Hvalstöðin Whale-Watching Centre

Iceland is a fantastic place for whale watching - its waters hold over 20 species of cetacean. In Faxaflói bay you'll most commonly come across white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and minkes; humpbacks are also spotted from time to time. Between April and October Hvalstöðin runs three-hour trips from Reykjavík's old harbour, at 09:00 and 13:00 (13:00 only in October; also at 17:00 June to August). Hvalstöðin also has a floating nature centre, with whale models and films.

In breeding season (mid-May to mid-August), Hvalstöðin takes a spin around Akurey island, just offshore from Reykjavík, to look at the puffins.