Iceland · NORTH ICELAND TOURS

The 15 Best North Iceland Tours & Day Trips

164 tours  ·  from $23

Husavik calls itself the whale capital and has the numbers to argue it. These 15 cover the whale fjords, the Myvatn steam fields and the Diamond Circle, priced, with honest drive times from Akureyri.

Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship - The first run through Eyjafjord
3-Hour Experiences, North Iceland Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in North Iceland

Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship

1.3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,000 reviews · 3 hours · from $108Our pick

Sail from Akureyri into Eyjafjord on Iceland’s specially modified high-speed whale-watching ship. Your English-speaking guide, possibly Gisella, Johann, Jacob, or David, helps you spot humpbacks and other cetaceans while explaining their behavior. Thermal overalls, heated seating, viewing windows, Wi-Fi, and crew photographs make this a comfortable choice in changing weather.

“We saw so many whales for basically most of the whole tour. The ship as well was well equipped and warm, would definitely do this again.”

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Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide - From the Húsavík harbor to open water
Guided, North Iceland Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in North Iceland

Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide

2.Whale Watching Tour with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,761 reviews · 3 hours · from $115

Cruise Skjálfandi Bay from Húsavík on a traditional oak boat with an English-speaking guide, warm overalls, live wildlife commentary, and hot chocolate with a cinnamon bun. You may see humpback and minke whales, dolphins, puffins, and other seabirds. Allow three hours, dress for cold weather, and bring suitable shoes.

“It was amazing! Very friendly people and we were a small group on a big boat which meant everybody had enough space to watch the whales. It was very quiet and intimate and they were very careful around the whales so they would not be to disturbed. Awesome Tour!”

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Húsavík: Traditional Whale Watching by Local Family Company - Why the traditional oak boat changes the mood
North Iceland Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in North Iceland

Húsavík: Traditional Whale Watching by Local Family Company

3.Traditional Whale Watching by Local Family Company

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,735 reviews · from $91

Join Gentle Giants in Húsavík for a three-hour whale watch aboard a traditional Icelandic oak boat. Guides such as Matteo, Nicoliene, and Rui have led lively trips with sightings of humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, puffins, and even blue whales. Warm safety overalls and rain jackets are supplied, but bring waterproof layers for the cold, open bay.

“Great! I decided to go even with the gloomy weather and it was still a great time! Staff were very polite and knowledgeable! A lot of passion behind all the employees as well. Made for a great tour during my trip!”

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Mývatn: Myvatn Nature Baths Admission Ticket - The water, steam, and sulfur smell
Geothermal Baths & Lagoons, Geothermal Baths & Lagoons in North Iceland, North Iceland Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Mývatn: Myvatn Nature Baths Admission Ticket

4.Myvatn Nature Baths Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,562 reviews · from $58

Spend a full day at Myvatn Nature Baths in northern Iceland. Soak in geothermal water drawn from 2,500 meters below ground, use the steam baths, and look toward Lake Myvatn and Hverfjall crater. Café Kvika serves food and drinks, while the in-water bar offers beer, wine, cider, soda, and sparkling wine. Towels and swimsuits are not included.

“Great experience and good service. Everything needed is in place: swim suit or towel to rent, food & drink. No time limitation - you may stay there the entire day. Gorgeous nature around. Thank you.”

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Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour - Starting across Skjálfandi Bay
North Iceland Tours, Puffin Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in North Iceland

Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

5.Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 979 reviews · 2 hours · from $198

Join an English-speaking guide and captain on a fast, small-group RIB from Húsavík. Search Skjálfandi Bay for humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises, then visit Lundey Island for puffins from April 15 to August 20. Warm water-resistant overalls are supplied, but bring your own hat and gloves.

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) We went on the Big Whales Island Speedboat Tour in Húsavík and had a wonderful experience! The guide was fantastic — very knowledgeable and passionate about the whales and the local nature. I really loved his explanations and the great vibes he created throughout the trip; it felt both educational and fun. What I liked the most was how close we could get to the whales while still respecting their space — it was truly unforgettable! The scenery around the island was breathtaking, and the speedboat made the whole experience exciting and dynamic. I highly recommended if you visit Húsavík!”

