4 Reykjavik Boat Tours to Build a Day Around

1.Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 9,838 reviews · 3 hours · from $87Our pick

Cruise Faxaflói Bay from Reykjavík with a trained guide such as Maria, Lucky, or Gunther watching for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seals. You’ll have indoor warmth, outdoor viewing decks, onboard WiFi, toilets, and a café, but dress very warmly because the sea feels much colder than the harbor.

“Excellent experience, we were with whales for 90 minutes of the 3hr trip often very close, once they swam within 20 feet of us, very good and informative commentary from Maria throughout the trip. comfortable, well appointed boat.”

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2.Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,911 reviews · 3 hours · from $107

Sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor aboard the Amelia Rose, an offshore yacht with three viewing decks, a warm lounge, bar, WiFi, and expert guides such as Lucky and Roman. Search Faxaflói Bay for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seabirds, and occasional orcas.

“I didn't get seasick at all and it was a wonderful cruise. However, it was a shame that we only saw small whales about the same size as dolphins, probably because it wasn't whale season.”

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3.Northern Lights Yacht Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,253 reviews · 2 hours · from $93

Sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor into Faxaflói Bay, away from city glow, and watch for the aurora from three open-air decks. Guides such as Maria, Brianta, and Julian have helped passengers spot the lights and adjust phone cameras. A bar, blankets, Wi-Fi, and indoor seating make the two-hour cruise comfortable when the wind turns cold.

“We got very lucky with totally clear skies and a high probability of a sighting, saw the lights within 10 minutes of the boat sailing out and then they put on a show for a good hour. The guide was very helpful, explaining how to take the best photos, that the lights come in waves and she alerted those of us who were sitting inside shielding from the cold whenever a new wave of lights would come up. It is very cold on the boat (it was minus 10 degrees that evening) so I advise wearing a lot of layers, coat, gloves, snow shoes. Would definitely recommend.”

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4.Puffin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,052 reviews · 1 hour · from $64Best value

Cruise from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour aboard the 33-passenger wooden boat Old Skuli to Lundey and Akurey. Your English-speaking guide, often Patrick, Joe, or Rebekka, explains puffins and seabirds while you watch from the deck or roof. Binoculars are provided.

“Really helpful guide and captain, the whole trip was extremely smooth. Would’ve liked it if the boat could get a little closer to the puffins, but otherwise everything was top-notch.”

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