Whales in Reykjavik sound unreal, but it happens. From downtown’s Old Harbour, you sail into Faxaflói Bay at 9:00 AM and scan for minke and humpback whales, with dolphins and porpoises sometimes showing up too.

I really like the comfort setup. You get warm flotation overalls and a heated indoor cabin with toilets, so you’re not stuck freezing in the wind for the whole trip. I also like the practical extras: a bar drink onboard and complimentary Wi‑Fi to keep you connected while you wait for the next spout.

One thing to consider: this tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, even though complimentary seasickness tablets are provided. If you’re even a little sensitive to boats, be honest with yourself before you book.

Key highlights at a glance

• Old Harbour departure: Start right in downtown Reykjavik, not out in some far-flung pickup zone.
• Warm overalls + heated cabin: You can see whales without turning the whole experience into a cold-weather test.
• Faxaflói Bay wildlife odds: Look for minke, humpback, dolphins, and harbour porpoises, with killer whales possible.
• Birdlife overhead: You’ll also spot lots of seabirds as you scan the water.
• Bar + Wi‑Fi: A drink and free internet make the ride more comfortable, especially if conditions are slow.
• Second-tour promise: If there are no sightings, you receive a complimentary ticket for another tour.

Morning start from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour (Geirsgata 11)

This is one of those Iceland trips where the timing really helps. You set out at 9:00 AM, which means you’re on the water while the day is still fresh and when people are often eager to get outside and hunt for wildlife.

Your meeting point is the Special Tours office at Geirsgata 11, and you’ll want to arrive 30 minutes before departure. From there, the tour heads to the Old Harbour area in downtown Reykjavik to begin the whale-watching cruise.

Why I like this structure for you: it keeps the day simple. No long bus ride to a distant marina. You start in the city, build excitement right away, and then spend the core of the trip on the water—exactly where the sightings happen.

3.5 hours at sea: how the timing feels in real life

The whole expedition runs about 3.5 hours, with 2.5 hours specifically set aside for whale watching in Faxaflói Bay. That ratio matters. Short tours can feel rushed when whales decide to show up late. Longer ones can feel repetitive if the sea is quiet. Here, you get enough time to look carefully without losing the morning.

Also, because it’s a morning schedule, you’re still likely to have plenty of the rest of the day for other Reykjavik plans. You won’t need to build your whole itinerary around a late return.

What to expect on board is straightforward: you’ll be scanning the water for signs of whales—often spouts, movement patterns, or surfaces breaking calm lines—while listening to the guide’s pointers. Then you rotate between outside viewing and the indoor cabin when you want a break from wind.

Warm flotation overalls and a heated indoor cabin

Cold water and wind are the big “hidden boss fights” on Iceland boat trips. This one fights back with gear.

You’ll be provided warm flotation overalls designed to keep you warm and safe. Even with that, dress in layers and plan for real sea air. The overalls help a lot, but they don’t replace common sense warm clothing.

The best part for comfort is the heated indoor cabin with convenient toilets. This means you can stay relaxed, warm, and ready instead of spending every minute outside, shivering and forgetting to watch. If the weather turns, you’re not locked out from the experience—you just duck inside, warm up, and step back out when you feel ready.

Add to that complimentary seasickness tablets, and you have a setup aimed at keeping you focused on the water. Just remember the tour is explicitly not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

Faxaflói Bay wildlife window: minke, humpbacks, and more

The main event is whale watching in Faxaflói Bay. The operator’s target sightings include Minke and Humpback whales, plus dolphins and harbour porpoises.

Here’s the part I think you’ll appreciate most: you’re not limited to one species. When sightings happen, they can come in different forms. You might see:

• Minke whales
• Humpback whales
• Dolphins
• Harbour porpoises
• Even an occasional glimpse of killer whales

Killer whales are listed as a possibility, not a promise. Still, having that on the radar changes how you watch. You’ll likely keep your eyes open for faster movement and more dramatic surfacing patterns, not just slow passes.

Also note the birdlife. The cruise includes time with birdlife overhead, which can be a clue. Seabirds often react to fish activity, and fish activity is usually connected to where marine mammals might feed. Even if birds don’t guarantee whale sightings, they make the scenery more alive while you’re waiting.

A practical tip for your viewing

Bring a camera and expect to use it outdoors. The boat has an indoor cabin for comfort, but your best shots come when you’re outside and steady. Dress so you can move easily, open your jacket layers quickly, and still feel warm enough to stand watching for a few minutes.

