The waters around Reykjavik offer some of Europe’s best marine experiences. Whale-watching excursions regularly spot minke whales and humpbacks, while puffin tours get you close to these charming seabirds (best from May to August). The Northern Lights boat tours are particularly special – they escape the city’s light pollution and provide stable viewing platforms for aurora photography.
I’m especially fond of the combination tours that pair whale watching with glacier lagoon visits – they’re a smart way to maximize your time and money. The best operators provide warm overalls, hot drinks, and expert naturalist guides who know exactly where to find the wildlife.
Check out these top-rated Reykjavik boat tours that consistently earn rave reviews from our readers.
Key Points
- Reykjavik offers a variety of whale watching tours, including yacht cruises and RIB boat tours, with a high success rate for spotting whales.
- Puffin watching tours provide intimate experiences with knowledgeable guides, offering close encounters with puffins during the best viewing season.
- Northern Lights cruises depart from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, providing optimal viewing conditions and amenities like heated indoor seating.
- Combination tours and transfers offer comprehensive experiences, such as combining puffin and whale watching or including Northern Lights viewing.
- Adventure and scenic tours showcase southern Iceland’s natural wonders, including glacier lagoons, glacier hikes, and fishing experiences.
South Coast and Glacier Lagoon With Boat Tour From Reykjavik
The South Coast and Glacier Lagoon With Boat Tour from Reykjavik offers adventurous travelers a chance to witness the breathtaking natural wonders of Iceland’s southern region.
This full-day tour takes guests on a boat ride among the icebergs of the Glacier Lagoon, a highlight praised by many travelers. The itinerary also includes visits to the black sand beaches, the village of Vik, and Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
While some found the pace a bit rushed, the tour’s highly-rated guides and the spectacular scenery make this an unforgettable experience.
With convenient pickup options and a reasonable price point, this tour is a great way to explore Iceland’s stunning southern coast.
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From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise
For travelers seeking to witness the captivating Northern Lights, the From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise offers an unforgettable experience.
This 2-hour cruise departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, taking guests away from the city’s light pollution to hunt for the elusive aurora in the open ocean. Along the way, they’ll enjoy stunning views of Reykjavik and the distant mountains.
The cruise provides blankets for warmth, free Wi-Fi, and a calming ocean soundscape as they wait for the natural light show. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, the cruise offers a flexible rescheduling policy and a 4.1/5 rating from past travelers.
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Whale Watching Cruise on a Yacht in Reykjavik
A popular activity for visitors to Reykjavik is the Whale Watching Cruise on a Yacht. This 4.5-rated cruise departs from the Old Harbor, offering the chance to spot minke whales, humpback whales, killer whales, and dolphins.
The spacious yacht features panoramic viewing windows, observation decks, and onboard Wi-Fi. Warm blankets are provided, and drinks and snacks are available for purchase.
The cruise lasts for an undisclosed duration, with a maximum capacity of 125 travelers. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, a wildlife sighting guarantee is offered.
The meeting point is the Old Harbour House, and the cruise is accessible for wheelchair users, strollers, and service animals.
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Reykjavik Cruise Terminal Skarfabakki To Keflavik Airport
After exploring the whale watching cruises that depart from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, visitors may find themselves needing a reliable way to get from the Skarfabakki cruise terminal to Keflavik International Airport.
The private luxury transfer service offers a hassle-free 45-minute journey at a cost of $199.47 per group of up to 4 people. Travelers can book now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The driver will greet you at the cruise port, assist with luggage, and provide comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle. With an overall rating of 4.5/5 from various traveler types, this service ensures a smooth transition from your Reykjavik cruise to your onward flight.
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Puffin Cruise With Expert Tour Guide From Reykjavik
Although Reykjavik offers a variety of whale watching cruises, visitors seeking a unique opportunity to observe puffins can embark on the Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik.
This highly-rated 1-hour tour departs from the city center, providing passengers the chance to see puffins, northern fulmars, gulls, and other seabirds up close.
With a maximum capacity of 33 travelers, the small-group experience ensures an intimate and personalized adventure. Knowledgeable guides equipped with binoculars lead the cruise, sharing insights about the birds’ nesting habits and behaviors.
While puffins are most abundant during the May to August season, the tour’s flexible cancellation policy allows travelers to rebook if weather conditions impact the viewing experience.
