The capital is a very convenient location to see the whales of Iceland so here is a breakdown of the best whale watching tours in Reykjavik.
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Amelia Rose Yacht Whale Watching Tour
We ended up choosing to go on this incredible yacht which took us out to the feeding grounds in style. The guide was absolutely brilliant and the bar served very nice drinks to warm up on the way back to the harbor. Check out this #1 whale watching tour in Reykjavik here!
- Whale Watching Tours In Reykjavik
- #1 Best YACHT Whale Watching Experience
- #1 Best FERRY Whale Watching Experience
- #1 Best RIB Whale Watching Experience
- Speedboat Whale Watching (RIB)
- The Original Classic Whale Watching Tour (Ferry)
- Whale Watching & Dolphins (Yacht)
- Small Group Whale Watching (RIB)
- Whale Watching In The Midnight Sun (Ferry)
- Whale & Puffin Tour (RIB)
- Whale Watching & Northern Lights Combo Tour (Ferry)
- The Different Boats Explained
- What Can You See?
- When To Go Whale Watching In Reykjavik
- What To Take With You
- Where To Stay In Reykjavik
- Other Things To Do In Reykjavik
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Packing List Essentials
Whale Watching Tours In Reykjavik
There are many options when considering a whale watching tour in Reykjavik, including different boats, different times, and different amounts of people. The price of each of these options doesn’t actually vary that much, ranging from $90, to $150 per person which means that you should be able to choose the exact tour you want.
Take a look below at the top 10 whale watching tours in Reykjavik and if you want even more information on what you can fully expect from a tour like this then either watch our video or look at the information below the recommendations!
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#1 Best YACHT Whale Watching Experience
We ended up choosing to go on a luxury yacht called the Amelia Rose; this turned out to be a fantastic option. You get a very nice yacht with a fantastic top-deck viewing platform, a nice interior and bar, and an exceptionally good tour guide who provides information throughout the experience.
Check out our video below to see exactly what your tour will be like on the Amelia Rose
I think choosing a yacht is the best option for people who want an incredible experience but are a little budget savvy as a ferry is slightly cheaper (but only just) and a yacht has fewer people and you get a much nicer boat.
We highly recommend the Amelia Rose whale watching tour in Reykjavik and you can book the exact tour we went on here!
Key Information
- Tour Duration: 3 Hours
- Pickup Included: No
- Age Suitable For: All
- Tour Pace: Relaxed
- Start Time: 9:15 am or 1:15 pm
- Tour Guide: Yes
#1 Best FERRY Whale Watching Experience
For the most budget-conscious among you, a ferry is the best option. It is usually around 15-20% less than a yacht and offers very close to the same service. So, if you are looking for the most value-for-money whale watching tour in Reykjavik then this is the one for you!
You will board a larger boat that includes outside and indoor seating. This boat comes with a bar for food and drinks as well as an experienced whale watching tour guide. If you are staying a bit further away from the harbor (but still in Reykjavik) there is also an option for pick-up (for an additional fee). Book this #1 ferry whale watching experience in Reykjavik here!
Key Information
- Tour Duration: 3 Hours
- Pickup Included: No
- Age Suitable For: All
- Tour Pace: Relaxed
- Start Time: 9:15 am or 1:15 pm
- Tour Guide: Yes
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#1 Best RIB Whale Watching Experience
It can be argued that the undisputed best whale watching in Reykjavik experience is on a RIB (rigid inflatable boat). These small, extremely fast vehicles get you to the feeding grounds quicker than any other transport which gives you the most amount of time with the whales. Not only this, but they also are closer to the water which means you are closer to the action (they can also get closer to the whales too).
You get all of the warm clothing provided (including goggles and life vests) and the seats even have suspension built in for additional comfort whilst you are crashing a long those waves! Check out the prices and availability of this tour right here!
Key Information
- Tour Duration: 2 Hours
- Pickup Included: No
- Age Suitable For: 10+
- Tour Pace: Fast
- Start Time: Many Options
- Tour Guide: Yes
Speedboat Whale Watching (RIB)
This is one of the highest rated whale watching tours in Reykjavik on a RIB. It is basically identical to the RIB tour above but is another fantastic option if you would prefer to book through Viator and not Get Your Guide.
