Add dates

Western Region, IcelandBirdwatching

Our most recommended Western Region, Iceland Birdwatching

From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by RIB Boat

1. From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by RIB Boat

Climb aboard a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) equipped with special shock suspension seating for a smoother ride. Look for whales and other marine life in the wild. Travel aboard the 12-meter long boat to get extra close to whales in a way that is safe for passengers and the animals. Benefit from warm flotation suits, life vests, gloves and goggles to keep you cozy and safe, and avail of the services of an experienced guide who will provide information about the animals and bay in English.  Stop by the island of Akurey to look for adorable puffins during the summer. See their nests along the coast during their breeding season. Head out to the bay on a fast and thrilling ride with the wind in your hair. Reach a comfortable cruising speed of 32 knots and get plenty of time in the feeding grounds. Then, take a scenic route back along the coast of Reykjavik. After your tour, you can visit the Whales of Iceland Museum, located in the Grandi harbor district of Reykjavik. Here, you can discover more about the various whale species of the Atlantic, with exhibits on whale biology, migration, and conservation.

Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

2. Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

Hop aboard a RIB speedboat and head out for a thrilling adventure just off Reykjavik's coast. Marvel at the abundance of sea life Iceland has to offer, such as majestic whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Begin your tour from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor and cruise among the small islands in the Faxaflói Bay, as well as along the coast of Reykjavík. Admire fantastic views of the city and its landmarks like the Harpa concert hall as you search for wildlife in the water. During your tour, pass by Engey, the second-largest island of the Kollafjörður (Faxa Bay) fjord in western Iceland. Also cruise past Lundey, literally “Puffin Island” in Icelandic, a small uninhabited island off Reykjavík’s western coast. Enjoy the chance to see incredible animals in their natural habitat without being overcrowded onboard the boat. And if you don't get lucky with wildlife sightings on the day you go, you'll receive a complimentary ticket to try again another day.

Reykjavik: Half-Day Whales and Puffins Cruise Combo Tour

3. Reykjavik: Half-Day Whales and Puffins Cruise Combo Tour

Discover adorable puffins on a cruise from the Old Harbor in Reykjavík. Search for local whales on a second cruise from Reykjavík to Faxaflói Bay. Stay warm with inside seating and overalls. See local wildlife clearly with the use of binoculars on the puffin tour. Travel by a small boat named Skúlaskeið (Old Skúli), perfect for puffin watching, since it has a shallow draught, and therefore can get really close to the small islands where the puffins live. The guides are very knowledgeable about the thriving bird life in Reykjavík's surroundings. Benefit from this combo tour's included classic whale watching tour, operated on the Andrea boat, lasting 3 to 3.5 hours. The Andrea is the biggest whale watching boat in Iceland, and has an educational and interactive focus. It is also family friendly and spacious with a cafeteria on-board. If you choose to, you can switch to the express tour leaving 1 hour later on a faster boat that gets you out to the whale watching area quicker than the other whale watching boats, but still allows you to have plenty of time. Most common whale sights in Faxaflói Bay are minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. Note that these are two separate tours and you don't have to do them on the same day.

