Reykjavik: the Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour

The best part of this three-hour cruise is that the wildlife can appear almost before you have settled in. Boats have found humpback whales within minutes of leaving the harbor, along with dolphins, porpoises, seals, and seabirds. Whales are reported on more than 90 percent of departures, though nature never signs a contract.

I like the strong environmental focus, including responsible viewing rules and support for wildlife research. I also like the sighting guarantee: if the bay stays empty, you can try again for free. The main drawback is simple: the water can be very cold, and a good view may require standing outside for long stretches.

Key points to know before you go

• Whales are seen year-round: Humpback and minke whales are the main possibilities, with dolphins, porpoises, seals, and seabirds often adding to the trip.
• The boat leaves Reykjavik’s Old Harbour: Check in at the red Elding ticket office, then cruise into the southern part of Faxaflói bay.
• Marine biologists lead the tour: Guides such as Emily, Sam, Pedro, Mila, and Lasse have been praised for clear commentary and lively wildlife spotting.
• Warm gear is supplied: Thermal overalls and waterproof clothing help, but bring layers because the open deck is still cold.
• The company works with other boats: Sightings are shared across the fleet, giving the crew more chances to find animals.
• You get a second chance: If no whales are seen, the sighting guarantee lets you try again without paying another tour fee.

Leaving Reykjavik’s Old Harbour

Your outing begins at the red Elding ticket office in the Old Harbour. Allow time to check in before departure, then take a look around the Whale Watching Centre if you arrive early. It has videos, skeletons, information boards, and gifts, so it gives you useful context before you board.

The harbor itself is a pleasant starting point. You are not being driven out to a remote marina. The boat leaves from central Reykjavik, making this easy to fit between sightseeing, dinner, or another city activity. Hotel transfers are not included in the standard tour details, although pickup is arranged from hotels and accommodation in the Reykjavik Greater Area when available.

Once aboard, you can use the supplied warm overalls. Put them on early rather than waiting until you feel cold. The open deck is where you will have the best chance of seeing animals, but the wind can make the temperature feel much lower than it does on land.

Three hours in Faxaflói bay

The boat heads out from the harbor into Faxaflói bay, working mainly in the southern section off Reykjavik. The bay benefits from ocean currents that bring food into the area, which helps explain why whale watching is possible in every season.

This is not a fixed sightseeing route with a set list of stops. The crew adjusts the course according to recent sightings, sea conditions, and information from other boats. That makes each departure different. One outing may produce two humpbacks near the boat. Another may find minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises farther across the bay.

The crew’s job is part navigation, part wildlife search. You will be encouraged to scan the water and watch for the signs of an animal surfacing. The guide then helps direct your attention to the correct side of the boat. This teamwork matters because a whale can surface briefly and disappear before everyone has found it.

The company also maintains an online Whale Diary. Checking it before your trip can give you a sense of recent sightings in the area, though it should not be treated as a promise for your particular departure. Conditions and animal movements change quickly.

What you might see from the boat

Humpback whales are usually the headline act. They are large, dramatic animals, and several outings have produced feeding, breaching, repeated surfacing, and close views. Some trips have seen one or two humpbacks, while exceptional outings have recorded many more, including a pod of more than 50 animals.

Minke whales are another regular possibility. They are smaller and often quicker at the surface, so you may need to pay close attention. Seeing several minke whales can be just as rewarding as waiting for one large humpback, especially when the guide explains how to tell the species apart.

The bay can also produce white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. Dolphins may travel in groups and move quickly around the boat, while porpoises can be harder to spot because they surface with less drama. Seals have also appeared on trips, and some departures have encountered killer whales, though orcas should be viewed as an unusual bonus rather than an expected part of the route.

Birdlife adds another layer to the cruise. Depending on the season and conditions, you may see abundant seabirds around the bay. Puffins have been spotted on summer outings, but the tour is not primarily a puffin trip, so choose a dedicated bird excursion if puffins are your main goal.

Guides who make the search worthwhile

The live commentary is delivered in English by specially trained marine biologist guides. That qualification matters because the experience is not only about collecting sightings. You learn what the animals are doing, why they may be feeding in a certain place, and how the crew tries to watch without disturbing them.

The best commentary has a light touch. Katie, for example, was praised for speaking when useful without filling every quiet moment. Other guides, including Emily, Sam, Pedro, Mila, and Lasse, have been singled out for enthusiasm, humor, and clear explanations. Guide quality can vary by departure, but the training program gives the tour a solid base.

The guide also acts as the voice of the crew. You will hear which side of the boat to watch, when an animal is likely to surface, and when it is time to move on. That last point is important. A responsible whale watching trip should not sit beside an animal for too long simply to give everyone one more photograph.

Elding follows a code of conduct intended to keep the animals from being disturbed. The company is environmentally certified, contributes to summer research projects, and supports organizations working to protect wildlife. One passenger also specifically valued the company’s stated decision not to use sonar. These policies do not guarantee a perfect encounter, but they give you a better reason to choose this operator than a tour focused only on getting close.

How close is close enough?

Some sightings may happen within a few meters of the boat. That sounds thrilling, and it can be. But the most responsible viewing is not always the closest possible viewing. A whale may surface near the vessel on its own, while the skipper keeps a respectful distance and avoids chasing it.