The tour comes with thermals, goggles, hats, and gloves as well as having a maximum group size of 12. The tour guide is exceptionally experienced and, as the group is smaller, will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about your surroundings and the animals that you can see. Check out this fantastic RIB whale wathcing experience here!
Key Information
- Tour Duration: 2 Hours
- Pickup Included: No
- Age Suitable For: 10+
- Tour Pace: Fast
- Start Time: 9am 11am 2pm
- Tour Guide: Yes
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The Original Classic Whale Watching Tour (Ferry)
It’s called the original whale watching tour in Reykjavik and it certainly has the most reviews of any other tour available right now! It is a large ferry type boat with a maximum amount of travellers set at 150 people.
This is another fantastic option for budget savvy travellers but I would avoid a ferry if you are going during peak times (during holiday periods) as 150 people is a lot. Check out this exact tour right here!
Key Information
- Tour Duration: 3 Hours
- Pickup Included: No
- Age Suitable For: All
- Tour Pace: Relaxed
- Start Time: 9am 1pm
- Tour Guide: Yes
Whale Watching & Dolphins (Yacht)
This is another fantasitc Yacht experience with an very nice interior that includes a bar for refreshments. This company does actually run some tours on the Ameila Rose (our number 1 recommend tour) but, if you are going to go with this company, then see if you can get on the Harpa yacht as this is even smaller and has an even smaller group size, which is always nice. Check out prices and availability here!
Key Information
- Tour Duration: 2.5 Hours
- Pickup Included: No
- Age Suitable For: All
- Tour Pace: Relaxed
- Start Time: 1:15 pm
- Tour Guide: Yes
Small Group Whale Watching (RIB)
Another exceptionally high rated RIB whale watching tour in Reykjavik that offers full gear and an exceptional on board tour guide. This tour is very slightly more expensive that our top recommended RIB experience and this is the only reason it is not at the top. It is only around $10 more so if the other is fully booked then check out the availability of this tour right here!
Key Information
- Tour Duration: 2 Hours
- Pickup Included: No
- Age Suitable For: 10+
- Tour Pace: Fast
- Start Time: 10am 12pm 2pm 4pm
- Tour Guide: Yes
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Whale Watching In The Midnight Sun (Ferry)
Fancy something a bit more unique? If you are going whale watching in Reykjavik during the summer months then you will be able to choose this cool midnight sun experience and watch the whales in the middle of the night!
Everything esle is essentially the same as the other ferry tours above but the beautiful golden hue at this time of year may make the entire experience that little bit more magical for you. Check out prices and availability here!
Key Information
- Tour Duration: 3 Hours
- Pickup Included: No
- Age Suitable For: All
- Tour Pace: Relaxed
- Start Time: 8:30 pm
- Tour Guide: Yes
Whale & Puffin Tour (RIB)
If you love puffins (why wouldn’t you) then this is a great tour to combine seeing the puffins in the summer months as well as the whales! You will go to see the puffins in their natural habitat and then zoom off into deeper waters to see the wahels in their feeding grounds. Best of both worlds! Check out prices and availability right here!
Key Information
- Tour Duration: 2 Hours
- Pickup Included: No
- Age Suitable For: 10+
- Tour Pace: Fast
- Start Time: Many Options
- Tour Guide: Yes
Whale Watching & Northern Lights Combo Tour (Ferry)
If you are in Iceland during the winter months (when the Northern Lights are observable) then you can combine a whale watching tour with a northern lights tour. They are not both on the boat, rather you go and see the whales during the day and then later on go on a northern lights hunt.
You could book these tours sepereatly but you will save a little bit of money combing them here so check out prices and availability now!
Key Information
- Tour Duration: 6 Hours
- Pickup Included: No
- Age Suitable For: All
- Tour Pace: Medium
- Start Time: 9 am 1 pm
- Tour Guide: Yes
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The Different Boats Explained
RIB
A RIB (rigid inflatable boat) is basically a small speed boat designed for speed across the water. These boats are extremely fast and usually have a maximum amount of passengers of 12. This makes them require less time to get to the whales feeding grounds.
