Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour with Express Option

Planning a trip to Iceland and wondering how to see its incredible marine wildlife without taking up too much time? This whale watching tour from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour offers a quick, efficient way to spot whales, dolphins, and other marine creatures while maximizing your Icelandic adventure. The Express option is perfect if you’re short on time but still want a memorable, high-quality experience.

One of the standout features of this tour is how swiftly it reaches the prime whale-watching area—just about 15-20 minutes into Faxaflói Bay—giving you more time to enjoy the sights. Plus, with expert guides and state-of-the-art vessels, you’ll get plenty of insights and comfort throughout the journey.

A potential consideration is the weather—like all ocean excursions, rough seas or rain could impact visibility or comfort, so packing warm, waterproof clothing is essential. This tour suits travelers who are eager to tick off whale sightings without dedicating an entire day, making it ideal for those on a tight schedule or looking for a quick, rewarding marine adventure.

Key Points

• Time-efficient: The Express option reduces travel time to the whale-watch zone, allowing more time for sightings.
• Authentic marine encounters: See whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, guided by knowledgeable marine biologists.
• Comfort and convenience: Modern boats with heated indoor cabins, WiFi, and warm flotation overalls ensure comfort despite Iceland’s unpredictable weather.
• Flexible booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later adds flexibility.
• Good value: The price of $98 includes a second tour free if no sightings occur, making it a fair deal.
• Authentic experience: Departure from the historic Old Harbour makes for a scenic start, immersing you immediately into Reykjavik’s maritime vibe.

Detailed Review of the Whale Watching Tour

The Setting: Starting at Geirsgata 11

The tour kicks off at the lively Geirsgata 11, located in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. We appreciated the convenience of the meeting point, which is centrally located and easy to find, especially after a morning exploring the city. Arriving about 30 minutes early is recommended—this gives you time to check in, get your warm flotation suit, and soak in the harbor atmosphere before setting sail.

The Voyage into Faxaflói Bay

Within about 15-20 minutes, your boat slices through the calm waters of Faxaflói Bay. Our vessel was a modern, spacious craft equipped with heated indoor cabins—a godsend if the weather turns chilly or rainy, which it often does in Iceland. The onboard WiFi was surprisingly reliable, allowing some to check messages or simply enjoy the scenic views while waiting for the wildlife.

The boat’s design optimizes sightlines and wildlife observation, with large windows and outdoor decks, making it easy to spot activity. As we moved away from the harbor, the landscape shifted to stunning coastal cliffs, with puffins sometimes spotted along the way—although not part of the official tour, it’s a bonus for eagle-eyed travelers.

Wildlife Encounters: Whales, Dolphins, and More

Once in the whale-watching zone, the real excitement begins. The tour’s primary goal is whale sightings, and the guides—marine biologists with years of experience—do an excellent job of explaining the species you’re most likely to see. Common sightings include majestic humpbacks, orcas, and minke whales, along with playful dolphins that often leap alongside the boat.

Reviews highlight how “the guides’ knowledge made the experience more meaningful,” with some guests mentioning the ability to distinguish whale behaviors and learn about their ecosystems. One reviewer shared, “We appreciated that the guides pointed out the different species and shared interesting facts about their habits.”

Why the Express Option Makes a Difference

The key advantage of this tour is its speed. Traditional whale watching trips can take up to three hours, but this one gets you into the action in just about 15-20 minutes. As one reviewer put it, “I loved how little time was spent getting to the whales—I could enjoy more time watching these incredible creatures.”

This efficiency doesn’t compromise the quality of the experience. Plenty of sightings occur, and the guides are proactive about locating whales. The tour duration of 2 to 2.5 hours is just enough to see a good variety of marine life without feeling rushed or fatigued.

Comfort and Practicalities

The vessels are well-equipped, offering heated indoor cabins with toilets—an important detail when you’re on the water for a couple of hours. The complimentary warm flotation overalls are also a thoughtful touch, keeping you warm and dry. Some travelers noted that “the overalls kept us cozy even on the coldest days,” which can be a relief when Iceland’s weather is unpredictable.

WiFi on board was another plus, allowing guests to share their sightings instantly or simply enjoy the view without feeling disconnected from the world. Seasickness tablets are available, and reviewers mentioned that “the crew were very attentive” if anyone felt unwell.

The Cost and What You Get

Priced at $98 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering the included amenities: expert guides, indoor heated cabins, WiFi, warm flotation suits, and a second tour free if no whales are spotted. The latter is a significant benefit, reducing the risk of feeling disappointed if wildlife is elusive on your day.

Snacks and drinks are not included but are available for purchase onboard. Because of the short duration, bringing a small snack or water bottle is a sensible idea, especially if you’re prone to hunger or thirst.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a quick yet authentic whale-watching experience. It’s ideal if you’re short on time or prefer a more comfortable, less hurried trip. Families, first-timers, or anyone who appreciates expert-guided wildlife encounters will find it particularly rewarding. Keep in mind that Icelandic weather can be unpredictable, so dressing appropriately is essential.

Final Thoughts

This whale watching tour from Reykjavik delivers a concise, well-organized, and memorable experience. The combination of speed, comfort, and expert guidance means you get more time with the marine life and less time traveling or waiting. The included amenities and flexible booking options make it accessible and fair value for the price.

If you’re looking for an efficient but genuinely immersive way to see whales and dolphins in Iceland, this tour hits the mark. It’s a smart choice for those who want to combine adventure with comfort, making the most of their Icelandic trip.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Travelers with limited time will appreciate the quick access to whale-watching areas without sacrificing quality. Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts will value the chance to see majestic creatures up close, guided by knowledgeable marine biologists. Families and first-time visitors can enjoy the comfort of heated cabins and the chance for a memorable, educational experience. Budget-conscious travelers will find the price justified by the included extras and the potential for a second tour if no sightings occur.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The whale watching tour lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, with most of that time spent on the water enjoying marine life.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, a central and easily accessible location.

What is the advantage of the Express option?
The Express option gets you to the whale-watching area in about 15-20 minutes, giving you more time to observe marine life rather than traveling.

Are the boats comfortable?
Yes. The boats have heated indoor cabins, toilets, and outdoor decks for viewing. Warm flotation suits are provided to keep you cozy.

Is there WiFi onboard?
Yes, free WiFi is available during the trip, allowing you to share your experience or relax while waiting for sightings.

What should I bring?
Wear warm clothing, a hat, and waterproof gear. Sunscreen and waterproof cameras are also recommended for the varying weather conditions.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the “reserve now & pay later” option offers added flexibility.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Unfortunately, the boat is not wheelchair accessible. Please contact the tour provider for further assistance or alternatives.

What if I don’t see any whales?
You’ll receive a complimentary ticket for a second tour if no sightings occur, reducing the risk of missing out.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Absolutely. The tour is suitable for families, especially with heated cabins, safety gear, and expert guides on hand.

To sum it up, this whale watching tour from Reykjavik offers a fantastic blend of speed, comfort, and expertise. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience Iceland’s marine wildlife without dedicating hours to the activity. With its good value, flexible booking options, and knowledgeable guides, it promises a memorable adventure—whether you’re spotting whales for the first time or adding a new chapter to your Icelandic journey.