Whales start showing fast in Faxaflói Bay. On this Elding Original Classic Whale Watching tour, you cruise from Reykjavik in search of humpbacks, minkes, seals, and more, with live guidance that helps you understand what’s happening. You can pick a morning or afternoon departure, and you’ll be kitted out with overalls and blankets for deck time.

I love the onboard commentary from guides like Pedro and Kylie. I also like the built-in safety net: if no whales or dolphins appear on your tour, you get a free ticket to try again.

One thing to consider: the sea and the boat setup can be tricky—limited mobility passengers are welcome, but the boats are not fully accessible, with steep stairs and high thresholds.

Key points before you go

• Marine-biologist style commentary that turns spotting into real learning
• Warm gear included (overalls, raincoats, blankets) for cold deck viewing
• Free return if whales or dolphins aren’t seen on your outing
• Onboard WiFi plus a cafe/bar for hot drinks and snacks (not included in the price)
• Respectful whale behavior from the crew, including moving on once they’ve had enough viewing time

Entering Faxaflói Bay: Meeting Elding and Picking Your Departure Time

This tour runs out of Reykjavik, starting at Elding Whale Watching at Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík. It’s listed at about 3 hours, and the time at sea is roughly 2 to 3.5 hours, so it’s a satisfying chunk of ocean time without eating your whole day.

You can choose morning or afternoon departures, which matters more than you’d think in Iceland. Light and wind shift during the day, and the crew may spot differently depending on weather and sea state. If conditions in Reykjavik aren’t favorable, the tour could be cancelled or it may depart from an alternative harbor, which can add 1 to 2 hours.

Group size is capped at 196 travelers. That’s plenty of people to keep things lively, but you’re still on the water looking for the same wildlife, so it doesn’t feel like a huge floating arena.

Gear Check for Cold Deck Time: Overalls, Raincoats, Blankets, and Layers

Whale watching in winter is less about heroics and more about layers. The good news here is that overalls, raincoats, and blankets are included, and they’re there for a reason: you’ll want to spend time on the outside deck to actually see wildlife.

I’d treat the included gear as your baseline, not your whole plan. Wear warm base layers under everything, then add a hat and gloves if you have them. In January, wind can feel like it comes straight at you, and even a calm sea can still be brutally cold.

If you’re worried about motion, there’s practical support onboard: sea sickness tablets have been provided on past departures. That doesn’t mean you’ll feel sick, but it’s nice when the crew is thinking ahead.

Wildlife Exhibition Included: What the Land Lesson Adds Before You Cruise

This tour includes admission to a Wildlife Exhibition. You can think of it like a quick warm-up that helps your eyes work better once you’re out in the bay.

Even if you’re a total newbie, that kind of pre-knowledge pays off fast. When you have a mental picture of what you’re likely to encounter—how whales surface, how seals move on the water, what dolphins might look like at a distance—you spend less time guessing and more time watching.

It also makes the guide’s narration more meaningful. A good guide isn’t just telling facts. They’re helping you connect behavior to what you’re seeing right now.

Onboard Life During the 2–3.5 Hour Search: WiFi, Cafe Drinks, and Guide Power

Once you leave the harbor, the main event is the cruise through Faxaflói Bay—a search pattern for whales and other wildlife with excellent onboard services. The tour includes an excellent live guide, and multiple departures have featured guides with strong marine knowledge, including Pedro.

You’ll also have free WiFi on board. That’s useful for keeping up with maps, messaging, and the inevitable sharing spree when you spot something huge.

Food and drinks aren’t included, but there is a cafe/bar on board. Expect hot drinks and the ability to buy snacks or warming beverages while you keep scanning the horizon. Bring a little patience for the cold: even when the boat is calm, you’ll be watching the water a lot.

What You’re Most Likely to See: Humpbacks, Minke Whales, and the Bonus Wildlife

The whales that most often show up are humpback whales and minke whales. Other whale species can appear, but usually only a handful of times a year, so you should plan for the common ones.

Beyond whales, you’re also in the right place for seals and seabirds. Past outings have included harbour porpoises, dolphins, and even seabird highlights like puffins. In other words: even if whales take a bit, the bay often still delivers.

And when whales do appear, the viewing can happen early. Many departures have had quick results—sometimes within the first stretch of time after leaving the harbor. That’s ideal in cold weather, because it reduces how long you’re stuck scanning without payoff.

