Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour, Whales of Iceland Exhibition

Exploring Iceland’s coastline offers something truly special—an opportunity to witness whales in their natural environment. The Reykjavik Whale Watching Tour combined with the Whales of Iceland Exhibition provides a balanced mix of wildlife spotting and educational fun, making it a wonderful choice for travelers eager to connect with nature and learn about these majestic creatures.

What we love most about this experience is how it caters to a wide range of interests. You get to sail on one of the largest whale-watching boats in Iceland, ensuring plenty of space and comfort. Plus, the interactive museum with life-sized whale models and virtual reality adds a playful, immersive element. On the flip side, some might find the chances of spotting whales vary with the season, especially outside the summer months when sightings are less predictable. This tour is ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone with a curiosity about marine life looking for a well-rounded Icelandic adventure.

Key Points

• Large, comfortable boat enhances the whale-watching experience.
• Wildlife sightings typically include minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and porpoises.
• Flexible scheduling allows visitors to choose the order of activities.
• Highly knowledgeable guides bring the experience to life with insights and fun facts.
• Interactive museum offers an educational look at whales with models, VR, and videos.
• Free re-entry ticket ensures a second chance if no whales are seen on your first trip.

What to Expect from the Whale Watching Experience

Your adventure begins at Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, where a sizable boat awaits to take you out into Faxaflói Bay, a hotspot for marine activity. This bay is known for its diverse marine life, and the vessel’s size helps ensure a steady, comfortable ride. The boat is equipped with thermal overalls—a thoughtful touch, especially for those chilly days—and free WiFi to share your sightings or just browse afterward.

The voyage lasts approximately 3.5 hours, during which your guide, often a local expert, will help you identify whales and other marine creatures. Expect to see minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and even seals. Many reviews highlight the enthusiasm and knowledge of guides, like Lucas and Ivan, who keep spirits high even when the weather turns windy or sightings are scarce. Just remember, wildlife is unpredictable—there’s no guarantee of spotting whales every trip, but the experience itself is worth the effort.

The Boat Experience

The large boat means plenty of space to move around, and the upstairs seating is recommended for the best views, especially if you want to see over the other passengers. As one visitor noted, “top tip: layers, layers, layers!” because Iceland’s weather can be quite variable. Even in summer, it can be cold and windy, so dressing warmly is essential.

Passengers often comment on the helpfulness of the crew and the quality of the onboard amenities. Some mention that the wind can make hearing guides difficult at times, so having a good set of earphones or listening devices helps. The boat’s stability and size help create a smooth ride, making it suitable even for those prone to seasickness.

Wildlife Sightings: What Are the Chances?

While sightings can’t be guaranteed, many travelers are lucky enough to spot multiple whales, dolphins, and seals. For example, one review mentions seeing “3 humpbacks playing around the boat” for a captivating experience. Others have seen minke whales, dolphins, and even a breaching humpback—an unforgettable sight.

In the off-season, especially outside summer (April-September), the likelihood decreases, but the tour still offers a fantastic chance to enjoy Iceland’s marine environment. Plus, if you don’t see any whales, you get a free ticket to rebook—a considerate feature that encourages travelers to try again.

The Whales of Iceland Museum: A Perfect Complement

After your boat trip, or beforehand if you prefer, you can visit the Whales of Iceland Exhibition at Fiskislod 23. This interactive museum is a treasure trove of whale knowledge, featuring 23 life-size models of species found in Icelandic waters. The experience is enhanced with virtual reality headsets, audio guides, and videos, making it suitable for children and adults alike.

Reviewers praise the museum’s size—“soooo big”—and how it helps put the sightings into context. One visitor shared, “the museum was a great way of putting what we saw into a real context”, especially with the detailed models and multimedia elements. A cozy café inside the museum offers coffee and pastries, perfect for relaxing after the boat ride.

The museum is not only educational but also visually impressive. It’s especially handy if weather conditions aren’t ideal outside or if you’re traveling with children who enjoy tactile learning and virtual experiences.

Visiting Tips

The museum is generally open until 5 PM, so plan your visit accordingly. Some reviews mention arriving close to closing time but still being allowed entry, so don’t worry if your schedule is tight. It’s a compact but impactful experience that beautifully complements the ocean adventure.

Practical Details

Duration: The entire tour lasts about 3.5 hours, including the boat ride and museum visit. You can choose from two daily departures at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM, offering flexibility depending on your day’s plans.

Price: At $119 per person, the tour offers good value, considering the inclusions—guided boat trip, free WiFi, thermal overalls, and museum entry. The option to re-visit free of charge if no whales are seen adds extra reassurance.

Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible and caters to families, with children’s sizes of thermal overalls available. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, aiming to make everyone comfortable and engaged.

Additional perks: The free re-entry policy means you can try again if luck isn’t on your side the first time. Plus, the multi-language audio guides in English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese, and more, ensure everyone gets the most out of the experience.

Note: No hotel transfers are included, so plan your transport to and from the meeting point. Parking is available nearby.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits a variety of travelers. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to see whales in their natural environment with knowledgeable guides. Families and kids will love the interactive museum, especially with virtual reality features that bring the marine world to life. If you’re on a budget, the bundled price and the option to re-visit make it an excellent value.

It’s also ideal for those who value comfort and safety—large boats, thermal gear, and friendly staff make this a smooth outing. Keep in mind the best whale-watching season is during the summer months, so if you’re visiting outside of April-September, you might find lower chances of sightings but still plenty of fun and education.

Final Words

The Reykjavik Whale Watching Tour combined with the Whales of Iceland Exhibition offers a well-rounded, authentic Icelandic experience. It’s a thoughtful blend of outdoor adventure and indoor education, making it suitable for curious minds and nature lovers alike. With expert guides, large comfortable boats, and an interactive museum, this tour delivers both excitement and insight at a reasonable price.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family with children, or a couple seeking a unique experience, you’ll find value here. The chance to see whales in the wild, coupled with a fascinating look at their world, makes this a memorable addition to any Iceland itinerary.

FAQs

Is whale watching in Iceland seasonal?
Yes, the best time for whale watching is during the summer months (April-September). Sightings are more likely then, but the tour operates year-round with some variation in success.

Are the boats suitable for children?
Absolutely. Thermal overalls are available in children’s sizes, and the large, stable boat makes it suitable for families.

What should I wear on the boat?
Dress warmly in layers, as it can be cold and windy even in summer. The tour provides thermal overalls, but bringing your own warm clothing and shoes is recommended.

Can I visit the museum before or after the boat trip?
Yes, you can choose to visit the Whales of Iceland Exhibition either before or after your boat tour. The museum is open until 5 PM, and many reviews mention it as a highlight.

What happens if I don’t see any whales?
You will receive a free re-entry ticket to try again, so you won’t miss out on the chance to see these incredible creatures.

Is hotel transfer included?
No, transportation to the meeting point is not included, so plan to arrive by taxi, public transport, or parking nearby.

In summary, this tour offers a delightful combination of Icelandic marine wildlife with engaging education. It’s an excellent pick for travelers wanting a memorable, value-packed experience that balances adventure with learning.