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From Reykjavik: Whales and Northern Lights Boat Tour
This combined 7-hour tour from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour allows travellers to experience both whale watching and northern lights viewing in a single excursion.
Priced from £132.73, the tour includes a 3-hour whale watching cruise in Faxaflói Bay, where you might spot minke whales, harbour porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, and humpback whales.
In the evening, you’ll head out again to view the mesmerizing northern lights, with warm overalls, heated indoor seating, and bar service provided.
Experienced guides offer insights throughout the journey, and you’ll enjoy scenic views of the city, mountains, and Snæfells Glacier.
The tour earns a 4.1/5 rating from 47 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable guides and comfortable facilities.
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Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise
The Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise offers travelers a chance to spot iconic marine life during a scenic tour from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. Rated 4.4 out of 418 reviews, the 95-person cruise is operated by Harpa Yachts and provides free WiFi, warm blankets, and a complimentary ticket if no sightings occur.
Guests commonly report seeing humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins, with some even identifying individual whales. While the majority of feedback is positive, citing knowledgeable guides and comfortable accommodations, some have experienced issues with boat changes and limited sightings.
The cruise remains a popular activity, especially for those eager to witness Iceland’s incredible wildlife up close.
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Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise
Travelers visiting Reykjavik can embark on a thrilling whale-watching cruise in Faxaflói Bay.
The 3-hour tour, which may vary between 2.5 to 3.5 hours, offers the chance to spot a variety of marine life, including minke and humpback whales, harbor porpoises, and whale-beaked dolphins.
While sightings aren’t guaranteed, they occur year-round, with peak season from April to October.
Specially-trained guides provide insights into whale behavior and the surrounding marine environment.
The cruise features heated indoor cabins, indoor and outdoor seating, free WiFi, and hot drinks and refreshments for purchase.
Travelers can conveniently check-in 30 minutes before departure at Old Harbour House and enjoy the scenic views of the Icelandic coast.
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Iceland Super Saver: Puffin Cruise Plus Whale-Watching Tour From Reykjavik
The Iceland Super Saver combines two of Reykjavik’s most popular tours – a puffin cruise and a whale-watching excursion – at a discounted price.
During the 1-hour puffin cruise, travelers can observe the dense puffin population on Akurey island and learn about their behavior from knowledgeable guides.
The 2.5 to 3.5-hour whale-watching tour departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, offering sightings of minke whales, humpback whales, and other marine life.
While the puffin cruise is generally rated higher, the whale-watching tour has been known to have issues with overcrowding.
Travelers are advised to dress warmly and consider motion sickness medication for the best experience.
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Reykjavík: RIB Speed-Boat Puffin Watching Tour
Visitors seeking an up-close encounter with Iceland’s iconic puffins can embark on the Reykjavík: RIB Speed-Boat Puffin Watching Tour. Priced from $72.44 per person, this 1-hour tour takes adventurers on a custom-built RIB speedboat to observe the island’s puffin colonies, which account for 60% of the world’s puffin population.
Equipped with full-body waterproof suits and life vests, guests can marvel at the puffins and other seabirds from close range. The tour includes a guided experience and optional pickup/drop-off service.
With an overall rating of 4.6/5 based on 17 reviews, this tour offers an excellent opportunity to witness Iceland’s natural wonders up close.
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3 Day Tour Jokulsarlon – Golden Circle – South Coast – Glacier Hike – Boat Tour
This 3-day tour offers an immersive exploration of Iceland’s renowned natural wonders, combining the iconic Golden Circle route, a glacier hike, and a breathtaking boat tour on the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.
Highlights include visiting Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, Thingvellir National Park, and a guided blue ice hiking adventure on Solheimajokull Glacier.
Accommodation is provided in a cozy guesthouse, with breakfast included. The tour also includes a boat excursion on the famous Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and a stop at Diamond Beach.
With an excellent 97% recommendation rate, this comprehensive package delivers a memorable Icelandic experience for adventurous travelers.
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From Reykjavik: Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour
Climb aboard a specially-engineered RIB boat and embark on an exhilarating 2-hour whale and puffin watching tour from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.
This small-group tour, limited to 12 participants, offers the chance to observe whales and puffins in their natural habitat. Guided by marine biologists, you’ll sail past iconic landmarks like the Harpa Concert Hall and Sun Voyager sculpture.
The RIB boats allow for closer wildlife encounters, and you’ll be equipped with warm overalls, gloves, and safety gear.
