Whales in Reykjavik mornings, who needs a plan? I love the warm flotation overalls and the heated indoor cabin for thawing out fast, and I love how the crew looks for Minke and Humpback whales from the start in the Old Harbour area, but if you are prone to seasickness, the crossing can be a concern.

This is a 3.5-hour morning expedition with a 9:00 AM departure, built around time on the water in Faxaflói Bay. You’ll also get birdlife overhead during the sail, plus a bar on board and complimentary Wi-Fi so the time passes even if the ocean is quiet.

What I think makes this tour especially practical is the setup: you are not just standing outside hoping for wildlife. You get guided searching, a comfortable indoor space, and even complimentary seasickness tablets, so you spend more time watching and less time troubleshooting cold and discomfort.

Key things I’d watch for on this Reykjavik whale watching trip

• Old Harbour departure from downtown, so you start right where the action is.
• 2.5 hours in Faxaflói Bay, the core wildlife time during the 3.5-hour tour.
• Minke and Humpback whales, plus dolphins, harbour porpoises, and the possibility of killer whales.
• Warm flotation overalls and heated indoor cabins with toilets, which make a big difference in Iceland.
• On-board Wi-Fi and a bar, so you have something to do between sightings.
• A second-tour ticket if no sightings happen, which adds real value if wildlife is slow that day.

Old Harbour start and the smooth 9:00 AM launch from Geirsgata 11

Your morning begins at Geirsgata 11, at the Special Tours office. You’ll want to arrive about 30 minutes early, not because you need long check-in, but because it is smart to get oriented before you head out to the boat.

The tour departs at 9:00 AM. This matters because early starts tend to mean calmer conditions and better light for spotting spouts and blows. Also, you are out before the day’s plans get crowded, which makes this a nice “do it early, enjoy the rest of Reykjavik later” kind of outing.

One more practical note: pickup service is not included, but it is offered for an extra charge. So if you are staying somewhere central, you’ll likely handle the walk or short ride to the office without drama.

Faxaflói Bay whale watching: what you’re actually scanning for

The heart of the experience is the time in Faxaflói Bay, about 2.5 hours of watching from the vessel. The goal is simple: keep your eyes open for Minke and Humpback whales, along with dolphins and harbour porpoises.

Minke whales are common enough to be a realistic target, and humpbacks are the kind of animal that can make a day feel like a story you’ll be telling later. From the tour info, you might also see killer whales. That is not guaranteed, but knowing they are in the mix sets the expectation that the crew is scanning seriously.

Here is the thing I like about this setup: you are not waiting until you are far offshore to start looking. You’re setting out from Reykjavik’s area, which keeps the whole outing focused on wildlife rather than just travel time.

Also, even when whales are not surfacing constantly, you can still get value from the smaller action. Dolphins and porpoises often show up as brief bursts of movement, and they can appear in ways that reward patience. If you are the type who likes a steady rhythm, this tour works well because it gives you a dedicated block of time instead of a quick drive-by.

What the tour’s “warm overalls plus indoor cabin” setup really changes

Iceland can be cold in a way that surprises people who packed for a typical winter day. This tour takes that problem seriously by providing warm flotation overalls and using heated indoor cabins for breaks.

You’ll get overalls designed to keep you warm, and there are spacious indoor areas where you can relax instead of standing in wind until your hands go numb. There are also toilet facilities on board, which sounds minor until you are out on water longer than you expected.

Why this matters: it changes how you experience the spotting. When you are comfortable, you watch longer. You notice patterns, like where the crew is looking and how animals surface. When you are freezing, you start missing things because you are trying to survive.

If you tend to get cold easily or you have ever regretted not bringing warmer layers on a boat day, this is the kind of comfort-first design that makes the outing feel worth it.

Wildlife spotting plus birdlife overhead, not just whales

You are watching more than just whales. The tour description includes vibrant birdlife soaring overhead, and that fits the Faxaflói Bay setting: seabirds often hang around where marine life concentrates.

So even if whale activity is spaced out, you still get ongoing motion in the sky. I like tours that give you multiple “channels” for excitement, because it reduces the chance that your whole experience hinges on one big sighting happening back-to-back.

There is also a mental benefit here. Birds can keep you engaged while you wait for whales to rise to the surface. It helps you stay alert, not tense. And it makes the morning feel alive even when the ocean is being a bit coy.

On-board perks: bar drinks, free Wi-Fi, and seasickness support

This boat comes with a bar, and you can enjoy a drink while you’re out there. That’s a simple touch, but it helps make the time feel like a relaxed experience instead of a chore. Snacks and beverages are not included, though, so if you want food, expect to buy it on board.

