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Reykjavik Sailing trips & boat tours

Our most recommended Reykjavik Sailing trips & boat tours

Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

1. Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

Come aboard a yacht and see the incredible wealth of marine wildlife that lives in the waters just off the shores of Reykjavík City. See some of Iceland's majestic whales, dolphins, and porpoises on this whale-watching tour.  Your ship sets sail from Reykjavík's Old Harbor and sails among the small islands in the Faxaflói Bay, as well as along the coast of Reykjavík, providing you with fantastic views of the city as you search for the wildlife in the water. Spot minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises. If you're lucky, you may even see a few orcas (also known as killer whales) as well as a wealth of other species. Make the most of three panoramic deck areas aboard the yacht, moving about the decks to get the best views and take advantage of great photo opportunities. The outside decks are also partially covered, providing some shelter from wind and rain. The professional crew on board the Amelia Rose are very experienced in spotting whales and they are dedicated to making sure you leave with a smile. Combine relaxation with education as you enjoy a personal and memorable experience. Amelia Rose is designed as an offshore vessel, making it better adapted to take on the turbulent waves of Iceland's waters, resulting in a smoother sail with less probability of passengers experiencing nausea or seasickness. There is no guarantee, however, that you will not get seasick.

Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Luxury Yacht Cruise

2. Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Luxury Yacht Cruise

The tour begins with a cruise along the beautiful coastline of Reykjavik before heading out to Faxafloi Bay in search of whales. The minke whales and humpback whales are the main goal of this tour, the giants of the ocean. With a bit of luck, you may even spot a group of white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. There's also a good chance that you'll observe different sea birds and puffins throughout the summer. During the summer, the puffins are frequently seen sitting on the ocean and diving for food. This activity enables you to escape the crowds and benefit from a yacht cruise with fewer passengers and more personal service on board. Ride on a stable boat with an on-board bar and lounge and spacious outdoor deck areas for maximum comfort.

Reykjavik: Northern Lights Yacht Tour

3. Reykjavik: Northern Lights Yacht Tour

See the incredible northern lights from the panoramic decks of a yacht on this guided tour. This tour is perfect for those looking for an awe-inspiring experience watching the celestial display of the aurora borealis. Meet your captain and crew at Reykjavik's Old Harbor, where you'll board the yacht. You will sail among the small islands in Faxafloi Bay and along the coast of Reykjavik before the yacht begins to sail away from the lights of the city. This will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the northern lights to the fullest. The panoramic triple deck area allows every passenger to enjoy the breathtaking colors of the aurora, and to capture some amazing photos of the green, pink, and white light. If you wish to stay inside during the trip, you will find a lovely bar and lounge area inside where you can relax. 

Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour

4. Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour

Discover the puffins of Iceland on a wildlife watching tour by RIB Boat, These boats cover a larger area and get closer to the puffins than on a conventional vessel. Watch the birds as they nest, dive and fly, and learn about their characteristics as you cruise around the rocks and cliffs. Make your own way to Reykjavik Old Harbour in the early morning and meet the captain of your RIB. Listen to a short safety briefing, put on your provided coveralls, climb aboard, and take hold of the grab rail as your boat sets off. Take in the views of Faxaflói Bay as your RIB zips out over the ice-cold waters. As you cruise, watch for Iceland’s wildlife, including the many species of sea birds that frequent the bay and its islands in summer. As well as puffins, gannets, auks, fulmars, and Arctic terns all visit the local waters. Bump over the waves toward the rocky islands and sea cliffs, and sail up close to the rocks and inlets to view the puffins that nest here between May and August. As you watch the puffins, listen to interesting facts about the species from the expert guide and captain. Hear about their natural behaviors and diet, and snap photos of them nesting, diving, and flying as you sail around the little inlets.  After about an hour on the sea, arrive back at Reykjavik harbor where your puffin watching cruise ends.

Reykjavik: 3-Hour Sea Angling Gourmet Experience Tour

5. Reykjavik: 3-Hour Sea Angling Gourmet Experience Tour

Enjoy a 3- to 3.5-hour sea angling tour from Reykjavik and breathe the salty air of the fishing grounds of Faxaflói. A must for first-timers and experienced anglers alike, you will be joining in a fantastic Icelandic tradition. The fishing grounds in Faxaflói have attracted Icelandic fishermen for centuries, and the captains of these tours know the area like salty sea dogs. They will take you to the best spots for catfish, cod, haddock, mackerel, and pollack. And what you catch, you keep! The crew will cook the fish that is caught on the boat's BBQ with homemade sauce and potatoes. You'll also make a stop at Puffin Island. Just breathing in the fresh air, being out on the open ocean, and catching your first fish of the day makes this an experience you’ll never forget. All equipment is provided, and there is no need to worry about your sea skills, as the captain and guide will teach you the best fishing moves, if you don't know them already.

