Marine Wildlife Excursion — Reykjavik, Iceland
Sailing with Giants: Whale Watching from Reykjavik
A superyacht voyage through Faxafloi Bay in search of Iceland's most iconic marine life
Whale watching in Reykjavik reaches a new level aboard the Amelia Rose, a superyacht purpose-built for small-group comfort and panoramic visibility across Faxafloi Bay. This tour combines expert marine guidance with the stability and elegance of a luxury vessel, making it accessible even for those concerned about rough-water conditions.
Faxafloi Bay, which stretches along the southwestern coast of Iceland, is one of the most productive cetacean habitats in the North Atlantic. Minke whales frequent these waters year-round, while humpback whales are regularly spotted on feeding runs. Dolphins, harbour porpoises, and on rarer occasions orcas, also pass through the bay.
The Amelia Rose features three panoramic decks, sheltered seating areas, and a hull design that minimises roll, reducing motion sickness for passengers. The experienced onboard crew provides contextual wildlife commentary throughout the journey, including information on the coastal geography and the island ecosystems visible from the water.
Departing from the Old Harbour in central Reykjavik, the route passes close to several small islands including Engey, Lundey, and Videy, each with its own ecological and cultural significance. The skyline of the capital, dominated by the Hallgrimskirkja tower, and the broad ridge of Mount Esja provide a dramatic backdrop throughout the excursion.
Tour Highlights
Sail through Faxafloi Bay aboard the Amelia Rose superyacht, a vessel designed for stability and unobstructed wildlife viewing across three open decks.
Search for minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and harbour porpoises with expert crew members who are skilled at locating cetaceans in Icelandic waters.
Small-group format ensures a more personalised experience with direct access to onboard guides and unobstructed sightlines from any deck position.
Pass the islands of Engey, Lundey, and Videy, each visible from the water and offering ecological interest alongside the whale search.
Enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavik's coastline, including the Harpa Concert Hall with its basalt-inspired glass facade and the slopes of Mount Esja beyond.
Rare sightings of orcas and other less common North Atlantic species are possible on this route, particularly during seasonal migration periods.
Sheltered seating and a smooth-riding hull make this an accessible option for passengers with sensitivity to wave motion or limited mobility.
Tour Itinerary
The tour begins at the Old Harbour in central Reykjavik, where the Amelia Rose is moored. The crew provides a safety and wildlife briefing before setting out into Faxafloi Bay.
The initial leg of the journey follows the Reykjavik waterfront, passing the Harpa Concert Hall, whose geometric glass facade reflects the surrounding sea and sky. This section offers close views of the city before the vessel heads into open water.
The route passes near three notable islands in the Kollafjordur area of Faxafloi Bay. Videy is the largest, Engey the second largest, and Lundey — whose name translates as Puffin Island — is small and uninhabited. The crew provides background on each island's history and birdlife.
The central portion of the tour is dedicated to locating cetaceans across the open waters of the bay. Minke and humpback whales are the most frequently sighted species, while dolphins and harbour porpoises are also common. The crew uses their knowledge of local feeding patterns and sea conditions to maximise sighting opportunities.
The Amelia Rose returns along the coastline, offering a final view of the city framed by Mount Esja before docking at the Old Harbour. The crew remains available for questions throughout the return passage.
What Is Included
Included
- Whale watching tour aboard the Amelia Rose superyacht
- Small-group experience with limited passenger numbers
- Expert wildlife and marine environment commentary from onboard crew
- Access to all three panoramic decks
- Sheltered seating throughout the voyage
Not Included
- Hotel or accommodation pickup and drop-off
- Food and beverages
- Gratuities for crew
- Personal travel insurance
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on the Amelia Rose
Availability on this small-group superyacht tour is limited. Confirm your spot in advance to secure a place on one of Reykjavik's most distinctive whale watching departures.
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