From Reykjavik: Full Day Whale Watching & Golden Circle Tour

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the ‘From Reykjavik: Full Day Whale Watching & Golden Circle Tour.’ This comprehensive experience combines a thrilling whale watching excursion with a scenic bus tour of Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle. Explore UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, witness the stunning Gullfoss Waterfall, and marvel at the erupting Geysir hot springs. With a 97% success rate for whale sightings, you’re sure to learn about Iceland’s breathtaking natural wonders. Seamless transportation and an opportunity to uncover the essence of this remarkable country await those who embark on this unforgettable journey.

This experience made our list of the 17 Best Full-Day Tours In Reykjavik.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Reykjavik combines a 3-hour whale watching excursion and a exploration of Iceland’s renowned Golden Circle natural attractions.
• The whale watching tour has a 97% success rate for spotting whales, dolphins, and other marine life in Faxafloa bay.
• The Golden Circle portion includes visits to Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Gullfoss waterfall.
• Flexible transportation options are provided, with pickup and drop-off from over 20 locations in Reykjavik.
• While the tour has received mixed customer feedback, it offers a comprehensive experience of Iceland’s natural wonders in a single day.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This full-day Whale Watching & Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik offers an immersive experience priced at $175.70 per person for the 11.5-hour excursion.

The tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and customers can take advantage of the reserve now & pay later option.

Visitors will enjoy a 3-hour whale watching boat tour in the Faxafloa bay, which boasts a 97% success rate for sightings, followed by an afternoon exploring the iconic Golden Circle route.

This comprehensive package allows travelers to experience Iceland’s renowned natural wonders, from Thingvellir National Park to the impressive Gullfoss Waterfall, all in a single day.

Itinerary and Experience

Embarking on the tour, passengers first enjoy a 3-hour whale watching boat excursion from Reykjavik Old Harbour, where they’ve a 97% chance of spotting whales in the Faxafloa bay.

Afterwards, the group boards a bus for the Golden Circle route, taking in the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, the erupting Geysir hot spring, the powerful Gullfoss Waterfall, and a photo stop at the Kerid Volcanic Crater.

This comprehensive tour allows visitors to experience Iceland’s renowned natural marvels in a single day, from the marine life of Reykjavik bay to the country’s iconic geological wonders along the Golden Circle.

Transportation and Pickup

The tour provides pickup and drop-off services from over 20 locations throughout Reykjavik, including popular spots like Bus Stop #3 Lækjargata, Bus Stop #9 Snorrabraut, and Hallgrimskirkja, offering convenient access for participants.

Pickup for the whale watching portion starts at 8:15 AM, while the Golden Circle bus tour pickups begin at 12:00 PM, allowing guests to join the full-day experience at their preferred location.

Guests are then returned to the Bus Terminal Reykjavik or Grand Hótel Reykjavik at the conclusion of the tour. The transportation options ensure a seamless and flexible experience for visitors exploring Iceland’s natural wonders.

Wildlife and Natural Attractions

Reykjavik bay teems with a diverse array of marine life, including playful dolphins and curious seals, offering visitors a chance to witness these captivating creatures up close during the whale watching portion of the tour.

Beyond the whales, dolphins, and seals, the tour also provides opportunities to marvel at Iceland’s renowned natural marvels.

Travelers will enjoy scenic views and walking experiences at various stops along the Golden Circle, such as the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, the powerful Gullfoss Waterfall, and the steaming Geysir hot spring.

From rugged volcanic landscapes to cascading glacial rivers, this comprehensive tour allows guests to fully enjoy Iceland’s breathtaking natural wonders.

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Customer Feedback and Important Information

Reviews of the Whale Watching & Golden Circle Tour paint a mixed picture, with an overall rating of 3.3 out of 5 based on 3 customer accounts.

While some highlight positive experiences with whale sightings and the Golden Circle portion, others note chaotic pickup logistics as a downside.

Importantly, the tour operator doesn’t offer refunds for unsuccessful whale watching, though they do provide the option to rebook for another day at no additional cost.

Key customer feedback includes:

• Positive experiences with whale sightings and the Golden Circle highlights

• Concerns about disorganized pickup locations and times

• No refunds for missed whale sightings, but free rebooking available

• Overall tour rated 3.3/5 based on limited customer reviews

Whale Watching Boat Tour

While the reviews highlighted some organizational concerns, the whale watching portion of the tour offers participants a chance to spot these magnificent marine creatures in their natural habitat.

The 3-hour boat tour departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, providing visitors with the opportunity to observe whales, dolphins, and other wildlife in the Faxafloa bay.

The tour boasts an impressive 97% success rate for whale sightings, making it a must-do activity for anyone visiting Iceland.

Passengers can expect to see a variety of whale species, including humpback, minke, and even the elusive blue whale.

The boat tour provides an up-close and personal encounter with these gentle giants, allowing guests to truly enjoy the wonders of Iceland’s rich marine ecosystem.

Golden Circle Bus Tour

The afternoon segment of the tour whisks participants away on a bus journey through the renowned Golden Circle, a popular sightseeing route that showcases some of Iceland’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

The itinerary includes:

• Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating a dramatic landscape of fissures and valleys.

• The Geysir geothermal area, home to the iconic Strokkur geyser that erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting a plume of water up to 40 meters high.

• The majestic Gullfoss waterfall, a powerful two-tiered cascade fed by glacial rivers cascading down into a rugged canyon.

• The Kerid volcanic crater, a striking red volcanic lake that provides a photo opportunity amidst the scenic surroundings.

Highlights of the Tour

From Reykjavik: Full Day Whale Watching & Golden Circle Tour

Highlights of the Tour

Though the tour encompasses both whale watching and the iconic Golden Circle, its highlights undoubtedly shine through the vast natural wonders participants encounter along the way.

The 3-hour whale watching boat tour offers a 97% success rate for sightings, with the chance to spot dolphins, seals, and an array of whales in the Faxafloa bay.

The Golden Circle portion showcases the incredible Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the ever-erupting Geysir, and the powerful Gullfoss Waterfall fed by glacial rivers.

Witnessing these renowned Icelandic natural marvels in a single day makes this tour an unforgettable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to confirm their policy and any restrictions regarding outside food and beverages.

Is There Wi-Fi Available on the Bus and Boat?

The tour does not offer Wi-Fi on the bus or boat. Passengers are advised to plan accordingly, as internet connectivity may be limited during the excursion. The focus is on experiencing Iceland’s natural wonders without digital distractions.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to join the whale watching and Golden Circle excursion. Families can enjoy the tour’s activities and sights together.

Can I Take Photographs During the Whale Watching Portion?

Yes, guests are typically allowed to take photographs during the whale watching portion of the tour. However, the tour operator may provide specific guidelines or restrictions to ensure the safety and comfort of both your and the wildlife.

Is There a Limit on the Number of Passengers per Tour?

The tour typically accommodates a maximum of 200 passengers, allowing for an intimate whale watching experience. The exact group size may vary depending on demand, but the operator ensures a comfortable and uncrowded environment for all participants.

Recap

This full-day tour from Reykjavik offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majestic whales of Faxafloa bay and explore Iceland’s renowned Golden Circle.

With a 97% success rate for whale sightings and the chance to discover UNESCO-listed Thingvellir, Gullfoss, and Geysir, it’s an unforgettable adventure that allows visitors to enjoy the country’s captivating natural wonders.

Seamless transportation and a comprehensive experience make this tour a must-do for anyone seeking to explore the best of Iceland.

You can check if your dates are available here: