Our home base will be Reykjavik at the end of July, and hoping to book a whale watching tour. I see that there are several options from the old harbor in Reykjavik, but was wondering if anyone has experience with a tour company outside the city within an hours drive. If not, leaning toward the RIB tour options, and please let me know if there is one you enjoyed. To be honest, the cost of the RIB ones is giving me pause, so welcome opinions on whether they are worth the cost (we have always done RIBs in these situations, so I do not have experience with the bigger boats to see if it is worth it). I will be traveling with two teenagers, and the two older ones of us do not have health problems (e.g., back issues), so that is not a factor in decision making.
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
4039 posts
Rib boats are much better for this as they can move quicker to follow the whales. The big boats just cannot maneuver fast. We have done this in the north, but not out of Reykjavik.
Take a look at Elding as they are very good. My husband used them for a fishing trip and had a great time. They are right in the harbor there in Reykjavik, so super easy to find, and they have a great reputation.
As for places outside of Reykjavik, but an hour out, I don't know any personally. Now if you don't mind going further and heading to Westmann Islands, you could get lucky. We have used Rib Boat Safari ride there and while that particular tour was not a whale watching one, we had an entire pod of Orcas come right up to us. The captain said that was not unusual, FWIW.
Posted by
Canada
26 posts
We did a rib tour with Whale Safari Iceland in Reykjavik. It was phenomenal. Saw several whales - got close to and they were respectful of their space. Saw loads of puffins and lots of dolphins. Next time we go back we want to do it again!
Posted by
Portland, OR
992 posts
Uh, Iceland hunts whales. Starting again this year after moratorium. Like Japan, Norway, others? I'd have a problem with Whale watching there, other people may not.
"Iceland issues permits allowing whale hunting until 2029"
Posted by
Chicago
4457 posts
In June 2025, I took the whale watching tour with Mr. Puffin.
https://puffintours.is/tours/reykjavik-classic-whale-watching
I was based in Reykjavik and had a great trip! My trip report might give you some ideas:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/6-nights-in-reykjavik-a-trip-report
Posted by
Canada
26 posts
Robert H - thank you for pointing this out! I’m so saddened to hear this has resumed! I can understand boycotting while this is going on.
Posted by
OP
Washington, DC
945 posts
Thank you for your replies, and you have given me something extra to think about for sure.
Posted by
Reston VA
604 posts
I am a whale watching fan and very much against whale hunting, but my perspective is that by supporting whale watching in countries that allow whale hunting, we're providing a SUSTAINABLE alternative for those folks to pursue.
If a country's or region's economy is dependent on whale hunting to "survive", they'll stick with that and even double down on it. If an alternative option comes in - like whale watching and nature tourism - and starts to offer a better and more regular source of income for folks, many will pursue it instead. It's been true with safaris and other "barbaric" sorts of things, but it takes time and it takes folks rewarding the positive work (whale watching tours or nature photography or similar). By putting tourism dollars in the hands of the locals preserving their natural wonders, it also puts pressure on locals working against those efforts. Over time, whale watching becomes a much better - more income, safer, and sustainable - alternative to whale hunting.
Posted by
Portland, OR
992 posts
It doesn't seem like "survive" is in question here. Profitable business, yes. If you have reasons otherwise I would be interested.