It can be argued that a RIB is the best way of experiencing whale watching tours in Reykjavik. this is becasue you are closer to the water, closer to the whales, and you have the smallest group size. You also get the added thrill of travelling at high speeds across the water.
However, this does come with a caveat. RIB whale watching tours in Reykjavik are more expensive (around double), they are not suitable for anyone under 10, they are not the most comfortable of rides (understatement of the year), and they are not suitable for anyone with any back issues or who are pregnant.
If you love the speed, have the budget, and you are not a small child then absolutley the RIB is the option for you! Book our #1 rated RIB whale watching tour in Reykjavik here!
Yacht
A yacht is basically a fancy ferry which has a nicer interior /exterior and usually a nice bar. The other benefit of choosing a yacht is they can take less people than the ferries so your tour is not going to be as packed.
Overall the yacht tours are only a little more than the ferry tours and you get that little bit more class for your experience. If that is not that important to you then check out the ferry below. If a budget option with a bit of style does appeal to you then check out our number 1 recommended yacht tour here!
Ferry
This is the cheapest option and is essnetially exactly the same as the yacht option but with more people on a slightly less fancy boat. You will still get a place to buy refreshments and some seating indoors but the amount of people on the boat will roughly double to 150-200.
Going on a yacht means that it is very easy to move from one side of the boat to the other to maximise your chances of seeing a whale. However, on a ferry, this is going to be much more difficult. I genuinally do not think this is going to affect your whale watching tour in Reykjavik that much as the captains always swing the boat around to show both sides anyway.
If the most affordable option sounds good to you then check out our number 1 recommended ferry whale tour here!
What Can You See?
Minke Whales
Minke whales are the most common whale in all of Iceland so this is the whale you are most likely to see on your whale watching tours in Reykjavik.
Humpback Whales
Humpack whales come to Iceland in great numbners during the summer months and they are the ones which, so famously, jump out of the water (breach). It is not the most common of sight to see on a whale watching tour but they do it so keep your eyes peeled!
Harbor Porpoises
These tiny adorable porpoises can be seen in large numbers but due to their size you may have to keep your eyes EXTRA peeled to see them!
Puffins
Everyone loves these adorable little colourful birds and, in the summer months, they are in Iceland in GREAT numbers. You should be able to many hundreds of them during this time!
When To Go Whale Watching In Reykjavik
You can go on whale watching tours in Reykjavik all year round however the best time to go has to be from April – September. At this time of year there are many more whales present of the coast of Iceland and you will almost be guarenteed to see many sightings.
Some of the great whales do stay throughout the winter months so the chances of sightings around Reykjavik are still good but much lower. The weather is also much colder so remember to wrap up VERY warm!
What To Take With You
Iceland is called Iceland for a reason so make sure you take some warm clothing, even in the summer months. We have a very good list of recommended clothing below so if you see anyhting you do not currently own then rmemeber to click through the links to see prices and availability in your area!
Our Top Pick
If you are worried about getting cold feet (and you should be) then take a look at these brilliant thermal socks by Hot Feet. They should keep your feet warm in the cold conditions you will be facing, as long as you have decent footwear as well! You get 8 pairs which are also really good for the price. Take a look in more detail here.
Our Top Pick
It goes without question that you’re going to need a jumper. This gorgeous knitted jumper will keep you warm whilst also looking the part (people love the knitted look in the cold!). There are a few colours to choose from the reviews talk for themselves! Take a look here.
Our Top Pick
If you get particularly cold then you are going to want to take a look at these fleece-lined full-body thermals. If you couple these with decent clothing over the top then the coldest of people should be warm in the coldest of places. Have a look at colours and sizes here.
Our Top Pick
If you’re not a massive fan of fleece-lined hats (Jade isn’t) then earmuffs are the way forward. These vegan earmuffs look amazing and come in varying sizes whilst also looking really cute. I personally like the brown faux leather look but there are lots of different colours available. Take a look here.
