Whale Watching & ATV Adventure from Reykjavik

Quads by day, whales by sea. This 8-hour Reykjavik outing is a mix of ATV adventure and Elding whale watching, with expert guidance for both. I love how the day takes you from rugged hills near Reykjavik to the open water of Faxaflói Bay to look for whales, porpoises, and dolphins. One thing to keep in mind, the quad-bike time is only about an hour, so if you’re after a long, full-throttle ride, you may wish you had more time on the bikes.

You’ll get hotel pickup and drop-off, plus all the gear for both parts, including quad safety items and coveralls for the cruise. The group is capped at 20 travelers, which helps keep the day feeling more personal than a giant herd.

Key highlights worth your attention

• ATV training plus a guided 1-hour ride from Lambhagi, with helmet, gloves, and coveralls provided
• Views from the top of a fell, looking down toward Reykjavik and the sea
• Elding cruise in Faxaflói Bay for minke and humpback whales, plus porpoises and dolphins
• A onboard guide who explains Iceland’s whales and marine life as you search the water
• Onboard Wi-Fi during whale watching, handy for sharing or checking maps
• Choppy-sea reality check, and you should take the sea tablet offered

Why this combo tour works so well in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is compact, but it can still feel like you’re getting the best of Iceland in one shot. This tour does something smart: it stacks two very different experiences on the same day. You get the adrenaline of riding off-road on a quad, then you shift gears to a boat cruise where the goal is patience, spotting, and learning.

I also like that this isn’t just about staring at the horizon. Your whale-watching portion includes a guide who helps you understand what you’re seeing and why certain animals appear where they do. That turns it from a random wildlife hunt into something you can actually follow.

Then there’s the practical value. When a tour includes pickup, equipment, guides, and the cruise ticket in one package, it’s easier to plan your day and easier to feel like you’re not forgetting something important.

Getting from your hotel to the ATV start at Lambhagi

The day starts at 9:00 am, and pickup and drop-off are included. Your quad portion begins at Safari Quads ATV & Buggy Operator Iceland, at Lambhagavegur 19, 113 Reykjavík.

A key detail: you’ll need a driver’s license to ride. If you don’t have one, you may have a problem participating in the quad portion as intended, so check this before you go. Also, the tour asks for a moderate physical fitness level, which makes sense since you’ll be getting on and off the quad, and riding over uneven ground.

Meeting and timing matter here. The ATV operation is separate from the pier where the boat departs, so you’re looking at a full-day rhythm, not a quick in-and-out. If you’re someone who loves schedules that run smoothly, this is the kind of tour that tends to fit that style.

The 1-hour ATV ride: training, gear, and big views off the fell

This part is about learning how to handle the quad before you start riding for real. You’ll get coveralls, plus a helmet and gloves. That gear is a big deal in Iceland, because cold wind and wet air can make a short ride feel longer.

Once you’re on the bikes, your guided route takes you through rugged terrain for about one hour. The highlights are not subtle. You ride to a top of a fell and get epic views down over Reykjavik and the sea.

What really elevates this portion is the guide energy. In the feedback I saw, guides such as James and Hinrik are friendly, funny, and genuinely invested in making the riding portion feel like more than just safety rules. You also get training, so you’re not stuck figuring it out while trying to enjoy the scenery.

One consideration I’d plan for: the quad portion is only about an hour. That’s plenty to feel the thrill and get good views, but if you want a long, extended ride with lots of time to push speed, you might feel slightly teased by the time limit.

Swapping wheels for waves with Elding in Old Harbour

After the quads, you switch to the sea. Your whale-watching cruise is with Elding Whale Watching, departing from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour. The cruise portion runs about 3 hours.

The start point is Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, and you meet at the Elding ticket office about 15 minutes before departure if you’re driving. When you’re at the pier, you follow the red colour to find the right place.

This is where you trade off-road terrain for open water. And it’s also where the day’s theme shifts from action to spotting. You’ll be scanning for blows on the horizon, movement near the surface, and the telltale signs of animals feeding.

What you can actually spot in Faxaflói Bay

Faxaflói Bay is the star setting for the boat trip. The tour focuses on finding minke whales and humpback whales, plus porpoises and white-nose dolphins (the names can vary slightly in phrasing, but the idea is the same).

Beyond whales and dolphins, the cruise also emphasizes seabirds. In practice, that means you’re often not just watching for animals in the water, you’re also watching the air. Puffin colonies are part of the experience, and you’ll likely see swooping seabirds too.

