Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing whales in their natural habitat, a whale watching tour from Reykjavik offers an exciting glimpse into Iceland’s vibrant marine life. This particular experience, operated by Special Tours Iceland, combines comfort, education, and the thrill of spotting elusive creatures like humpbacks, minke whales, and even orcas. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable adventure on the water, this tour is designed to deliver.

What makes this trip especially appealing? First, you get to sail from Reykjavik on Iceland’s largest whale-watching vessel, Andrea, which offers spacious viewing decks and interior comfort. Second, the guides are highly knowledgeable—many reviews highlight their enthusiasm and expertise, making the trip both fun and educational. Third, the crew supplies warm overalls to keep you cozy despite the sometimes chilly Atlantic breeze.

However, a key consideration is that wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Weather conditions, seasonal variations, and animal behavior all influence the chances of seeing whales on any given day. This means patience and a bit of luck are part of the experience.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate comfort, value educational insights, and are open to the unpredictability of wildlife encounters. It’s ideal for families, solo travelers, or couples seeking a scenic and engaging day on the water.

Key Points

• Comfortable Experience: Spacious vessel with indoor heated seating, outdoor decks, and supplied overalls make even cold days enjoyable.
• Educational and Interactive: Guides share fascinating facts, and onboard exhibits include whale bones, baleen, and teeth.
• Flexible Options: Different tour times, including an express option during summer, cater to various schedules.
• Wildlife Encounters: Many reviews mention seeing multiple whale species, dolphins, and even puffins, with guides actively pointing out sightings.
• Money-Value Balance: The tour’s price offers good value, especially given the large vessel, knowledgeable guides, and multiple viewing options, but wildlife sighting isn’t guaranteed.
• Customer Satisfaction: Consistently positive reviews highlight the enthusiasm of guides and the quality of the experience, even when whales are elusive.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Whale Watching Experience

Easy, Central Departure from Reykjavik

Starting just a five-minute walk from Reykjavik’s city center, the meeting point at the Old Harbour is straightforward to find—look for the blue “Whale Watching” flags outside the Special Tours office. This proximity makes it an accessible option for travelers staying downtown. The tour departs at scheduled times, with options at 09:00, 13:00, and 17:00 for the classic tour, plus summer-specific express trips.

The Vessel: Andrea, Iceland’s Largest Whale-Watching Ship

Sailing aboard Andrea guarantees a smooth, stable ride. With plenty of space for all guests, the boat’s large windows and multiple decks provide ample opportunities for spotting marine life. One reviewer even describes Andrea as “the most comfortable whale-watching vessel in Iceland,” emphasizing its spaciousness and interior amenities.

The boat features heated indoor seating, so you can stay warm while watching the water. Outside, the decks are perfect for getting closer to the sea breeze and scanning the horizon. The crew supplies overalls in all sizes, which many reviewers found helpful to ward off the cold—an important detail given how brisk Atlantic winds can be.

Expert Guides and Interactive Learning

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the guidance. Guides like Ania and Patrick are mentioned for their enthusiasm and extensive knowledge about whale behaviors, the local marine ecosystem, and even the history of Faxaflói Bay. As one reviewer notes, “Ania was an excellent guide. She was determined to help us see the Northern Lights and shared lots of interesting facts.”

Guides do more than point out whales—they actively educate. You’ll learn about the different species, with onboard exhibits displaying whale bones, baleen plates, and teeth. The onboard app, available in five languages, further enhances the experience by providing detailed information about what you’re seeing and hearing.

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Sightings, Weather, and Unpredictability

While multiple reviews recount incredible sightings—sometimes observing several whale species, dolphins, and puffins—others reflect the inherent unpredictability of wildlife tours. One guest describes seeing eight whales along the coast and multiple species, making it a “bucket list” experience. Conversely, some reviews mention days when no whales appeared, despite efforts by the crew.

The key takeaway? Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the crew’s dedication and the boat’s large size maximize your chances. The captains use many years of experience to decide if sailing is safe, and weather conditions can influence the route and visibility.