Our Top Pick
If you’re looking for a pair of warm gloves then check out these waterproof/windproof/thermal gloves. When you’re looking for decent gloves then fashion should not be your main priority. I don’t know about you but cold hands are the pinnacle of annoyance! These absolutely get the job done and you don’t have to take them off to use your phone which is a godsend. Take a more detailed look here.
Our Top Pick
You absolutely need to have a warm hat when you are visiting cold places so take a look at this gorgeous fleece-lined cable knit beanie. It’s a timeless style and will absolutely keep your ears and head warm for your trip! Take a look at different colours here.
Our Top Pick
This windproof/waterproof jacket is absolutely perfect for keeping the cold out and staying warm when you are visiting such cold places. If you only have a warm waterproof jacket I would seriously consider upgrading to windproof as it makes even more difference than the fleece lining in my opinion. See our recommendation here.
Our Top Pick
If you’re looking for some decent waterproof trousers then take a look at these. They are windproof and waterproof but also insulated which means that you may get away with only wearing these and not having to have an additional layer underneath. They also do a very good job of not looking too much like waterproof trousers. Have a look to see what I mean here.
Packing List Essentials
Where To Stay In Reykjavik
Staying in Reykjavik does not need to break the bank and, on the other hand, has some of the most amazing accommodation options in the whole country. Have a look at my personal 4 favourite accommodation options below and if none of those pique your interest, use the map below to see accommodation options throughout the city!
Other Things To Do In Reykjavik
Snowmobiling On A Glacier
This is defineetly the best thing we have ever done in ICedland and is 100% recommended for you to do it over anything else. These snowmobile tours actually start way up near Gulfoss waterfall but you can choose the option to be picked up from Reykjavik which is why this is defeinetely one of the best things to do here. Check out our video below to see what you’ll be getting, read our full article here or book the exact tour we went on here!
A Mega Jeep Up Onto A Glacier
If you don’t think you would be able to handle a snowmobile but you still want to experience the top of the glacier then check out this insane mega bus which has all of the luxury and comfort andone would want and gets you views that people will be very jealous of. See our full article here or book the exact tour we went on here! Also, Check out our video about it below!
Hiring a 4×4
If you want to get out of the city and check out more of the countryside then the only way to do this is by 4×4! Check out everything you need to know about hiring a 4×4 in Iceland here or watch the video below for more inofrmation!
Food & Drink Tour
This 3 hour walking food tour might actually be the highest rated tour in the whole of Iceland. Currently it has over 7000 reviews and nearly every single one of them is 5 star. You will get to see so much of this gorgeous city with an experienced guide and also get to taste some of the best food and drink availabile in the whole of Iceland! Check out the tour in more detail here!
Helicopter Tour – Glacier Summit Landing
If you have walked around Reykjavik and have just about had enough of seeing it from eye level then why not have a go seeing it from above! You will fly over the city and up to a nearby mountain where you will land and have a walk around with no one else in sight! Check out our #1 recommended helipctoper tour in Reykjavik or check out all of our recommended helicopter tours here!
Blue Lagoon
How can anyone come to Iceland and not visit the world famouns Blue Lagoon. This increidible spa complex can be accessed from Reykjavik by bus or by arranging a tour with pick-up. This is one of the must-do activities when in Iceland so make sure you check out tickets with transfer right here!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Likely Is Seeing A Whale In Reykjavik?
In the summer months it is almost 100% as there are so many feeding off the coast. In the winter months it is slightly lower but you have a good chance to see dolphins as well.
When Is The Best Time To Go Whale Watching In Reykjavik?
April – September but the winter months are not bad if thats you’re only option.
How Long Is A Whale Watching Tour In Reykjavik?
From 2-3 hours
Can I Get A Refund If We Dont See A Whale In Reykjavik?
Not usually, however most tours will offer to give you a free ticket for another day.
What Whales Are In Reykjavik?
Humpack whales and minke whales mostly.
Thats our entire guide to whale watching tours in Reykjavik! Let us know if this has been helpful in the comments and if you booked on any of the tours let us know how they went!