The crew works with other boats in the area to share information about sightings. This helps the fleet find animals efficiently, rather than having every boat search blindly. It also explains why several boats may eventually gather in the same general area.

You should keep your expectations realistic. A whale is a wild animal, not a performer. It might surface on the far side of the boat, show only its back, or vanish for several minutes. One useful tip is to arrive early and claim a good viewing position if seeing the animals is your top priority. The front and upper decks can offer excellent views, but the best spots may require standing for much of the three-hour trip.

That advice comes with a tradeoff. The front deck can be very cold, and wind makes it harder to hear the guide. If you want the clearest commentary, stay near an area where the sound carries, then step outside when the crew announces a sighting. You will get more from the tour by moving between warm indoor areas and the viewing decks than by trying to endure the cold without a break.

Comfort, warm clothing, and onboard extras

The warm overalls are one of the tour’s most practical features. You can also find rainwear and, according to trip accounts, blankets on some departures. Wear your own warm layers underneath, because the supplied suit protects you from the elements but does not replace a hat, gloves, and sensible footwear.

There is an indoor area where you can warm up. Hot chocolate, coffee, snacks, and other drinks are available to buy onboard. Hot chocolate has earned its own small following, and it is a welcome comfort after time on deck. Motion sickness tablets have also been handed out free of charge on some trips, but you should not assume they replace your own usual precautions.

WiFi is included onboard, though your best reason to keep your phone out is to record sightings and scenery. A professional photographer may also take pictures during the trip, with links to photographs sometimes sent afterward. That can be especially useful when the whale surfaces too quickly for your own camera.

The boat has several levels and viewing areas, giving you more ways to find a clear angle. Still, no boat can give everyone a front-row view at once. If the crew points toward the bow, people at the sides and rear may have a less direct sightline. Patience and willingness to move are part of the experience.

Winter or summer?

The tour runs throughout the year, and each season has a different feel. Winter departures can produce memorable humpback sightings, but the cold is serious. Shorter daylight and rougher weather may also affect how comfortable you feel outside, even when the boat remains in the bay.

Summer brings longer daylight and a better chance to spend extended time on deck. In late July, the sun can still hang low over the water at 10:30 p.m., creating beautiful evening conditions. Summer outings have also produced groups of minke whales, dolphins, humpbacks, porpoises, and puffins.

A calm sea can make the trip easier for families and anyone concerned about motion sickness. However, the weather is changeable, and no season guarantees calm water or a particular species. I would choose the departure time that fits your schedule, then dress for exposure rather than trusting the forecast alone.

Is $108 a fair price?

At $108 per person, this is not a throwaway activity, but the price includes a full three-hour boat trip, a trained guide, warm overalls, WiFi, access to the Whale Watching Centre, and the sighting guarantee. That last point changes the value if you have several days in Reykjavik and can return for another departure.

The price also covers more than fuel and a seat. You are paying for a crew that searches actively, communicates with other boats, provides wildlife interpretation, and follows responsible viewing rules. For someone who wants a serious introduction to Icelandic marine life, that is a fair package.

The value is weaker if you have only one short window and would be disappointed by a trip without whales. The guarantee offers another try, but only if your schedule allows it. Even unsuccessful outings have produced seals, dolphins, seabirds, and striking views across the bay, but you should book this because you enjoy being on the water, not because you expect nature to perform on demand.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve now, pay later terms make planning easier. Check available starting times before booking, since the three-hour duration needs to fit around your other Reykjavik plans.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this tour to families, first-time whale watchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a convenient excursion without leaving Reykjavik for the day. The live guide, warm clothing, indoor space, and sighting guarantee make it approachable for a wide range of ages.

It is also a good choice if responsible tourism matters to you. The company’s environmental certification, research support, and viewing code give the experience a clearer purpose than simply chasing the nearest animal.

You should think twice if you dislike cold, wind, or waiting. A three-hour search can feel long when the sea is quiet, and the most reliable way to improve your view is often to stand outside. People with motion sickness should prepare carefully, even though some departures have been calm and free tablets may be available.

Should you book Elding’s original Reykjavik whale tour?

Book it if you want a well-organized, year-round whale watching trip with strong guiding and a second chance if the first attempt comes up empty. The combination of trained marine biologists, warm overalls, active crew spotting, and responsible wildlife rules gives you a sensible balance of comfort and authenticity.

I especially like it for visitors with two or more days in Reykjavik, since the sighting guarantee has real value when you can return. Arrive early for a better position, dress more warmly than you think necessary, and expect the animals to set the pace.

If your main goal is simply to see whales at any cost, no tour can promise that. If you want to spend three hours on Faxaflói bay learning about Icelandic marine life and possibly seeing humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, or porpoises close to the boat, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where does the whale watching tour depart?

The tour departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. Check in at the red Elding ticket office once you arrive at the harbor.

How long does the tour last?

The cruise lasts three hours.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, seals, seabirds, and, less commonly, killer whales and puffins.

Are whales seen on every departure?

No. Whales are seen on more than 90 percent of tours, but sightings cannot be guaranteed on every departure. If no whales are seen, the sighting guarantee lets you try again for free.

Is warm clothing provided?

Yes. Warm overalls are included, and rainwear may also be available. You should still bring warm personal layers for time outside.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but snacks, coffee, hot chocolate, and other drinks are available to purchase onboard.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.