With a minimum age of 10 and height requirement of 145 cm, this tour isn’t suitable for all. Priced from Kč 4,038 per person, it’s available from April to October, with puffin season running from May to August.
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RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour From Reykjavik
The RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik offers an exhilarating way to spot whales and puffins in their natural habitat.
This tour accommodates a maximum of 12 travelers and is led by a professional marine biologist guide. Guests will have the opportunity to see humpback whales, Minke whales, dolphins, and puffins while experiencing the thrill of a RIB boat ride.
The tour includes all necessary safety equipment, food, and drinks. With a 4.7-star rating from 185 reviews, this small-group experience is a popular choice for those seeking an intimate and adventurous whale-watching excursion in Iceland.
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Reykjavik: Sea Fishing Boat Tour & BBQ With the Days Catch
Seeking a more hands-on adventure beyond whale watching? Consider the Sea Fishing Boat Tour & BBQ in Reykjavik.
This 2.5-3 hour tour allows you to experience the thrill of catching cod, halibut, haddock, and more. Expert guides assist anglers of all skill levels, and you can even grill your catch on board.
The tour offers scenic views of puffins, whales, and dolphins. With a 4.5/5 rating from 168 reviews, guests praise the friendly crew and abundance of fish.
At just $125.98 per person, it’s an excellent value compared to similar experiences in the US. Convenient hotel pick-up and language support make this an ideal activity for families, solo travelers, and groups.
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Northern Lights Cruise From Reykjavik Including Photos
For those seeking a chance to witness the captivating Northern Lights, the Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik offers a unique opportunity.
Departing from the city’s harbor, this 2-hour tour accommodates up to 198 travelers with heated indoor seating, free WiFi, and thermal overalls.
While the sightings are subject to weather conditions, the tour includes a free ticket to rejoin if the Northern Lights aren’t seen.
Customers have provided mixed reviews, with some praising the friendly crew and boat comfort, while others expressed disappointment over weather cancellations and limited onboard amenities.
Priced starting at €90 per person, the tour provides an alternative option for viewing the natural phenomenon from the sea.
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Reykjavik: Whale Watching & Northern Lights Combo Cruise
Combining the best of both worlds, the Reykjavik: Whale Watching & Northern Lights Combo Cruise offers travelers a chance to witness the marine life and the captivating Aurora Borealis in a single excursion.
Priced from $182.67 per person, this 6-hour tour departs from Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavik, providing the opportunity to spot whales like minke, humpback, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins, as well as enjoy scenic views of the islands and mountains.
The evening cruise then searches for the mesmerizing Northern Lights in Faxaflói bay.
With experienced guides, warm attire, and complimentary seasickness tablets, this combo tour delivers excellent value for money, as evident from the 4.2/5 overall rating based on 76 reviews.
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Northern Lights Cruise From Downtown Reykjavik
Departing from the heart of Reykjavik, the Northern Lights Cruise offers travelers a chance to witness the captivating Aurora Borealis while exploring the picturesque Faxaflói bay.
With a 4.5-star rating, this tour boasts a badge of excellence and a sighting guarantee – if no lights appear, guests receive free tickets to try again.
Catering to a maximum of 150 people, the 2-hour cruise provides warm overalls, knowledgeable guides, and on-board amenities like Wi-Fi and a café.
While wheelchair access is limited, the tour welcomes passengers with limited mobility.
With positive reviews praising the friendly staff and comfortable experience, this Northern Lights cruise delivers an unforgettable adventure.
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Reykjavik: Best Value Whale Watching Boat Tour
From the heart of Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, travelers can embark on a thrilling 2.5-hour whale watching adventure.
Priced from £69.68 per person, this Whale Watching Boat Tour offers unbeatable value. Participants can spot a variety of marine life, including Minke whales, Humpback whales, Dolphins, and Killer whales, against a backdrop of Reykjavik’s picturesque mountains and islands.
The tour includes warm flotation overalls, seasickness tablets, and access to spacious heated indoor cabins, a bar, and Wi-Fi.
With a flexible cancellation policy and no upfront payment required, this tour is a must-do for those seeking an unforgettable wildlife encounter in Iceland’s capital.
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Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise
For those seeking an unforgettable encounter with Iceland’s marine life, the Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching Cruise provides an unparalleled opportunity.
