Whale Watching from Reykjavik
The most convenient whale watching in Iceland, departing directly from Reykjavik's Old Harbour. Spot minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises in Faxafloi Bay without leaving the capital.
Not every traveller has time to drive six hours to Husavik for whale watching. The good news is that you do not have to. Elding's whale watching tours depart directly from Reykjavik's Old Harbour, putting you in whale territory within 20 minutes — no bus transfers, no early morning pickups, no road trip logistics.
Faxafloi Bay
The waters of Faxafloi Bay, stretching between Reykjavik and the Snaefellsnes peninsula, are surprisingly rich in marine life. Cold nutrient-laden currents flow through the bay, supporting a food chain that culminates in whales, dolphins, and seabirds. Minke whales have been regular residents of the bay for decades, and in recent years, humpback whales have moved closer to the capital as their populations recover.
Elding's experienced captains and naturalist guides know the bay intimately. They monitor whale movements daily, communicate with other vessels, and have a strong sense of where the animals are likely to be feeding on any given day.
The Tour
You board at the Old Harbour — one of the most picturesque areas of Reykjavik — and the vessel heads out past the Harpa concert hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture. Within 20 minutes, the city shrinks behind you and the guide begins scanning the water surface.
When a whale is spotted, the atmosphere on board shifts instantly. Everyone moves to the rail, cameras appear, and the guide provides real-time commentary on what you are seeing. Minke whales surface briefly and can be hard to photograph, but their speed and agility are impressive. Humpback whales, by contrast, are performers — surfacing slowly, blowing dramatically, and occasionally lifting their tail flukes clear of the water.
White-beaked dolphins often steal the show when they appear, racing alongside the boat in pods of 10 to 30, leaping and playing in the wake. Children and adults alike find it impossible not to smile.
The Convenience Factor
The real advantage of whale watching from Reykjavik is simplicity. You can walk to the harbour from most hotels in 10 to 15 minutes. Tours depart multiple times per day in summer, and you can often book for the same afternoon. There is no need to build your entire itinerary around whale watching — it fits naturally into a day in the capital.
The boat has a heated indoor cabin with a cafe serving coffee, hot chocolate, and snacks. Free WiFi is available, though you will spend most of the tour on deck. The vessel is modern, stable, and equipped with excellent viewing platforms.
Managing Expectations
Whale watching from Reykjavik will not match Husavik for species diversity or the sheer density of sightings. If your trip includes north Iceland, reserve your whale watching for Skjalfandi Bay. But if Reykjavik is your base, Elding's tours deliver a genuine wildlife encounter with minimal effort — and the free rebooking policy means you lose nothing if the whales are elsewhere on your particular afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the whale sighting rate from Reykjavik?
- Elding reports sighting rates of approximately 95% in summer (June to August) and 80-90% in winter for cetacean species overall. In summer, you are most likely to see minke and humpback whales. In winter, humpback whales and white-beaked dolphins are the primary species, though sightings of any species are less frequent than in Husavik.
- Is whale watching from Reykjavik worth it, or should I go to Husavik?
- If your itinerary includes north Iceland, Husavik offers better sighting rates and more species diversity. But if you are staying in Reykjavik, Elding's tours are excellent and highly convenient — you walk to the harbour, no transfers needed. Many travellers see humpback whales feeding just 20 minutes from the city centre.
- What whales live in Faxafloi Bay?
- Minke whales and humpback whales are the most common species. White-beaked dolphins are frequently seen, often in pods of 10 to 30 individuals. Harbour porpoises appear regularly. Orcas are occasionally spotted, particularly in autumn and winter. Blue whales are extremely rare in Faxafloi Bay.
- What time of year is best for whale watching from Reykjavik?
- Summer (June to August) offers the highest sighting rates and best weather conditions. However, whale watching from Reykjavik runs year-round, and winter tours have the added possibility of seeing northern lights and orcas. Spring and autumn offer a good balance of moderate weather and decent sighting rates.
- How long is the boat ride before you see whales?
- Whales are typically found 20 to 40 minutes from the harbour in Faxafloi Bay. The total tour is 3 hours, with approximately 1.5 to 2 hours spent in the whale feeding areas. The return journey passes Mount Esja and the Reykjavik skyline, providing excellent photo opportunities.
- Are children welcome on the whale watching tour?
- Yes, children aged 5 and over are welcome. Children aged 7 to 15 receive a discounted fare, and children under 7 ride free. The boat has indoor seating, toilets, and a small cafe, making it comfortable for families. Binoculars are available for borrowing.
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