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Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat - Puffin Island from April to August
North Iceland Tours, Puffin Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in North Iceland

Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

6.Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 973 reviews · from $159

Join Gentle Giants in Húsavík for a two-hour RIB safari across Skjálfandi Bay. Your English-speaking guide, possibly a marine biologist such as Matteo or Zara, leads you to Puffin Island in season and searches for humpback, blue, and minke whales. The boat carries up to 12 people and includes warm safety overalls.

“Very nice experience and approach, we got useful information. Thanks to our guide and the captain.”

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Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri - Searching Eyjafjord for humpback whales
North Iceland Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in North Iceland

Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

7.Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 971 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $104

Board Elding’s whale-watching vessel at Oddeyrarbót 2 in central Akureyri for a three-hour cruise through Eyjafjord. Your guide and captain search known feeding areas for humpback whales, with possible minke whales, orcas, porpoises, and seabirds. Thermal overalls, rain gear, blankets, Wi-Fi, indoor seating, and outdoor decks are provided.

“The tour is very good. Our tour guide was very informative and had a fun persona. We saw a humpback and a minke and few porpoises. I would highly recommend.”

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From Akureyri: Myvatn Lake, Craters, & Waterfall Tour - Goðafoss: a powerful first stop
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From Akureyri: Myvatn Lake, Craters, & Waterfall Tour

8.Myvatn Lake, Craters, & Waterfall Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 793 reviews · 6 hours · from $187

Travel from Akureyri to North Iceland’s volcanic heart with an English or German-speaking guide. You’ll see Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn’s pseudo craters, Dimmuborgir’s twisted lava, and steaming Námaskarð. Guides such as Nico, Richie, and Kjartan are praised for lively commentary, while the packed lunch keeps this cruise-day excursion moving.

“We started on time. Our guide, Nico, was adept at keeping us entertained and engaged with our surroundings. Perhaps a plan B to stop regurgitating same information about the sheep and horses. We’ve been in Iceland for 4 days now. Same information was disseminated. The Crater and Dark City was an amazing experience.”

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Árskógssandur: Whale-Watching Boat Trip - What the 2.5-hour cruise feels like
Boat Tours in North Iceland, Cruises & Boat Tours, North Iceland Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in North Iceland

Árskógssandur: Whale-Watching Boat Trip

9.Árskógssandur: Whale-Watching Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 695 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $96

Meet at Hotel Kaldi in Árskógssandur for a 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise with North Sailing. You will ride a traditional oak boat through sheltered Eyjafjörður, with warm overalls, English commentary, hot chocolate, and a cinnamon bun. Humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds may appear.

“Wonderful whale watching. You always question if you’d see anything on one of these tours and whether it was the same whales or different ones, we saw about 12 sitings. Excellent!”

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Húsavík: Family-Run and Guided Whale Watching Tour - Crossing the whale grounds toward Kinnarfjöll
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Húsavík: Family-Run and Guided Whale Watching Tour

10.Family-Run and Guided Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 675 reviews · from $84

Join Friends of Moby Dick for a three-hour whale-watching trip from Húsavík aboard a traditional oak boat. Guides such as marine biologist Mada explain whales, dolphins, birds, and conservation while the captain searches Skjálfandi Bay near Kinnarfjöll. Warm suits, child lifejackets, and a Whale Museum discount are included.

“The Moby Dick Tour has been well balanced from time point of view and we have had the opportunity to see several times whales and dolphins in their own habitat. The guide, the biologist Ann from UK, she was great indicating where to focus our eyes, adding info during the tour and generally speaking sharing her enthusiasm for these incredible animals. Highly recommended:)”

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Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík - A guide, a captain, and room to ask questions
Boat Tours in North Iceland, Cruises & Boat Tours, North Iceland Tours, Puffin Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in North Iceland

Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

11.Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 501 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $203Top rated

Set out from Húsavík on a two-hour RIB ride across Skjálfandi Bay. Your captain covers ground quickly while an expert guide, such as Austin, Alessandra, or Danny, explains the whales and seabirds. The boat carries no more than 12 people, with warm suits and life jackets provided. Puffins are seasonal, usually from mid-April to August 20.