Whale-Respect Rules That Still Let You Have Great Viewing

One detail I really appreciate in this kind of trip is how the crew handles distance and time. On past departures, the boats have been respectful—not spending the whole outing chasing animals around.

You’ll also notice a practical rhythm: once the captain and guides feel they’ve given people a solid look, they’ll shift location rather than hovering indefinitely. That approach helps wildlife keep doing what wildlife does, and it also reduces the chance that you’ll end up spending the entire trip watching the same corner of the water.

If you’re someone who cares about ethics, this is one of the reasons the tour consistently lands well with people. You get the experience without the feel of a circus.

Getting the Best Views: Deck Angles, Wind, and Moving With the Action

A boat doesn’t always point the same way for every whale. There’s one viewing reality you should know: sometimes the bow can block views for certain seats, meaning people at the front may have a better sightline than those along other parts of the deck.

Here’s your simple fix: don’t glue yourself in one spot. Move when the crew calls attention to something, and change decks or angles if you can do so safely. Cold weather makes people want to huddle, but your eyes will do better if you keep your body where you can see.

If it’s windy, keep your gear snug. The included overalls and blankets help, but a loose hat or jacket can become a distraction the moment something surfaces.

No Whales or Dolphins? The Free Return Ticket That Changes the Math

This tour includes a big reassurance: if no whales or dolphins are spotted on your tour, you can return for free on another day. That turns a wildlife search into a more forgiving plan.

Wildlife sightings are never 100% guaranteed anywhere in the world. What matters is whether the operator has a fair response when luck doesn’t land. Here, the free return policy is a real value add, especially if you only have one shot in Iceland.

Price and Value at $105: Where the Money Goes

At $105 per person, this isn’t the cheapest activity in Reykjavik. But it also isn’t just a ferry ride. You’re paying for a live guide, marine-focused narration, included cold-weather gear, and an included Wildlife Exhibition entry.

The gear package is a quiet cost saver. Overalls, rainwear, and blankets can easily add up if you need to rent or buy them. Add in onboard WiFi and the educational framing from the guide, and the price starts to make sense for a first-time whale watcher.

Also watch for what’s not included. Food and drinks aren’t included. That means you should budget a bit for hot drinks or snacks if you’ll want them during the cruise.

One more perk that can add value: professional photos have been provided via email after some tours. If that matters to you, it’s worth asking onboard how photo delivery works for your departure.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want to Plan Around the Cold)

This is a strong pick for:

• Nature lovers who want more than just a look out a window
• People who like learning marine details in plain language
• Families and couples who want a clear, time-boxed adventure

It’s also a good fit if you care about responsible whale behavior and a boat crew that doesn’t treat whales like targets.

Possible drawbacks:

• If you’re not comfortable with cold outdoor time, you’ll need to dress properly even with the included gear
• If you have limited mobility, the trip is described as warmly welcoming, but the boat has steep stairs and high thresholds that can limit access to indoor areas and toilet facilities

Should You Book This Reykjavik Whale Watching Tour?

Yes—if your ideal day includes cold air, sea views, and a real guide telling you what to watch for. The included warmth, strong guiding, and the free return option make it a smarter gamble than many wildlife tours.

Book with confidence if you can be flexible with timing and weather. If you’re sensitive to rough seas, check conditions on the day and dress for wind first, then comfort second. If you can do that, you’ll get a memorable Reykjavik experience—one that’s built around real spotting and real marine storytelling.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching cruise?

The tour runs about 3 hours total, with roughly 2 to 3.5 hours out in Faxaflói Bay.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

What kind of whales and wildlife can I expect to see?

Humpback whales and minke whales are the most common. You may also see other whale species occasionally, plus wildlife like seals and dolphins/porpoises depending on the day.

What’s included in the price?

Included are an excellent live guide, overalls/raincoats/blankets, admission to the Wildlife Exhibition, and free WiFi on board.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price, though onboard options like hot drinks may be available.

What if no whales or dolphins are spotted during my trip?

If no whales or dolphins appear on your tour, you can join again another day for free.

Does the tour operate in the morning and afternoon?

Yes, you can choose between morning and afternoon departures.

What if weather is bad in Reykjavik?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. It may also depart from an alternative harbor, which can extend the duration.

Is the boat accessible for people with limited mobility?

Passengers with limited mobility are warmly welcome, but the boats are not fully accessible due to steep stairs and high thresholds that may limit access to inside areas and toilet facilities.

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