Whale Watching Tours Iceland

Whale safaris in Reykjavik or Húsavík: best whale tours in Iceland

Discover the best whale watching tours and whale safari excursions from Reykjavík and Húsavík. Compare classic whale watching cruises, thrilling RIB speedboat adventures, whale and puffin tours in Faxaflói Bay. Which whale watching tour is right for you?

Whale Watching from Reykjavík

A whale watching tour from Reykjavík is one of the most popular excursions in Iceland. There's no need to travel all the way to North Iceland, as the boats depart directly from Reykjavík's Old Harbour and cruise into Faxaflói Bay. Located between Reykjavík, the Reykjanes Peninsula and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this nutrient-rich bay is an important feeding ground for several whale species and one of the best places for whale watching in Southwest Iceland.

During a whale safari from Reykjavík, you have an excellent chance of spotting minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. Whale activity is at its peak during the summer months, and some tours combine whale watching with seabird spotting, including Iceland's famous puffins. From May to August, a combined whale and puffin tour is one of the most popular wildlife experiences in Reykjavík.

My tip: If you're staying only in Reykjavík, a whale watching tour from the capital is the most convenient choice. However, if you're planning a complete Iceland Ring Road trip, I would personally wait until you reach Húsavík. The chances of seeing whales are generally higher there, you'll have the opportunity to spot more whale species, and the spectacular scenery along Iceland's north coast makes the experience even more memorable. It's no coincidence that Húsavík is known as the whale watching capital of Iceland (view whale watching tours from Húsavík).

^{Whale watching in Faxaflói Bay near Reykjavík}

^{Most whale safaris leave from the Old Harbour}

When Is the Whale Watching Season in Reykjavík?

Whale watching tours from Reykjavík operate for much of the year, but the best season is from April to October. During these months, Faxaflói Bay is rich in food and sea conditions are generally calmer, making it easier to spot whales. The peak season is June, July and August, when you have the highest chance of seeing whales, dolphins and seabirds on the same trip.

Although whale safaris from Reykjavík are also available during winter, the experience is usually not as rewarding as in summer. The sea can be rougher, temperatures are lower and there are fewer departures each day. On the other hand, you'll enjoy quieter tours and beautiful views of the snow-covered mountains surrounding the bay. If your main goal is to maximise your chances of seeing whales, the summer months are by far the best time to visit.

Which Whales Can You Spot in Reykjavík?

The species most commonly spotted during whale watching tours from Reykjavík are minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. Humpback whales are a favourite among visitors thanks to their spectacular tail dives and occasional breaches. Minke whales are smaller and faster but are frequently spotted in Faxaflói Bay, while white-beaked dolphins often travel in playful pods alongside the boats.

Occasionally, other whale species are also spotted, but they should be considered a bonus rather than an expectation. If seeing orcas is your main goal, you'll generally have better chances around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or in North Iceland. However, for visitors staying in the capital, Reykjavík remains one of the most convenient and rewarding places in Iceland to enjoy a whale watching tour.

^{Whale watching tour from Reykjavík}

^{Some whale watching tours combine the tour with puffin spotting}

Which Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavík?

① Most popular: For most travellers, a classic 3-hour whale watching tour is the best choice. These boats are the most comfortable, feature indoor seating where you can escape the cold sea breeze, and are ideal for families, cooler weather and anyone who wants to take photos at a relaxed pace. Most boats have several viewing decks, giving you excellent visibility whenever whales are spotted (more about the classic 3-hour whale watching tour).

② If you're looking for a more adventurous experience, choose a RIB speedboat whale watching tour. These boats are faster and sit lower on the water, creating a more exciting experience. You'll usually wear a warm flotation suit and reach areas where whales or dolphins have been spotted more quickly. A RIB tour is not recommended for people with back problems, pregnant women, young children or anyone who is prone to seasickness (more about the RIB speedboat tour).

③ If you're visiting between May and mid-August, a combined whale watching and puffin tour is an excellent choice. You'll first cruise to the small islands just off the coast of Reykjavík, where thousands of puffins nest during the summer. Afterwards, you'll head into Faxaflói Bay in search of whales, dolphins and harbour porpoises. It's the perfect way to combine two of Iceland's most popular wildlife experiences in a single excursion (more about the whale watching & puffin tour).

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Whale Watching in Other Parts of Iceland

Reykjavík is the most popular place for a whale safari, but it is certainly not the only one. Many nature lovers consider Húsavík, on Iceland's north coast, to be the best place in the country for whale watching. The sheltered Skjálfandi Bay is exceptionally rich in marine life, attracting a wide variety of whale species throughout the season. Besides humpback whales and minke whales, blue whales, fin whales and even rarer species are regularly spotted from Húsavík. Thanks to its high sighting success rates and long tradition of whale watching tours, Húsavík is internationally known as the whale watching capital of Iceland (view whale watching tours from Húsavík).

Akureyri is also an excellent destination for a whale safari. Tours depart from the long, sheltered Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. Thanks to its relatively calm waters and abundant fish, many humpback whales can be seen here throughout the summer. The chances of spotting whales from Akureyri are generally slightly higher than from Reykjavík, while the calmer sea conditions make these tours more comfortable for families and travellers who are prone to seasickness (view whale watching tours from Akureyri).

The main advantage of Reykjavík is its accessibility. Whale watching tours depart from the Old Harbour in the city centre, allowing you to enjoy a whale safari without a long drive. For most visitors spending a few days in Reykjavík, this is the most practical choice. If you're travelling around the entire Iceland Ring Road, however, Húsavík and Akureyri are excellent alternatives with an even greater chance of memorable whale sightings.

FAQ - Whale Watching in Reykjavík

The best time for whale watching from Reykjavík is from April to October. The highest chance of sightings is usually in June, July and August, when there is plenty of food in Faxaflói Bay and sea conditions are often more favourable.

The most common species are minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. Other whale species are sometimes spotted as well, but they are less predictable.

Most whale watching tours depart from Reykjavík's Old Harbour. The harbour is close to the city centre and is easy to reach on foot, by taxi or by bus.

A RIB speedboat is faster, more adventurous and offers a more exciting experience on the water. A regular boat is more comfortable, warmer and better suited for families, photography and travellers who are prone to seasickness.

No. Whales live in the wild, so sightings can never be guaranteed. During the main season, the chances are good, but sightings always depend on the weather, sea conditions and the availability of food in the bay.

Wear warm clothing in layers, even during summer. It is often much colder at sea than in Reykjavík itself. A windproof jacket, hat, gloves and warm shoes are recommended.