Reykjavik: Whale Watching in Faxaflói Bay & Live Lava Show

4. Reykjavik: Whale Watching in Faxaflói Bay & Live Lava Show

Whale Watching departure at 09:00 & Lava Show at 14:00 Whale Watching departure at 13:00 & Lava Show at 18:00 Lava Show at 12:00 & Whale Watching departure at 14:00 1. Lava Show - 50 minutes The only live LAVA SHOW in the world! Are you fascinated with lava, volcanoes, and geology? Would you like to see red-hot lava up close in a safe environment? Are you embarking on a journey through Iceland, the land of ice and fire? If the answer is YES, you need to experience LAVA SHOW Reykjavik. It is the only live lava show in the world and has become one of the must-see experiences in Iceland! Just look at the incredible reviews! The address is Fiskislóð 73, Reykjavík 101, Iceland An incredible and unique experience In order to recreate a miniature volcano eruption, they superheat real lava from the 1918 Katla eruption and once molten, pour it into a showroom full of people. It is an incredible, unforgettable experience. In an instant, the showroom heats up to a toasty temperature. And as the audience sits safe in their seats yet only a few feet away from the flowing lava, it is mesmerizing to see, hear, smell and feel the incredible heat that radiates from it. It truly is a sensational experience! The show begins with a short welcome by the host and then a short educational video about Icelandic volcanism, the volcanoes close by - with special emphasis on the largest volcano eruptions in Icelandic history and the volcanic dangers surrounding the capital area Once the lava starts flowing into the showroom, the host literally starts PLAYING WITH THE LAVA! It is an entertaining, unique, and educational experience, completely different from everything else you've ever experienced. And after the show, you truly see the rest of Iceland with different eyes and a newfound appreciation for nature. It really is a must see experience. 2. Whale Watching Tour Experience the best Iceland has to offer with spectacular Whale Watching opportunities. Our tours offer a unique experience and we do our best to make this a lifetime experience for you. A Whale Watching adventure departing from Old harbour in downtown Reykjavik. We sail into Faxaflói bay in search of Minke and Humpback whales, Dolphins, Harbour porpoises and Killer whales (a rare sighting). On this tour, you will also experience the spectacular views of the mountains and islands around Reykjavik as well as the wonderful bird life. On board we have warm overalls, heated spacious indoor cabins, a nice bar and free WiFi. NOTE: You should schedule to be at our departure point at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Please be aware that due to environmental reasons during certain times of the year our trips may be delivered on a shared boat with one of our partners. At Reykjavik Sailors, we are committed to ensuring the environment is kept pristine by making sure fewer boats are on the water.

From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by Speedboat

5. From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by Speedboat

Get back to nature and look for whales off the coast of Iceland aboard a brand new RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) equipped with 12 suspension seats to enhance your comfort and safety. Make your way to the meeting point in the old harbor of Reykjavik and put on the provided warm waterproof overall, life jacket, googles and your own whale watching scarf. Depart from the harbor and pass the Harpa Concert Hall and Sun Voyager sculpture. Continue to Faxaflói Bay, where up to 23 species of whales, along with dolphins and seals can often be found. Look for the magnificent creatures in their natural environment and encounter sea birds of various species. Keep a look out for the puffins that come to lay their one egg on the many islands in Faxaflói Bay as you cruise up close. Ask your guide any questions you have and hear interesting facts about the whales and other wildlife.

Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour

6. Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour

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.

From Reykjavík: 4, 5, 6 or 7-Day Small-Group Ring Road Tour

7. From Reykjavík: 4, 5, 6 or 7-Day Small-Group Ring Road Tour

Spend 4, 5, 6 or 7 days on a road trip around the land of Ice and Fire. Explore and see the best attractions of Iceland and experience an adventure without having to worry about getting around. The maximum number of passengers on this tour is 19 which creates a more personal and enjoyable experience. Day 1 – South Coast of Iceland Departing from Reykjavík, see the Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss and Glubrabui waterfalls and admire the black-sand shores of Reynisfjara Beach. Take in the views on a glacier hike. Day 2 – Adventure in the East Start the day in style with a visit to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon (a boat tour between icebergs is included) and the nearby Diamond Beach. Drive to the Vestrahorn and Studlagil canyons before continuing along the dramatic east coast which boasts long, narrow fjords with steep sides and jagged peaks. At the end of the day, take a soak in Vök Geothermal Floating Pools. Day 3 – Lake Mývatn and waterfalls Today, discover the unique natural volcanic environment of Lake Mývatn. Encounter geothermal hot springs, caves with steaming blue waters, imposing rock formations, unique birdlife, and fauna. Explore highlights such as the magnificent Dettifoss, which is Europe’s most powerful waterfall and Góðafoss - the waterfall of Gods. Relax at the end of the day with a visit to Mývatn Natural Geothermal Spa and plunge into silky, blue waters rich in skin-healing minerals. Day 4 – Northern Iceland Start your day at Akureyri, the capital of the North. Here you will enjoy the atmosphere of this charming town and take part in whale-watching boat tour. While driving through the North Coast towards Reykjavik you will have a moment to enjoy the Hvítserkur and Kolugjufur Canyon. Day 5 (optional) – Borgarfjörður and Lava Caving Admire the great Hraunfossar, a series of waterfalls formed by rivulets streaming over a distance of almost 300 ft. Afterwards, see the majestic Barnafoss waterfall and Reykholt Historic Site. Later, head inside the biggest lava cave in Iceland, Viðgelmir, before finishing the day at Deildartunguhver, the highest flowing hot spring in Europe. Day 6 (optional) – Snæfellsnes National Park Spend the day exploring Snæfellsnes National Park. This park has often been referred to as "Iceland in miniature", due to its many varieties of geology. Don't miss a visit here if you want to capture the true spirit and beauty of the island. Day 7 (optional) – Golden Circle Finish your time in Iceland with a journey along Iceland's most popular route. Spot Geysers, The Golden Waterfall, Thingvellir National Park, and Kerið Volcano, all of which are must-sees for visitors. You may also choose to add a visit to the Blue Lagoon to your tour today.

