Bay of Encounters: Reykjavik’s Faxaflói From Whales to Northern Lights
Where Reykjavik’s harbor life meets whales, puffins and the aurora—how to pick the right boat, season and kit for a Bay of Encounters.
A half-hour after dawn the water of Faxaflói Bay is a pewter sheet, the city behind it still in sleep-grey light and Harpa’s glass face catching the first sun like a cold jewel. You step off the Old Harbour’s wooden gangway and the air tastes of salt and diesel and a kind of openness only coastal places command. The crew hands you a thermal overall; the harbour pulls away, and Reykjavik’s skyline — the Sun Voyager sculpture, the concert hall, the low-sloped roofs — slides astern. You’re here for movement: the rise of a whale’s back, the fast blur of a puffin, perhaps later the slow, green sigh of the aurora when winter comes.
Trail Wisdom
Layer and seal out wind
Even on sunny days the bay is cold; a windproof outer shell and warm mid-layer make hours on deck comfortable.
Bring motion-sickness meds
Operators provide seasickness tablets but take yours before boarding if you’re susceptible—calmer cabins can still roll in swell.
Time your wildlife
Puffins are best seen May–August in the morning; whales are most reliable in summer—plan tours accordingly.
Pick the right boat
Choose a RIB for agility and close-ups, a larger yacht for winter aurora comfort or longer whale trips for higher encounter odds.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Viðey Island and its walking trails—quiet views of the city and the Imagine Peace tower
- •Lundey (Puffin Island) viewpoint—best small-boat approach for close puffin encounters
Wildlife
Humpback whale, Atlantic puffin
Conservation Note
Operators follow viewing guidelines to minimize disturbance—maintaining distance, limiting approach times, and using trained naturalists to educate guests while protecting wildlife.
Faxaflói Bay’s sheltered waters enabled Reykjavik’s development as a fishing and trading port; the Old Harbour remains an active link between the city and the sea.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Migratory seabirds, Early whale returns
Challenges: Unsettled weather, Cool sea temperatures
Spring brings returning life—puffins arrive late spring and porpoises become active—though sea conditions can be variable and cold.
summer
Best for: Whale watching, Puffin colonies, Calmer seas
Challenges: Busy tour schedules, Long daylight hours limit aurora chances
Summer is peak wildlife season with longer windows for viewing and generally calmer water—ideal for combo whale-and-puffin trips.
fall
Best for: Sea-bird migrations, Quieter tours
Challenges: Shortening daylight, Increasing swell and winds
Fall offers fewer crowds and dramatic light but more variable sea states; aurora nights begin to return late in the season.
winter
Best for: Northern Lights cruises, Atmospheric low-light photography
Challenges: Cold, windy decks, Short daylight and cancelled trips due to weather
Winter transforms the bay into an aurora stage—book heaters and flexible return policies; dress for serious cold and potential rough seas.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Waterproof, windproof jacketEssential
Protects against spray and wind on open water.
Warm mid-layer (fleece or down)Essential
Retains heat between the provided overalls and outer shell.
Binoculars (8x–10x)
Helps spot distant blows and bird clusters without crowding the rail.
Telephoto camera lens (100–400mm) or waterproof point-and-shoot
Essential for close, detailed wildlife images; waterproof bodies help on wet decks.
Common Questions
Do tours guarantee whale or puffin sightings?
No company can legally guarantee wildlife, but experienced operators maximize odds by using local knowledge and adjusting routes; many offer rebook or refund policies in rare no-sighting cases.
Will I get cold on the water?
Yes—even in summer the bay can be chilly. Tours supply overalls; wear insulating layers and a windproof jacket underneath.
Are trips suitable for children and seniors?
Most are family-friendly; check with operators about stability concerns and availability of indoor heated cabins for those who need them.
What’s the best time of day for photography?
Morning light is often calmest and best for puffins; whale activity can be good throughout the day—golden hour can deliver dramatic coastal backdrops.
How long do typical tours last?
Puffin runs are ~1 hour; standard whale trips 3–3.5 hours; combined options and special evening cruises run 4–6 hours total including transfers.
How do I manage seasickness?
Take preventative medication before boarding, sit mid-boat where motion is less pronounced, focus on the horizon, and use provided indoor cabins when needed.
What to Pack
waterproof shell (wind and spray protection), warm midlayer (retains heat), telephoto lens or binoculars (wildlife viewing), motion-sickness medication (prevention for rougher seas)
Did You Know
Faxaflói Bay contains several small islands—Akurey, Engey and Lundey—which host large puffin colonies during summer and helped shape Reykjavik's maritime history.
Quick Travel Tips
Book morning puffin trips in summer; wear non-slip shoes; check operator cancellation policies for weather; bring a dry bag for electronics
Local Flavor
After a morning on the bay, head to the Old Harbour for langoustine soup, visit Harpa for a concert or exhibit, and listen to an Icelandic storyteller—sea lore and seafood form Reykjavik’s coastal identity.
Logistics Snapshot
Meeting point: Reykjavik Old Harbour | Typical trip length: 1–4 hrs | Bring layers & meds | Rebooking offered for missed aurora on many operators
Sustainability Note
Choose operators that use trained naturalists and adhere to responsible viewing distances; small-group RIBs reduce time spent searching and lower fuel usage per passenger.