Western Region, Iceland Family-friendly activities

Take a boat trip from Reykjavik’s harbor to discover Iceland’s rich marine life, which is one of this island country’s highlights. All year round you can spot a variety of whales and other marine animals in the Reykjavik area, including minke and humpback whales, harbor porpoises, and whale-beaked dolphins. Have an opportunity to see some of Iceland's most beautiful marine animals, along with the stunning scenery of the Icelandic coast. The peak season for whale watching runs from April to October, but of course, the ocean is always full of magical creatures, and you never know what you might see. Benefit from the services of specially-trained whale watching guides who are experts at spotting the animals. You will be free to listen as they tell you about the behavior of the whales, and answer any questions you may have. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Icelandic coast as you spot local wildlife. Take a break and warm up in the heated indoor area. Relax on board the boat and enjoy the indoor and outdoor seating, and purchase drinks and snacks along the way from the onboard bar and cafeteria. You will experience a pleasant and comfortable ride, even at higher speeds, and will be able to share your adventure live on social media with the onboard WiFi.

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.

Depart Reykjavik and head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula on a bus day trip to experience Iceland's diverse natural beauty. Take in the dramatic landscape of volcanic peaks, sea cliffs, golden beaches, and sparkling fjords. Visit charming fishing villages, such as Grundarfjordur and Arnarstapi. Admire the spectacular mountains and volcanic craters, including Kirkjufell and Ljósufjöll. Cast your eyes on the black sand beach at Djúpalónssandur, and see the majestic glacier of Snæfellsjökull. Take a photo stop at the famed Black Church at Budir, and spot seals lolling in the sea at Ytri Tunga beach. Tour at a leisurely pace and experience the magnificent scenery of the peninsula at ease. This tour visits a variety of landscapes in a compact region which was immortalized by Jules Verne in his book, "Journey to the Centre of the Earth." 

Join us on an unforgettable whale-watching adventure aboard Andrea, the largest and most comfortable whale-watching vessel in Iceland. Departing from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, you'll cruise into Faxaflói Bay to spot minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, and even the occasional orca—all with the expertise of an experienced guide. Enjoy an interactive and educational experience as your guide shares fascinating insights about the marine life. Learn more through an onboard app (available in 5 languages), as well as whale bones, baleen plates, and teeth on display. Got questions? Feel free to ask your guide! Unmatched Comfort & Views: • Move freely across Andrea’s spacious viewing decks and enjoy 360-degree panoramic views. • Stay warm and cozy with heated indoor seating and included overalls. • Feeling hungry? Grab a snack or warm drink from the onboard café, or browse the souvenir shop. Looking for a Faster Experience? During summer, you can also opt for an Express Whale Watching tour on a faster boat, getting you to the whale-watching area in less time! See Whales or Sail Again! If you don’t spot whales or dolphins during your tour, you’ll receive a free return ticket for another trip! Departure Times: Whale Watching Classic (All Year) • 09:00 – March 1st - November 15th • 13:00 – All year • 17:00 – May 15th - September 30th Whale Watching Express (June 1st - September 30th) • 10:00 – June 1st - September 30th • 14:00 – June 1st - September 30th • 21:00 – June 15th - July 31st (No transfers available for this departure)

Take part in a unique baking experience in the heart of the Golden Circle, the most popular route in Iceland. Take a stroll around the geothermal area and learn about the history of this baking technique. Witness firsthand how the dark rye dough is prepared and then buried in the warm ground with a lively 30-minute demonstration. Discover how the slow cooking of 24 hours gives the bread its memorable taste. Get to sample a fresh batch of lava bread, placed in the ground the day before. Geothermal bathing is also offered at Laugarvatn Fontana, however, tickets for bathing must be booked separately.

Embark on an unforgettable journey to explore Iceland's wonders through our mesmerizing Whale Watching adventures. Setting sail from the historic Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavik, our tours navigate the pristine waters of Faxaflói bay, offering encounters with Minke and Humpback whales, playful Dolphins, graceful Harbour porpoises, and the elusive Killer whales. Marvel at the panoramic vistas of Reykjavik's majestic mountains and idyllic islands, while surrounded by a vibrant tapestry of birdlife. Enjoy warm overalls and a boat with spacious and heated indoor cabins, toilet facilities, an onboard bar, and Wi-Fi.

Embark on a Captivating Whale Watching Journey in Iceland aboard a Comfortable Yacht Join us for an unforgettable aquatic adventure as we set sail from Reykjavik's Old Harbor on the exquisite MY Harpa or MY Amelia Rose. Our family-owned company, Harpa Yachts, brings decades of expertise to ensure you experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Faxafloi Bay. Highlights: Wildlife Extravaganza: Keep your eyes peeled for majestic whales, playful dolphins, and, during the summer months, the charming puffins that grace the Icelandic waters. Scenic Marvels: Cruise along Faxafloi Bay and be mesmerized by the picturesque coastline adorned with mountains, iconic Reykjavik landmarks, and quaint islands. The perfect backdrop for your adventure! Guided Insights: Learn fascinating facts about the local wildlife from our knowledgeable onboard guides, enhancing your connection with Iceland's incredible marine life. Panoramic Views: Enjoy uninterrupted vistas from the observation deck, capturing stunning moments to treasure forever. Cozy Comfort: Snuggle up with warm blankets provided by our attentive crew, ensuring your comfort as you marvel at the wonders of the sea. Stay Connected: Share live photos of your memorable moments instantly with our onboard Wi-Fi, keeping you connected throughout the journey.

Step aboard the Puffin Express for a charming bird-watching adventure in Reykjavik. Enjoy a 100% guarantee of puffin sightings, and learn about these and other local birds from an expert guide. Head out from the Old Harbour of Reykjavik to the surrounding Faxaflói Bay and onto two nearby islands, Lundey and Akurey, covered in small hills and slopes and known for their colorful birdlife. Once arriving at the islands, observe the native birds and picturesque surroundings with the boat's engine turned off. Enjoy seeing puffins as well as other birds, such as northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots. All of this takes place on an old wooden boat, Skúlaskeið, which is fondly referred to as "Old Skuli." It is spacious enough to hold 33 passengers but not too big, in order to ensure that your tour is personal and comfortable.

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. 

Climb aboard a whale-watching boat operated by the only environmentally certified whale watching company in Iceland. Get up close to humpback whales, minke whales, as well as abundant sea birds, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. After setting sail, explore the southern part of Faxaflói bay off Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and have an excellent chance of encountering mysterious and fascinating whales off the coast of Iceland, where the ocean currents create some of the best whale-watching conditions in the world. Enjoy a tour with a high success rate: Whales are seen on more than 90% of our tours throughout the year, often surfacing within a few meters of the boat. We abide by a code of conduct for responsible whale watching that ensures that the animals are not disturbed in their natural habitat. Learn about the wildlife and scenery from guides that have gone through an extensive training program, based on exclusively developed guiding principles. And as a successful whale watching tour is a team effort, the crew works closely with passengers to spot whales, helping you feel an important part of the experience.