Everything You Need to Know About Whale Watching Tours in Reykjavik

Spending some time in Reykjavik and curious about taking a whale watching tour? It’s no surprise. Reykjavik is home to a few of Iceland’s most popular whale watching tours and due to its strategic location there is an abundance of wildlife to make your visit extra special. In this guide, we aim to provide you with an in-depth look into whale watching in Reykjavik, including prices and availability, the various tour operators and the wildlife that typically seen on these trips.

What Type of Whales Are Seen In Reykjavik?

Icelandic waters cater to a wide variety of whale species, most of which can be spotted while on a whale watching tour around Reykjavik. These species include:

• Fin Whales
• Minke Whales
• White-beaked Dolphins
• Harbour Porpoises
• Humpback Whales
• Sei Whales
• Long-finned Pilot Whales

Fin whales are the largest and some of the most endangered whales in the world. They can grow up to 18 metres in length and weigh up to 80 tons. They prefer to spend their time in the sea far away from land so they are rarely spotted along the Reykjavik coastline. Minkes are the most common whales in Icelandic waters, growing to 8 metres in length and weighing up to 10 tons. They have a lip groove below the chin, white bands on their pectoral fins and flukes with a white notch on the posterior margin. White-beaked dolphins are easily spotty along the Reykjavik coastline due to their distinctive colouration – black on the back with a white curved beak and white patch behind each eye.

Where Can You Go Whale Watching in Reykjavik?

The best place to go whale watching in Reykjavik is Faxafloi Bay, around 45 minutes south of the city centre. This large and deep bay is one of the most important feeding grounds for whales, dolphins and porpoises, which makes it a great location for whale watchers all year round. Popular tour operators offering whale watching trips in this area include Elding Whale Watching and Whales of Iceland. The latter runs a variety of packages to cater to different needs, from pod watching cruises through to private guided tours.

What Are the Prices for Whale Watching Tours?

This will depend on the tour operator, but an average range for Reykjavik based whale watching tours is between EUR 35-80 per person for adults and from EUR 20-52 for children between 5-12 years old. Prices usually include equipment like binoculars, waterproof protection and even salmon sandwiches for lunch. The tour duration can range from 2-4 hours for most operators.

What Are My Other Options for Whale Watching Tours?

If you’re looking for some alternatives, there are other tour operators offering thrilling trips around Reykjavik. Ranger X Whale Watching offers a unique experience, combining both whale watching and snowmobiling. Underwater expositions are also available with Salka Sea Adventures, providing an enlightening view of whales and other species like seals, puffins and other seabirds while exploring the diverse beauty beneath the surface of the sea. For more fast paced adrenaline fueled trips, Dryworld Adventure Tours focuses on high speed RIB boats (Rigid Inflatable Boats). Depending on weather conditions, trips can last between 2-4 hours as you zip across the waves in search of whales.

Where Can I Find More Information About Whale Watching Tours?

If you’re looking for more information about whale watching tours in Reykjavik, you can take a look at the local tourist office or visit dedicated websites like GetYourGuide who provides an extensive catalog offering various trips with detailed information on prices, availability and reviews from past visitors. With this knowledge and guidance, you can make an informed decision on which tour operator will give you the best chance at spotting some whale pods out at sea during your trip!

Final Thoughts

Whale watching tours around Reykjavik are a great way to explore Iceland’s rich wildlife from impressive close-up views of majestic giants like Fin whales or playful dolphins’ acrobatics out at sea. Whether you’re looking for something more low-key and educational or high paced thrills across the waves in search of whales pods – there’s something for everyone. With plenty of tour operators dotted around the coastline offering different modes of transport at varying prices, there’s no excuse not to get out there and explore this incredible part of nature! If you’d like to find out more information or book your own whale watching tour while in Reykjavik then GetYourGuide provides some excellent options.