Active Pursuits in Keflavik

Whale-Watching -- For whale-watching, Keflavík has two advantages over Reykjavík. First, the prime sighting spots are a little closer. Second, Dolphin & Whalespotting (tel. 421-7777; www.dolphin.is) is the only tour operator in Iceland that conducts scientific research during its trips. Ongoing studies can be read at www.dolphinresearch.dk, the website of chief guide Marianne Rasmussen. The 3-hour trips aboard the Moby Dick promise a 98% success rate, though as with all whale-watching, "success" is sometimes a brief glimpse of a minke whale's back.

Tickets cost 3,400kr ($54/£27) adults, 1,800kr ($29/£14) children ages 7 to 12, and are free for children 6 and under. Departures are daily at 10am in April; daily at 9am May, June, and September 1 to 15; 9am and 1pm July through August. Reservations are recommended.