Sometimes the weather and sea conditions are unfavourable, so we have to cancel for the safety and comfort of our passengers. In this event, we aim to contact you as soon as we make a decision so you can plan your time in Iceland accordingly and make the most of your day!
If you were booked on a whale watching RIB tour in the summer, our puffin tours are less weather dependent as they go much closer to land, and we can offer to rebook you on this.
Depending on the weather conditions, we can also sometimes offer you still to go whale watching but with our sister company Elding on their larger boats - on the Classic Whale Tour. These can handle rough seas better, though there may still be movement on board; we offer sea sickness tablets free of charge at the office if this is the case! However, if the weather or sea conditions are particularly fierce, these can be cancelled as well.
Have a look at the information below to help plan your day in Reykjavík - We'll happily help and answer any questions you have by email or phone.
Email: info@whalesafari.is
Phone: +354 497 0000
There are many fun museums and exhibitions in and around Reykjavík. Here are some of our personal favourites:
PRO TIP: If you're planning on going to a few different museums, it may be worth getting a Reykjavík City Card for admission included on a variety of museums, free bus travel and discounts around the city.
Join the Reykjavík locals and go to one of the pools around Reykjavík. Alongside a regular swimming pool, all offer a selection of hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms. Prices are 1.100ISK for 18-67, 175ISK for 16-17 year olds, and free for over 67 and under 16 year olds. Most open between 6.30 and 8am and close at 10pm.
Our Favourites:
PRO TIP: Entry is included with the Reykjavík City Card! Remember to shower before the pool, and ask reception for a padlock or bring your own for the lockers at Sundhöll!
Even if the weather is bad at sea, it can often be fine in the city. There are a number of interesting walking routes, you can explore the main shopping streets of Reykjavík, or take a ferry to the Island of Viðey!
Laugavegur - Take a stroll down the main shopping street with cafés, quirky shops and many restaurants. Most of the street has been pedestrainised with colourful artwork. The adjacent Skólavörðustígur, or the 'rainbow street', leads up to the largest church in Iceland, Hallgrimskirkja.
Reykjavík Sculpture & Shore Walk - This self-guided walking tour follows a 5km path on the shore of Reykjavík with many interesting sights to see on the way - Harpa concernt hall, Viking ship statue & more! The path ends at Viðey ferry terminal.
Viðey Island - Viðey island is a short ferry away, but you are instantly transported out of the city and on an island famous for art & nature and rich in Icelandic history. Tickets can be bought in advance on Elding's website, and you can find the winter and summer schedules there as well. A roundtrip ferry trip is included with the Reykjavík City Card, yet another reason to get one!
PRO TIP: In the summer, you can take the Viðey Ferry from the Old Harbour at 1150 and 1450, then take the ferry back to the main ferry terminal and walk along the shore walk back into town! The ferry trip from the Old Harbor to Viðey takes around 15 minutes, with beautiful views of the Reykjavík skyline from the sea.
There are some tours less dependent on weather than whale watching. From a food tour of the city, a tour of three most iconic landmarks in Iceland, or a day spent in one of Iceland's many luxury lagoons, there's truly something for everyone.
Reykjavík Food Walk - One of the most popular guided walking tours in the city, the Reykjavík Food Walk takes you to 5-6 local restaurants giving you the opportunity to try a variety of local cuisines - including the famous Icelandic Hot Dog! This food walk is the top-rated and is also whale-friendly, meaning they won't serve any whale on the tour.
Cheers to Reykjavík - Are you a beer drinker? Then this tour is for you. A selection of 6 locally brewed beers paired with Icelandic tapas-style courses - booking is advised. You can book this tour and find more information here.
Golden Circle Tour - Perhaps the most iconic tour in Iceland, this tour visits Þingvellir National Park, the famous Geysir and Gullfoss, the largest waterfall by volume in Europe. A number of companies offer this tour, but we reccomend going with Reykjavík Sightseeing. You can book this tour on our website here.
Blue Lagoon - The famous blue lagoon has only closed three times in the last decade due to weather, so is a safe bet in bad weather conditions. Even if there is rain or cold, the waters of the lagoon will transport you to a luxurious place. Book on their website if you have a car, or book with our partners Reykjavík Sightseeing, the official transport partner, to include return transfer from Reykjavík.
Sky Lagoon - A new lagoon addition, and only 15 minutes from the city centre, the Sky Lagoon is another great way to spend a windy day in the city. We reccomend the Pure Pass - to take part in the seven-step ritual that makes Sky Lagoon so special. Book on their website!