Whales outnumber the worries here. From downtown Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, this morning trip puts you out on Faxaflói Bay with a proper chunk of time to scan for whales and dolphins. I really like the warm overalls and heated indoor cabin, plus the fact you’re not just standing outside in cold wind for hours. The one drawback: this isn’t a great fit if you’re prone to seasickness.

You’ll set sail at 9:00 AM, then spend about 2.5 hours on the water looking for minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and harbour porpoises—with killer whales possible too. Overhead, you’re also watching seabirds, which often give you extra clues that something interesting is going on below.

At $103 for about 3.5 hours, the value comes from what’s included: guides, overalls, heated cabin time, toilet access on board, complimentary seasickness tablets, and even a second free tour ticket if you don’t get sightings. If you want the easiest way to do whale watching without turning the day into a cold-weather endurance test, this is built for that.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Old Harbour start right in downtown: you’re leaving from a historic area near Geirsgata 11.
• About 2.5 hours actively whale watching on Faxaflói Bay, not just quick “sightseeing.”
• Warm flotation overalls + heated indoor cabin so you can actually enjoy scanning for animals.
• Chances for several species: minke, humpback, dolphins, harbour porpoises, and possible killer whales.
• Comfort perks on board: bar drinks available for purchase, complimentary Wi‑Fi, and seasickness tablets.
• If sightings don’t happen, you can go again with a complimentary second tour ticket.

Old Harbour Morning: Finding Geirsgata 11 Without Stress

Reykjavik’s best tours start easy, and this one does. You meet at the Special Tours office at Geirsgata 11, and you’ll want to arrive about 30 minutes early. That buffer matters. Cold mornings move fast, and you’ll want time to check in, grab your camera, and get fitted with the overalls before you head out.

The departure point is the Old Harbour area in the middle of downtown. In plain terms, that means you’re not spending half the trip figuring out transport logistics. You can also pair this with a simple Reykjavik morning plan—grab coffee before you go, then spend your day doing something calmer after your boat time.

If you’re traveling with a rental car, bike, or on foot, plan to be on time. The tour is scheduled for a 9:00 AM departure, and your best shot at good viewing starts with getting out on the water when the day’s still steady.

Faxaflói Bay: Why This Area Makes Sense for Whale Watching

This tour’s whale watching happens in Faxaflói Bay. That’s the key detail, because “Reykjavik whale watching” can mean different routes with different odds. Here, you’re given a clear target: 2.5 hours dedicated to scanning the water.

You’ll be looking for minke and humpback whales, plus dolphins and harbour porpoises. The tour description also notes you may even spot killer whales. You can’t guarantee specific species on any ocean trip, but the variety they list is a good sign that the operator has an established route and timing for wildlife sightings in this region.

One underrated part of the bay time: seabirds overhead. Birds are not a magic radar, but they often help you notice feeding activity and changing conditions at the surface. It’s a small thing, but it makes the ride more engaging, because you’re tracking both water and sky.

9:00 AM on the Water: What the Timing Really Means

A morning start is practical for two reasons: it gives you a larger chunk of the day later, and it often feels more comfortable for sightseeing before weather shifts. You’ll depart at 9:00 AM, then return in a total of about 3.5 hours.

That timeline matters because whale watching is not like a museum visit where the action happens in a fixed order. Animals move. So the structure here—2.5 hours on the water plus time for boarding and wrapping up—gives you enough real opportunity to catch whales or dolphins when they show up.

Also, the morning pace makes it easier to stay patient. You’re not forced to sit out in the cold with nothing to do. The heated indoor cabin and overalls are built into the experience so you can rotate between spotting outside and warming up inside.

Onboard Comfort: Overalls, Heated Cabin, Toilets, Wi‑Fi, and a Bar

Here’s where this tour earns real points. Whale watching boats can be either comfortable or miserable. This one aims for comfortable.

You get warm flotation overalls to help you handle Icelandic wind and spray. Even if you’re wearing layers, overalls are a big help when conditions get chilly on deck. Then there’s the heated indoor cabin for breaks. You’re not just bundled outside and hoping for the best—you can step in, relax, and keep your energy for the next sightings scan.

Practical extras are included too:

• Heated indoor cabin with toilet facilities
• Complimentary seasickness tablets
• Free Wi‑Fi onboard
• A bar where you can buy drinks and snacks (so you’re not stuck without options)

Wi‑Fi is a small modern bonus, but it’s also useful if you want to share photos quickly or check maps later without burning battery. And the bar means you can warm up with a drink you actually choose, rather than being limited to just what’s packed in your bag.

If you’re a camera person, the setup helps. You can spend time outside when you spot something, then pop back in to review shots or warm up before the next move.

The Animals You’re Watching For (And How to Think About It)

The tour lists a strong menu of potential sightings:

• Minke whales
• Humpback whales
• Dolphins
• Harbour porpoises
• Possible killer whales

On a real ocean trip, your best strategy is to think in patterns, not promises. You’re not just watching for one moment. You’re watching for repeated activity: a surface blow, a turn, a cluster of dolphins, or a change in bird behavior that makes everyone look up at once.

