Reykjavik: Whales & White Water Rafting

Experience two of Iceland’s most exciting water-based adventures in a single action-packed day, blending marine wildlife encounters with the thrill of glacial river rafting. Your journey begins in Reykjavík, where hotel pickup takes you to the city’s historic Old Harbour for a classic 3-hour whale watching tour in beautiful Faxaflói Bay. Sailing into the open sea with expert guides on board, you will search for the whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds that frequent these nutrient-rich waters. Alongside the chance to spot magnificent marine life, you will also enjoy sweeping views of Reykjavík’s coastline and distant mountains, while naturalist commentary brings the surrounding ecosystem to life.

After returning to shore, the adventure continues as you are collected by the Arctic Rafting shuttle and transferred inland to Drumboddsstaðir Base Camp, located around 100 km from Reykjavík. From here, you will prepare for the second half of the day: an exhilarating white water rafting trip on the glacial Hvítá River, descending through the dramatic landscapes of Gullfoss Canyon. Equipped with all necessary safety gear and guided by certified rafting professionals, you will paddle through thrilling rapids while surrounded by spectacular canyon scenery shaped by Iceland’s powerful natural forces.

The rafting section lasts approximately 60–90 minutes, delivering just the right mix of excitement, teamwork, and unforgettable views. After returning to base, you can relax and warm up in the sauna or hot tub, a perfect reward after the adrenaline rush. This well-balanced combo is ideal for adventurous travellers who want to experience Iceland’s wild waters in two very different but equally memorable ways — one peaceful and full of wildlife, the other fast, splashy, and full of energy.

Approximately 10 hours

• Enjoy a 3-hour whale watching cruise in Faxaflói Bay with expert naturalist commentary.
• Search for whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds in one of Iceland’s best marine wildlife areas.
• Experience 60–90 minutes of white water rafting on the glacial Hvítá River in Gullfoss Canyon.
• Relax after rafting with access to a sauna and hot tub at Drumboddsstaðir Base Camp.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making this a seamless full-day adventure from Reykjavík.

Prices start from 319 EUR (exact pricing may vary based on group size and additional services).

• Hotel pickup in Reykjavík for the whale watching departure
• 3-hour whale watching tour from Reykjavík Old Harbour
• Experienced marine biologist or naturalist guide during the whale watching tour
• Use of warm overalls and blankets on board
• Free WiFi on board the whale watching vessel
• Pickup from Elding’s office for the rafting transfer
• Transport to Drumboddsstaðir rafting base camp
• 1-hour white water rafting experience (approx. 60–90 minutes on the river)
• Certified rafting guide
• All necessary rafting equipment
• Access to sauna and hot tub at the rafting base camp
• Return transfer and drop-off back at your hotel in Reykjavík
• Bus fare and entry/admission fees where applicable

1. Begin your day with hotel pickup in Reykjavík between 08:15 and 08:45 for the whale watching departure.

2. Travel to Reykjavík Old Harbour and board the whale watching vessel for a 09:00 departure.

3. Set sail into Faxaflói Bay for an approximately 3-hour cruise in search of whales, dolphins, porpoises, seabirds, and other marine wildlife.

4. Enjoy live commentary from the onboard naturalist or marine biologist, who will explain the local ecosystem, species behaviour, and the marine life of Icelandic waters.

5. Take in panoramic views of Reykjavík’s coastline, distant mountains, and the open Atlantic while staying comfortable with available overalls and blankets.

6. Return to Reykjavík Old Harbour after the whale watching experience.

7. Between 12:30 and 13:00, meet the Arctic Rafting shuttle near Elding’s ticket office for your transfer to the rafting base.

8. Travel approximately 100 km inland to Drumboddsstaðir Base Camp, the starting point for your white water rafting adventure in the Gullfoss Canyon area.

9. Upon arrival, meet your certified rafting guides, receive a safety briefing, and get fitted with all required rafting gear.

10. Sign the required waiver form confirming your understanding of the activity’s inherent risks before participating.

11. Head to the glacial Hvítá River and begin your 60–90 minute white water rafting journey, navigating exciting rapids through the dramatic canyon landscape.

12. Enjoy the thrill of the rapids while also taking in the rugged natural beauty of the riverbanks, cliffs, and surrounding Icelandic wilderness.

13. Return to Drumboddsstaðir Base Camp after rafting and unwind in the sauna or hot tub.

14. Change into dry clothes and relax before boarding the return shuttle.

15. Travel back to Reykjavík and enjoy drop-off at your hotel, concluding an adventurous and memorable full-day experience.

• Available from May to mid-October
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Minimum age: 11 years
• Pickup is included for this combo tour
• If you prefer to self-drive, you must be at Reykjavík Old Harbour before 09:00 and at the rafting base before 15:00
• All participants must sign a waiver form before rafting, acknowledging the inherent risks of the activity
• Not suitable for pregnant women or young children
• Food and drinks are not included
• Tips/gratuities are not included
• Bathing suit and towel are not included
• Towels are available for rent at the rafting base camp
• Bring: long underwear, woollen socks, fleece jacket, bathing suit, towel, hat and gloves, warm outdoor clothing
• Whale watching wildlife policy: if you do not see whales or dolphins, you may be offered the chance to try again another day (subject to operator policy)
• Booking cut-off: 2 hours before departure
• Cancellation policy: Refund if cancelled at least 1 day before the event