Reykjavik: Whale Watching Excursion & Whale Exhibition

Discover Iceland’s Marine Giants with a Whale Watching Tour and Whale Exhibition in Reykjavik

The Reykjavik: Whale Watching Excursion & Whale Exhibition offers a compelling combination of sea adventure and educational discovery. Priced at $123 per person, this 3.5-hour experience departs from Geirsgata 11 in the heart of Reykjavik. It includes a whale watching cruise that often spotlights species like minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and harbor porpoises, plus a visit to the largest whale exhibition in Europe, Whales of Iceland. This tour is ideal for those seeking an engaging marine encounter with Iceland’s diverse aquatic life, balanced with informative displays and close-up encounters with whale models.

While weather-dependent, the tour provides warm flotation overalls, heated indoor cabins, and seasickness remedies to ensure comfort. It caters to a wide audience, including families and wildlife enthusiasts, with flexible ticket options and an open museum ticket allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.

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Key Points

• Price: $123 per person for the combined whale watching and museum visit
• Duration: 3.5 hours, with the whale cruise lasting approximately 3 hours
• Departure Point: Geirsgata 11 in downtown Reykjavik
• Highlights: Spotting whales, dolphins, and porpoises in their natural environment, and exploring the Whales of Iceland exhibition
• Inclusions: Entry to the exhibition, guide-led whale cruise, warm flotation suits, WiFi onboard, and seasickness tablets
• Weather dependency: Whale sightings are subject to weather conditions, with options to re-book if no whales are seen

Convenient Location in Reykjavik’s Old Town

The tour begins right in the Vesturbugt Harbor area, located in the center of Reykjavik. Travelers check in 30 minutes before the scheduled departure at the Special Tours office at Geirsgata 11. The close proximity to Reykjavik’s attractions makes it easy to combine this experience with other city explorations.

The departure point features heated indoor cabins and toilet facilities, providing comfort regardless of weather conditions. The meeting point is straightforward, and the tour ends back at the same location, making logistics simple for visitors.

The 3-Hour Whale Watching Cruise in Icelandic Waters

The core of this experience is the whale watching trip that departs from Faxaflói, Iceland’s rich fishing and marine area. The cruise often encounters minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and harbor porpoises, especially during the summer months, which is the peak season for wildlife sightings.

The guides on board are dedicated to delivering an enjoyable and educational experience. They share insights about the species, their migration routes, and behavior, enriching the trip beyond just observing wildlife. The WiFi onboard allows guests to share their sightings or learn more during the journey.

What Makes the Whale Exhibition in Reykjavik Unique

Following the cruise, visitors are encouraged to explore the Whales of Iceland exhibition. It is the largest whale exhibit in Europe, featuring full-size models of giants like the blue whale (25 meters long), sperm whale, and North Atlantic right whale. These models give a tangible sense of the whales’ scale and diversity.

The exhibition provides interactive stations with scientific data, including migration routes, biological details, and whale songs. Visitors can look into the eyes of these models, listen to their sounds, and learn about their behaviors in a way that appeals to both adults and children.

Admission to the exhibition is included in the tour ticket, but the visit is self-guided and flexible. Guests can choose when to visit, even if it’s on a different day from the whale cruise.

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The Experience of a Whale Watching Trip During Iceland’s Peak Season

The summer months bring the best chance of sightings but whale watching is weather-dependent. The tour guarantees a refund for the whale watching portion if it is canceled due to bad weather, though the museum ticket remains valid regardless of the weather.

The onboard amenities enhance comfort, with heated indoor cabins and seats protected from the elements. Complimentary seasickness tablets are available, and warm flotation suits are provided, making the experience accessible to those sensitive to sea conditions.

How the Tour Handles Crowd and Sightings

The tour is noted for its organization, though some reviews mention that multiple companies share boats, which can lead to crowded decks and limited whale visibility at times. Staying on deck and being patient is advised to maximize chances of spotting whales.

The guides are experienced and committed to enhancing the experience, helping guests spot whales and explaining marine life details thoroughly. The captain’s personal visit among guests adds a friendly touch, as noted in some reviews, making the trip feel more personal.

Practical Tips for the Whale Watching and Exhibition Visit

To get the most out of this experience, dress warmly with weather-appropriate clothing. Even in summer, conditions can be cool or windy on the water. The included flotation suits provide extra warmth.

Since the museum ticket is open, visitors can plan a flexible visit to the Whales of Iceland exhibition at their convenience. There are no hotel pickups or drop-offs, so plan transport accordingly in Reykjavik.

Food and drinks are not included, but can be purchased onboard, and the warm indoor cabins make it easy to relax during the trip. Pets and smoking are not permitted onboard.

The Benefits of Booking with Reykjavik Sailors

Reykjavik Sailors is the activity provider, known for professional guides and a focus on environmental considerations, such as limiting boat traffic to protect the marine environment. The flexible booking options include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve & pay later options for travelers seeking flexibility.

The live English guide enhances the educational aspect, making this tour suitable for a broad audience, including families and wildlife enthusiasts.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This combined whale watching and exhibition experience appeals to anyone interested in marine life, nature photography, or Iceland’s natural beauty. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a comprehensive encounter with Iceland’s whale species, backed by educational displays and up-close models.

While the tour is accessible and family-friendly, travelers should be prepared for weather variability and crowded boats at peak times.

Reykjavik Whale Watching & Whale Exhibition Final Thoughts

This tour offers a balanced blend of adventure and education, providing opportunities to see whales in their natural habitat and learn about these majestic creatures through interactive exhibits. The pricing is reasonable considering the inclusions, and the flexibility of the museum visit adds value.

The main limitations involve the weather dependency and potential crowding on boats, but the guides’ professionalism and comfort amenities help mitigate these concerns.

This experience is well-suited for families, wildlife lovers, and curious travelers eager to connect with Iceland’s marine environment without fuss or complicated logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is whale watching possible year-round in Reykjavik?
Yes, whales can be seen year-round, with summer being the peak season for sightings.

What is included in the tour price?
The price includes the whale watching cruise, entry to the Whales of Iceland exhibition, guides, warm flotation suits, WiFi onboard, and seasickness tablets.

Can I visit the whale exhibition at a different time?
Yes, the museum ticket is open, so you can visit whenever it fits your schedule.

What happens if I don’t see whales during the trip?
You can opt to go again for free, as the tour guarantees a full refund for the whale watching part if canceled due to weather.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the exhibit and the whale watching experience are appealing to children and families, with interactive stations and large whale models.

How is the weather handled on the tour?
The tour provides heated cabins, flotation suits, and weather-appropriate clothing advice. If canceled due to weather, the whale watching portion is refunded.

Are there any physical or accessibility limitations?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and guides are experienced in accommodating diverse needs.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring weather-appropriate clothing, and consider bringing additional layers for comfort on the boat.

Does the tour include food or drinks?
No, but food and drinks can be purchased onboard.

Is transportation included?
No, there is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan your arrival at Geirsgata 11 accordingly.

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