From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by Fast Catamaran

6. From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by Fast Catamaran

Join a whale watching tour for an unforgettable experience in Iceland. Climb aboard a modern boat and head to the whale watching grounds in just 20-30 minutes. Glide at high cruising speed, making it great fun for the adventurous. Embark on your whale watching tour via express boats, which are fast and equipped with the latest technology. Cruise in comfort with amenities both inside the cabin and out on deck during your time at sea. Reach the whale watching grounds in record time and keep your eyes peeled as you sail. Waste no time on your visit to Iceland.

Reykjavik: Midnight Sun Whale Watching Tour

7. Reykjavik: Midnight Sun Whale Watching Tour

Whales are the most mysterious of creatures, and some of the best whale watching in the world is just off the coast of Iceland’s capital, where the ocean currents create excellent viewing conditions. Climb aboard a whale watching boat operated by the only environmentally certified whale watching company in Iceland, and explore the southern part of Faxafloi Bay in the Midnight sun of the summer months. On the 3.5-hour tour you will get up-close to whales such as playful minke, as well as see abundant sea birds, dolphin and harbor porpoise. Whales are seen on more than 95% of summer tours, often surfacing within a few meters from the boats. To ensure that the animals are not disturbed, boats sail at a constant speed towards the whales' habitat. This is part of a sustainability policy, trying to minimize oil use and pollution. Guides have all gone through an extensive training program, based on exclusively developed guiding principles. They will provide valuable information about the wildlife and scenery in an entertaining way. And as a successful whale watching tour is a team effort, the crew work closely with passengers to spot the whales, helping you feel an important part of the experience.

Reykjavik: Premium Whale Watching with Flexible Ticket

8. Reykjavik: Premium Whale Watching with Flexible Ticket

Experience the whales and wildlife of Faxaflói bay on a small-group whale watching tour. Board a specially designed RIB speedboat so that you can enjoy up close and personal views of whales, dolphins, and more. The boats are small yet powerful and capable of covering a large area in search of wildlife during a 2-hour tour. The RIB boats are equipped with brand new high-quality suspension seats designed to increase safety and comfort during the adventure. During the summer months (May - August) this tour includes puffin watching as the colorful birds nest just outside the city's harbor. After the whale safari, head back to Reykjavík while enjoying a ride along the city's shoreline. Experience unique views of some of the cities most famous landmarks from the sea.

Reykjavik: Northern Lights Luxury Yacht Cruise

9. Reykjavik: Northern Lights Luxury Yacht Cruise

Sail along the beautiful coastline of Iceland from Reykjavik Old Harbor and then head out to Faxaflói Bay to experience the city lights from a different perspective. Step aboard a luxury yacht for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The main objective of your tour is to get away from the lights to get a glimpse of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in the darkness of the ocean! Climate conditions permitting, see the natural phenomenon caused when particles from the sun hit the earth’s atmosphere to create a stunning choreography of lights in the sky. Get your cameras ready for some spectacular photo opportunities - the vessel is very stable, making it very convenient when taking photos. Your experienced crew will keep an eye out for Aurora Borealis activity to find the best route to take. Sit back and enjoy the scenery from the vast darkness behind the small islands of Faxaflói Bay, including the island of Viðey where Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower lights up the night sky from October 9 to December 8 (and on a few other days of the year). See the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center with its distinctive colored glass façade inspired by the basalt landscape from a different angle. Marvel at The Sun Voyager ode to the sun statue by Jón Gunnar Árnason and the famous house of Höfði where an agreement was signed in 1986 to end the Cold War.   Escape the crowds and benefit from a comfortable yacht cruise with fewer passengers, as group sizes are limited to enhance customer satisfaction and create a more intimate experience. If it gets chilly, wrap up in the warm blankets provide and enjoy hot drinks or refreshments that can be bought from the bar while waiting for the Northern Lights to appear.

Reykjavik: New Years Fireworks Midnight Cruise

10. Reykjavik: New Years Fireworks Midnight Cruise

Join an amazing evening yacht cruise on the Amelia Rose to celebrate the New Year and say bon voyage to 2023. The luxury yacht Amelia Rose leaves the harbor at 10:30 PM, and returns approximately half an hour after midnight. The view from the sea gives you the chance of seeing the world-famous fireworks over the city and the surrounding towns. If the skies are clear, you might be able to catch the Northern lights too! Receive a complimentary glass of Champagne as midnight approaches and, as the clock strikes 12, raise a toast to the New Year. Three panoramic decks will ensure that you will get the best view possible of the fireworks, the Reykjavík coastline, and if the skies are clear hopefully catch the Northern lights too.

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What people are saying about Reykjavik

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 2,143 reviews

Amazing trip!! Managed to spot a humpback whale and it came so close to the boat. It was amazing to see. Our guide on the boat was very informative and gave us tips on how to spot the whale. The journey was smooth and the boat was absolutely gorgeous!!

Staff were great and guide was very knowledgeable. The boat is lovely and clean and not too big so didn’t feel overcrowded. We saw just one humpback but it was close up. Recommended

Very impressive seeing whales in real life. Check the weather cos the boat journey was awful - sea sickness central but nothing the tour guides could do about that

Easy to find the office to collect tickets before boarding. Great Experience.

A very nice trip with a lovely boat and we even managed to see whales.