Whale Watching Excursion from Reykjavik and Whales of Iceland Exhibition
Sail into Faxafloi Bay in search of ocean giants, then walk among life-size whale models at one of Iceland's most immersive exhibitions.
This combined experience pairs a whale watching tour from Reykjavik with admission to the Whales of Iceland Exhibition, giving visitors an end-to-end encounter with Iceland's remarkable marine wildlife. Departing from the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavik, the nautical portion takes guests into Faxafloi Bay where Minke and Humpback whales, dolphins, and harbour porpoises are regularly sighted. The exhibition adds an educational dimension, featuring 23 life-size hand-painted whale models in an immersive, interactive setting.
The vessel is equipped with warm overalls for guests, heated indoor cabins, a bar, and free WiFi, making the ocean journey comfortable regardless of Iceland's unpredictable weather. Crew members guide passengers through the bay while scenic views of Reykjavik's surrounding mountains and islands unfold across the horizon.
After returning to the harbour, the Whales of Iceland Exhibition awaits in the nearby Grandi area, approximately 15 minutes on foot. The venue is open daily and features ambient underwater lighting, beach-like floors, and interactive stations designed for all ages. A free live-guided tour runs twice daily, and an audio guide is available in more than 12 languages.
If no whale sightings occur during the boat tour, guests are invited to join a subsequent departure at no additional cost. The museum ticket remains open and does not need to be used on the same day as the boat tour, offering flexible scheduling throughout your stay in Reykjavik.
Tour Highlights
Sail from Reykjavik Old Harbour into Faxafloi Bay aboard a vessel with heated cabins and warm overalls provided on board.
Search for Minke whales, Humpback whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises, and the rare Killer whale in their natural Icelandic habitat.
Access the Whales of Iceland Exhibition featuring 23 life-size hand-painted cetacean models in an interactive, educational environment.
Use an included audio guide available in more than 12 languages along with free live-guided tours at the exhibition twice per day.
Take in panoramic views of Reykjavik's mountains, surrounding islands, and diverse coastal birdlife during the sea voyage.
If no whales are sighted during your tour, you are welcome to join a future departure free of charge.
Itinerary Overview
Before heading to the harbour, review the Daily Diary on the operator's homepage for any updates. Arrive at Geirsgata 11, the Special Tours ticket office at Reykjavik Old Harbour, at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.
Board the vessel and collect your warm overalls before settling into the heated indoor cabins. The boat departs from the Old Harbour and heads into Faxafloi Bay.
Scan the water for Minke and Humpback whales, dolphins, and harbour porpoises while the crew provides commentary. The surrounding mountains, islands, and coastal birds add to the scenery throughout the 2.5 to 3.5 hour voyage.
The vessel returns to the Old Harbour at the conclusion of the tour. Guests who did not sight any whales may choose to rejoin a future departure at no cost.
Make your way to the Whales of Iceland Exhibition in the Grandi area, roughly 15 minutes on foot from the harbour. Walk among 23 life-size whale models, enjoy underwater soundscapes, explore interactive displays, and attend a free live-guided tour if available.
What Is Included
Included
- Whale watching boat tour from Reykjavik Old Harbour
- Warm overalls provided on board
- Heated indoor cabin access during the sea voyage
- Complimentary seasickness tablets on board
- Free WiFi on board the vessel
- Admission to Whales of Iceland Exhibition
- Audio guide in 12 or more languages at the exhibition
- Free live-guided exhibition tours daily at 11:00 and 15:00
- Free parking at the Whales of Iceland Exhibition
- Free return whale watching tour if no sightings occur
Not Included
- Food and drinks (available for purchase on board and at the Whale Cafe)
- Hotel transfers (optional pickup service available at additional cost)
- Gratuities
Important Information
Check the operator's Daily Diary on their homepage before your visit for the latest tour status. Pickup service must be booked at least one hour before departure; bookings made after that threshold will not be honoured.
Book Your Reykjavik Whale Watching Experience
Secure your place on this combined sea and exhibition adventure and get a closer look at the ocean giants that inhabit Iceland's coastal waters.
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