Whale Watching from Reykjavik Old Harbour

Whale watching from Reykjavik Old Harbour is a boat tour from Ægisgarður 5, about 1 km from the city centre, into Faxafloi bay on Iceland's southwest coast. Operators such as Elding run the cruises, which look for minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. The trip lasts about three hours and sails from April to October, with the best sightings usually reported between May and September when feeding activity in the bay is highest. The activity is rated easy: there is no fitness requirement beyond being able to climb aboard and stand or sit on deck for a few hours, and children are normally welcome with age and safety guidance from the operator. Warm waterproof overalls are lent on board, but visitors should still bring layers, a hat, gloves and sturdy non-slip shoes because the open sea is cold even in summer. Before departure the crew gives a safety briefing covering life jackets, deck movement and emergency procedures, and vessels carry radio equipment and rescue gear as required by Icelandic maritime rules. Guides on board identify species and explain behaviour, and many operators offer a free repeat trip or a partial refund if no whales are seen, although the exact policy should be checked with the operator. Sea sickness can affect some passengers when swell is high, so visitors prone to it may wish to take medication in advance and choose a seat near the middle of the boat. Prices run roughly ISK 12,000-15,000 per adult. Conditions to avoid include strong winds and heavy swell, which can lead to cancellation or rescheduling of departures. In winter the cruises stop for the whale-watching season, and the same harbour then hosts northern lights cruises. The Old Harbour area also has cafes, a fish restaurant row and small museums, which makes it easy to combine the cruise with a half day in Reykjavik.