Reykjavik Best Value Whale Watching: An Honest Review

Iceland is almost a must-see if you are even remotely keen on experiencing the full force of nature, so the ‘Reykjavik Best Value Whale Watching’ tour, too, seemed almost like a no-brainer, right? We’re talking about Iceland, after all, a spot that, very typically, ends up pretty high on plenty of traveler’s bucket lists. Getting up close and personal with whales, though? It’s potentially the kind of thing that just might stay with you forever, just like that really surprisingly amazing taco you once had. Thing is, budget travel, that sometimes tricky, sometimes great experience, requires a little research. I’m taking a closer peek at this whale watching trip to see if it really holds up. So, you can decide if it’s really worth your cash and time.

What to Expect From a “Best Value” Tour

Okay, right away, it’s helpful to figure out what “Best Value” actually means, as you start poking around the travel options available to you. It seems pretty logical that you aren’t likely looking at, very extremely, private yachts and champagne brunches. Instead, almost the key is getting an experience that’s amazing without breaking the bank. That, in a way, usually involves a slightly bigger boat. Expect plenty of fellow travelers, a more simple approach, and maybe a very extremely bare-bones service level when compared to fancy-pants tours. Think of it sort of like flying economy versus first class—you will still get there, the trip will still occur, just maybe with a little less legroom and fewer tiny bottles of sparkling wine.

Setting Sail From Reykjavik’s Old Harbour

So, that area itself? It’s full of atmosphere. Imagine colorful buildings, fishing boats bobbing around, and the smell of the sea hanging heavy in the air—it really is all part of the adventure, in a way. Reaching the harbor is also typically pretty easy. Most hotels in Reykjavik are almost within easy walking distance, or maybe there’s that simple bus ride to drop you close by. If you’re arriving a bit before your tour, maybe spend a few moments just wandering the docks, because you might just spot a cool cafe or even an extremely unique souvenir shop. This definitely begins your whole adventure way before the boat even pulls away from the dock.

The Boat and Onboard Experience

This tour’s boats are typically reasonably sized vessels, so not exactly tiny, that are specifically there to handle the choppy Icelandic waters. Don’t go in expecting super cozy lounge areas, but pretty much expect adequate seating and viewing decks. So, inside the boat is often a simple cafe where you are able to buy things to eat and to drink, which, honestly, can be great as you’re out on the water. The guides, usually? They are friendly and typically know a crazy amount about the whales and other wildlife in the area. It really is almost like having a teacher right there. As a matter of fact, be sure to pick their brains! They frequently love sharing facts and stories.

Spotting Whales: The Big Question

So, here’s almost the real reason you even book a trip such as this: whales! Right? Whale watching, just like life, often involves a certain measure of luck. That’s just nature being nature, which is something everyone enjoys. So, you might see a whole heap of minke whales breaching the surface. Perhaps a very fantastic pod of dolphins dancing around the boat, or, if you get lucky, the huge and very breathtaking sight of a humpback whale. Guides are skilled at spotting them, it’s almost their job after all. You should be sure that you’re looking out on the horizon. Also, listen closely to their guidance, to not miss something. Even if whales are shy on your visit, it’s pretty common to also spot porpoises and seabirds, such as puffins in season, adding more to the experience.

What Happens if You Don’t See Whales?

No one likes not getting what they expect. Most responsible tour outfits appreciate this. They often have a policy in place. Almost as a standard offer, another trip that is free. Don’t expect cash refunds from them, in a way that could never happen, even though that feels nicer. Be prepared for a next-time-is-free system that, when thought through, is quite fair. Be sure that you carefully look over the specifics as you are booking, this ensures you’re aware of all the possibilities, prior to the trip itself.

What to Wear and Bring

Iceland’s weather? As I was saying, unpredictable is a great word! No matter how blue the sky might look as you’re stepping onto the boat, so always dress warmly, very layering like you would an onion, is almost the smartest option. Think waterproof outerwear, gloves, a hat, and warm socks. The sea air can sometimes be quite chilly, really even in the summertime. You, like your uncle probably does, might want to also pack sunglasses (the glare off the water is intense), sunscreen, and a camera with, or very possibly with, a decent zoom in it. Finally, binoculars could very potentially enhance the viewing experience, if you really have the room.

Is This Tour Really the “Best Value”?

This is, more or less, always the big question, right? This “Best Value” tour generally does deliver if expectations stay within reason. The experience will perhaps not feel the same as some luxurious excursion. It balances cost and the opportunity to see whales effectively. This tour shines for folks that would like to check whale watching off of that bucket list without having to empty their bank account. When your main goal here, actually, is witnessing whales. Also, being able to stomach shared boat space, then almost you really may be pretty happy.

Alternatives to Consider

Now, so, if having things be super comfortable is what really makes travel fun for you, or even being on a boat makes you nervous, there exist some, or maybe other types of trips to think through, too. Small group tours typically give more personal attention and might head out on more streamlined boats. Combination tours blend whale watching with another attraction, or maybe with puffin watching trips. If boats at all? Not your gig, maybe look around for land-based viewing spots along Iceland’s coasts, especially. A lot of that depends on which way is up to you.

Other Activities in the Area

Reykjavik is usually crammed full of stuff to do, just in case you, or perhaps your group, wish to make the most of the area. So, make a quick stop at the astonishing Hallgrímskirkja Church, or do a little wandering down Laugavegur, which, frankly, has shops, stores and museums. There’s usually The Sun Voyager sculpture that gets mentioned a lot. Thing is, don’t discount a trip to the neighborhood swimming pools for an immersion of Iceland’s laid-back and so very social life style. After your whale adventure, Reykjavik is more than ready for exploring.

Overall Recommendation

So, wrapping things up, if you’re carefully watching what you spend. Still wanting, perhaps, a peek at the wildlife of Iceland. ‘Reykjavik Best Value Whale Watching’ will often hit just the right spot. Just approach it knowing about boats being sometimes packed, so the potential of some waves out there, and that whale sightings, even though common, cannot be 100% guaranteed, because whales do not work for human dollars. As long as your thoughts are set well, you almost certainly are likely in for one super kind of amazing treat!