Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide

If you’re dreaming of ticking off a bucket list experience during your Iceland trip, a whale watching tour from Reykjavik is hard to beat. We haven’t personally been on this exact tour, but the reviews and details paint a pretty compelling picture of what you can expect. It’s a chance to see some of the world’s most majestic marine creatures while enjoying the comfort of Iceland’s largest whale-watching vessel.

What we love about this tour is the professional guidance, the spacious, comfortable boat, and the possibility of spotting multiple whale species and dolphins. Plus, the added perks like supplied overalls to stay warm and educational displays make it a well-rounded experience. The one caveat? Wildlife sightings depend heavily on weather and season, so there’s a chance you might not see whales if conditions aren’t ideal. But if you’re a nature lover or an adventure seeker, this tour is perfect for those wanting a reliable, informative, and scenic marine excursion.

Good To Know

• Comfortable vessel with indoor heated seating and large viewing decks
• Expert guides who share insightful information about whales and marine life
• Flexible options including classic and express tours to suit your schedule
• Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed but the tour offers a free return if no whales are seen
• Educational experience with displays of whale bones, baleen, and interactive apps
• Great value considering the knowledgeable guides, onboard amenities, and chance to see multiple species

You can check if your dates are available here:

An Introduction to Reykjavik’s Whale Watching Experience

The Reykjavik whale watching tour with Special Tours is designed to blend adventure, education, and comfort. Unlike many “adventure” excursions, this experience emphasizes a cozy, family-friendly environment without sacrificing the thrill of wildlife encounters. Departing from the Old Harbour, minutes from the city center, the tour takes you into the waters of Faxaflói Bay—home to minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and occasionally, orcas.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the spacious Andrea vessel, which is recognized as Iceland’s largest whale-watching ship. The onboard design prioritizes passenger comfort, with heated indoor areas and large windows, perfect for spotting whales without battling the cold. Plus, the crew supplies thermal overalls—so if the weather turns chilly or rainy, you’ll stay warm and dry.

While the tour is generally well-loved, it’s worth noting that wildlife sightings depend on weather and season. The peak whale season is from April to September, when the chances of seeing whales are highest. During the colder months, sightings are less predictable, but the tour’s educational component and onboard facilities still offer entertainment and value.

What Sets This Tour Apart

You’ll enjoy the expert guidance from seasoned marine guides who are eager to share their knowledge and help you spot marine life. Several reviewers praised guides like Ania and Patrick for their enthusiasm and educational insights, turning what might be a simple boat ride into a fun learning experience. For example, one reviewer noted, “Ania was an excellent guide. She was determined to help us see the Northern Lights,” hinting that guides are committed not just to spotting whales but to making the trip memorable overall.

The vessel’s design and amenities also stand out. With large panoramic windows, moving around to find the best viewing spot is easy. Inside, the heated seating keeps you comfortable, and the onboard café offers snacks and warm drinks—ideal for keeping energy up during a chilly sea adventure. The souvenir shop is an added bonus if you want to pick up a memento of your trip.

The Itinerary and Experience

The tour typically lasts between 2 and 3 hours, with several options for departure times throughout the day and evening. Classic tours run at 9:00, 13:00, and 17:00, with the latter being seasonal (May 15th to September 30th). During summer, there’s also an Express Whale Watching tour in the morning, which offers a faster route to the whale hotspot—perfect if you’re short on time or prefer a quick, energetic trip.

The actual journey begins with a brief safety briefing and distribution of thermal overalls, especially helpful during colder months. Once underway, the guide actively shares information about the whales and other marine animals. Several reviews mention the guides’ enthusiasm—one noted that “the guide explained all ins and outs,” making the experience both fun and educational.

The boat cruises into Faxaflói Bay, where the captain and crew use years of experience to navigate the waters, looking for signs of marine life. Passengers are encouraged to move freely around the deck, soaking in 360-degree views. If whales aren’t immediately visible, the crew remains patient, and if no whales are seen at all, you’re eligible for a free ticket to return on another tour—an excellent reassurance for wildlife enthusiasts.

The Actual Sighting Experience

Reviewers describe a range of sightings, from small groups of minke whales to impressive breaches by humpbacks. One guest shared, “We saw 7/8 different humpback whales and quite quickly after we left the harbor,” highlighting the abundance of marine life during peak seasons. Others appreciated the up-close views, with some getting within meters of dolphins and seals.

