Embarking on a whale-watching boat tour from Reykjavik is an exhilarating way to explore Iceland’s abundant marine life. Cruising across the Faxaflói Bay, passengers can spot humpback and minke whales under the guidance of an expert naturalist. With a high success rate and a guarantee of a complimentary ticket if no whales are sighted, this tour offers a comfortable and immersive experience, complete with warm thermal overalls and heated indoor seating. As the boat glides across the waters, passengers can gain fascinating insights into the whales’ biology and behavior, making for an unforgettable adventure. But what we love about this tour from the rest?
Key Points
- This 2.5-hour high-speed express boat or 3.5-hour whale-watching tour departs from and returns to Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavik.
- Naturalist guides provide insights about marine mammal biology and behavior during the cruise across Faxaflói Bay in search of humpback and minke whales.
- The tour offers a sightings guarantee, with a complimentary ticket provided if no whales are spotted.
- Thermal overalls, heated indoor seating, free WiFi, and sea sickness tablets are included to enhance the experience.
- The tour has a 90% success rate in spotting whales and offers a flexible cancellation policy with full refunds for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
Overview of the Whale-Watching Tour
This whale-watching tour from Reykjavik takes passengers on a cruise across Faxaflói Bay in search of humpback and minke whales, with a naturalist guide on board to share insights about the biology and behavior of these marine mammals.
Travelers can choose between a 2.5-hour high-speed express boat or a 3.5-hour tour, both of which provide a sightings guarantee – if no whales are spotted, guests receive a complimentary ticket to try again.
The tour also includes the use of thermal overalls, heated indoor seating areas, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary sea sickness tablets. Passengers can purchase food and drinks on board, and hotel transfers can be added for an additional fee.
Included and Optional Features
The whale-watching tour includes a free ticket to try again if no whales are spotted, as well as the use of thermal overalls – even in children’s sizes.
Passengers also have access to heated indoor seating areas, free WiFi, and complimentary sea sickness tablets on board. Plus, the company has developed a new Special Tours App available in multiple languages to enhance the experience.
While food and drink aren’t included, they can be purchased on board. For an additional fee, hotel transfers can also be arranged.
The tour is wheelchair accessible for the longer 3-3.5 hour option, and can accommodate a maximum of 180 travelers.
Tour Details and Logistics
Operated from Reykjavik, this whale-watching tour departs from the meeting point at Geirsgata 11 and returns to the same location.
The 2.5-hour high-speed express boat or 3.5-hour tour cruises Faxaflói Bay in search of humpback and minke whales, with a naturalist guide providing commentary on the marine mammals’ biology and behavior.
The tour runs in a variety of weather conditions and is wheelchair accessible for the longer 3-3.5 hour option, accommodating up to 180 travelers.
With 543 reviews, this whale-watching experience offers a 90% success rate for spotting whales. In the unlikely event of no wildlife sightings, guests receive a complimentary ticket for a second tour.
Cancellation Policy and Refunds
Travelers can cancel their whale-watching tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
If the tour is canceled due to poor weather conditions, guests will be offered an alternative date or a complete refund.
Similarly, if the minimum number of participants isn’t met, customers will receive either a rescheduled tour or a full refund.
The cancellation policy offers flexibility and ensures customer satisfaction:
- Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance
- Alternative date or full refund if the tour is canceled due to weather
- Rescheduled tour or full refund if the minimum group size isn’t met
This straightforward approach provides peace of mind for those booking the whale-watching excursion.
Whale Sighting Guarantee
Along With the flexible cancellation policy, this whale-watching tour offers a sightings guarantee to ensure customers have the best chance of spotting whales during their excursion.
The company boasts a remarkable 90% whale-spotting success rate, making it highly likely that you’ll see a variety of marine life, including harbor porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, and the majestic humpbacks.
If you’re unlucky and don’t see any wildlife, you’ll receive a complimentary ticket to try again on a different day. This guarantee, along with the tour’s heated indoor seating areas and free WiFi, helps to create an enjoyable and memorable whale-watching experience for all participants.
Potential Wildlife Sightings
This whale-watching tour affords visitors the chance to spot a variety of marine mammals, including the iconic humpback and minke whales that inhabit the waters of Faxaflói Bay.
While humpbacks and minkes are the primary targets, lucky participants may also catch glimpses of harbor porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, and other cetacean species.
The experienced guides are adept at locating these magnificent creatures, with the company boasting an impressive 90% whale-sighting success rate.
Should you not spot any whales on your initial tour, you’ll receive a complimentary ticket to try again.
The diversity of marine life in this region is a true delight for nature enthusiasts.
Tour Meeting and End Points
The whale-watching tour departs from Geirsgata 11 in downtown Reykjavík, with guests convening at this centrally-located meeting point. Upon completion of the excursion, the boat returns to this same spot where the tour began.
The meeting and end point are conveniently located, making it easy for participants to find the starting location and return to their original departure point after the tour. This ensures a seamless experience from start to finish.
| Meeting Point | End Point |
|---|---|
| Geirsgata 11 | Back at Geirsgata 11 |
| 101 Reykjavík | 101 Reykjavík |
| Iceland | Iceland |
| Centrally-located | Same as meeting point |
| Easy to find | Efficient return |
Tour Duration and Group Size
Whale-watching tours from Reykjavík offer two different duration options – a high-speed 2.5-hour express boat tour and a longer 3.5-hour excursion. The tours are designed to accommodate a variety of travel schedules and preferences.
Regardless of the tour length, visitors can expect the following:
- A maximum capacity of 180 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
- Wheelchair accessibility for the 3 – 3.5 hour trip, making the tour accessible to a wide range of participants.
- The opportunity to witness an array of marine life, including harbor porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, and the majestic humpbacks, with a 90% success rate in spotting whales.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Boat Is Used for the Tour?
The tour uses a high-speed express boat or a larger 3.5-hour boat. Both offer heated indoor seating, complimentary WiFi, and sea sickness tablets. The boats are suitable for wheelchair users on the longer 3.5-hour tour.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
There are no age restrictions for this tour. The whale-watching excursion provides thermal overalls in children’s sizes, making it suitable for all ages. Families with kids can enjoy the tour together.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour provides complimentary hot drinks, but visitors are welcome to pack their own snacks and beverages for the journey.
Is There an Audio Guide Available in Multiple Languages?
The tour company offers a new Special Tours App available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese, providing an audio guide for passengers in multiple languages during the whale-watching excursion.
Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?
Yes, this whale-watching tour can be booked for private groups. Customers can arrange a private tour for their group, which allows them to customize the experience to their preferences. The tour operator offers flexible booking options to accommodate private group needs.
Recap
This whale-watching tour from Reykjavik offers an thrilling opportunity to spot humpback and minke whales in Faxaflói Bay.
With a knowledgeable guide, comfortable features, and a high success rate, it’s an immersive and hassle-free experience.
The 90% whale sighting guarantee and complimentary ticket if no whales are seen make this tour a safe and reliable choice for wildlife enthusiasts.
