Whales and White Water Rafting in Iceland
From the open waters of Faxafloi Bay to the rushing currents of Gullfoss Canyon — one full day, two unforgettable adventures.
This full-day combo tour delivers whale watching and white water rafting in Iceland back to back, blending wildlife discovery on Faxafloi Bay with the rush of navigating the glacial Hvita river through Gullfoss Canyon.
The day begins aboard a whale watching vessel departing from Reykjavik's Old Harbour. A naturalist guide provides expert commentary as the boat crosses Faxafloi Bay in search of humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and seabirds. Overalls and blankets are available on colder days, and a free repeat tour is offered if no whales or dolphins are spotted.
After returning to harbour, an Arctic Rafting shuttle collects participants and drives approximately 100 kilometres to Drumboddsstadir rafting base camp. The rafting section covers around 60 to 90 minutes on the white waters cutting through Gullfoss Canyon, where volcanic rock formations and glacial water combine to create a striking natural setting.
Once the river section concludes, guests can decompress in the on-site sauna or hot tub before the return shuttle to Reykjavik. The tour runs from May through mid-October and is rated moderate in difficulty, with a minimum participant age of 11 years.
Tour Highlights
Three hours searching for whales, dolphins, and seabirds on the waters of Faxafloi Bay departing from Reykjavik's Old Harbour.
Expert naturalist commentary throughout the whale watching portion, with free repeat tours if no cetaceans are sighted.
White water rafting down the glacial Hvita river through the dramatic scenery of Gullfoss Canyon for 60 to 90 minutes.
Post-rafting access to a sauna and hot tub at Drumboddsstadir base camp to warm up and relax after the river run.
Hotel pickup and drop-off included throughout the day, with seamless transfers connecting both activity locations.
A single full-day itinerary combining two distinct water-based experiences without the need for separate bookings or logistics.
Itinerary
The shuttle begins collecting passengers from Reykjavik hotels and designated bus stops. Guests are asked to be ready and waiting at their pickup point during the collection window; in case of delays, the operator's head office can advise on the bus location.
The boat departs from Reykjavik's Old Harbour for a three-hour cruise across Faxafloi Bay. A naturalist guide leads commentary as the vessel searches for whales, dolphins, and seabirds, with warm overalls and blankets available on board.
Arctic Rafting's shuttle bus collects participants from the Elding ticket office near the Old Harbour. The drive to Drumboddsstadir base camp covers roughly 100 kilometres from Reykjavik.
Participants raft down the white waters of Gullfoss Canyon for 60 to 90 minutes. The canyon's volcanic landscape and glacial river combine to create a visually striking backdrop for the rafting descent.
After the river section, guests can use the sauna or hot tub at base camp before boarding the Arctic Rafting shuttle back to Reykjavik hotels. A bathing suit and towel are recommended for this portion of the day.
What Is Included
Included
- 3-hour classic whale watching tour from Reykjavik Old Harbour
- Naturalist guide commentary during whale watching
- Overalls and blankets on the whale watching vessel
- Free repeat whale watching tour if no cetaceans are spotted
- 60 to 90 minutes of white water rafting in Gullfoss Canyon
- All rafting equipment and safety gear
- Access to sauna and hot tub at Drumboddsstadir base camp
- Hotel pickup and drop-off throughout the full day
Not Included
- Food, snacks, or beverages
- Gratuities for guides or shuttle drivers
- Personal travel insurance
- Any activities not listed in the itinerary
Important Information
Reserve Your Spot Today
Spaces on this combined tour are limited, particularly during the peak summer months of June through August. Secure your place in advance to avoid missing out on one of Iceland's most comprehensive single-day water adventures.
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