Guides, bar time, and free Wi‑Fi on a wildlife hunt

This tour uses professional guides, and that matters more than people think. Whale watching is often about knowing where to look and what behavior signals are worth noticing. A good guide helps you avoid spending the best part of the time scanning randomly.

Then there’s the onboard bar. Drinks are available for purchase, and the tour includes a drink from the bar as part of the experience. That’s a small detail, but it can make a real difference in the mood—especially if the sea is choppy or the sightings take a little time.

The other modern convenience: complimentary Wi‑Fi. On a morning excursion that’s mostly out at sea, you might not use it constantly. But it’s great for:

• messaging home once you’re under way
• checking maps or plans before you return to Reykjavik
• sharing photos while the excitement is still fresh

If you’re traveling with people who get restless, this helps too. You can keep everyone calm while the wildlife team does its thing.

What’s actually included (and what you’ll buy)

For the price, you get a lot of the stuff that usually costs extra on boat trips.

Included:

• Professional guides
• Warm flotation overalls
• Complimentary Wi‑Fi onboard
• Heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities
• Complimentary seasickness tablets
• A complimentary ticket for a second tour if there are no sightings

Not included:

• Snacks and beverages (available for purchase on board)
• Pickup service (available for an extra charge)

This is a value story, not just a laundry list. Overalls and a heated cabin are expensive if you were to manage them yourself. The guide time is the core of the spotting effort. And the second-tour ticket is the kind of safety net that can soften the disappointment of quiet sea days.

So when you see the price—$103 per person—I’d judge it by the total experience, not just the hours. You’re paying for a guided search, proper cold-weather protection, and an extra chance if sightings don’t happen.

Itinerary in plain terms: where you go and when

You’re essentially doing a loop: meet, go out, watch, return.

1) Meet at Geirsgata 11

You meet at the Special Tours office 30 minutes before departure. This buffer helps you get geared up and ready without rushing.

2) Depart from downtown Reykjavik’s Old Harbour

You sail from the Old Harbour area, which keeps the start memorable. You’ll be in the heart of the city before the boat work begins.

3) Faxaflói Bay whale watching (2.5 hours)

This is where you spend most of your time. You’ll look for whales and also enjoy birdlife overhead. Expect a mix of scanning from outside and warming up inside.

4) Return to Geirsgata 11

You head back to the starting area after the sea time ends.

If you’re the type who likes structure, this itinerary is clean. If you’re the type who hates rigid plans, you’ll still appreciate that the wildlife time is the real focus.

Who this Reykjavik whale watching morning expedition suits best

This tour fits best if you want a short-to-medium outing that stays practical.

It’s a strong match for:

• People who want to see whales in Reykjavik without a full-day commitment
• Anyone who appreciates comfort at sea (overalls + heated cabin are a big deal)
• Photo-people who bring a camera and plan to spend real time watching from outside
• Groups who want the trip to feel easygoing thanks to a bar and free Wi‑Fi

I’d be cautious if:

• You’re prone to seasickness (the tour is not suitable for that)
• You’re expecting a guaranteed whale sighting (nature doesn’t follow schedules)

If you want a “morning activity with real payoff,” this one gives you that chance while still leaving room for more Reykjavik later.

Should you book this tour?

I think you should book this tour if you want the best mix of comfort and wildlife odds. Warm overalls, a heated indoor cabin, and the guide support mean you can focus on spotting rather than surviving the weather. The chance to see minke, humpbacks, dolphins, and harbour porpoises—and the possibility of killer whales—adds real excitement for the time spent.

Skip it only if seasickness is a concern for you. Otherwise, it’s a solid value choice because the included gear and the second-tour ticket are the kind of perks that matter when conditions aren’t cooperative.

If you’re staying in Reykjavik and you can make the 9:00 AM start, this is one of the most sensible ways to spend a few hours chasing ocean life.

FAQ

What time does the Reykjavik whale watching morning expedition depart?

It departs at 9:00 AM.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 3.5 hours, with 2.5 hours spent on whale watching.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at the Special Tours office at Geirsgata 11, 30 minutes before departure.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

You keep an eye out for Minke and Humpback whales, dolphins, and harbour porpoises. Killer whales are also mentioned as a possible sighting.

Are warm clothes provided?

Yes. The tour includes warm flotation overalls, and you can also relax in heated indoor cabins.

Is Wi‑Fi available onboard?

Yes, complimentary Wi‑Fi is available on board.

Are meals included?

Snacks and beverages are not included, but they are available for purchase on board.

Are seasickness tablets provided?

Yes. Complimentary seasickness tablets are provided.

Is pickup from hotels included?

No. Pickup service is available for an extra charge.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.