The onboard displays, including whale bones, baleen plates, and teeth, add an educational layer. On top of that, the interactive app available in five languages enhances understanding, making the experience accessible for international travelers.

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Comfort and Convenience

The vessel Andrea is designed for comfort. One reviewer emphasized that “the boat was spacious and clean,” and the fact that everyone has an indoor seat means no one misses out on the view due to crowded decks. The warming overalls are a thoughtful touch, especially since the weather can be unpredictable. Many travelers appreciate the WiFi connection, which allows sharing live updates or just browsing while waiting for whales to surface.

Food, Drinks, and Souvenirs

The onboard café serves snacks and warm drinks, making it easy to keep warm and energized. While food isn’t included in the tour price, reviews say the prices are reasonable, and the quality good. The souvenir shop offers whale-themed mementos, perfect for remembering your adventure.

Price and Value

Considering the inclusions—indoor seating, expert guides, warm overalls, and educational displays—the ticket price offers reasonable value. The opportunity to see multiple whale species, dolphins, and other marine animals in their natural environment is priceless for wildlife enthusiasts.

The tour’s policy of offering a free return ticket if no whales are seen shows confidence in their ability to find marine life and provides peace of mind. Several reviews mention that, even if the whales don’t cooperate, the experience remains enjoyable thanks to the guides and the vessel’s comfort.

During summer, the Express tour offers a slightly higher-value, faster experience, cutting down on travel time while still providing the same chance to see whales. It’s ideal for travelers with tight schedules or those who prefer a more energetic trip.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Dress warmly: layers, hats, and gloves are recommended, especially outside on the deck.
• Book in advance during peak season to secure your preferred time slot.
• Arrive early at the Old Harbour, where the tour departs from the Special Tours office with blue “Whale Watching” flags.
• Consider the weather forecast—rough seas can affect the experience and wildlife sightings.
• Seasickness can be an issue for some, so bring medication if you’re prone to it.
• If you’re traveling with children, note that the overalls are available in children’s sizes, adding extra comfort.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This whale-watching experience appeals to a wide range of travelers. Wildlife lovers and nature photographers will appreciate the chance to spot multiple species, while families and casual travelers enjoy the accessible, educational environment. If you’re after a relaxed cruise with the possibility of close encounters with whales, this is a solid choice.

For those with limited time, the Express tour provides a quicker, yet equally rewarding, option. And if weather conditions or luck don’t favor sightings, the free return ticket policy ensures you won’t feel like you’ve wasted your money.

The Sum Up

The Reykjavik whale watching tour with Special Tours offers a balanced mix of comfort, expert guidance, and wildlife opportunity. It’s designed to make even first-time boaters feel at ease, with indoor heated spaces, helpful staff, and informative displays. While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the experienced crew’s efforts and the overall experience make it a worthwhile adventure.

This tour is best suited for travelers who value educational content and comfort, but still want the thrill of seeing whales in their natural habitat. Whether you’re on a short stopover or a dedicated trip to Iceland, it delivers a memorable marine encounter that’s genuinely worth the price.

FAQs

What time does the tour depart?
Tour times vary from morning to evening, including options at 9:00, 13:00, and 17:00 for the classic tour, with seasonal adjustments. Summer also offers an earlier express option at 10:00 and a late-night departure at 21:00.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, overalls are available in children’s sizes, and the experience is generally family-friendly. Kids who enjoy nature and boat trips will likely find this engaging.

Do I need to bring my own warm clothing?
While the tour supplies overalls and there are indoor heated areas, bringing layers, hats, and gloves is recommended, especially for spending time outside.

What if I don’t see any whales?
If no whales or dolphins are spotted, you’ll receive a free ticket for a return trip, giving you another chance to see marine life on a different day.

How long is the tour?
The journey lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on the departure time and sea conditions.

Are food and drinks included?
No, but snacks and warm drinks are available for purchase onboard.

Can I go on a whale watching tour if I have seasickness?
Seasickness can affect some guests, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking medication beforehand.

Where do I meet the tour?
The meeting point is at the Special Tours office located in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, just a 5-minute walk from the city center, marked by blue “Whale Watching” flags.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for guests with mobility needs to enjoy the experience.

Embarking on a whale watching trip from Reykjavik is a fantastic way to connect with Iceland’s marine environment, all while enjoying modern comforts and expert guidance. Whether wildlife spotting or simply soaking in scenic views, this tour offers a memorable slice of Icelandic nature you won’t forget.

You can check if your dates are available here: