Looking for authentic Icelandic experiences? Much like our Viking forefathers, we crave adventures on the open sea. Experience these Wildlife Adventures aboard our luxury vessels!
Whale Watching Classic (2.5-3.5 hours) – Operates Year-RoundOur most popular option, operated on Andrea, our largest and most comfortable vessel.Family-friendly with spacious indoor and outdoor viewing areas.Educational experience with onboard displays of whale bones, baleen plates, and teeth.Guided in English year-round, with German guidance available from May 1st – September 30th.Whale Watching Express (2-2.5 hours) – June 1st to September 30thOperated on Lilja, a high-speed vessel that gets you to the whale watching area faster.Perfect for those with limited time who still want a thrilling experience.Guided in English June 1st - September 30th, with Spanish guidance available at 10:00 on Fridays.Wildlife You May See:Expect to spot minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises in their natural habitat.Departure Times:Whale Watching Classic (All Year)09:00 – March 1st - November 15th13:00 – All year17:00 – May 15th - September 30thWhale Watching Express (June 1st - September 30th)10:00 – June 1st - September 30th14:00 – June 1st - September 30th21:00 – June 15th - July 31st (No transfers available for this departure)
Join us aboard the Lilja for a close encounter with some of the world's most magnificent creatures. You'll have the chance to witness humpback whales and minke whales in their natural habitat, where they breach and play, showcasing their inspiring grace.Our experienced and knowledgeable crew members are passionate about marine life and dedicated to ensuring you have an unforgettable experience. They will provide you with fascinating insights into the biology and behavior of these incredible marine mammals, enhancing your appreciation of this unique ecosystem.Set against the backdrop of Akureyri's picturesque fjords, our whale-watching adventure offers the perfect setting for your excursion. As we cruise through the waters, you'll have ample opportunities to capture stunning photographs of Iceland's breathtaking landscapes.The Lilja, our vessel of choice, is a fast cruising ship that ensures a comfortable and stable ride for all passengers. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, you can enjoy unobstructed views of the action and stay cozy in any weather.At Special Tours, we are deeply committed to protecting Akureyri's delicate marine ecosystem. Our tours follow sustainable practices to minimize our ecological footprint and respect the environment.Your safety is our top priority. We provide all necessary safety equipment and adhere to strict safety protocols to ensure a worry-free excursion.Don't miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary adventure that connects you with the wonders of the sea. Special Tours' Whale Watching tour on the Lilja promises a memorable journey where you'll witness nature's beauty in its purest form.Book your spot on the Lilja today and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime whale watching adventure in Akureyri, Iceland. Join us as we explore the secrets of the deep blue and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Who would have thought that you could do both Whale watching and Puffin Watching from the centre of Reykjavík? In only a short boat ride away from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík you will get the chance to meet these adorable little birds. We go by our very authentic oak-boat named Skúlaskeið (“Old Skúli“) that is perfect for puffin watching since it has a very shallow draught and therefore can get really close to the puffin islands where the puffins make their studio apartments with their partner. Our guides are very knowledgeable about the thriving birdlife in the surroundings of Reykjavík. You can choose between two types of whale watching boats, Classic and Express. Our Classic boat is one of the largest whale watching boats in Iceland and has an educational and interactive focus on board. The Classic tour is 3-3.5 hours in duration. Our Express boat is a fast-cruising catamaran, and takes just 2-2.5 hours. You will spend the same amount of time in the whale watching area, but get out and back much quicker! Both boats have spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas, a cafeteria on board, restrooms and thermal overalls (also available in children's sizes). The most common whale species in Faxaflói bay are minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. Note that these are two separate tours and you do not have to do them on the same day. NEW Special Tours Iceland app with 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish and simplified Chinese) available for Android and Apple. It is available for all clients to download during their tour, with both text and audio information. The app will is as close to an audio guided wildlife adventure as possible
We offer you Iceland´s favorites combo - whale watching & northern lights package! You can join both tours on the same day, or split them up between days - whatever is convenient for you! Whale Watching: We sail out for whale watching all winter long and the tour takes about 3 hours, departing from the old harbour in Reykjavik. You will see the city from the seaside, perfect for photography and the surrounding areas, mountains are beautiful. In good weather conditions you can see all the way to Snæfells-glacier in the west of Iceland. It takes us about 30-45 minutes to reach the whale watching grounds and on the way your guide on board will tell you all about the history of the area, facts, stories and answer any questions you might have. When we reach the whale watching grounds you will hear more about the whales and help the guide spot them out, they can come close to the boat or be further away and usually we see one of these, or sometimes all; Minke Whales, White-Beaked Dolphins, Harbour Porpoises and the great Humpback Whale from time to time. Northern Lights: In the winter months, and even as early as September, the most magical displays of auroras will often appear in the skies of Iceland! We will take you out on sea, just outside Reykjavik city, away from the lights so that you can enjoy every moment of it. This is a hunt for the Northern Lights, and the sightings can never be guaranteed - but after years of experience and with a little luck we try our very best to give our passengers get the best possible chance and we put great effort into making the on board experience unique and memorable! The night sky and is beautiful as well as seeing the city lights from sea, and on the boat you can roam around, inside our outside as you please - and the bar is always open! We offer our passengers warm overalls for the tour and this has proven to be very popular and quite necessary in the winter months! NEW Special Tours Iceland app with 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish and simplified Chinese) available for Android and Apple. It is available for all clients to download during their tour, with both text and audio information. The app will is as close to an audio guided wildlife adventure as possible
Sail out from Reykjavík in search for the beautiful Aurora Borealis! It only takes us 10-15 minutes to sail into the dark, away from the light pollution from the city, to a perfect location for viewing the magical northern lights and starry sky. Enjoy the peace and quiet out in Faxaflói Bay. An expert guide will explain the scientific facts about this natural phenomenon, share stories and myths from different cultures around the world, and answer any questions you might have during the tour. It is never guaranteed that the lights will show on the night - however, if you don't see them you get a complimentary ticket to try again. Our boats are spacious with warm indoor seating areas, an onboard bar and plenty of space for everyone outside on our viewing decks to gaze into the night sky. We will provide all passengers with free usage of warm overalls to keep cozy and warm on winter nights. Now here's the backup plan - Auroras at Whales of Iceland! Unfortunately, the weather in Iceland does not always cooperate, so in case of cancellation we have a backup plan ready for you! If the conditions to view Northern Lights are poor, we have a guarantee adventure already prepared called Auroras at Whales of Iceland! Auroras at Whales of Iceland is a Northern Lights themed visit to the spectacular Whales of Iceland Exhibition, very close to the Old Reykjavik Harbour. Our guide will greet everyone and take them into the the wonderful world of the giant whales, where they will be able to view full-sized models and try out some fun & interactive technology! The visit includes a guided tour of the 23 life-sized models of all whale species found around Iceland and our BRAND NEW 25 min. Northern Lights documentary. The documentary features beautiful footage, facts, myths and stories about the Northern Lights and is displayed on an 8m wide screen beneath a life-size fin whale model. After the film you have a chance to have a Q&A session with your guide and a complimentary drink of your choice is available at the bar. Now - the best part is yet to come, all passengers will also receive a complimentary ticket to try our northern lights boat tour on the next available date! (included in the price!) When you arrive for Auroras at Whales of Iceland, please let the Special Tours reception team know the date you would like to reschedule your boat tour.
Get the best view of the famous fireworks and enjoy a glass of Champagne to toast as the clock strikes midnight. You will sail away with Special Tours from Reykjavik´s Old Harbour in the City Centre for an amazing spectacle cruise of Reykjavik and Reykjavik´s World Legendary Fireworks Display! Our luxury comfort vessel leaves the harbor at 11 pm and will be back in the harbor about half an hour after midnight. Looking at the city from the sea will give you the chance to see ALL the fireworks over Reykjavik. You will receive a complimentary glass of Champagne as midnight approaches and, as the clock hits 12, raise a toast to the New Year. You can chose from a spot in our cozy indoor saloon or stay on our open-air deck. Then, enjoy the views over the glittering lights of Iceland's capital as your boat cruises out into Faxaflói Bay. After the tour you are dropped off in the heart of city so you can continue enjoying the night in Reykjavík.