This 2.5- or 3.5-hour cruise around Faxaflói Bay offers the chance to spot wild whales, dolphins, and porpoises, with an expert guide providing insightful commentary.
With a maximum of 189 travelers, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and free amenities like waterproof coveralls, WiFi, and sea sickness tablets are provided.
While whale sightings aren’t guaranteed, the tour offers refunded vouchers if no whales are seen.
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Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Boat Tour From Reykjavik
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most breathtaking natural wonders, is the highlight of this captivating tour from Reykjavik. Priced from €227 per person, this full-day excursion takes adventurers on a journey to the country’s stunning southeast, including stops at Skaftafell, the black sand beaches of Vík, and the mesmerizing Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
The centerpiece is a boat tour through the glacier lagoon, where visitors sail among the floating icebergs. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and options for lunch and dinner, this tour offers exceptional value and an unforgettable Icelandic experience.
Reviewers praise the tour’s beautiful scenery and excellent guides, making it a must-do for visitors to Reykjavik.
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2-Hour RIB Boat Whale Watching Tour From Reykjavik
Set out on a thrilling 2-hour RIB boat whale watching tour from Reykjavik, where you’ll have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Iceland’s magnificent marine life in their natural habitat.
This tour, with a maximum of 12 travelers, is guided by experts and provides a personalized experience. Ride aboard a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) that allows for quick travel between whale-spotting sites.
During the summer, you’ll also stop at Akurey Island, a puffin breeding ground. The tour includes all necessary waterproof gear, and you’re even guaranteed a complimentary ticket for another tour if no wildlife is sighted.
With 4.5 out of 5 stars from 65 reviews, this tour is a must-do in Reykjavik.
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Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Cruise Combo Tour
Reykjavik’s Whales and Puffins Cruise Combo Tour offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the region’s captivating marine life up close. This 4-hour excursion combines two separate tours – whale watching and puffin viewing – providing a comprehensive experience.
Travelers will see various whale species and puffins aboard comfortable boats equipped with warm seating, overalls, and binoculars. The tours feature knowledgeable and friendly guides, and a sighting guarantee ensures a refund if no whales are spotted.
Flexibility is key, with options to combine the tours on different days or take a faster whale watching boat. This combo tour delivers an exceptional value for nature enthusiasts visiting Reykjavik.
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Whale-Watching Boat Tour With Expert Guide From Reykjavik
What better way to witness the majestic marine life of Iceland’s Faxaflói Bay than on a thrilling whale-watching boat tour from Reykjavik?
Whether you choose the 2.5-hour express boat or the 3.5-hour cruise, you’re virtually guaranteed to spot humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises, with a 90% success rate.
The tour provides thermal coveralls, free WiFi, heated indoor seating, and complimentary seasickness tablets.
While most find the experience positive, some have provided feedback on the boat positioning during sightings.
However, the tour operator offers a free ticket for a second tour if no wildlife is seen, ensuring a memorable experience.
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From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Boat Cruise
One can experience the captivating Northern Lights on a 2-hour boat cruise departing from Reykjavik. Priced from $90.29 per person, the cruise sails away from the city lights for optimal viewing.
Warm flotation overalls are provided, and an indoor heated bar offers snacks and refreshments. The guided tour includes insights into the science and folklore of the Northern Lights.
With a live English-speaking guide, free WiFi, and heated indoor cabins, the cruise is wheelchair accessible and offers complimentary seasickness tablets. If no sightings occur, the booking can be rescheduled.
Based on 68 reviews, the cruise has an overall rating of 4/5, with positive feedback on organization, guide knowledge, and comfort.
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Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik
The Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the captivating aurora borealis from the comfort of a spacious yacht.
This highly-rated tour departs from the Old Harbour House, with guests advised to arrive 30 minutes early. The 125-passenger cruise features panoramic observation decks, onboard amenities like WiFi and restrooms, and knowledgeable guides.
While sightings of the Northern Lights aren’t guaranteed, the tour provides a free return within three years if the lights aren’t seen.
Guests praise the beautiful yacht, successful viewings, and helpful staff, though some note issues with organization and pricing.
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Recap
Reykjavik offers a range of exciting boat tours and cruises. Visitors can explore the stunning South Coast, spot whales and puffins, or search for the elusive Northern Lights. With expert guides, comfortable vessels, and breathtaking scenery, these tours provide unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re interested in nature, wildlife, or Northern Lights, there’s a Reykjavik cruise to suit your interests.