Reykjavík: Whale Watching Classic & Express Boat Tours

Reykjavík sits at the edge of some of Iceland's most productive whale watching waters, and this tour puts you right in the middle of the action. Operated by Special Tours from Geirsgata 11 on the Old Harbour, you can choose between two distinct experiences depending on your schedule and the time of year.

The Whale Watching Classic runs year-round aboard Andrea, Special Tours' largest and most comfortable vessel. With spacious indoor and outdoor viewing decks, onboard educational displays featuring whale bones, baleen plates, and teeth, and guided commentary in English throughout the year, this is the ideal choice for families and first-time visitors. German-language guidance is available from May 1st through September 30th.

The Whale Watching Express operates June 1st through September 30th aboard Lilja, a high-speed vessel that reaches the whale watching area more quickly — a great fit for travellers with a tighter itinerary. English-language guiding runs throughout the season, with Spanish available on Friday mornings.

Out on the water, you may encounter minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises in their natural habitat. Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but if no whales are spotted on your tour, you will receive a complimentary ticket to join again on the next available date, valid indefinitely.

You'll meet the crew at the Special Tours Ticket Office at Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavík, arriving at least 30 minutes before your chosen departure. From there, you board either the Classic vessel Andrea or the Express vessel Lilja and head out into the waters off Reykjavík.

During the tour, your professional guide will point out wildlife and share information about the species you may encounter. Onboard educational displays add context to what you see on the water. Warm overalls are provided in adult and children's sizes, and a snack bar is available throughout the voyage.

• Classic tour duration: approximately 2.5–3.5 hours
• Express tour duration: approximately 2–2.5 hours (June 1st – September 30th only)
• Multiple daily departures available; specific times confirmed at checkout
• Hotel transfers available for an additional fee on most departures (not available on the late-evening Express departure)

Special Tours is one of Reykjavík's most established whale watching operators, running tours year-round from the city's Old Harbour. The Classic option aboard Andrea offers the most comfortable and educational experience, with room for the whole family and no need to rush. The Express option on Lilja is ideal if you want to maximise your time on the water without a long commitment.

Both tours include warm overalls, professional guides, free Wi-Fi, and a snack bar — everything you need for a comfortable outing at sea. And if the whales don't show up, your ticket is honoured on a future departure at no extra cost.