Iceland · WHALE WATCHING IN NORTH ICELAND

Top 15 Whale Watching Tours in North Iceland

33 tours  ·  from $30

Short days, long drives and a forecast that turns twice before lunch: these 15 whale watching tours in North Iceland survive all three, priced and timed.

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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Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour - Starting across Skjálfandi Bay
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Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

4.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
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Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

5.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
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Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

6.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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Árskógssandur: Whale-Watching Boat Trip - What the 2.5-hour cruise feels like
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Árskógssandur: Whale-Watching Boat Trip

7.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

8.Family-Run and Guided Whale Watching Tour

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

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
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Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

9.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
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Akureyri: 2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat

10.2-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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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

11.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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Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík - Crossing Skjálfandi Bay in search of whales
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Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

12.Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 417 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $180

Set out from Húsavík in a 12-person RIB for two hours on Skjálfandi Bay. Guides such as Nicoletta, Clara, Mario, and Victoria have led trips featuring humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, and puffins. Warm safety overalls are supplied, but bring waterproof layers and expect a lively ride.

“Well organized & professional. Give & Captain excellent. Only downside was not being able to get close pictures of Puffins, otherwise, really great. Saw many whales.”

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Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík by Local Family Company - Searching for whales in Skjálfandi Bay
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Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík by Local Family Company

13.Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík by Local Family Company

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 389 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $102

Set out from Húsavík for about three hours aboard a traditional Icelandic oak boat. Guides such as Fabio, Vittoria, Matteo, and Nikolina share facts about whales and sea life while the crew searches Skjálfandi Bay for humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and puffins. Warm overalls and rain gear are provided, but prepare for cold, spray, and possible seasickness.

“It was a whale tour, but we saw not only whales but puffins also. Guide was very knowledgeable. It was a fun experience.”

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Traditional Oak Ship Whale Watching Tour From Husavik - The animals you might see
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Traditional Oak Ship Whale Watching Tour From Husavik

14.Traditional Oak Ship Whale Watching Tour From Husavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 366 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $118

Sail Skjálfandi Bay from Húsavík on North Sailing’s traditional Icelandic oak ship. In about three hours, a professional guide or marine scientist explains whale behavior as you search for humpbacks, dolphins, puffins, and sea birds. Warm overalls and light refreshments are provided, but bring sturdy warm shoes and dress in layers.

“We saw several whales and the scenery was spectacular. The overalls kept us warm and we loved the hot chocolate and rolls”

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From Dalvik: Arctic Whale Watching in Northern Iceland - The three-hour route through Eyjafjörður
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From Dalvik: Arctic Whale Watching in Northern Iceland

15.From Dalvik: Arctic Whale Watching in Northern Iceland

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 327 reviews · 3 hours · from $94

From Dalvík, Arctic Sea Tours takes you into Eyjafjörður for about three hours of whale watching among the Tröllaskagi mountains. Look for humpback, minke, fin, and blue whales, plus dolphins and porpoises. English-speaking guides, flotation coveralls, hot chocolate, and a cinnamon roll are included. Arrive 15 minutes early.

“The guide was super nice. It has been an amazing experience and I loved every minute of it. It was totally worth the price.”

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New in Whale Watching in North Iceland

★ 3.8Whale Watching Tour & Forest Lagoon EntranceFrom $1594 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Watching and Sea Angling TourFrom $10061 reviews
★ 4.5Whales and Puffins Tour from HusavikFrom $13085 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Watching in HusavikFrom $113119 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Watching on a Traditional Oak Sailing Ship from HusavikFrom $10668 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City CentralFrom $10533 reviews
★ 4.5Original Carbon Neutral Whale Watching Tour from HúsavíkFrom $13594 reviews
★ 5.0RIB boat express: Whales, Eyjafjord and AkureyriFrom $19212 reviews
★ 4.0Whale Watching from the Heart of AkureyriFrom $11247 reviews
★ 4.7Hauganes: Whale Watching North IcelandFrom $106101 reviews
★ 3.5Beluga Whale Sanctuary – AdmissionsFrom $308 reviews
★ 4.6Whale Watching in the Midnight SunFrom $10175 reviews

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