Reykjavík Whales and Snowmobile Adventure
Witness ocean giants in Faxaflói Bay, then carve tracks across Langjökull glacier on the same trip.
This Reykjavík whale watching and snowmobile combo pairs a guided cetacean cruise from the Old Harbour with a highland glacier ride on Langjökull, giving travellers two of Iceland's most iconic experiences across two separate days. The tours are operated by Elding and Mountaineers of Iceland respectively, both long-established outfitters with strong safety records. Difficulty is rated easy, making the package accessible to most visitors regardless of prior adventure experience.
The whale watching leg departs from the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavík, where Elding's converted tour vessel offers panoramic indoor lounges, outdoor viewing decks, and an on-board café. Faxaflói Bay is one of the most productive cetacean habitats in the North Atlantic, with Minke whales, Humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises all recorded regularly. A guide provides live commentary throughout and can be consulted directly with any questions.
The snowmobile portion takes place on Langjökull, Iceland's second-largest glacier, accessed via Gullfoss Café where participants park and board a connecting bus. A monster truck then transports the group from base camp to the glacier surface, where equipment and a full safety briefing are provided before departure. The drive through the Icelandic highlands on the way to Gullfoss is itself a striking introduction to the country's sparse, dramatic interior.
Because this is a self-drive, multi-day combo, participants choose their preferred whale watching date at checkout and select the snowmobile date separately in the booking calendar. The two activities do not need to fall on consecutive days, offering flexibility to fit existing itineraries. No prior snowmobile or boating experience is required for either tour.
Tour Highlights
Search for Minke and Humpback whales in Faxaflói Bay aboard a purpose-fitted whale watching vessel.
Ride a snowmobile across Langjökull, Iceland's second-largest glacier, with sweeping views of the surrounding highlands.
Travel to base camp by monster truck from Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most visited natural landmarks.
Professional guides from two specialist operators handle safety briefings, equipment fitting, and live commentary.
Flexible scheduling lets you choose whale watching and snowmobile dates independently to suit your travel plans.
Children aged seven and above are welcome as snowmobile passengers, making the glacier ride suitable for families.
An online whale diary tracks recent sightings in Faxaflói Bay so you can board with realistic expectations.
How the Tour Unfolds
Exchange your voucher at the Elding ticket office in the Old Harbour, then visit the Visitor Centre aboard a converted fishing vessel moored at the pier. Board the tour boat and choose between the open-air viewing decks or the heated panoramic lounge as the vessel heads into Faxaflói Bay.
A guide commentates on cetacean behaviour and local marine ecology throughout the cruise via the intercom system. Minke whales and Humpbacks are the most frequently spotted species, alongside dolphins and porpoises depending on season.
On the snowmobile day, drive your own vehicle to Gullfoss Café, approximately one hour and forty minutes from Reykjavík. Park, have lunch at the café, and board the bus that will collect you for the transfer to Langjökull base camp.
A monster truck carries the group from base camp up onto the glacier surface, crossing volcanic terrain that few standard vehicles can navigate. This short ride provides an early sense of the scale and isolation of the Icelandic interior.
At base camp, participants are fitted with helmets, overalls, overshoes, gloves, and a hat. Guides run through snowmobile operation and safety procedures before anyone mounts a machine.
Guided snowmobiles travel across the glacier surface with panoramic views of the surrounding highland landscape. Snowmobiles are configured for two riders; those wishing to ride solo must select the single-rider add-on at booking.
What Is Included
Included
- Whale watching cruise with Elding from Old Harbour
- Snowmobile tour on Langjökull glacier with Mountaineers of Iceland
- Bus transfer from Gullfoss Café to Langjökull base camp
- Monster truck transfer from base camp to glacier
- Snowmobile safety briefing and guided ride
- Protective gear: helmet, overalls, overshoes, gloves, and hat
- Blankets and overalls available on board the whale watching vessel on cold days
- Professional guide commentary on both tours
Not Included
- Transportation to Old Harbour or Gullfoss Café (self-drive)
- Food and beverages on either tour
- Single-rider snowmobile surcharge (available as an add-on)
- Gratuities for guides
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Important Information
Reserve Your Spot
Spaces on both the whale watching cruise and the snowmobile glacier tour fill quickly, especially during peak season. Secure your preferred dates now and confirm your whale watching day at checkout.
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