Reykjavik · SAILING
10 reviewed
Below are the 10 best sailing trips leaving Reykjavik right now: what each one costs, how long it runs, and which kind of traveller it suits. Start at number one; it earned the spot.
Cruise from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor on the Amelia Rose yacht. Look for humpback and minke whales, plus dolphins and porpoises, with warm comfort.
“Amazing, we saw so many whales, far exceeded our expectations.”
Reykjavik Northern Lights yacht cruise from Old Harbor with three deck viewing angles, warm blankets, Wi‑Fi, and a 2-hour aurora hunt.
“We did this on Friday 23rd January 2026. You check in at the Old Harbour House. From there you board the yacht. We were lucky that the lights were out and could be seen before we left the harbour. Worth doing but obviously no guarantee you’ll see the lights. But we did. Only 2 hours which was more than enough time. Value for money. Wrap up warm. It’s freezing on the deck but you’ll get rewarded if the lights are dancing.”
3-hour yacht cruise from Reykjavik in Faxafloi Bay to spot whales, dolphins, and puffins, with warm blankets and onboard Wi‑Fi.
“The boat was comfortable and warm inside. We were incredibly lucky and found 2 humpback whales within 30 mins. One of the whales breached at least 15 times (we lost count). Our guide said this was very unusual for winter. Great experience, plenty of space to get a view. Guide was very approachable and had a good chat.”
3-hour yacht whale watching from Reykjavik Old Harbour with expert spotting, Reykjavik views, and a free return if no whales.
“Amazing experience and we got to see 2 humpbacks at close range. Wrap up warm as the wind chill makes it very very cold. Would do it again for certain! Only negative is that they rushed us back to harbour once we’d seen the whales cutting the trip short by nearly 45 mins, rather than giving us longer to watch them.”
3-hour whale and dolphin yacht cruise from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor with warm gear, onboard Wi-Fi, guided wildlife spotting, and a free return if you miss out.
“We had such a great experience as a family (2 adults, 2 children). We have been wanting to see whales for a long time and finally got to tick them off the bucket list. So pleased we got to see a few groups of Humpback whales - amazing! I would definitely recommend this trip to others, the crew were great at tracking them and communicating with all on board. We didn't use the warm areas or bars onboard, but it was good to know that facilities were available if we needed to use them. We were too engrossed with taking the experience in on the top deck! 🐋❤️”
Reykjavik Northern Lights yacht cruise with whale-spotting, cozy decks, and onboard Wi-Fi. Another-day ticket if the aurora misses you.
“It was truly a dream come true, helpful guides, smooth water, amazing magical light display. Grateful”
A cozy 2.5-hour yacht cruise from Reykjavik Old Harbor to Faxaflói Bay to chase the Northern Lights, with warm blankets and onboard stories.
“Best way to see the northern lights- clean comfortable luxury boat with friendly knowledgeable guides. Very relaxing vibe. Convenient pick up location. Boat had a warm interior and lots of outside space to see the lights. Blankets included and bar available for drinks or warm tea. Bring a warm jacket!”
Reykjavík Northern Lights yacht cruise with heated decks, bar and Wi‑Fi, Harpa views, Viðey and Faxaflói Bay. Rebook if no aurora.
“this was a great choice. far fewer people than we saw on the larger boats. a much more chill experience, i imagine. we got a great view of the lights - they were spectacular.”
Puffin spotting from Reykjavík on a small yacht cruise around Engey, Lundey, and Viðey in Faxaflói Bay. 1 hour, $75.
“Even though we were delayed and had to wait for a larger boat - it was so worth it - Claudia was a Wonderful guide and informative and We We’re So Happy we got to see pUFFIns”
Reykjavík New Year’s Eve yacht cruise with a Northern Lights search, Videy Island views, and fireworks-from-the-sea plus a midnight champagne toast.
“An intimate way to spend NYE in Reykjavik... capped at 35 people on a luxury yacht, we got Earth's fireworks (Northern Lights) and the just insane fireworks show the citizens of Reykjavik put on every New Year's Eve! If visiting Reykjavik during the New Year's holiday, I definitely recommend taking this cruise!”