Here’s why I think this portion is strong even for first-timers: your onboard guide helps translate what you see. Instead of guessing, you get explanations about Iceland’s marine life and how to interpret whale and dolphin behavior. That makes a shorter 3-hour window feel more meaningful.

One more reality check from the day’s feedback: the seas can be choppy. The good news is that a sea tablet may be offered. If you’re the type who feels sick easily on boats, take it. It can turn a rough ride into a tolerable one so you can actually enjoy the wildlife searching.

Timing, pace, and how to handle food during the day

This is an 8-hour day, give or take, and it runs from 9:00 am with transitions between the ATV area and the harbour.

That timing affects what you should do that morning. Since food and drinks are not included, you’ll want to plan to eat on your own or bring what you can before the tour starts. A full day of riding and cruising will work up an appetite, and the cold can make you feel hungrier than you expect.

Gear-wise, you’ll be covered for the activities: coveralls for both quad and whale watching, helmet and gloves for the quad portion. Still, Iceland weather can surprise you. Layers help you stay comfortable while you’re waiting between parts of the day.

Price and value: what $329.74 buys you here

At $329.74 per person, this isn’t a budget impulse buy. But it also isn’t overpriced for what it includes.

Here’s the value math that matters to me:

• You’re getting hotel pickup and drop-off plus transport in a comfortable vehicle.
• You’re getting a professional guide for the ride and interpretation during the cruise.
• You’re getting quad bike use and safety gear, including coveralls, helmet, and gloves.
• You’re getting the whale-watching tickets, plus coveralls for that portion too.
• You also get onboard Wi-Fi access on the whale-watching trip.

If you tried to piece this together yourself, you’d likely spend time coordinating transportation, finding the right ATV operator, booking a whale cruise on the same day, and figuring out what gear to rent. Bundling saves hassle and reduces stress.

And because the group is limited to a maximum of 20 travelers, you typically get a smoother experience than the giant tours that feel like a bus waiting to move.

What to wear and bring so the day feels easy

Even with gear provided, I’d pack for Iceland like this tour matters (because it does).

The tour guidance includes a clear message: a warm jacket, hat, and gloves are recommended. That fits well with how cold wind can feel around Reykjavik, especially near the harbour and on the boat.

A practical way to think about it:

• Quad coveralls help with wind and spray.
• Your own layers help you stay warm while you’re outside before you’re fully geared up.
• The helmet and gloves cover important safety needs, but warm layers and a hat help you stay comfortable in between.

If you’re sensitive to cold, plan extra warmth. If you’re prone to seasickness, plan for it too, especially since the sea can get choppy.

Who should book this quad and whale day, and who might skip it

This tour makes a lot of sense if you want a single day with two different kinds of Iceland fun. I’d especially recommend it for people who:

• Want action on land plus wildlife on the water
• Like guided experiences where someone helps you interpret what you see
• Are comfortable with a moderate fitness requirement
• Have a driver’s license and want to ride the ATV
• Appreciate small-group energy, with up to 20 travelers

You might hesitate if:

• You’re hoping for a long quad session, since the riding portion is about one hour
• You’re very sensitive to boat motion and didn’t plan for seasickness, even though sea tablets may be offered

If you fall into the first group, you’ll likely feel like you used your day well, and you’ll end it with both adrenaline and a solid wildlife memory.

Should you book it? My straight answer

If your ideal Reykjavik day includes ATV riding with serious Iceland views and a 3-hour Elding cruise in Faxaflói Bay for whales, dolphins, and seabirds, this is a strong pick. The package is efficient, the inclusions reduce hassle, and the guiding is a standout part of the experience.

I’d book it if you’re comfortable with the idea that the quad time is short and that you should prepare for sea conditions. If those two points don’t bother you, this is the kind of day that balances excitement with real nature spotting.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Where does the ATV portion begin?

The ATV start point is Safari Quads ATV & Buggy Operator Iceland, Lambhagavegur 19, 113 Reykjavík.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What is the duration of the ATV ride?

The quad ride is about 1 hour.

How long is the whale watching cruise?

The whale watching portion is about 3 hours.

Do I need a driver’s license to ride the quad?

Yes. A driver’s license is required.

What kind of wildlife will you look for on the cruise?

The cruise focuses on minke whales and humpback whales, plus porpoises and white-nose dolphins. Puffin colonies and seabirds are also part of the experience.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is there Wi-Fi on the boat?

Yes. Onboard Wi-Fi access is included on the whale watching trip.

What should I do if the sea is rough?

The seas can be choppy, and you can take the sea tablet that is offered to help with motion sickness.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time.