When whales are around, the mood on board often changes fast. You’ll want to be ready: camera in hand when the guide calls attention, and your position chosen so you can see without blocking others.

Also, pay attention to the species possibilities. Minke and humpbacks can have different behaviors and timing at the surface. Dolphins and porpoises can show up with quick bursts. That’s why having 2.5 hours on the water is valuable—more time increases your odds of seeing at least something exciting, even if not every species appears.

The 3.5-Hour Timeline: A Practical Walkthrough

You’re on this tour for about 3.5 hours, and it helps to know what fills that time.

First, you meet at the Special Tours office at Geirsgata 11 about 30 minutes before departure. This is your check-in and gear-up phase. You’ll likely be assigned or fitted for the provided warm overalls before stepping onto the boat.

Then, at 9:00 AM, you sail out from the Old Harbour. Right away you’re moving from city views into sea views. This transition is part of the fun: you go from Reykjavik’s mountains and islands as your backdrop to open water and sky.

Next comes the main work: about 2.5 hours of whale watching in Faxaflói Bay. This is where your guide helps you scan for movement and signals. You also watch birdlife overhead, which adds another layer to your search.

Finally, you return to Geirsgata 11. The tour format is designed so you can still have plenty of daylight afterward, without feeling like you lost your whole day to one activity.

What to Bring: Small Things That Make a Big Difference

Even with provided overalls, you should still bring the basics. The tour info is clear about what helps:

• Warm clothing
• Camera
• Water

I’d treat this as a layering day. Overalls don’t replace warmth on their own; they support it. Bring gloves if you like using your hands outside. Bring a camera you’re comfortable holding for a while—because when something surfaces, you’ll want to shoot quickly.

Water is a practical must. Cold weather makes you forget to drink, and you’ll feel it later if you don’t. Keep it simple, keep it warm.

Price and Value: Does $103 Add Up?

At $103 per person, this is not a bargain-basement activity. But whale watching in Iceland isn’t usually cheap, and the value here comes from inclusions that reduce your extra costs and discomfort.

You’re paying for:

• Professional guides
• Warm flotation overalls
• Heated indoor cabin access
• Toilet facilities onboard
• Complimentary seasickness tablets
• Free Wi‑Fi
• A second tour ticket if no sightings occur

That last part changes how you think about the price. If you truly get nothing, you’re not just stuck with a one-off boat ride. The complimentary second tour ticket is meaningful insurance for your time and money.

And because the boat includes warmth and real indoor space, you’re not paying $103 to freeze. You’re paying to have a guided wildlife experience with comfort built in. For many people, that’s the difference between liking the day and wishing you stayed on land.

Pickup service is extra, so plan to get yourself to the meeting point. If you already know where Geirsgata 11 is for your stay, that’s fine. If not, spend a few minutes mapping it out ahead of time so you’re not rushing at check-in.

Who Should Book This Morning Whale Watching Tour?

This tour fits best if you:

• Want a clear whale-watching schedule with 2.5 hours on the water
• Appreciate comfort features like overalls and a heated cabin
• Like the idea of seeing multiple types of marine life, not just one species
• Don’t want to organize your own boat logistics in winter conditions
• Value included perks like seasickness tablets and a second tour ticket if sightings don’t happen

It’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness. If that’s you, don’t gamble. You’ll be more comfortable choosing a different style of wildlife experience.

Wheelchair accessible is listed, which is a strong plus if you need that accommodation. Just note that the tour is still a boat experience, so ask your operator if you have specific mobility concerns beyond what’s stated.

Should You Book the Reykjavik Morning Whale Watch?

I’d book this if your priority is a guided, comfortable morning on the water with real time for wildlife spotting—and you want fewer cold-weather headaches. The overalls + heated cabin combo is a big deal, especially if you’re visiting in shoulder season or winter when wind bites.

I’d skip it if seasickness is likely for you. No included tablet can turn every body into a calm passenger.

If you’re mainly going to Reykjavik for the whales, this tour is one of the straightforward ways to do it: Old Harbour departure, Faxaflói Bay time, and a guide helping you spot what’s out there. Add in the second free tour ticket if you don’t get sightings, and the risk feels a lot smaller than you’d expect for a wildlife trip.

FAQ

What time does the Reykjavik whale watching tour depart?

It departs at 9:00 AM.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the Special Tours office at Geirsgata 11, and you should arrive about 30 minutes before departure.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is about 3.5 hours, including about 2.5 hours of whale watching.

What animals might I see?

The tour targets minke and humpback whales, plus dolphins, harbour porpoises, and possibly killer whales.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are professional guides, warm flotation overalls, heated indoor cabin access, toilet facilities, free Wi‑Fi, complimentary seasickness tablets, and a complimentary second tour ticket if there are no sightings.

Are snacks and drinks included?

No. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on board.

Is pickup included?

No. Pickup service is available for an extra charge.

Is there Wi‑Fi onboard?

Yes, there is complimentary Wi‑Fi on board.

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. It is listed as not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it’s listed as wheelchair accessible.