Unforgettable 3-Hour Winter Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik Old Harbor

Hop on this thrilling winter excursion from Reykjavik’s harbor for some of the best whale watching in the world. While setting out to sea in the colder months of Iceland may seem daunting, the reward of seeing the incredible marine mammals that frequent our waters is well-worth the trip.

You’ll start this tour from the Old Harbor of Reykjavik, right by the downtown area. You’ll pass through an exhibition on whale watching in Iceland and board the ship in time for your departure. Your vessel is modern, with free WiFi, a cafe, and spacious, with comfortable areas indoor and on deck.

As you set out from Faxafloi, you can either warm up with a coffee to prepare for your sightings or borrow the free overalls and head outside to enjoy the views. Reykjavik is beautiful from the water, and in clear weather, you’ll also be able to see the snow-coated Mount Esja, the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula, and the distant Snaefellsnes Peninsula. 

At any point, you could start to see the beautiful animals of Iceland’s seas. In this season, harbor porpoises and white-beaked dolphins are most common. The former are adorable due to their small size and closely-knit groups, while the latter are dramatic, breaching from the surface in pods that can number over 30.

Despite what many think, great whales can still be seen in winter. Though most migrate to their breeding grounds, there are always some individuals - largely elder creatures and young males - who choose to remain in the rich feeding grounds for another season. Elusive minkes and gregarious humpbacks are most frequently spotted, though many blue, fin and sei whales are seen rarely.

Seabirds such as fulmars, guillemots, gannets, cormorants, and eider ducks are very common. You may also have the chance to see orcas and pilot whales.

You’ll spend three hours on the seas before returning to Reykjavik harbor. If you are unlucky and see no whales, dolphins, or porpoises, or if the weather makes setting out on the trip unsafe, you can redeem your ticket for another day. 

Don’t let the season put you off an unforgettable whale-watching adventure from Reykjavik. Check availability by choosing a date.