Experience the raw, primal power of nature at its most dramatic with the Icelandic Lava Show. This captivating attraction offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the fiery heart of Iceland. After witnessing the awe-inspiring power of Iceland's volcanic forces, shift gears and embark on a thrilling adventure into the Faxaflói bay for a whale watching expedition.Note: The start time you select is for Whale Watching at 13:00 - Lava Show starts at 18:00 unless otherwise requested.
During the summer months we have nearly 24 hours of daylight, which allows us to operate the fantastic Midnight Sun whale watching tour. There's something extra-special about seeing whales in the evening, surrounded by the glow from an evening sun reflecting off the waters of Faxaflói Bay. You set sail at 21:00 and head back just before midnight, giving you plenty of time to search for whales with one of our expert guides. The most common species we see on our tours are humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises.
The puffin watching tours with Special Tours, have been popular for over a decade! Special Tours is a pioneer in puffin watching in Iceland. More than 20 years of experience and a great selection of boats make us the first choice in puffin watching tours. The Puffin Express by RIB Speedboat is the perfect option for an exciting, fast tour that presents the opportunity to get really close to the birds! The adventure starts at the Old Harbour of Reykjavík and it only takes one hour.Lundey and Akurey are two small islands located in the Reykjavík bay area, only 15 minutes away from Reykjavík‘s Old harbour, from where we depart. The islands are covered with small hills and slopes and both are well known for their colorful birdlife. The island‘s shores are rocky but our RIB speedboats are perfect to get as close to the islands as possible due to its shallow draft. When we arrive to the islands we turn off the engine so our passengers can observe the birds and the beautiful surroundings. Our licensed guide shares lots of information about the puffins and other birds of interest that are often seen on the puffin watching tours. Other birds spotted include northern fulmars, gulls, arctic terns, and black guillemots.Our puffin express by SPEEDBOAT are fun and educational, and they only take one hour, which is convenient for Iceland‘s tourists’ precious time.NEWSpecial Tours Iceland app with 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish and simplified Chinese) available for Android and Apple. It is available for all clients to download during their tour, with both text and audio information. The app is as close to an audio guided wildlife adventure as possible
You will get to visit Iceland's most popular animals both on land and at sea! You will get a chance to ride the renowned Icelandic horse through the lava landscape and observe the beautiful nature that Iceland has to offer. After that, just couple of hours later you will be at sea breathing in the fresh air and watching some of the largest mammals on earth with the city skyline and mountains in the background! Begin with your horseback riding tour with Íshestar. If you would like to select the optional hotel pick-up, Íshestar will pick you up starting at 9:00. If you are self-driving we kindly ask that you arrive to the stables at least 30 minutes before your departure time at 10:00. Íshestar's stables are roughly a 20 minute drive from the city center. Learn about the friendly Icelandic horses with your experienced guide before heading out to ride through the beautiful Icelandic nature, from lava fields to hillsides. After the horseback riding tour is finished you will head back to the heart of Reykjavík for your Whale Watching tour, sailing at 13:00. Drop-off to the Special Tours ticket office is included if you have selected hotel transfers, otherwise there is plenty of parking around the Old Harbour area. Your Classic Whale Watching tour sails out to beautiful Faxaflói Bay, where you will search for cetaceans with your expert guide. The four most common species we encounter are minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises. Learn all about the wildlife and surroundings during your 3-3.5 hour cruise. Finish back in the Old Harbour, just a few steps away from the lively city center. Drop-off to your hotel is available to book in our ticket office for an additional cost if needed. This is a day full of stunning nature, wildlife, fun & fresh air! **You can also join our whale watching express tour at 14:00 (seasonal) if you want to have lunch and relax at the harbour first - please check for availability at info@specialtours.is NEW Special Tours Iceland app with 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish and simplified Chinese) available for Android and Apple. It is available for all clients to download during their tour, with both text and audio information. The app is as close to an audio guided wildlife adventure as possible
After you have enjoyed seeing the white-beaked dolphins bow riding alongside the boat or a minke whale curiously taking a look at the passengers on board, you switch gears and go for the fishing tour. The most common whale sightings in Faxaflói bay are Minke whales, Humpback whales, White-beaked dolphins and Harbour porpoises.The sea angling tour is suitable for all ages and is very cultural as well. The boat is well equipped with fishing rods and waterproof jackets for the ones who are fishing. The tour is perfectly suited both to experienced fishermen and to those who simply want to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings with a fishing rod in their hand.You can choose between our two whale watching tours, EXPRESS or CLASSIC13:00 departure: The CLASSIC tour is a more relaxed boat ride, and has an educational and interactive focus. It is also very family friendly and spacious with a cafeteria on-board. We are usually back in the harbour around 16:00-16:30, and then you can pop over to our sea angling boat, Rósin, for the fishing tour.14:00 departure: The EXPRESS tour gets you out to the whale watching area faster than the other whale watching boats, but still allows you to spend just as long whale watching. Also back around 16:00-16:30, with the fishing tour starting at 17:00.NEWSpecial Tours Iceland app with 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish and simplified Chinese) available for Android and Apple. It is available for all clients to download during their tour, with both text and audio information. The app is as close to an audio guided wildlife adventure as possible
This comfortable package includes a 1.5-2 hour horseback riding tour with Eldhestar in the morning, followed by a puffin express tour in the afternoon. After your horseback riding tour you will be dropped off at Reykjavík's Old Harbour, a beautiful area of the city very close to the city center. There are plenty of cafe's, museums and design shops to explore. Approximately one hour after arriving to the Old Harbour you will board our beautiful traditional Icelandic oak boat, perfect for puffin watching.Elves are known to reside in Iceland and they get to decide where roads can go and houses can be built! On the Elfin horseback riding tour with Eldhestar you will see places populated by these magical creatures. You will pass the small cleft Alfakví and the old sheep house that cannot be removed without serious consequences! On the way you will have a good opportunity to experience the famous Icelandic horse gait called the tölt on numerous excellent tölt paths. At the end of the tour you are invited for a light lunch at Hotel Eldhestar.When arriving at the harbour (around 13:00) we recommend strolling around and enjoying this wonderful area of the nation's capital.Special Tours is a pioneer in Puffin Watching in Iceland. We have over 20 years of experience and use our especially dsigned boat, Old Skúli, making us the leading expert in the area. The puffin watching tour is conducted from the charming traditional Icelandic boat and only takes one hour - reaching the puffin island in only 15 minutes! On this great tour you will learn all about this charismatic bird, hearing romantic stories and fun facts!
Enjoy riding the Icelandic horse during the day and a search for the colorful Northern Lights by boat in the evening. For the horse riding tour you will be provided with all of the basic gear, including helmets, boots and rain or snow clothes (depending on weather). A horse will be matched with you based on your experience with horses (but don't worry if you've never been riding before, as this tour is suitable for all skill levels). The riding tour is 1.5-2 hours long, and allows you to experience the beautiful Icelandic landscapes that surround the farm area. The Northern Lights by boat tour departs from the Old Harbour in the center of Reykjavík. The boat sails along the coastline of Reykjavík and out of the city lights to escape the affects of light pollution. On board the boat our expert guides will tell you all about the Northern Lights, including scientific facts, and legends and myths from around the world. Please note: the horseback riding tour has an age limit of 7 and a weight limit of 120kg / 240lbs. Sightings of the Northern Lights can never be guaranteed; if nothing is seen on your tour, you will get a ticket to try again (valid indefinitely). NEW Special Tours Iceland app with 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish and simplified Chinese) available for Android and Apple. It is available for all clients to download during their tour, with both text and audio information. The app will is as close to an audio guided wildlife adventure as possible
The puffin watching tours with Special Tours, Puffin Express, have been popular for over 20 years! Our great experience, and especially designed boat, Skúlaskeið or “Old Skuli”, makes us the leading expert in the area. There are about 30.000 puffins nesting on the islands off the coast of Reykjavik and we are only a 15 minute boat ride away. We sail out from the old harbour in Reykjavik and it only takes us about 15 minutes to reach the puffin island, Akurey. On the journey out you will be able to view Reykjavik from the seaside [remember your camera] and the guide will also share information about the buildings & islands that can be spotted along the way. The islands we visit are covered with small hills and slopes and both are well known for their colorful birdlife. The island’s shores are rocky but our boat Old Skuli is specially designed to take us as close to the islands as possible due to its shallow draft. When we arrive to the islands we turn off the engine so our passengers can observe the birds and the beautiful surroundings. Our expert guide will tell you all the facts and fun stories about the cute puffins and other wildlife that might be seen on the tour. For the Hop on - Hop off part of this combo tour, join Reykjavík Excursions for a bus tour with City Sightseeing and get the chance to explore Reykjavík at your leisure. There are a series of conveniently located bus stops for you to hop on or hop off at allowing you to truly take your time in exploring the city. The Hop on - Hop off pass is valid for 24 hours, and there are daily departures every 30 minutes from Harpa Concert Hall at 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00 & 16:30. The last arrival is at 17:30 at Harpa. The tour duration is approximately 60 minutes, but you can choose to spend as much time as you want at each stop. You can do these tours in whatever order you prefer, but we recommend starting with an early Puffin Express tour and then heading to the nearest Hop on - Hop off stop to see Reykjavík! NEW Special Tours Iceland app with 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish and simplified Chinese) available for Android and Apple. It is available for all clients to download during their tour, with both text and audio information. The app will is as close to an audio guided wildlife adventure as possible
Seeing the Northern Lights at sea is an amazing experience; sailing away from the coastline of Reykjavík and seeing the auroras on the North-Atlantic with the city lights in the background is something you won't forget!Our expert guide will help you to search for the lights while telling you all about the science, legends and myths that surround this amazing natural phenomenon. There is a speaker system on board so you are welcome to wait inside our cafeteria enjoying a warm drink or watching our own Northern Lights video. When the guide sees the lights, they will announce it on the speaker system so everyone knows to head outside and look up!Our friendly crew takes photos on every tour that are available to download in the following days at no extra charge. They are also happy to assist with camera settings to give you the best chance of capturing the auroras.NEWSpecial Tours Iceland app with 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish and simplified Chinese) available for Android and Apple. It is available for all clients to download during their tour, with both text and audio information. The app is as close to an audio guided wildlife adventure as possible
