Reykjavik Whale Watching: Boat Tours Compared

Which whale watching boat suits you

The marine life cruise (€89) is the busiest choice, with 11,814 reviews. It leaves from the Old Harbour House at Ægisgarður 2, and you check in 30 minutes before departure. Guides are on board, and the heated cabins have toilets and Wi-Fi, with seating both inside and out. That makes it a sensible pick for families and for anyone who wants to step in from the wind between sightings.

The Amelia Rose yacht (€99) is the yacht option. It sails from the same Old Harbour House, with blankets and Wi-Fi. A guide goes along. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select that option, which is useful if you are staying outside the harbor area.

The Original 3-hour tour (€92) includes warm overalls, which matters on open water, plus entry to the operator's whale-watching centre and Wi-Fi on board. It starts at Ægisgarður 5. If no animals are seen, you can try again for free.

The whale, dolphin and porpoise tour (€70) is the trip with flotation overalls and a heated cabin with toilets. Seasickness tablets are available on board, and a complimentary ticket for another tour applies if no whales or dolphins are spotted. It starts at Geirsgata 11. Hotel pickup is possible for an extra charge.

The midnight sun tour (€50) runs in the summer months at €50. Warm overalls, a guide, Wi-Fi and a live troubadour performance are included, and you visit the whale-watching centre. It starts at Ægisgarður 5, and refreshments cost extra.

Season, weather and the right time of day

The main season runs from April to October, and May to September is the preferred stretch, with more animals around in summer. In winter there are fewer departures, and the sea is colder and rougher. Operators report no particular time of day with more whale or dolphin activity, so pick the departure that suits your plans rather than chasing a slot.

Dress for the water, not the city: warm layers, sturdy shoes, a hat and gloves, and sunglasses or sun protection on bright days. Overalls are supplied on three of the five trips, blankets on the yacht. Drinks and snacks on board are sold separately.

If the weather or the whales do not cooperate

Several trips give a free repeat when no whales or dolphins appear: the marine life cruise issues a return ticket valid for up to three years, and the Original tour lets you go again at no charge. No operator can promise a sighting, but these terms mean a quiet trip is not a lost ticket.

Price differences explained

The €49 gap between the lowest and highest price comes down to the boat, the gear and the season. The yacht carries blankets and optional pickup, the cruise boat at €89 adds cabins and extensive seating, and the €70 tour pairs flotation overalls with a heated cabin. The midnight sun departure at €50 runs in summer only and adds live music. For a couple, the choice between €70 and €99 each comes to €58 in total.