Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

Humpback whales are the main event on this three-hour cruise, and Faxafloi Bay can deliver memorable sightings close to Reykjavik. Recent trips have included whales surfacing beside the yacht, dolphins traveling in groups, seals, porpoises, and plenty of seabirds.

I like the comfortable yacht setting and the chance to move between a warm lounge and open viewing decks. I also like the return ticket offered if no wildlife is spotted. The catch is simple: this is wild nature, not a scheduled show, and the bay can be cold, windy, and rough.

The meeting point is inside the restaurant, where you check in at a self-service kiosk. Guides speak English or Icelandic, and guides such as Lucky and Rebecca have been praised for spotting animals quickly and explaining marine life clearly.

Key points

• Humpback whales are the most common star: Several trips have found two or more, sometimes within 30 minutes.
• Two yacht options: MY Harpa carries up to 35 people, while MY Amelia Rose carries up to 95.
• Summer adds puffins: Look for them from about mid-May through mid-August.
• You get real indoor comfort: Both yachts have a lounge, bar, salon, fly-bridge, and inside and outside viewing areas.
• The scenery is part of the trip: Expect Reykjavik landmarks, mountain views, islands, and the open water of Faxafloi Bay.
• No sighting means a second chance: A return ticket is included if the cruise finds no wildlife.

From Reykjavik Old Harbor into Faxafloi Bay

The cruise begins at Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, a handy starting point for a day in the city. You check in inside the restaurant at a self-service kiosk, then make your way to the yacht. The meeting point has caused some confusion for a few people, so arrive with enough time to locate the restaurant rather than waiting outside near the boats.

Once underway, the harbor gives way to broader views across Faxafloi Bay. You may see Reykjavik’s waterfront, mountains beyond the city, and small islands scattered across the water. The first part of the trip is as much about getting out into the bay as it is about finding wildlife, so keep your camera ready from the start.

The guide usually explains what to watch for and where to look. Whale watching is not like spotting a large landmark. You might see a blow first, then a dark back, a tail fin, or only a brief flicker before the animal disappears. A good guide helps you read those small signs and keeps the group focused on the right patch of water.

The three-hour search for whales and dolphins

The full cruise lasts about three hours, giving the crew time to cover useful stretches of the bay instead of turning around after a short search. Humpback whales are the species most often described on these trips, but sightings can also include minke whales, fin whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, grey seals, and many sea birds.

Several recent outings have had whales within the first 20 to 30 minutes. That is encouraging, but it is not a promise. On another trip, the only whale appeared briefly, with just a glimpse of the body and tail. You need to be comfortable with that uncertainty before paying for any whale cruise.

When a whale is found, the crew may stay in the area for a while. One outing followed a humpback for about 90 minutes, while another extended the time on the water to four hours because the crew wanted to give the group a chance to see a whale near the end. Those extra efforts are valuable, though you should not assume every departure will run beyond the advertised three hours.

The best moments can be sudden. A humpback may surface beside the yacht, circle the boat, slap its tail, or breach clear of the water. Such behavior is unusual and cannot be planned, but the open decks give you a fair chance to see it when it happens.

MY Harpa and MY Amelia Rose

Harpa Yachts uses two main boats. MY Harpa is a 70-foot yacht with room for up to 35 people. MY Amelia Rose is 105 feet long and can carry up to 95 people. The boat assigned to your departure may affect the feel of the trip, so it is worth checking the day’s vessel if group size matters to you.

The smaller MY Harpa can feel more personal, while the larger Amelia Rose offers more room for a bigger group. Neither boat is an open speedboat. Both have a lounge, bar, salon, fly-bridge, and good-sized indoor and outdoor spaces.

That layout matters in Iceland. You can step outside when a whale is spotted, then retreat indoors when the wind bites. Several departures have been described as warm and roomy inside, with blankets available for extra comfort. A bar sells drinks and snacks, and some trips have had hot chocolate available.

The yachts are not fully insulated bubbles, however. You will still feel the cold on deck, and sea spray can reach you when the water is rough. Bring warm layers, thick socks, and something to cover your ears. A waterproof outer layer is useful, especially in windy or wet weather.

What you can see by season

Whale sightings are possible throughout the year, and winter trips have produced close views of humpbacks. December and February departures have included two or three humpbacks, seals, porpoises, and large numbers of sea birds. Clear winter days can also bring beautiful low sunlight and sunrise views.

Winter has a tradeoff. The air is colder, daylight is limited, and rough water can make the ride less comfortable. One December trip became seasick toward the end as the bay grew rougher. Free motion-sickness tablets have been available on some departures, but it is still wise to prepare if you are sensitive to boat movement.

Spring can bring a mix of dolphins, whales, puffins, and changing weather. A few spring outings encountered choppy seas but still found wildlife. Conditions can shift quickly, so you should dress for wind and rain even when Reykjavik looks calm from shore.

Summer is the best period for puffins, which can be seen from approximately mid-May through mid-August. This is also a strong season for whales, dolphins, and sea birds. The longer daylight makes it easier to watch the water and enjoy the coastline, but summer does not guarantee calm seas or a sighting.

Autumn can offer strong whale activity and fewer daylight hours than summer. One September cruise found harbour porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, and humpbacks in one outing. Another saw a mother and calf. These mixed-species days are possible, but they are not the standard result of every cruise.

Guides who help you find the action

Your guide is important because wildlife can be difficult to spot, especially if you have never watched for whales before. Guides use the microphone to point out surfacing animals and explain the local birds and marine life.

