland.
Bring the right layers
Use the Iceland Packing List to organise clothing and essentials before setting out for Whale Watching in Reykjavik: What to Know.