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.

From Reykjavik: The Wonders of Snæfellsnes Peninsula

9. From Reykjavik: The Wonders of Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Experience the scenic beauty of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula on a bus tour from Reykjavik, and discover why it is often referred to as “Iceland in Miniature.” Depart the city center and travel along the west coast. Enter a landscape of white and black sand beaches, cliffs full of nesting birds, spectacular mountains and volcanic craters. Discover the area's incredibly rich trout lakes and salmon rivers, see lush valleys and unique harbors in charming fishing villages. It all begins with the Snæfellsnes glacier at the peak of Snæfellsjökull volcano, the highest mountain of the peninsula. Experience first-hand why this majestic landscape has captured the imagination for many years, and why it inspired Jules Verne to write his classic science fiction novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth.”

Reykjavik: Best Value Whale Watching Boat Tour

10. Reykjavik: Best Value Whale Watching Boat Tour

Start the trip from a beautiful harbor in the city center and sail out to Kollafjöður, where you can see the island in the bay. Videy Island is known for the Lennon/One Peace tower, Richard Scerra's 'Milestones', and other attractions, along with great bird life. Continue on to Faxaflói Bay, popular for whale and bird watching, sea angling, and also great fishing grounds. The mountain ring seen from the bay, among which Snaefellsjökull Glacier may be spotted on clear days, is particularly beautiful.

Available activities

13 activities found
Sort by:

Frequently asked questions about Western Region, Iceland Birdwatching

What are other things to do than Birdwatching that are worth visiting in Western Region, Iceland?

The other unmissable things to do in Western Region, Iceland are:

Which Western Region, Iceland Birdwatching are taking additional COVID-19 precautions?

Other Sightseeing Options in Western Region, Iceland

Want to discover all there is to do in Western Region, Iceland? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Western Region, Iceland

Fabulous trip you must not miss! We were extremely lucky to have seen a pod of humpback whales, a minky whale and some dolphins up close on the speedboat. The team were knowledgeable about the wildlife and provided overalls, gloves and goggles for the trip. The experience was even better as the speedboat could get closer to the animals than the standard boats. Would definitely recommend.

Amazing and intimate once in a lifetime experience. Saw loads of dolphins and 3 humpback whales very close to our boat. Staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The kit you get keeps you really warm. Captain and crew were very knowledgeable in what to look for. The boat trip alone was worth it, zipping past all the bigger and slower whale watching boats. Highly recommended.

Amazing! The first thing we saw was a humpback jump out of the water! The guides were excellent and I really enjoyed being on the RIB boat much more then the larger ones. It added a lot to the experience and it was so fun on them. The gear they gave you keeps you very warm. Loved every second of it.

Amazing ! By far the best whale watching tour I have ever been on. Exciting ride - and the mobility of the small boat meant we could follow the whales more easily. The captain was extremely knowledgeable (and funny).

The guides were excellent. We felt very safe and got to see 3-4 Humpback, 2 Minky and dolphins. It was a wonderful experience!