Whale Watching in Reykjavik Iceland
The excitement of spotting wildlife in the sea is hard to describe in words. Whales keep surprising us in different tours throughout the year. You may say it is luck, but with years of experiences, we provide responsible and trustworthy whale watching experiences throughout the year.
From DKK 660
PRICE per person
responsible and trustworthy whale watching experiences
Reykjavik has more than just amazing natural sceneries and historical sites. The abundant wildlife in the sea outside Reykjavik is also worth exploring. Guided by experienced crew and a trained naturalist, we will sail out to sea and search for whales and other North Atlantic wildlife. This 3-hour journey will add unique memories to your holiday in Iceland!
The departure point is located at the Elding ticket house in the Old Harbour. You can walk there leisurely or order an optional pick-up service. The red and white coloured ticket office is easy to find, and you will exchange your pre-paid voucher for your tour ticket there.
Walking down the pier, you will find the visitor centre located in an old whaling boat. Have a look at the souvenir shop, warm up with a cup of coffee or stroll through the unique wildlife exhibition located below deck.
This excursion usually takes around 3 to 5 hours.
You can board your sightseeing boat after visiting the wildlife exhibition. There, you will find several outdoor viewing platforms, a spacious bright indoor saloon, a cafeteria, toilet, and a cloak room where you can equip yourself with borrowed blankets and overalls to keep yourself warm during this journey. Feel free to stand outdoor for fresh air and an adventurous feeling or stay indoor to enjoy the view in a warm environment. Our naturalists will broadcast commentary and explain the encounters and surroundings throughout the tour. If you have any questions, just ask the crew and they will be happy to answer!
The most common species we may encounter are the minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. Occasionally we see other species such as killer whales, fin whales, sei whales and long-finned pilot whales – these species are rare but occasionally we are lucky to have them visiting. These beautiful and smart mammals visit Icelandic waters throughout the year – but generally, the whales are more abundant in summer compared to winter times. However, research shows that a growing number of whales tend to stay in the area all year round!
Tour Code: IS4W
Please note
The weather and thus sea conditions can be challenging during the winter months and therefore it is good to keep in mind that we often adapt by moving our vessels to harbours of more sheltered areas situated around the Reykjanes peninsula and transport our passengers there free of charge from our base in the Old Harbour. Our experience and flexibility allow for a more comfortable and reliable winter whale watching adventure but going from other harbours means that we may need to take a bus anywhere from 20-60 min. away, where we can expect the duration of the tour to be around 3-5 hrs. in total.
For optimal viewing and your enjoyment, this tour is subject to weather and decent sailing conditions and therefore it could get cancelled on short notice. Stay updated on your tour's status or check recent sightings by having a look at our online Whale Diary. https://elding.is/whale-diary
Please note
The weather and thus sea conditions can be challenging during the winter months and therefore it is good to keep in mind that we often adapt by moving our vessels to harbours of more sheltered areas situated around the Reykjanes peninsula and transport our passengers there free of charge from our base in the Old Harbour. Our experience and flexibility allow for a more comfortable and reliable winter whale watching adventure but going from other harbours means that we may need to take a bus anywhere from 20-60 min. away, where we can expect the duration of the tour to be around 3-5 hrs. in total.
For optimal viewing and your enjoyment, this tour is subject to weather and decent sailing conditions and therefore it could get cancelled on short notice. Stay updated on your tour's status or check recent sightings by having a look at our online Whale Diary. https://elding.is/whale-diary
What’s Included
- Guide
- Blankets and warm overalls
What’s Included
- Free Wi-Fi onboard
- Access to our Visitor Centre / Whale Exhibition
Not Included
- Pick up and transfer
Practical Information
FAQ
For this excursion, we receive booking till the 4 days prior to the departure time of the excursion. However, please note that limited seats are provided. Late booking may be unavailable.
Weather in Greenland can be quite unpredictable, thus, cancellations and reschedule may occur.
If the excursion is cancelled due to weather conditions, failure to reach the minimum number of participants or other unpredictable situations, Arctic Adventure ApS reserves the right to cancel the excursion. For excursions cancelled by Arctic Adventure ApS under this situation, our customers will get a 100% refund.
Please go to “Practical Information” –>” Terms and Conditions” to view the detailed cancellation policy.
For excursions in Kangerlussuaq, transfers from and to Hotel Kangerlussuaq are included.
For excursions in Ilulissat and Nuuk, please refer to the “Included” and “Not Included” section for detailed information.
For excursions in Sisimiut, transfers starting from Hotel Sisimiut are included.
For excursions and tours in Iceland (apart from Whale Watching), pick-up and transfer from the nearest pick-up spot are included. Please check with the reception for detailed pick-up spot.
We strongly advise you to read the “Included” and “Not included” section for detailed information. If there should be any discrepancies about the transfer, the information under “included” and “not included” shall prevail.
If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us.
o warm clothes, comfortable shoes
o water and snacks
EQUIPMENT LIST
- Other clothing should be picked according to weather that day, you will not get much colder on the glacier as on the ground.
- Sturdy Hiking Boots – waterproof with good ankle support.
- Woollen/or thermal windproof hat, which covers your neck (alternatively, thermal face mask);
- Woollen/or thermal gloves (ideal as a base layer under waterproof gloves or mittens);
- Woollen/or thermal socks
- Warm, insulated winter jacket and snow trousers or salopettes;
- Woollen long sleeved shirts/or thermal shirts
- Thick sweater and woollen pullovers;
- Heat pads for hands and feet (especially for dog sled tours).
- Lip balm, cream and moisturizer
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