Whale Watching Yacht Cruise from Reykjavík

A whale watching yacht cruise out into Faxaflói Bay from Reykjavík's Old Harbour. You watch for minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins and harbour porpoises from a comfortable yacht with indoor seating and open decks, with a good chance of puffins in summer.

• A smaller, more comfortable yacht instead of a big whale watching boat
• Minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises
• Puffins on the water from mid-May to mid-August
• Indoor seating, free WiFi and warm blankets on board
• A free return trip on the operator if nothing is seen

Your day, stop by stop

2Safety briefing and departureThe crew explains the route and what to look out for.

A short briefing of about 10 minutes before you leave the harbour, covering safety and the wildlife you might see. Check in at the Old Harbour House at least 15 minutes before departure.

Time here · about 10 minutes

3Out into Faxaflói BayThe yacht heads out to open water where whales are regularly seen.

The yacht heads out of the Old Harbour to open water in Faxaflói Bay, one of the best places in Iceland to see whales close to a capital city. Spend time on the open deck for the best view, and step inside to warm up. Indoor seating, toilets and free WiFi are on board.

Facilities · indoor seating, toilets and free WiFi on boardTip · spend time on the open deck for the best view, and step inside to warm up

4Whale and dolphin watchingTime on the water looking for minke and humpback whales and dolphins.

The crew follows sightings reported by other boats and their own local knowledge. Minke whales and white-beaked dolphins are the most common, and humpbacks and harbour porpoises also turn up. Puffins are often seen on the water from mid-May to mid-August.

Time here · most of the cruisePuffins · often seen mid-May to mid-August

About the whale watching yacht cruise

This cruise leaves from Reykjavík's Old Harbour and heads out into Faxaflói Bay, the same waters used by the bigger whale watching boats, but on a smaller yacht with a more relaxed feel. The crew knows the bay well and will point out whatever is around, from minke whales to the occasional humpback.

You spend most of the trip on deck scanning the water, with an indoor cabin to warm up in between sightings. Faxaflói Bay is fairly sheltered, but it is still the North Atlantic, so dress warmly even on a sunny day. Sightings are never guaranteed, since you are looking for wild animals, but minke whales and white-beaked dolphins are seen regularly and humpbacks show up often too.

From mid-May to mid-August you also have a good chance of puffins on the water near their nesting cliffs. Outside that window the trip is mostly about whales and dolphins. The tour runs all year, and winter trips have shorter daylight but often calmer seas.

Questions people ask