Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

The best part of this three-hour yacht cruise is the chance to spend real time with whales rather than simply race out, snap one photograph, and turn back. Humpback whales are the main stars, but you might also see dolphins, porpoises, seals, seabirds, and seasonal puffins in Faxafloi Bay.

I like the comfortable boats, especially the warm lounge, blankets, bar, and roomy outside decks. I also like the care shown around the wildlife. One guide described moving the boat away after watching whales for a while, giving them space. The main drawback is simple: this is nature, not a stage show, and rough seas, cold wind, or a quiet bay can affect the trip.

Key points before you book

• Humpback whales are the most common highlight: Sightings have included close approaches, tail flukes, breaches, and whales staying near the yacht for more than an hour.
• Two very different yacht sizes may be used: MY Harpa carries up to 35 people, while MY Amelia Rose holds up to 95.
• The boats offer more than a basic sightseeing platform: You get indoor lounges, a bar, a salon, a fly-bridge, blankets, and WiFi.
• Puffins are seasonal: The stated viewing period runs roughly from mid-May to mid-August, although an occasional sighting has been reported outside that window.
• Winter can be rewarding but cold: Several winter departures found humpbacks, yet you need warm layers, thick socks, and protection for your ears and face.
• No sightings come with a return option: If the bay stays quiet, your ticket includes the chance to come back again.

Leaving Reykjavik’s Old Harbor for Faxafloi Bay

You check in inside the restaurant at a self-service kiosk near Reykjavik’s Old Harbor. This is worth knowing because the meeting point is not simply a sign beside the boat. A few people have found the location confusing, so I would arrive early and confirm that you are at the restaurant rather than waiting at the wrong spot.

The cruise lasts about three hours. That gives the captain time to leave the harbor, search the bay, follow useful reports from earlier in the day, and remain with whales when conditions allow. It is not a short harbor ride with a quick wildlife stop.

As the yacht moves out, you get views across Faxafloi Bay toward Reykjavik’s coastline, nearby islands, mountains, and city landmarks. Even a quiet wildlife day still gives you a worthwhile boat ride, with open-water scenery that you cannot see from the city streets.

The route is not a fixed parade of stops. The captain and guide adjust course according to sea conditions and recent sightings. That flexibility matters. A whale may surface once, then disappear for several minutes, so the crew needs room to search rather than follow a rigid timetable.

Choosing between MY Harpa and MY Amelia Rose

Harpa Yachts mainly uses MY Harpa, a 70-foot yacht carrying up to 35 people, or MY Amelia Rose, a 105-foot yacht with space for up to 95. You do not choose between them from the information provided, so your boat may depend on the day’s schedule and demand.

MY Harpa offers a smaller-group feel. With fewer passengers, it may be easier to move around the deck and get a clear view when a whale surfaces. MY Amelia Rose is much larger, but that does not automatically mean a crowded or poor experience. One summer departure on the larger yacht still had enough room for easy viewing.

Both yachts have an indoor lounge, bar, salon, and fly-bridge, along with useful inside and outside areas. That setup gives you choices. You can stand outdoors with the best view, sit inside with a hot drink, or move between the two as the weather changes.

I would not treat this as a warm-weather boat trip. The cabins can be comfortable and heated, but the outside decks are exposed. Winter departures have been described as cold, wet, and windy, with sea spray reaching the deck. The crew supplies blankets, but you should bring your own waterproof outer layer, warm socks, and something to cover your ears.

Some trips have free seasickness tablets available. That is a helpful touch, but it is still sensible to prepare if you know you are prone to motion sickness. The bay can turn choppy, and the cold can make discomfort worse.

What you may see in the bay

Humpback whales provide the strongest chance of a memorable sighting. They have been seen in winter, spring, summer, and autumn, with reports ranging from a brief tail glimpse to several whales surfacing repeatedly close to the yacht.

The most dramatic encounters include humpbacks breaching, circling the boat, and remaining nearby for a long period. One winter outing stayed with a humpback for roughly 90 minutes, while another found two whales within half an hour. Those are unusually strong encounters, but they show why the three-hour duration is useful.

Minke whales are another possible sighting. Some departures have seen several, and one especially lucky summer outing recorded four whale species. Fin whales have also appeared, including the endangered fin whale, although you should regard that as a bonus rather than a normal expectation.

Dolphins and harbour porpoises add variety. White-beaked dolphins have been seen in large groups, including a super pod, and porpoises may appear briefly close to the yacht. Seals and many types of seabirds are also possible. A winter cruise that does not produce a long whale encounter can still offer seals, porpoises, and active birdlife.

Puffins are tied to the season. The stated viewing period is approximately mid-May through mid-August. A few outings outside that period have reported puffins, but I would not book an April or winter cruise specifically for them. In summer, puffins become a realistic part of the wildlife mix, alongside whales and dolphins.

Guides who make the searching easier

Wildlife spotting is much easier when someone knows where to look. Guides such as Lucky and Rebecca have led departures, and both have been singled out for clear explanations, enthusiasm, and quick calls when an animal surfaces.

That timing matters. A whale can appear at the edge of your view, breathe once, and vanish before you raise your camera. A good guide helps by pointing toward the correct side of the yacht and explaining what to watch for next. You may still miss a sighting, but you will learn how to scan the water more effectively.

Some guides have marine biology training, adding useful context about the animals and seabirds. The commentary is offered in English and Icelandic. The practical benefit is not just more facts. You learn how the crew chooses a direction, why the boat may slow down, and when it is better to wait or give the whales space.

