Skim Faxaflói Bay at speed on a rigid inflatable Zodiac for an exhilarating close-encounter whale-watching safari — minke whales, humpbacks, and white-beaked dolphins are the prize.
What to expect
Kitted out in a full flotation survival suit, you board the sleek Zodiac at the Old Harbour and race out into Faxaflói Bay. The guide — a marine biologist or trained naturalist — scans for blows and dorsal fins, positioning the boat for intimate observations without disturbing the animals. Minke whales are sighted on roughly 90% of summer sailings; humpbacks appear with increasing frequency. The return sprint back across the bay in the Arctic wind is a genuine adrenaline finale.
Good to know
Tours depart multiple times daily and last approximately 2.5 hours — ideal for cruise schedules. The Old Harbour departure point is a 10-minute walk from the main cruise terminal. Pre-book online at specialtours.is to secure a Zodiac slot, which fills quickly in summer. The survival suits make this comfortable even in cold or wet weather.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Reykjavik — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Reykjavik
- Inside the Volcano: Descend into Þríhnúkagígur's Magma Chamber
- Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa: Premium Ritual Immersion
- Golden Circle Classic: Geysir, Gullfoss & Þingvellir in a Day
- Sky Lagoon: Oceanfront Geothermal Ritual with Infinity Edge
- Private Reykjavik Food & Culture Walk: Old Town, Hallgrímskirkja & Harpa