“Overall fun experience even though we took the 9am tour which was the first tour of the day hoping to see Whales, but only saw a few fins, not that exciting. Very cold, wet and rough waters getting out there so expect to get wet! They provide great gear for all. Austin our guide was great, very informative. I will say the negative was that it was also suppose to be whales & puffins, but the puffins aspect of the tour was never addressed, so not sure if what happened with that (?) overall no regrets.”

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Akureyri: 2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat - The RIB Ride: Fast, Low, and Surprisingly Physical
2-Hour Experiences, North Iceland Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in North Iceland

Akureyri: 2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat

12.2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 489 reviews · 2 hours · from $200

Join a 12-person RIB boat from Akureyri’s floating pier for two hours among humpback and minke whales, dolphins, and seabirds. Guides such as Yoann, Sergio, Mack, and Agnes have brought the fjord to life with clear wildlife notes. Expect fast runs, close sea-level views, provided suits, and a ride that can get wet and bumpy.

“Excellent way to see the whales. I would highly recommend the Ribbi boat. It is cold but you feel so much closer to the whales and a much more intimate setting with just 12 people on the boat. Highly recommend this trip”

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Lake Myvatn, Hot-Springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri - Goðafoss: a powerful start with an Icelandic story
North Iceland Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in North Iceland

Lake Myvatn, Hot-Springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri

13.Lake Myvatn, Hot-Springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 478 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $188

From Akureyri, ride with a guide such as Nico or Lili to Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn’s pseudo craters, Dimmuborgir lava formations, and the steaming mud pots of Námaskarð. You’ll get a packed lunch, a comfortable bus, and a brisk introduction to northern Iceland. The hot springs are for viewing, not swimming.

“Such beautiful scenery - and the sun came out! Beautiful farmland and the fall colours on the hillside were wonderful”

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Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port - Lake Mývatn brings the fire-and-ice contrast
North Iceland Tours, Shore Excursions, Shore Excursions in North Iceland, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in North Iceland

Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port

14.Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 473 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $205

From Akureyri’s cruise pier, you’ll travel with a guide such as Oli, Jon, Graham, or Johannes to Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn. Expect steaming fumaroles, Dimmuborgir lava, Grjótagjá Cave, and an optional visit to Mývatn Nature Baths. The tour lasts about 5 to 6 hours and returns to the ship.

“Beautiful trip to see an amazing waterfall and areas where lava continues to heat the surface with the funk of sulfur”

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Húsavík: Whale-Watching Cruise and Puffins Guided Tour - Getting ready at the North Sailing office
Boat Tours in North Iceland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Guided, North Iceland Tours, Puffin Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in North Iceland

Húsavík: Whale-Watching Cruise and Puffins Guided Tour

15.Whale-Watching Cruise and Puffins Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 444 reviews · 3 hours · from $135

From Húsavík, cruise Skjálfandi Bay for roughly 3 to 3.5 hours aboard a traditional oak boat. An English-speaking guide explains whales and seabirds while you look for humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and puffins near Puffin Island. Warm overalls, hot chocolate, and a cinnamon bun help take the edge off the cold.

“The whale watching and puffin island trip was one of the highlights of our Iceland trip. The weather was favorable and we saw plenty of puffins at the puffin island. We were also fortunate to see a number of humpback whales and porpoises. But the biggest highlight of the trip has to be the blue whale spotting. It was such an once in a lifetime experience for us. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and shared a lot of interesting information with us. The hot chocolate at the end of the trip was just the cherry on top. Had the most amazing experience. Would recommend to everyone visiting Husavik.”

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