Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour, Whales of Iceland Exhibition

Setting sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, this combined package offers a chance to spot whales in Faxaflói Bay and then deepen your understanding of these majestic creatures at the Whales of Iceland Museum. For $119 per person, you get about 3.5 hours of adventure—half on the water, half exploring the impressive museum exhibits. The tour is guided in English, with helpful audio guides in multiple languages, making it accessible for international travelers.

What we love about this experience is the opportunity to see real whales in their natural environment—listen for the blowholes, watch for breaches, and be entertained by knowledgeable guides. The second standout is the museum itself, with its life-sized whale models and interactive features, including virtual reality headsets, giving a hands-on learning experience.

A potential consideration is the chance that wildlife sightings may be unpredictable, especially outside peak summer months. If your main goal is to see whales, plan for flexible expectations or consider booking a second tour if you don’t see anything the first time.

This experience suits travelers who love marine wildlife, enjoy engaging educational exhibits, and appreciate a well-organized, value-priced half-day adventure. Families, wildlife enthusiasts, and first-time visitors to Iceland will find this combination particularly rewarding.

Key Points

• Wildlife Viewing: Spot whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seals in Faxaflói Bay on one of Iceland’s largest whale-watching boats.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Lucas are praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude, helping you recognize and understand marine animals.
• Interactive Museum: The Whales of Iceland exhibit offers life-size models, VR experiences, and multimedia info, perfect for all ages.
• Flexible Schedule: You can choose to do the boat trip or the museum first—whichever suits your schedule best.
• Weather Considerations: Dress in layers, as the boat can be windy and cold, especially on the upper deck.
• Guarantee of Return: No whale sighting? You get a free ticket to try again, which adds good value for the price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting in Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, the tour departs aboard one of the biggest whale-watching boats in Iceland. The vessel’s size makes for a stable ride and ample viewing space, which is especially helpful if you’re sensitive to motion or are traveling with children or elderly relatives. The boat is equipped with thermal overalls—an excellent touch to keep the chill at bay—and offers free WiFi, so you can share your sightings in real time or just check your social media while waiting.

The boat journey to Faxaflói Bay lasts about 1.5 hours each way, giving plenty of time for spotting marine life. From the reviews, it’s clear that the guides are more than happy to answer questions and point out animals like minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and humpbacks—the most common species in the area.

Wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, but many travelers, even outside peak season, have enjoyed success. Dawn’s review highlights the joy of seeing both dolphins and humpback whales, while others like Carina’s mention specific sightings of humpbacks and minkes. The thrill of anticipation and the chance to see animals breach or spy a dorsal fin makes the trip worthwhile even if the whales are shy that day.

The guides’ expertise is a recurring praise point. Gemma notes, “the guides were wonderful,” providing interesting facts and helping everyone enjoy the experience. The guide’s ability to train you in recognizing whales, as mentioned by Ashley, really enhances the trip, especially for first-timers.

After the boat trip, you’ll head to the Whales of Iceland Museum, located at Fiskislod 23. This is a surprisingly large exhibit with 23 life-size whale models. The models are impressive, and the multimedia features make the experience engaging—especially with virtual reality headsets that simulate whale encounters. The museum’s atmosphere is described as “dreamy” and “relaxing,” perfect for winding down after the excitement on the water.

Many reviews praise the museum for putting sightings into context. It’s a good way to learn about whale species, their behaviors, and the importance of marine conservation. Dawn appreciated the size of the models, and Gemma recommended the exhibit as a “great way of putting what we saw into a real context.” It’s an educational experience that appeals to all ages, from curious children to serious wildlife lovers.

The tour includes a ticket to the museum, parking, and WiFi. The only things you need to arrange separately are meals or drinks, which you might want to enjoy at the café after your visit. The flexibility to do the activities in any order, as some reviews mention, makes it convenient; if weather or sea conditions are better for one activity over the other, you can adapt.

The tour is available at two fixed times—10:30 AM and 1:30 PM—and both are guided in English, with audio guides in multiple languages. This makes it accessible for international visitors, and the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance provides peace of mind if your plans change.

Analyzing the Value and Practicality

At $119 per person, this tour is a solid value considering it includes guided marine excursions, access to the museum, WiFi, and the comfort of thermal overalls. Compared to other water-based tours, the size of the vessel and the promise of a free re-visit if you don’t see whales add to the appeal. A major plus is the small-group feeling that comes with guided tours, even on larger boats, and the chance to ask questions throughout.

Wildlife tours in Iceland often come with unpredictability, but this package’s free re-visit ticket helps mitigate that. Whether you see whales or not, you’re getting a comprehensive experience that emphasizes education, conservation, and fun.

The museum visit enhances your understanding, especially if you’re traveling with children or want a break from the cold water. The virtual reality and multimedia displays are modern touches that elevate the experience beyond just looking at whale models.

Note that the tour does not include transfers or meals. You’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point and plan for snacks or coffee, which is easy since the meeting point is centrally located.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families, with reviews highlighting how engaging and accessible it is for children. It’s also ideal for wildlife enthusiasts eager to see whales in their natural habitat, as well as those who appreciate educational exhibits that deepen their understanding of marine mammals. If you’re visiting Reykjavik and have a half-day to spare, this tour combines adventure and learning in a way that feels authentic and well-organized.

Travelers who enjoy guided tours with friendly, knowledgeable guides will find that the staff here really enhance the experience. And if wildlife sightings are a priority, the promise of a free re-visit makes this a lower-risk choice.

FAQs

Is whale watching available year-round?
Whale watching in Iceland is best during the summer months, from April to September. Outside of this season, sightings may be less frequent, but the tour will still go out if conditions permit.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers. The boat can be windy and cold, especially on the upper deck. The tour provides thermal overalls, but bringing your own warm clothing, hats, and gloves is advisable.

Can I do the whale watching or museum first?
Yes, you can choose the order that works best for your schedule. Some travelers prefer to start with the boat trip for the thrill of seeing whales, then explore the museum afterward.

What if I don’t see any whales?
The tour includes a free re-visit ticket if no whales are spotted, giving you a second chance to see these animals at no additional cost.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility concerns.

Are there guided tours in languages other than English?
Yes, an audio guide in multiple languages, including German, Spanish, Chinese, and more, is available. German guides are also available on specific boats from May to September.

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Final Thoughts

This combined whale watching and museum tour from Reykjavik offers a well-rounded, value-packed experience. It balances the thrill of seeing whales in their natural environment with a detailed, interactive museum visit that appeals to all ages. The guides’ knowledge, the comfortable boat, and the flexibility to customize your schedule make it a practical choice for many travelers.

While wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, the overall package provides a meaningful, educational glimpse into Iceland’s marine life. Plus, the chance of a re-visit if you don’t see anything adds confidence that your money is well spent.

If you’re interested in marine wildlife, enjoy learning about nature, or are traveling with family, this tour offers a memorable, authentic Icelandic adventure. Just pack warm clothes, be prepared for some weather variability, and keep your camera ready—you might be lucky enough to witness a whale breach or dolphins leaping alongside your boat.