Reykjavík in 1 Days - Whale and dolphin watching in Faxaflói bay
In Collaboration with Harpa Yachts. Updated on February 13, 2026.
Comfortable whale- and dolphin-watching luxury yacht cruise from Reykjavík Old Harbour. Summer trips may include puffin sightings at Lundey and coastal views of Viðey island. Check-in 30 minutes before departure at Old Harbour House (Ægisgarður 2).
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Harpa Yachts, inspired by the tour Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Whale and dolphin watching in Faxaflói bay
- Puffin viewing at Lundey (mid-May to mid-August)
- Luxury yacht with inside lounge, bar and flydeck
- Coastal views of Viðey island and Reykjavík skyline
More than 79 itineraries in Reykjavík.
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet 30 minutes before your booked departure time at Old Harbour House (Ægisgarður 2, 101 Reykjavík) for check-in and safety briefing. The cruise departs from Reykjavík Old Harbour and sails into Faxaflói bay looking for whales, dolphins and (seasonally) puffins. Return to the Old Harbour at the end of the cruise.
Sail Off
Depart Reykjavík Old Harbour and head out into Faxaflói bay on the hunt for whales and dolphins. The yacht has comfortable inside areas and a flydeck for outside viewing.
- Monday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive at Old Harbour House (Ægisgarður 2) 30 minutes before the scheduled departure for check-in and boarding.
- Dress in layers and bring a windproof outer layer — sea conditions can be cool even in summer; comfortable shoes are recommended for the deck.
- Use the flydeck for unobstructed views together; staff can point out sightings and will announce wildlife locations.
Harpa Conference Hall
View the Harpa Concert Hall from the yacht while the crew navigates out of the harbour and provides a short onboard orientation about safety and expected sightings.
- Monday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Harpa is visible from the water shortly after departure; have your camera ready for skyline photos featuring the glass façade.
- If you prefer to stay warm during the briefing, use the yacht's inside lounge area where there is seating and shelter.
- Ask crew members brief, quiet questions during the orientation if you’d like a more intimate moment together while learning about the route.
Lundey
Approach Lundey (the puffin island) to look for puffins sitting on the water and diving for food (puffin season approx. mid-May to mid-August).
Tips from local experts:
- Puffin sightings are seasonal (mid-May to mid-August); position yourselves on the outside deck for the best close-up views.
- Bring binoculars for better wildlife viewing and quieter moments together without crowding the rail.
- Keep voices low and movements slow near the island to increase the chance of seeing puffins on the water.
Videy Island
Sail past Viðey island for coastal views and a chance to see seabirds; the island is known for its outdoor artwork and natural scenery visible from the bay.
Tips from local experts:
- Watch for coastal sculptures and the island silhouette from the yacht’s outside areas—early evening light is often good for photos.
- If you want quieter viewing, the yacht’s upper flydeck offers panoramic views with space for two to step aside from the main crowd.
- Remain seated or hold a rail when on deck; sea swell can be stronger near islands and the crew will advise when to move about the boat.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Experience, Attraction, Outdoor |
Why this experience
You'll board a luxury yacht from Reykjavík's Old Harbour and sail into Faxaflói Bay in search of whales and dolphins. The 3-hour cruise features comfortable inside lounge areas with a bar, plus outdoor viewing decks where you can watch the water and spot wildlife. In summer (late spring to late summer), you'll approach Lundey, the puffin island, to watch puffins diving and sitting on the water. You'll also sail past Viðey island with its coastal sculptures and seabird life. Throughout the journey, you have views of Harpa Concert Hall and the Reykjavík skyline receding behind you.
This is whale watching at a leisurely pace aboard a comfortable yacht rather than a crowded tour boat. The crew provides commentary and announces wildlife sightings. You can move between the warm inside lounge and the open flydeck as weather and interest dictate. The evening light and the slow pace make this ideal for couples seeking a memorable moment on the water.
Before you go
- Best time: April–September (whale watching season); mid-May to mid-August for puffins
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current pricing
- Difficulty: Very easy (entirely aboard a comfortable yacht; no hiking or strenuous activity)
- What to bring: Windproof outer layer; warm layers (sea conditions can be cool even in summer); comfortable shoes for deck walking; camera; binoculars for wildlife viewing; charged phone/battery
- Getting there: Check in at Old Harbour House (Ægisgarður 2, 101 Reykjavík) 30 minutes before departure
- Accessibility: Yacht has interior lounge seating, bar facilities, and deck areas. Contact Harpa Yachts during booking if you have mobility concerns
Frequently asked questions
What's included in this itinerary?
This itinerary includes a 3-hour luxury yacht cruise departing from Reykjavík Old Harbour, whale and dolphin watching in Faxaflói Bay, seasonal puffin viewing at Lundey (mid-May to mid-August), views of Viðey island and Reykjavík skyline, inside lounge with seating, bar access, and crew guidance on wildlife sightings. Check the booking widget for current pricing and specific inclusions.
What if we don't see whales or dolphins?
Sightings are never guaranteed—marine wildlife operates on its own schedule. The crew knows where these animals are most likely to appear, and most cruises spot something. If conditions are unfavorable, rebooking policies vary by operator; confirm this when you book.
Is there a bar on the yacht?
Yes. The yacht has a bar where you can purchase drinks and snacks during the cruise.
Can we go outside on deck?
Yes. The yacht has outside viewing areas (flydeck and decks) for unobstructed wildlife viewing and photography. The crew will advise on safe movement due to sea swell and weather conditions.
Is this tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?
The yacht is comfortable and the sea can be variable. If you're prone to seasickness, take preventative medication at least 30 minutes before boarding. The inside lounge provides a refuge if you feel queasy.
Complete your trip in Reykjavik
Pair your whale watching with other marine and cultural experiences.
- Whale Watching Cruise on a Yacht — Alternative yacht-based whale watching
- Reykjavik Art Museum — Explore contemporary Icelandic art
- Northern Lights Tour — Evening aurora viewing from dark-sky locations
Browse all Reykjavik itineraries at TheNextGuide.
*Last updated: March 2026*
