10 Sailing Trips in Iceland You Can Book Before You Land

1.Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,911 reviews · 3 hours · from $107Our pick

Sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor aboard the Amelia Rose for about three hours of whale watching in Faxaflói Bay. Guides such as Lucky and Roman point out minke and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, birds, and coastal sights. The yacht has three panoramic decks, a warm lounge, bar, WiFi, blankets, and optional hotel pickup.

“Our whale watching was a wonderful experience. We opted for the hotel pickup, and we were picked up by the captain! The Amelia Rose is a beautiful boat with indoor seating, a bar and gorgeous hand-carved wood throughout. A very nice place to sit, if you want to get out of the wind for a little. We were informed from the beginning that we may not see whales, but they would try their best. Well - their best was great. We were fortunate enough to see 2 humpback whale breach at the same time! Everyone on the boat was thrilled.”

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2.Northern Lights Yacht Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,253 reviews · 2 hours · from $93Best value

Sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor into Faxaflói Bay on a two-hour aurora cruise. Guides such as Maria, Julian, and Lucky explain the lights, help with phone photography, and alert you when the sky changes. Three viewing decks, blankets, sea-sickness tablets, Wi-Fi, and an indoor bar make this a comfortable option, though sightings are never guaranteed.

“Overall good trip. We only faintly saw the lights for a couple minutes (still saw them!). However, they didn’t think it was good enough so they are allowing us to come back up to 3 years time which I think it’s very kind of them. The bar / overall boat was really good. Even the two hour cruise is pretty worth it”

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3.Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 707 reviews · 3 hours · from $106

Set out from Reykjavik Old Harbor aboard MY Harpa or MY Amelia Rose for three hours in Faxafloi Bay. Guides such as Lucky and Rebecca point out humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, seabirds, and summer puffins. You get indoor seating, outside decks, blankets, WiFi, a bar, and a return ticket if no wildlife appears.

“Everything was perfect but the parking instructions. We saw many whales and dolphins as well as puffins. We got the big yatch but was not too overcrowded so we could spot everything with no issues :)”

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4.Whale Watching Cruise on a Yacht in Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 684 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $102

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour through Faxaflói Bay aboard a whale-watching yacht for about three hours. An onboard guide explains whale behavior while the crew searches for minke and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and sometimes orcas. You also see Harpa, Engey, Lundey, and Viðey from the water. A free return cruise is offered if no whales appear.

“There wasn’t a bad view on the boat as it wasn’t too packed in. We got to see three humpback whales multiple times and the tour guide was full of great information and stories about whales and Iceland. Even though we were out on a milder winter day, spending hours on the viewing decks will require you to dress quite warmly. Lots of layers! And don’t forget your gloves like I did. Even if you forget something, there is a little bar with alcohol and non alcoholic warm beverages if you need. The inner cabin spaces are also cozy and warm.”

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5.Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 488 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $108

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor aboard Harpa or Amelia Rose for about three hours on Faxafloi Bay. An English-speaking guide, open observation decks, indoor seating, blankets, Wi-Fi, a bar, and free seasickness tablets make the trip comfortable. Watch for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and summer puffins.

“Excellent observation decks at multiple levels. The indoor decks and bar were appreciated for warming up”

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6.Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 428 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $94

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour for about two hours in search of the northern lights. You’ll have a warm cabin, bar, Wi-Fi, viewing decks, and guides who point out the aurora and help with photos. The yacht also passes islands and coastline where you might spot whales, dolphins, or porpoises.

“This tour was well-organised and I would recommend it. We did see the Northern Lights but they were quite faint and not really visible with the naked eye so the tour company offered everyone a trip on another day which we thought was a nice touch. We didn't take them on their offer as (i) we did see the lights and (ii) not really fair on them as they can't control a natural phenomenon. We sat on the top deck and yes it was freezing so do wear your thermals! Below deck it was warm and there was a bar.”

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7.Northern Lights Motor Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 133 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $99

From Reykjavík Old Harbor, you spend 2.5 hours aboard MY Harpa or MY Amelia Rose, cruising into Faxaflói Bay with an Icelandic or English-speaking guide. Expect Harpa Concert Hall, Sun Voyager, Höfði house, warm blankets, indoor seating, Wi-Fi, and time away from city lights in search of the aurora.

“Best trip the two men were the best so helpful and we got the lights whoo”

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8.Whale Watching on a Traditional Oak Sailing Ship from Husavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 68 reviews · from $106

Join a three-hour North Sailing cruise from Húsavík aboard the wooden schooners Haukur, Opal, or Hildur. Guides share whale and nature facts as you search Skjálfandi Bay for humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and puffins. Cold-weather suits, hot chocolate, cinnamon buns, and the chance to help with the ropes are included.

“The crew was very kind, helpful and professional. Unfortunately we were not very lucky. Whales were shy that day. Thank for the experience”

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9.Northern Lights Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 35 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $100

Leave Reykjavik’s Old Harbour aboard a comfortable yacht for a 2 to 3 hour evening cruise past Harpa, Viðey Island, and Faxaflói Bay. Captain Einar is linked with the operation, and the crew helps with aurora spotting and camera settings. A heated lounge, blankets, café, bar, Wi-Fi, and a free return trip if the lights do not appear add comfort.

“Great experience, great tour! We got to see the northern lights (which helps!) skies were clear and our tour guide/narrator was fun and helpful. Boat was comfortable and all in all a great experience I would recommend.”

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10.New Year’s Eve Northern Lights Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 12 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $140

Spend 90 minutes aboard a comfortable motor yacht with an English and Icelandic crew. Search for the Northern Lights near Videy Island and its Imagine Peace monument, then move toward shore for Reykjavík’s midnight fireworks and a glass of champagne. The trip suits adults and older teens, but not those prone to seasickness.

“Fireworks & random whale sighting was exciting however staff were not trying hard to hunt for Northern lights on a clear sky even though we had lots of time prior to midnight champagne & fireworks. Staff were nice but engaging.”

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