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Operated by: Elding Adventure at Sea

Whale Watching & Imagine Peace Tower Combo, Reykjavík

Combine an afternoon whale watching voyage across Faxaflói bay with an evening guided visit to the iconic Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey Island. Spot whales and seabirds, then sail to the island for a panoramic night view of Reykjavík — all in one day.

Duration
5 hours
Starts From
Reykjavík
Pickup
Pickup available
Difficulty
Very easy
Season
All year
Passengers
Min 1
Travel method
Boat

About this experience

This Reykjavík combo experience pairs two of the city's most distinctive outings into a single day. The adventure begins with an afternoon whale watching tour departing from the Old Harbour, where expert guides lead you across Faxaflói bay in search of whales and seabirds that inhabit these rich North Atlantic waters.

After returning to the harbour, you have free time to explore the waterfront area or enjoy a meal at one of the nearby restaurants before the evening portion of the tour begins.

As evening falls, a short ferry crossing — approximately 20 minutes — takes you to Viðey Island, a place steeped in history and natural beauty. Here, a guided walk leads you to the Imagine Peace Tower, the luminous artwork created by Yoko Ono as a tribute to John Lennon and a symbol of world peace. Your guide shares the story behind this remarkable installation as well as the island's own cultural and natural heritage.

The night views of Reykjavík from Viðey are panoramic and memorable. On clear nights, the northern lights may even appear overhead, adding an unforgettable dimension to the experience. Pickup and drop-off service is available for an additional fee.

Highlights

  • Afternoon whale watching voyage across Faxaflói bay
  • Spot whales, dolphins, and seabirds with expert guides
  • Evening ferry crossing to Viðey Island
  • Guided walk to the iconic Imagine Peace Tower
  • Panoramic night views of Reykjavík
  • Chance to see the northern lights overhead

Experience details

Your day begins at the Old Harbour in Reykjavík, where you board a whale watching vessel for an afternoon voyage across Faxaflói bay. Knowledgeable guides help you spot the whales, dolphins, and seabirds that frequent these waters, sharing insights into the marine life and ecosystem along the way.

After the whale watching tour, you return to the harbour with time to relax, walk the waterfront, or enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant before the evening begins.

The second part of the day takes you by ferry to Viðey Island, a short boat ride from the city. A guided walk brings you to the Imagine Peace Tower, where you learn about Yoko Ono and John Lennon's vision for world peace and the history of the island itself. The walk is easy overall, though it may include some uphill sections to the viewing platform when conditions allow. The night skyline of Reykjavík provides a stunning backdrop, and on favourable evenings the northern lights may be visible.

Why choose this tour

This combo tour is an efficient and rewarding way to experience two of Reykjavík's most memorable attractions in a single outing. Rather than organising separate bookings, both the whale watching voyage and the Imagine Peace Tower visit are combined into one seamless day with Elding Adventure at Sea, a sustainability-focused operator based at the Old Harbour.

Warm overalls and crampons are provided, so you stay comfortable regardless of the weather. The guided format ensures you get the full story behind both the marine wildlife of Faxaflói and the cultural significance of the peace tower on Viðey Island — making this a genuinely enriching experience rather than a simple sightseeing trip.

What’s included

Use of warm overalls, Crampons (if needed), Expert guidance throughout

Pickup point

Pickup or meeting details are confirmed during booking.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Imagine Peace Tower and where is it located?
The Imagine Peace Tower is a light installation on Viðey Island, created by Yoko Ono as a tribute to John Lennon and a symbol of world peace. The tour includes a guided walk to the tower, where you learn about its history and the island's cultural heritage.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes. The tour has price categories for children aged 0–6 and youth aged 7–15, so families are welcome. The walk on Viðey Island is easy overall, though it may include some uphill sections to the viewing platform.
What wildlife might I see on the whale watching portion?
The waters of Faxaflói bay are home to a variety of whale and dolphin species as well as seabirds. Common sightings include minke whales and white-beaked dolphins, though the specific species encountered can vary by season and conditions.
Do I need to bring special clothing or equipment?
Warm overalls and crampons are provided as part of the tour. You should still dress in warm, weather-appropriate layers and wear sturdy shoes. A tripod is recommended if you plan to photograph the northern lights or the night views of Reykjavík.
Where does the tour depart from?
Both parts of the tour depart from Elding's ticket office at Ægisgarður 5c at the Old Harbour in central Reykjavík. The ferry to Viðey Island also departs from the Old Harbour area. Optional hotel pickup is available for an additional fee.

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