Original Classic Whale Watching
The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik
3 hours, admission included, free cancellation.
from $105 per person
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- Duration
- 3 hours
- Meeting point
- Elding Whale Watching Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
Overview
This is the classic three-hour whale watching run from Reykjavik's Old Harbour, operated by Elding, and it works the way most people picture it: you check in at the ticket office at Ægisgarður 5c and follow the red colour-coding at the pier, grab a pair of borrowed overalls, and head out to sea with a live guide calling out sightings over the speaker. Humpbacks and minke whales show up most often in traveller accounts, with dolphins, harbour porpoises and seabirds also reported.
The boat is set up for comfort rather than speed. There are indoor and outdoor seating areas, blankets and raincoats are handed out, and WiFi works on board. A live guide gives commentary on the species and the marine ecosystem throughout the trip, and at least one traveller has reported that crew photos from the day can be shared afterwards. Admission to Elding's Wildlife Exhibition on shore is included in the ticket, which makes a decent add-on before or after sailing.
It suits most travellers, including families with pushchairs and wheelchair users who can manage steep stairs and high thresholds on board with some assistance. It does not suit anyone expecting a guarantee: these are wild animals, sightings vary, and sea conditions can be rough. The operator's answer is a free retry on another day if nothing appears.
What's Included
Included
- Excellent live guide
- Overalls, raincoats and blankets
- Admission to Wildlife Exhibition
- Free WiFi on board
Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
- Meet at the Old HarbourArrive at the Elding ticket office at Ægisgarður 5c in Reykjavik's Old Harbour district and follow the red colour-coding to check in, at least fifteen minutes before departure.
- Check in and boardCollect overalls, raincoats or blankets if needed, then board the vessel, which has indoor and outdoor seating.
- Sail out into the bayThe boat heads out from the harbour while the guide gives commentary on the species and Iceland's marine ecosystem.
- Whale and wildlife watchingThe crew spots and approaches whales, dolphins and seabirds while keeping a respectful distance from the animals.
- Return to the harbourThe tour ends back at the same meeting point at Ægisgarður 5c.
- Optional Wildlife ExhibitionAdmission to the onshore Wildlife Exhibition is included in the ticket and can be visited around the sailing.
What To Expect From The Tour
A few practical points come up again and again in traveller reviews and in the listing itself.
- Dress for cold. Even on a calm day the North Atlantic air is cold once the boat leaves land, and reviewers advise dressing warmly. The operator lends overalls, raincoats and blankets on board.
- Wild animals. Sightings are never guaranteed. Many travellers report multiple humpbacks, minke whales, porpoises and dolphins, while others saw only a couple of whales briefly. If nothing appears, the operator lets you join another departure for free.
- Group feel. This is a large-boat experience, with up to 196 travellers on board. Several reviewers mention crowding at the rails when whales come close, which can make it hard to see over or around other passengers.
- Food and drink. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket, though reviewers mention snacks and drinks on board. There is no need to carry a packed meal for a three-hour trip.
- Getting a good view. When whales appear close to the boat, the best vantage points fill quickly, so it helps to move early. One reviewer found that only people at the front had a clear view at times, and there are open areas on more than one deck.
- Weather and timing. Departures depend on conditions. If Reykjavik's weather is unfavourable the tour may be cancelled, or it may leave from an alternative harbour, which can add one to two hours to the trip.
Common issues. The main frustrations in reviews are weather cancellations, with a couple of travellers questioning whether some were really necessary, and crowding when whales appear close to the boat. One reviewer reported an overbooked sailing with too few seats, and another found the sound system made the guide hard to hear. The listing is upfront about accessibility limits: steep stairs and high thresholds restrict access to indoor areas and toilets, though lightweight wheelchairs can be brought on the larger boats with advance notice.
Common Questions
Where Does The Tour Start And Is Hotel Pickup Included?
Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You meet at the Elding ticket office at Ægisgarður 5c in the Old Harbour district of Reykjavik, and should arrive at least fifteen minutes before departure to check in and board. The meeting point is near public transport.
How Long Is The Tour?
The sailing lasts three hours. If conditions force a departure from an alternative harbour, the operator warns the trip could extend by one to two hours.
What Is Included In The Price?
A live guide, overalls, raincoats and blankets, admission to the Wildlife Exhibition, and free WiFi on board. Food, drinks and gratuities are not included, and neither is hotel transport.
Is The Tour Suitable For Wheelchair Users Or Families With Strollers?
The listing states the tour is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, with service animals allowed. However, the boats have steep stairs and high thresholds that limit access to indoor areas and toilets, so lightweight wheelchairs are only practical on the larger boats, ideally with advance notice so boarding assistance can be arranged.
What Happens If We Don't See Any Whales?
You can join another departure for free. Keep in mind that sightings vary a great deal, since these are wild animals, and some trips produce only brief views even when whales do appear.
What Is The Cancellation Policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
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