The Puffin Watching tours with Special Tours, Puffin Express, have been popular for over a decade! Special Tours is a pioneer in Puffin Watching in Iceland. Our expertise, more than 20 years of experience, and our especially designed boat, Skúlaskeið or “Old Skuli”, make us the leading expert in the area. The Puffin Express adventure starts at the Old Harbour of Reykjavík and they only take one hour. It is an inexpensive and charming option for everyone. Lundey and Akurey are two small islands located in the Reykjavík bay area, only 15 minutes away from Reykjavík‘s Old harbour, from where we depart. The islands are covered with small hills and slopes and both are well known for their colorful birdlife. The island‘s shores are rocky but Old Skuli is especially designed to take us as close to the islands as possible due to its shallow draft. When we arrive to the islands we turn off the engine so our passengers can observe the birds and the beautiful surroundings. Our licensed guide tells all about the Puffins and other birds of interest that are often seen on the Puffin watching tours. Other birds spotted include Northern Fulmars, Gulls, Arctic Terns, and Black Guillemots. Our Puffin Watching Tours are very cozy and comfortable, and they only take one hour, which is convenient for Iceland‘s tourists’ precious time. NEWSpecial Tours Iceland app with 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish and simplified Chinese) available for Android and Apple. It is available for all clients to download during their tour, with both text and audio information. The app is as close to an audio guided wildlife adventure as possible
Special Tours and Whales of Iceland have partnered up to offer this combo tour, allowing you to see these beautiful animals in the wild and then see full-scale models of them to get an idea of just how big they actually are. You can choose to start with whale watching, or with a a trip to the museum Whales of Iceland. Set sail on board a Classic or Express Whale Watching tour with Special Tours to see the whales in their natural habitat. We head out to the feeding grounds in Faxaflói Bay where we search for commonly spotted whales like humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. It is sometimes difficult to realize how huge these animals are when you see them in the water, which is why we recommend stopping by Whales of Iceland on the other side of the harbour. Here you can get a good idea of how small we humans are compared to the ocean wildlife. At the largest whale museum in Europe all 23 species that can be found in the surroundings of Iceland in real size are shown and you learn lot of interesting facts about the whales and their history.Please note: You only need to select a departure time for the whale watching tour, and not for the museum. The ticket for the museum is an open ticket, meaning you can simply choose when you want to go. This does not have to be the same day as your whale watching tour. Both Whale Watching Classic and Whale Watching Express apply for this tour.There are daily guided tours in English at Whales of Iceland at 11:00 and 15:00, open to anyone with a ticket to the museum at no extra cost. The film Sonic Sea (60 minutes) is shown daily at 10:30, 12:15, 14:00, and 15:45.NEWSpecial Tours Iceland app with 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish and simplified Chinese) available for Android and Apple. It is available for all clients to download during their tour, with both text and audio information. The app will is as close to an audio guided wildlife adventure as possible
Join us on our newest boat for an amazing 2-hour RIB Express tour! During the tour we will take you out to get up close and personal with the magnificent whales of Faxaflói Bay. Our 12-meter-long boat allows us to get very close to the animals in a way that's extra safe for both our passengers and the whales. On the way out to the whale watching area we will stop by the puffin island Akurey to catch a glimpse of these adorable seabirds that live around the coast of Iceland during their nesting season. When we head out into the bay it's a fast, thrilling ride with the wind in your hair - we have a comfortable cruising speed of 32 knots so we have plenty of time out in the whales' feeding grounds. On the way back to the harbour we take a scenic route along the coast of Reykjavík, a perfect photo opportunity! Before or after your tour we recommend that you stop by the Whales of Iceland Exhibition in the harbor area as the admission is included with the Rib Express tour. NEW Special Tours Iceland app with 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish and simplified Chinese) available for Android and Apple. It is available for all clients to download during their tour, with both text and audio information. The app will is as close to an audio guided wildlife adventure as possible
With Special Tours you can enjoy the fishing adventure of a lifetime!Sea Angling is a great activity for all ages. We set off from Reykjavik's Old Harbour and head out to fishing areas Faxaflói Bay, where our experienced crew will usually spot fish in a flash!If you have never been sea angling before, don't worry - it is very easy! Our crew will happily show you the ropes, advising you on bait and passing on their knowledge of the seas. Our sea angling tours are perfectly suited both to experienced fishermen and to those who simply wish to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings with a fishing rod in hand. On our sea angling tours you get to spend a lot of time with your captain and the crew, who are always willing to answer any questions you may have. Our guided sea angling tours take 2.5 - 3 hours and start at the Reykjavik Old Harbour!We grill your catch on-board & serve with potatoes and cold garlic sauce! NEWSpecial Tours Iceland app with 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish and simplified Chinese) available for Android and Apple. It is available for all clients to download during their tour, with both text and audio information. The app is as close to an audio guided wildlife adventure as possibleThe most common whales spotted include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises.
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