Lucky has been singled out for spotting whales before people on deck could see them. Rebecca has also led trips praised for clear explanations and strong enthusiasm. A marine biologist has guided some departures, adding useful detail about the animals and their behavior.

The best guides do more than name a species. They help you understand why the boat is slowing, why everyone is watching one area, and when it is sensible to move away. One guide was noted for taking the yacht away after spending time with a whale, giving the animal a break from boat traffic. That is a good sign for anyone who cares about responsible wildlife watching.

Language support is limited to English and Icelandic, but the visual nature of the activity makes it fairly easy to follow. Even if you miss a few words, the guide’s gestures and directions usually tell you where to look.

The coastline and islands add value

Whales are the reason most people book, but the cruise would still offer a worthwhile short outing if the animals stayed hidden. Faxafloi Bay gives you a different view of Reykjavik, with the city landmarks behind you and mountains rising along the coast.

Small islands near the city add interest as the boat moves through the bay. Sea birds are present in all seasons, while puffins are a summer possibility. The scenery also gives you something to enjoy during the quiet stretches between sightings.

This is especially useful if you have only a few days in Reykjavik. You do not need a full-day transfer or a long drive to reach the departure point. The cruise fits neatly into a city visit, though you should leave room around it in case the sea is rough or the return takes longer than expected.

Comfort, space, and the cold

I like that the yachts offer several ways to spend the three hours. You can stand on the fly-bridge for a wide view, use an outside deck for fresh air, or sit inside with a blanket and a hot drink. The bar and salon make this more comfortable than a basic open-deck boat.

The outside viewing areas are still the best place to see a whale clearly. Glass and railings can get in the way indoors, and wildlife may surface on either side of the yacht. You will probably move around during the cruise, so wear shoes and clothing that let you do so safely.

Do not treat the provided blankets as a substitute for proper clothing. The wind on the bay can make the temperature feel much lower than it does in the city. Wear warm layers, thick socks, and a waterproof jacket. If you plan to stay outside for most of the trip, ear protection is useful too.

WiFi is included, allowing you to share photos while you are on the water. It is a nice extra, though I would put warm clothing and a charged camera ahead of internet access.

Is $106 a fair price?

At $106 per person, this is not the cheapest way to search for whales in Reykjavik. The price makes more sense if you value the yacht itself, the indoor lounge, the bar, the blankets, and the smaller feel offered by MY Harpa or the roomier setup on MY Amelia Rose.

You are also paying for a full three-hour outing rather than a quick harbor ride. The crew may spend meaningful time with a whale, and the included return ticket gives you another chance if the first trip finds nothing. That policy matters because no responsible operator can guarantee wildlife.

The value is strongest when you want comfort and a more polished boat setting. If your only goal is to get onto the water at the lowest possible price, another departure may suit you better. If you want a relaxed yacht with good views and a warm place to retreat, the cost is easier to justify.

Practical advice before you book

Check the meeting point carefully. You go inside the restaurant to use the self-service check-in kiosk, and the location can be less obvious than expected. Arrive early enough to find it without rushing.

Check availability for the departure time that fits your schedule. The trip lasts three hours, and the actual day can include extra time if the crew stays with wildlife. Keep your plans flexible afterward rather than booking a tight appointment across town.

Bring weather-appropriate clothing even if the forecast looks pleasant. The open bay is colder than the harbor, and spray can reach the deck. Motion-sickness tablets may be available, but you should still plan ahead if rough water affects you.

For photos, bring a camera with a fast response and keep it ready. Whales surface quickly, and the guide may call out a sighting only moments before the animal disappears. Watch the water instead of looking through your screen the entire time.

Who will enjoy this yacht cruise most?

I would choose this trip for anyone who wants whale watching without giving up basic comfort. It suits couples, families, and small groups who like having both indoor and outdoor areas.

It is also a good fit if you are interested in more than whales. Dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea birds, coastal views, and summer puffins can all add to the outing. The guides make the trip more useful for people who want to learn what they are seeing.

You should think twice if you dislike cold, wind, or uncertain results. Even a well-run trip may produce only a glimpse of a whale. The return ticket helps, but it cannot change the fact that nature sets the schedule.

Should you book it?

I would book Harpa Yachts if you want a comfortable three-hour search from central Reykjavik and are willing to accept that sightings are never guaranteed. The yacht’s warm interior, blankets, bar, wide viewing areas, and helpful guides give it strong value beyond the animals alone.

Book in summer if puffins are high on your list, and dress seriously for cold conditions in every season. If your priority is the least expensive boat ride, compare options. If you want a well-equipped yacht, patient wildlife watching, and a second chance when luck fails, this is a sensible choice.

FAQ

Where does the whale watching cruise leave from?

It leaves from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor. You check in inside the restaurant at a self-service kiosk.

How long is the cruise?

The advertised cruise lasts three hours. Some trips may spend longer on the water when the crew is trying to find a whale.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include humpback whales, minke whales, fin whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises, grey seals, sea birds, and puffins during the summer season.

When can I see puffins?

Puffins can be seen from approximately the middle of May to the middle of August.

Which yachts are used?

The main boats are MY Harpa, a 70-foot yacht for up to 35 people, and MY Amelia Rose, a 105-foot yacht for up to 95 people.

Are there indoor areas on the yacht?

Yes. Both yachts have a lounge, bar, salon, fly-bridge, and indoor and outdoor viewing areas.

Are blankets and WiFi included?

Yes. Warm blankets and onboard WiFi are included.

What happens if no whales or dolphins are seen?

You receive a ticket to return again if there are no sightings.

What languages are available?

The live guides speak English and Icelandic.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available.