Whale Watching Cruise on a Yacht in Reykjavik

If you’re heading to the northern capital of Iceland and want a perspective that truly stands out, a whale-watching cruise on a yacht offers an experience that’s both scenic and memorable. For $88 per person, you’ll spend about three hours aboard a spacious vessel with panoramic windows, sailing across Faxaflói Bay to look for minke, humpback, and even orca whales. Guides and crew are dedicated to making sure everyone leaves with a smile — whether that’s from seeing whales or enjoying the cozy comfort of the yacht’s interior.

We love the intimacy this tour offers — the yacht’s size means fewer crowds and better chances to spot marine life close-up. The friendly, knowledgeable guides consistently get high praise for their enthusiasm and expertise, making the experience both educational and fun. Plus, the chance to see Reykjavik’s landmarks from the water is a bonus you don’t want to miss.

One thing to consider, however, is that whale sightings aren’t guaranteed — these are wild animals, after all. Still, the tour’s promise of a free return cruise if no whales are seen adds peace of mind for travelers worried about paying for a maybe. This tour is perfect for those who enjoy nature, want a comfortable yet authentic adventure, and don’t mind braving the weather — because Icelandic seas can be a little brisk!

If you’re traveling as a family, a couple, or with friends who love marine life, this cruise is a fantastic choice. It’s especially appealing if you prefer a smaller group, a well-organized experience, and a chance for close encounters with Iceland’s fascinating whales and seabirds.

This experience made our article of The 16 Top Boat Tours & Cruises In Reykjavik: Which Is Best?.

Key Points

• Personalized experience on a cozy yacht with fewer crowds
• Expert guides with marine biology knowledge enhance learning and spotting chances
• Flexible options for rebooking if no whales are seen — good value for money
• Great views of Reykjavik, Faxaflói Bay, and nearby islands from the water
• Family-friendly activity with a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere
• Weather-dependent — good weather maximizes the chance of sightings

A Deep Dive into the Whale Watching Yacht Cruise

If you’re curious about what makes this tour stand out, let’s explore the details that can help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins right at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, an easy walk from the city center. The check-in process is described as smooth and relaxed, and the meeting point’s proximity to public transportation makes it simple to get there. The vessel departs with a maximum of around 125 travelers, keeping the atmosphere friendly and manageable.

The cruise lasts approximately three hours, which includes travel time to the richest whale habitats in Faxaflói Bay, as well as time spent searching and observing. Most reviews agree that the journey to the whale hotspots takes around 90 minutes, giving you plenty of time to settle in and enjoy the scenery.

The Vessel and Comfort

Travelers consistently mention the yacht’s comfortable, spacious interior with panoramic viewing windows, perfect for whale spotting and comfortably watching the wildlife or city views. There’s a heated area and a bar where you can buy snacks and drinks, which is much appreciated given the Icelandic weather — even on sunny days, the sea breeze can be brisk. The boat’s interior is described as well-maintained and clean, making for an enjoyable ride.

A standout feature, praised by many, is how not overcrowded the vessel is compared to larger tour boats, allowing for good movement and multiple vantage points. One reviewer noted that the main deck is the best spot to catch sight of whales, with the flexibility to shift positions depending on where the marine activity occurs.

Wildlife Encounters and Sightings

The core appeal of this cruise is, of course, wildlife viewing. Common sightings include minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The chance to see orcas also exists, though they are less predictable.

Based on reviews, many travelers have been lucky enough to see whales up close. For instance, one reviewer shared that they witnessed a humpback whale almost performing for them, staying close to the boat for multiple encounters. Another noted, “the whales were right next to the yacht,” giving a very personal experience.

However, some travelers mention that whale sightings cannot be guaranteed, which is normal with wildlife tours. The tour’s promise of a free cruise if no whales are seen is a thoughtful touch, providing reassurance for those worried about paying for a potential no-show.

Marine Life and Bird Watching

Apart from whales, puffins, dolphins, and seabirds are often spotted, especially around Lundey and Viðey Islands. Several reviews highlight puffins as a delightful surprise — especially for bird lovers and nature photographers. One reviewer enthusiastically shared, “Seeing puffins was a pleasant surprise,” illustrating how the tour offers more than just whale sightings.

Authentic and Educational Experience

The guides are described as knowledgeable and engaging, with some reviews mentioning a marine biologist onboard. This not only enriches your understanding of whale behavior but makes the entire experience more meaningful. A reviewer noted that their guide was very informative and interested, adding to the enjoyment.

Weather Considerations

Since Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, a warm coat is recommended — even if the day looks sunny. Many reviews mention how the weather can be much colder at sea than on land, and bundling up is essential. When conditions are favorable, the sea remains calm, and visibility tends to be excellent, making sightings more likely.

Cost, Value, and Overall Impression

At $88 per person, this tour is considered good value given the duration, the quality of the yacht, and the chance of wildlife encounters. The reviews consistently mention that the guided commentary and comfortable vessel enhance the experience, making it worth the price.

Some reviewers feel the price is a little high considering the uncertainty of sightings; however, the free rebooking policy and the personalized experience on the yacht tend to balance this out.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This cruise is best suited for wildlife enthusiasts, those who enjoy comfortable, intimate boat tours, and travelers who appreciate good guides and local knowledge. It’s ideal for families, couples, or small groups who value small-group intimacy and are prepared for the possibility that not all whales may put on a show.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a relaxing yet exciting way to see Iceland from its waters, this whale-watching yacht tour offers a blend of scenic beauty, marine wildlife, and comfortable sophistication. The chance to spot whales, puffins, and dolphins in their natural habitat, combined with the stunning vistas of Reykjavik and Faxaflói Bay, makes it a worthwhile addition to your Iceland itinerary.

While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, the tour’s structure, experienced guides, and cozy yacht make it a trustworthy and enjoyable adventure. And with the opportunity for a free re-ride if no whales appear, your investment in this experience remains fair.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to connect with nature or a seasoned traveler seeking a peaceful maritime escape, this cruise is well worth considering — especially if you love the idea of viewing Iceland’s marine life from a vessel as elegant as the yacht itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the whale-watching cruise?
The tour lasts around three hours, including travel time to and from the whale hotspots in Faxaflói Bay.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, which is easy to reach from the city center.

What types of whales might I see?
Common sightings include minke and humpback whales, with a chance of seeing dolphins, porpoises, and orcas.

Is whale sighting guaranteed?
No, since these are wild animals, sightings are not guaranteed. However, the tour offers a free rebooking if no whales are seen.

Is the yacht comfortable?
Yes, travelers mention that the vessel is spacious, clean, and well-maintained, with a heated interior and panoramic windows.

Can I see other wildlife?
Absolutely. Puffins, seabirds, dolphins, and porpoises are often spotted, especially around Lundey and Viðey Islands.

In the end, this whale-watching cruise on a yacht offers a special blend of comfort, adventure, and education, perfect for those wanting an authentic Icelandic marine experience with a bit of style.