You also get complimentary Wi-Fi. On a whale watching morning, it is not essential, but it is genuinely useful. If your group splits up or you need to check maps, contact someone, or just post a photo when you get the shot, having Wi-Fi takes the edge off waiting.

Seasickness support is included too: you get complimentary seasickness tablets. That’s a big value add, especially since the tour is listed as not suitable for people prone to seasickness. I take that to mean the operator expects some motion, so even with tablets, this may not be the right plan for someone who gets sick easily.

My practical advice: if you are on the fence, be honest about your history with boats. The comfort items help, but they do not change the ocean itself.

How the 3.5-hour morning schedule plays in real life

This is a compact outing: 3.5 hours total. It is short enough that you do not have to give up your whole day, but long enough to spend meaningful time in the water.

The structure is straightforward:

• You start at the Special Tours office on Geirsgata 11.
• You head to Faxaflói Bay for 2.5 hours of whale watching.
• You return to Geirsgata 11 after the tour.

Because the whale-watching block is clearly separated, you can plan your day around it. I’d treat it like the morning anchor of Reykjavik. After you’re done, you still have time for a meal, a museum stop, or just walking the harbor streets.

The “second tour if no sightings” detail is also worth factoring into your planning. Wildlife depends on nature, not your schedule, so having a built-in recovery option reduces stress. You are effectively buying into flexibility, not just a one-time shot.

Price and value: is $103 per person fair for what you get?

At $103 per person for a 3.5-hour guided whale watching morning, the price is very much about what’s included. Here is what you are paying for beyond the boat ride:

• Professional guides helping you search and interpret what you see
• Warm overalls and heated indoor cabin comfort
• Free Wi-Fi on board
• Seasickness tablets
• Toilet facilities in the heated area
• A second-tour ticket if there are no sightings

When you add all that up, you’re not just renting time at sea. You’re buying guidance, comfort gear, and support that make it easier to actually enjoy watching wildlife rather than endure conditions.

What is not included matters too. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase, but you are not getting them included. If you think you’ll want a drink or something to eat, plan a few extra dollars in your budget. If you pack water and snack items, that can help you stay comfortable between sightings, too, especially since the tour notes bring water as a good idea.

If you are comparing options, I’d focus on total experience value: guided searching plus warm gear plus indoor space. That combo is what tends to separate a “we went out and hoped” outing from a “we had a real experience even when wildlife was slow” outing.

Who should book this tour, and who might skip it

This trip is a great fit if you want a classic Reykjavik activity that feels active and outdoorsy, but still comfortable. It especially suits:

• First-time visitors who want a high chance of seeing marine life close to the city
• People who run cold and want provided overalls and heated indoor space
• Anyone who values guidance, not just watching from a deck
• Groups who want a social boat day with a bar and Wi-Fi

It is less ideal if you are prone to seasickness. The tour includes seasickness tablets, but the activity itself is not listed as suitable for people who typically struggle with boat motion.

Wheelchair accessible is noted, which is a helpful detail for planning. If that matters for you, confirm on the day how you’ll access the indoor areas and seating, since conditions can change with weather.

Should you book this Reykjavik whale watching morning expedition?

If your goal is a straightforward, morning-focused whale watching outing with comfort built in, I think you should book it. The combination of warm overalls, heated indoor cabins, guided searching, and meaningful time in Faxaflói Bay makes the experience feel more reliable than tours that rely on pure luck plus cold decks.

Book it especially if you:

• Want to be out at 9:00 AM and still have most of the day afterward
• Care about comfort and bathroom access
• Like the idea of a second-tour ticket if sightings do not happen

Skip it if seasickness is a guaranteed problem for you. Even with tablets, the ocean motion is still part of the deal.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Reykjavik whale watching tour?

Meet at the Special Tours office at Geirsgata 11. The meeting time is about 30 minutes before the 9:00 AM departure.

What time does the tour start?

The tour departs at 9:00 AM.

How long is the experience, and how much time is spent whale watching?

The total duration is 3.5 hours, including about 2.5 hours for whale watching in Faxaflói Bay.

What animals might we see during the tour?

You’re looking for Minke and Humpback whales, dolphins, and harbour porpoises. The tour also mentions the possibility of seeing killer whales.

What should I bring, and what is provided on board?

Bring warm clothing, a camera, and water. The tour provides warm flotation overalls, heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities, and complimentary seasickness tablets.

Is Wi-Fi available on the boat?

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available on board.

Is pickup included, and is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Pickup service is not included, but it is available for an extra charge. The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible.