Whale watching excursions are offered from Reykjavik Old Harbor; the whale watching season is from May to August. Even in the winter there are companies which will take you out on the regular whale watching route but will warn you that it is very unlikely that you will see the whales. If you do go on one of the winter whale watching excursions you will still get to see Reykjavik from a completely different viewpoint and with any luck you could also see dolphins. There are usually several tours in the high season and just one a day at 1pm from September to April.

Reykjavik whale watching excursions leave from the Old Harbor; the tours can last 2-3.5 hours and sometimes the tour starts with a bus ride to docks around the Reykjanes Peninsula. The tours remain flexible and change according to whale sightings, weather etc. the main area where the whale watching takes place is around the southern part of Faxafloi, close to Reykjavik. Sometimes the tour takes you further away to Hafnarfjorour, Keflavik, Grindavik or Sandgeroi. The whale watching tours are guided and one of the crew sits in an elevated position looking out for the whales. When he spots a whale he announces it over the loud speaker so that everyone can look in the right direction. The ships are comfortable but not luxury and after all you are there for the whales. While waiting for a sighting your guide will tell you about the kinds of whales in these waters and the seabirds you may see. The tours leave Reykjavik Old Harbor and travel for about half an hour to where you are likely to see the whales. There are restrooms, a café, WiFi and souvenir store on board. Some of the whale watching companies offer a second free excursion if you didn't see whales on your first trip.