Faxaflói is a large bay in west Iceland, between the Reykjanes and Snӕfellsnes Peninsula. It faces Reykjavík and is a hot spot for puffin and whale watching.
Explore the area on a Snaefellsnes Peninsula tour.
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Activities in Faxaflói Bay
Whale watching tours head into Faxafloi from Reykjavik throughout the year. In summer, the most commonly seen species are minke and humpback whales, while harbor porpoises and white-beaked dolphins can be seen year-round. Other species are seen occasionally, including orcas and blue whales.
From May to mid-August, some tours include a puffin-watching segment around the islands of Lundey and Akurey. Visitors may see puffins near their nesting colonies and bobbing in the water.
Boat type, group size, and onboard facilities vary between tours in Faxafloi Bay. Our study of the best whale-watching companies in Iceland provides context on differences between operators.
Another island, Viðey, can easily be visited throughout the year by boat, with tickets included on the Reykjavík City Card. It is home to the Yoko Ono Peace Tower.
Sea-angling is also popular in Faxaflói, and it is possible to rent a rod and fish from Reykjavík Harbour.
Faxaflói Bay from Reykjavík
Faxaflói Bay is a beautiful feature of Iceland’s capital, visible from much of the city. Many of Reykjavík’s greatest landmarks have it as their backdrop, as they hug the coastline.
Harpa Concert Hall, for example, is an incredible feat of modern architecture that juts out into the water. The Sun Voyager is a popular statue that also looks out to the sea.
In decent weather, visitors can see some of Iceland’s most beautiful nature across Faxaflói. Mount Esjan is the most dominant feature, but when it is especially clear, it is possible to see the Reykjanes and Snӕfellsnes Peninsulas.
