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Whale Watching and White Water Rafting Adventure

Whale Watching and White Water Rafting Adventure

10 hours
Moderate

Embark on a thrilling escapade that marries the awe-inspiring beauty of whale watching with the exhilarating rush of river rafting. Start your adventure amidst the majestic whales and vibrant birdlife of Faxaflói bay, followed by a heart-pounding journey down the glacial Hvítá river, set against the backdrop of its breathtaking landscapes. This day-long affair, available from May through September and suitable for anyone 11 years and above, promises about 10 hours of pure excitement. You'll spend approximately 3 hours at sea, cruising the stunning Faxaflói bay in search of whales and other marine life before heading towards the Gullfoss Canyon for an unforgettable rafting experience. After conquering the rapids, unwind in a sauna or hot tub back at the basecamp. Pickup service ensures a hassle-free day, so you can focus on the thrill of the adventure. Don't forget your swimsuit and towel for an adventure that's as captivating as it is daring!

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Embark on a thrilling adventure that marries the serene beauty of whale watching with the heart-pounding excitement of river rafting. Start your journey with a remarkable 3-hour sea expedition in the breathtaking Faxaflói Bay, where you'll be on the lookout for majestic whales, playful dolphins, and diverse birdlife, all set against the mesmerizing backdrop of the open seas. Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel pickup between 8:15 and 8:45 AM, launching from Reykjavík's historic Old Harbour at 9:00 AM.

After immersing yourself in the natural wonders of the sea, the adventure continues as we transport you from the hustle of the harbor to the tranquil yet exhilarating setting of Drumboddsstaðir rafting base camp, situated around 100 km from Reykjavik. Here, you'll engage in an unforgettable rafting experience down the Gullfoss Canyon on the Hvítá River, lasting between 60 to 90 minutes. The journey through the canyon is not just an adrenaline rush—it's also an opportunity to witness the stunning landscapes that frame the river's path.

The adventure is available from May to September and is suitable for individuals aged 11 and above. The total duration of this twin-adventure is approximately 10 hours, ensuring a full day of exploration and excitement. After navigating the rapids, unwind at the base camp with amenities such as a sauna or hot tub before we chauffeur you back to your hotel. Don't forget to pack a swimsuit and towel for this segment of the tour.

For your convenience, hotel pickup is included for the river rafting part of the tour. Should you also prefer pickup for the whale watching segment, simply select this option at checkout. For those opting to drive themselves, be sure to arrive at the Old Harbour by 9:00 AM and at the rafting base by 3:00 PM. Please remember, all participants are required to sign a waiver acknowledging the inherent risks involved in the rafting activity, ensuring safety and awareness throughout this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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Itinerary

Whale Watching & River Rafting Adventure

Overview

This tour combines two true adventures on the water. After exploring the wonders of the whales and birds it is time to set your adrenaline free - rafting down the glacial river Hvítá admiring its stunningly beautiful landscape.

Details

Available: May - September
Duration: 10 hrs. approx.
Min age: 11 yrs.

Enjoy 3 hrs. at sea in the stunning Faxaflói bay searching for whales and other wildlife on our Classic Whale Watching tour. You will be picked up at your hotel by our shuttle bus between 8:15 and 8:45 for the whale watching tour starting at 9:00 from Reykjavík's Old Harbour. Travel the seas in search for whales, dolphins and birdlife while enjoying the incredible views on the horizon. After exploring the wonders of Faxaflói bay and the beautiful creatures that live there, Arctic Rafting bus will pick you up by our ticket office between 12:00-12:30.

You will be driven to Drumboddsstaðir rafting base camp which is about 100 km. from Reykjavík where the river rafting takes place in Gullfoss Canyon. The total duration of the rafting is around 60-90 min. The nature and scenery on the rafting trail is stunning and adds that something special to an otherwise exciting and thrilling ride. Once back at the basecamp you can relax in the sauna or hot tub before being driven back to your hotel by Arctic Rafting shuttle bus. Remember to bring a bathing suit and a towel!

Keep in mind that pickup is included for the River Rafting part of this tour. Choose pickup at checkout to be collected for the whale watching part of this tour. If you wish to self-drive, you need to make sure to be at the Old Harbour BEFORE 09:00 and at the rafting base BEFORE 15:00.

Please note that all participants have to sign a waiver before undertaking the rafting trip stating that they realise that the activity carries an inherent risk.

Itinerary

Day 1

  • Pickup for whale watching starts at 08:15 and lasts up until 8:45. We ask our passengers to be ready and waiting for pickup at their hotel or designated bus stops within that time frame. Any delays, please call our head office and enquire about the bus's whereabouts.
  • Enjoy an exciting 3 hr. tour in Faxaflói searching for whales, dolphins, seabirds and other wildlife that frequents the area. Excellent commentary provided by our naturalist and overalls and blankets available to wear during cold days. See whales or dolphins or try again for free another day.
  • Get picked up from Elding's ticket office by Arctic Rafting's shuttle bus. The bus will drop you off at Drumboddsstaðir rafting base where your next adventure begins.
  • Enjoy 60-90 min. rafting down the white waters of Gullfoss Canyon. Beautiful nature and stunning scenery add that something special to a thrilling water adventure!
  • After the river rafting you will be driven back to your hotel in Reykjavík.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

  • Pickup from your hotel
  • 3 hr. whale watching
  • English guidance
  • Use of overalls
  • Free WiFi on board
  • All necessary rafting equipment
  • Sauna and hot tub access
  • Certified rafting guide
  • Drop off at your hotel

Exclusions

  • Bathing suit
  • Towel (available for rent at rafting base camp)

Important Notes

This tour combines two thrilling adventures: whale and bird watching, followed by rafting down the glacial river Hvítá amidst stunning landscapes. Available from May to September, the tour lasts approximately 10 hours and requires a minimum age of 11 years. Participants will enjoy 3 hours at sea in Faxaflói bay, starting with a hotel pickup between 8:15 and 8:45 for a 9:00 departure from Reykjavík's Old Harbour. Search for whales, dolphins, and birdlife while admiring the horizon. After the sea adventure, Arctic Rafting bus picks up participants by the ticket office between 12:00-12:30 for rafting in Gullfoss Canyon, around 100 km from Reykjavík, lasting 60-90 minutes. Enjoy stunning scenery and thrilling rides, and relax in a sauna or hot tub at the basecamp. Pickup is included for river rafting, with an option for whale watching pickup during checkout. Participants wishing to self-drive must arrive at the Old Harbour by 09:00 and at the rafting base by 15:00. A waiver acknowledging inherent risks of rafting must be signed. Not suitable for pregnant women or young children.

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