THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Board in Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and head into Faxaflói Bay where guides hunt for minkes, humpbacks and playful dolphins. This practical guide explains what to expect on classic and express cruises, plus how to prepare for Iceland’s sea conditions.
Board in Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and head into Faxaflói Bay where guides hunt for minkes, humpbacks and playful dolphins. This practical guide explains what to expect on classic and express cruises, plus how to prepare for Iceland’s sea conditions.
Book with Special Tours Iceland
Book directly with Special Tours Iceland for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve NowVerified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Special Tours Iceland · Reykjavik, Capital Region
A cold wind pushes off the quay as the boat slips from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and the city shrinks behind you—colorful roofs, a lone church spire, and the flat coast of Faxaflói Bay. On deck, guides scan the water and point: a mist of spray, an arching back, then the slow, deliberate roll of a minke whale.
easy.
2–3.5 hours.
Minimal fitness required; ability to climb a short gangway and stand/sit for the duration is enough
Common sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, white‑beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises; sightings vary by season and conditions.
Yes—many operators provide heated indoor seating, thermal overalls in children’s sizes, and wheelchair-accessible boats for the classic trip.
Take the complimentary sea‑sickness tablets before boarding, sit mid‑ship, focus on the horizon, and use indoor spaces if symptoms persist.
Operators typically offer a full refund or rebooking; check the provider’s policy and confirm any hotel pickup arrangements.
Faxaflói Bay has supported coastal communities since Viking settlement; its productive waters shaped Reykjavik’s growth as a fishing and trading port.
Operators follow local guidelines to keep distance from whales and minimize disturbance; respecting vessel approach limits helps protect feeding and breathing behaviors.
Special Tours Iceland operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Special Tours Iceland
Book directly with Special Tours Iceland for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now