Whale Watching & Puffins
Sail from Reykjavík harbour to spot humpback whales, dolphins, and puffins.
Gallery
About this tour
Faxaflói Bay just off Reykjavík is one of the most reliable whale-watching grounds in Europe. Minke whales feed here year-round; humpbacks visit in summer; white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises are common; Atlantic puffins nest on Akurey island from May to August.
Our boat is a stable, purpose-built whale-watcher with stabilizers — much less seasickness than the smaller RIB boats. The marine biologist on board narrates each sighting and explains the bay's ecology. Hot drinks bar on board.
Whale sightings are 95%+ in summer, 80% year-round. If we don't see a whale, your ticket transfers to another sailing free of charge.
What's planned
Old Harbour boarding
30 min before sailingWalk down to Pier 4 in Reykjavík's Old Harbour. We provide warm overalls if needed.
Outbound to feeding grounds
30 minThe captain narrates the bay's geography. Marine biologist begins species briefing.
Active viewing
90 minSlow-cruising the prime feeding zones. Whales surface multiple times; sightings narrated as they happen.
Return to harbour
30 minHot chocolate served on the return leg.
Highlights
- Humpback whale sightings
- Puffin colonies
- Dolphin encounters
- Reykjavík harbour departure
What's included
- Boat trip from Reykjavík harbour
- Knowledgeable marine guide
- Warm overalls provided
Not included
- Hotel transfer
- Wildlife sightings not guaranteed
Pickup & meeting point
Pickup & meeting point
This tour boards directly at Reykjavík's Old Harbour (Pier 4) — no hotel pickup. Please arrive 30 minutes before sailing time. We provide warm overalls onboard.
Reykjavík Old Harbour — Pier 4 — Ægisgarður, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Arrive 30 minutes before departure.
View on mapFrequently asked questions
What's included in the tour price?
All transportation, professional English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and drop-off in the Reykjavík capital area, and any entrance fees specific to your tour. Meals are not included unless explicitly stated.
What should I bring?
Warm waterproof outer layer, sturdy footwear, gloves, and a hat — Iceland's weather changes quickly. Charged phone and camera. We provide bottled water on board; a small snack is wise for longer routes.
What's your cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable. If we cancel due to weather or road conditions, you receive a full refund or a free reschedule — your choice.
Will the tour run if the weather is bad?
We run year-round and adapt routes to conditions. If a specific stop becomes unsafe, we substitute a comparable alternative. If the entire tour is unsafe, we contact you the night before with a refund or reschedule option.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. We pick up at designated stops in the Reykjavík capital area; your booking confirmation lists the exact stop nearest your hotel. The driver waits 5 minutes maximum, so please be ready 5 minutes before your scheduled pickup.
Can I bring my children?
Most tours are family-friendly for ages 6+. Northern Lights, glacier hiking, and highland tours have minimum-age restrictions detailed on each tour page. Children under 12 receive a 25% discount on most tours.
Are tours wheelchair accessible?
Our standard coaches are not wheelchair accessible, but we can operate several tours with a wheelchair-accessible coach (hydraulic lift) on request — please contact us at least 7 days before departure so we can confirm availability for your date. Many stops are step-free, but some highland and glacier sites involve uneven terrain. Tell us your needs before booking and we'll confirm what's possible for your specific tour.
How small are the groups?
Day tours are capped at 19 guests. Highland and multi-day tours are capped at 14 guests. Multi-day expeditions to remote regions cap at 8. We never combine groups — your booking is your group.
Ready to book Whale Watching & Puffins?
From €79 per person