What You Can Expect During the Tour

• Departure and Cruising: After setting out from the harbor, the vessel heads into Faxaflói Bay, a rich feeding ground for whales.
• Wildlife Spotting: Keep eyes peeled—guides point out whales, dolphins, and seabirds. Marine mammals like minke whales, humpbacks, and white-beaked dolphins are common, with occasional orcas reported.
• Onboard Experience: The guides share insights, answer questions, and make the trip lively. You can browse a souvenir shop or grab a snack from the on-board café.
• Comfort and Safety: The vessel’s large windows and decks, combined with supplied overalls, ensure you stay warm and comfortable. Although the weather can be rougher than expected, the crew’s experience prioritizes safety.

Duration and Different Tour Options

The classic tour lasts around 2 to 3 hours, with scheduled departure times throughout the day. The summer express tours are shorter but faster, getting you to potential whale hotspots more quickly, which some reviewers find useful if time is tight or weather is less favorable.

Pricing and Value

While the tour isn’t the cheapest activity available, reviewers agree it offers good value for the experience. The large vessel, expert guides, onboard amenities, and the chance to get close to whales justify the cost. Plus, if you don’t see any whales, you receive a free ticket to try again, which many find reassuring. This policy underscores the unpredictable nature of wildlife excursions but also demonstrates the company’s confidence in their chances.

Additional Perks and Practical Details

WiFi on board, the option for hotel transfers (for an extra fee), and the availability of children’s sizes for the overalls make this tour practical and family-friendly. The meeting point is easy to locate, and the tour ends back at the harbor, so no transportation hassle. Weather can impact the experience, so dressing warmly and preparing for possible seasickness are wise.

Authentic Experiences from Other Travelers

Multiple reviews highlight the guides’ enthusiasm—“the guide did her best to keep us updated”—and their knowledge of whale behaviors. Guests often mention how close they felt to the animals, with some describing up-close views of whales breaching or tail-slapping. Several reviewers appreciated the informative commentary, making the trip more than just a boat ride.

Final Thoughts on Value and Suitability

This tour is especially good for those who appreciate a comfortable, well-organized experience with knowledgeable guides. It’s ideal for travelers who want a higher chance of sightings without sacrificing comfort or education. The flexible scheduling and friendly crew cater well to diverse groups, from families to solo explorers.

However, be prepared for the possibility that nature may not cooperate every day. The tour’s policy of providing free re-entries makes it less stressful for those hoping for a second chance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a cozy, informative adventure with high-quality guides and a good chance of seeing whales, this tour is a solid pick. It’s perfect for wildlife lovers and those who value comfort and educational value over purely focusing on wildlife sightings. Families, couples, or solo travelers will find the experience engaging and memorable.

Those on tighter schedules might prefer the summer express option for its quicker route, but remember that the core experience remains the same—an exciting day at sea with the hope of catching a glimpse of iconic marine mammals.

FAQ

Is hotel transfer included?
No, hotel transfers are available on request for an additional fee, but the meeting point at the Old Harbour is easy to find, just a five-minute walk from Reykjavik’s city center.

What time does the tour depart?
Departure times vary depending on the tour type and season. Classic tours are typically at 09:00, 13:00, and 17:00, while summer options include an earlier 10:00 or later 21:00 departure (no transfers for the late-night one).

Are the tours suitable for children?
Yes, kids are welcome, and warm overalls are provided in children’s sizes, making it a family-friendly activity.

How long is the tour?
The classic whale watching trip lasts between 2 and 3 hours. The summer express tour is shorter, focusing on speed to reach the whale hotspots.

Will I see whales?
Wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed. However, many guests report seeing multiple whale species, dolphins, and seabirds. The crew actively looks for animals, and if no whales are spotted, you’ll receive a free ticket to come back.

Is the boat comfortable?
Absolutely. The Andrea is described as very spacious with interior heated seating and large windows for optimal viewing. The supplied overalls help you stay warm during the voyage.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, as it can be cold and windy at sea. The tour supplies overalls, but layering with waterproof clothing is advisable, especially if you’re prone to seasickness.

Final Words

This whale watching tour from Reykjavik is a well-rounded choice for those wanting a comfortable, educational, and exciting outing. The large vessel, expert guides, and flexible policies make it a dependable option—even if wildlife sightings are unpredictable. It’s a chance to learn about marine life, enjoy spectacular views, and create stories you’ll tell for years.

Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, families, or anyone looking for a memorable day on the water, this tour balances adventure with comfort, making it a worthwhile addition to your Iceland trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: