Reykjavík Premium Whale Watching
By Elding Adventure at SeaBest of
Experience the thrill of our original RIB boat whale watching tour, designed for small groups with a maximum of 12 passengers per boat. Departing daily from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík, this premium adventure runs from April through October.
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Season
- April to October
- Minimum age
- 10 years
- Getting there
- Boat
- Book by
- 30 minutes before
- Cancellation
- Free up to 24 h before
from
24.900 ISK
per adults
Check dates & bookNext departures
- Thu 1 Oct · 09:00
- Thu 1 Oct · 12:00
- Thu 1 Oct · 15:00
- Fri 2 Oct · 09:00
Runs: April to October
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Secure payment, confirmation from the operator
- No account needed
The Grapevine's take
Elding Whale Watching
Elding's boats leave the Old Harbour and sail 40 minutes into Faxaflói bay, where whales the size of buses do whale-shaped things. Humpbacks are the stars and sometimes roll belly-up like giant dogs, which is more emotionally involving than you'd expect. Minke whales, dolphins, and summer puffins fill the supporting cast. Guides call sightings by clock position and cut the engines when close, because it is not polite to harass a whale for more than half an hour. Bring a jacket. Bring two.
On The Reykjavík Grapevine's Best of list. See the whole list.
Prices
| Adults16+ years | 24.900 ISK |
|---|---|
| Youth10 - 15 years | 24.900 ISK |
Prices for the next departure, checked Wed 30 Sept. They can change with the date; the booking shows the exact price.
About this tour
Experience the thrill of our original RIB boat whale watching tour, designed for small groups with a maximum of 12 passengers per boat. Departing daily from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík, this premium adventure runs from April through October. With a specially trained crew and a certified RIB captain, you’ll be in expert hands as you explore the seas and search for wildlife.
Our custom-engineered RIB boats allow you to get closer and faster to the whales and puffins than larger vessels, enhancing your chances of witnessing these incredible animals up close. The stability and safety of these boats also allow us to cover a larger area, further increasing the likelihood of sightings. As you journey back to Reykjavík, enjoy a unique view of the city’s coastline, including landmarks such as the Sun Voyager sculpture and the stunning Harpa Concert Hall.
What's included
- 2 hr. expertly narrated whale whale watching tour on a RIB boat.
- Small Group - only 12 passengers with expert naturalist & captain.
- High quality suspension seats for extra safety and comfort.
- Puffins are also seen on this tour (from late April until mid-August).
- Reykjavík sightseeing with panoramic views of Sun Voyager & Harpa Concert Hall.
- Whale Guarantee! Or try again on the Classic Whale Watching tour for free!
- We supply warm overalls, goggles and all necessary safety equipment.
What to bring
Please dress according to weather and remember to bring a hat, gloves and sturdy footwear. You will be required to wear our thermal overalls (available up to size 3XL), as well as a life vest for the duration of the tour.
You are welcome to bring your sunglasses, phone or camera on board, but do so at your own risk. Bags are not permitted on the RIB boat, so ensure that whatever you bring with you fits around your neck or in your pocket! You can store your belongings in our office while you are on the tour.
Good to know
Make your own way to the Old Harbour for check-in at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. The tour lasts 2 hours from start to finish and requires a minimum of 4 passengers for the tour to proceed. If the minimum is not met, you will have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.
For safety reasons, participants must be at least 145 cm tall, weigh less than 140 kg and able to stand comfortably in our saddle-like seats. The tour may not be suitable during pregnancy and is not recommended for those with a history of back or knee injuries. Please consult with your doctor prior to booking this tour. Keep in mind that you are required to sign a safety waiver prior to departure, confirming that you are physically fit.
We abide by a Code of Conduct for responsible whale watching, thus each encounter is on the animals' terms and distance may be kept to minimise disturbance. In the event that no whales or dolphins are seen, we do not issue refunds, but you will be offered a complimentary ticket valid on our Classic Whale Watching tour, for 2 years.
Where it starts
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
For all bookings of day tours, a minimum of 24 hours' notice prior to your scheduled departure is required in order to receive a full refund. If a cancellation is made with less than 24 hours notice, no refund is given.
For all bookings of multi-day and custom private tours, a minimum of 72 hours' notice prior to your scheduled departure is required in order to receive a full refund. If a cancellation is made with less than 72 hours' notice, no refund is given*
*Note that in the event the client requests a refund for any reason, Tour Desk reserves the right to charge a 3% administration fee to cover costs incurred.
Cancellation and refund requests need to be sent in writing to info@tourdesk.io
Questions
- How long is Reykjavík Premium Whale Watching?
- About 2 hours.
- How much does Reykjavík Premium Whale Watching cost?
- From 24.900 ISK. Adults (16+ years): 24.900 ISK. Youth (10 - 15 years): 24.900 ISK. Prices are per person unless the category says otherwise, and can change with the date.
- Where does it start?
- There is no pickup: you meet the operator at Elding ticket office, Ægisgarður 5c, Reykjavík. Most people drive there themselves.
- What is the minimum age?
- 10 years.
- When does it run?
- April to October, going by the departures listed for the next twelve months.
- Can I cancel?
- Yes. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour starts.
- How hard is it?
- The operator rates it moderate.
Explore more
Read next: Whale watching and puffins in Iceland
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