I also appreciate the reported respect for the animals. One departure moved away after spending time near a whale, rather than pushing for a closer look. Responsible behavior can mean a few seconds less camera footage, but it makes for a better wildlife encounter.

A realistic three-hour timetable

The first part of the cruise takes you from the harbor into open water. This is when you can settle into the boat, learn how the guide will call out sightings, and choose your preferred viewing spot.

The middle section is the main search. The captain may follow recent whale activity or change direction after a new sighting. You might spend much of this time outside, then return indoors for warmth before coming back to the deck. The yacht’s lounge and bar make that rhythm far easier than staying on a small open boat.

The final section depends on what the bay has offered. If whales are active, the crew may remain in the area. If the search has been quiet, the return ticket matters because it gives you another opportunity instead of treating an empty day as the end of the story.

Do not judge the trip only by the number of photographs you take. A whale may surface too far away for a clear image but still be exciting to watch. At other times, a tail rises beside the yacht with almost no warning. Keep your camera ready, but watch with your eyes first.

Is $106 a fair price?

At $106 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend three hours in Reykjavik. It is fair value if you want a comfortable yacht, indoor refuge, guided wildlife search, and the chance to return if nothing appears.

The price also covers more than transportation across the bay. You get the yacht cruise, warm blankets, WiFi, onboard guidance, and access to several viewing areas. Drinks and snacks are available at the bar for an additional cost, with some reports describing them as reasonably priced.

The return option improves the value. No wildlife sighting is guaranteed, but you are not left with nothing if the bay is empty. You can come back on another departure, subject to the operator’s terms and availability.

I would compare this with cheaper, larger boat tours only if price is your main concern. Harpa Yachts makes the most sense for someone who values a more personal yacht setting, a warm cabin, and time spent searching carefully rather than a basic ride out and back.

When the weather changes the experience

Iceland’s sea weather can change the mood of the entire cruise. On a clear day, the mountains, coastline, islands, and sunrise can be as memorable as the wildlife. On a windy day, the same bay can feel cold and rough.

Bring weather-proof clothing even if Reykjavik looks calm when you leave the hotel. Wear layers, a waterproof jacket, thick socks, and warm head protection. The crew provides blankets, but the blankets do not replace proper clothing on the open deck.

The yachts have inside seating, so you can warm up during the search. Still, one practical limitation is that indoor seats may be limited compared with the total number of people aboard. If staying warm is your top priority, arrive early and learn where the inside areas are before the boat leaves.

Sea spray is another issue. Some departures have been wet, especially in rough conditions. A waterproof phone cover or bag is sensible, and you should not rely on a light city jacket.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this trip for couples, families, and first-time whale watchers who want comfort without giving up the excitement of an open-water search. The indoor lounge and blankets help, while the outside decks give you a proper view when animals appear.

It also suits people with a flexible schedule. If you can return for another outing after a quiet day, the included no-sighting ticket has real value. You will get more from the booking if you can leave room in your Reykjavik plans.

Summer is best if puffins are important to you. Winter can be surprisingly strong for humpbacks, but daylight, wind, and cold make it a more demanding outing. I would pick winter for whale watching, warm indoor facilities, and dramatic conditions, not for puffins or guaranteed sunshine.

This may not suit you if you dislike cold air, boat movement, or waiting for wildlife. Even a well-run trip cannot control where whales surface. The strongest reason to book is your willingness to enjoy the search, scenery, birds, and sea as part of the experience.

Booking details worth knowing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. The activity lasts three hours, but you should allow extra time for reaching the Old Harbor and checking in at the kiosk.

The listed languages are English and Icelandic. Guides provide live commentary during the cruise, with useful help spotting animals and explaining what you are seeing.

The overall rating is 4.5 from 707 reviews, which fits the pattern of the experience: the boats and crew are praised most often, while the main complaints concern cold conditions, rough water, or unclear meeting instructions. I would treat those as practical warnings rather than reasons to avoid the cruise.

Should you book Harpa Yachts?

Book it if you want a comfortable, smaller-scale whale watching experience from Reykjavik and you are prepared to spend three hours waiting for nature to cooperate. The warm cabin, blankets, bar, several decks, and return option make this a stronger choice than a bare-bones boat ride.

Choose a summer departure for the best chance of seeing puffins, or a winter departure if humpbacks are your main goal and you can handle the cold. Arrive early at the restaurant kiosk, dress for wind and spray, and keep your schedule flexible enough to use the return ticket if needed.

I would book this cruise for the balance of comfort, wildlife care, and scenery. Just remember the honest rule of whale watching: the yacht can put you in the right bay with a good guide, but the whales still choose the show.

FAQ

Where does the whale watching cruise depart from?

It departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor. Check in inside the restaurant at a self-service kiosk.

How long does the cruise last?

The scheduled duration is three hours.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include humpback whales, minke whales, fin whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises, seals, seabirds, and puffins during the appropriate season.

When can I see puffins?

Puffins can generally be seen from approximately the middle of May to the middle of August.

Which yachts are used?

The cruise primarily uses MY Harpa, a 70-foot yacht for up to 35 people, or MY Amelia Rose, a 105-foot yacht for up to 95 people.

Do the yachts have indoor areas?

Yes. Both yachts have a lounge, bar, salon, fly-bridge, and inside and outside viewing areas.

What is included in the price?

The cruise includes the yacht trip, warm blankets, WiFi, and a ticket to return if no wildlife is sighted.

What happens if no animals appear?

You receive a ticket to return again in the event of no sightings. Wildlife is never guaranteed on any individual departure.