Iceland · WHALE WATCHING

Whale Watching in Iceland: The 15 Best Trips

94 tours  ·  from $30

Minke almost every trip, humpback often, blue whale if the season and the luck line up. These 15 cover the Reykjavik bay boats and the northern fjords, priced, timed and honest about how rough each one gets.

Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise - Searching for whales with a trained guide
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Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

1.Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 9,838 reviews · 3 hours · from $87Our pick

Spend about three hours on Faxaflói Bay from Reykjavík, watching for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and seabirds. Guides such as Maria and Lucky explain animal behavior and point out sightings. The boat has indoor and outdoor seating, heated cabins, toilets, WiFi, and a café selling hot drinks and snacks.

“We did lots of activities in Iceland and this was by far the best! Maria was absolutely amazing in explaining all about the whales, aswell as seabirds/seals. It was a smooth sailing experience with a bar and indoor areas to ge warm. The boat wasn’t too full so everyone was able to see the whales and they came so close to us! It was amazing and I would recommend this trip to anyone and everyone!”

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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

2.3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship

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

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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Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht - The search for minke and humpback whales
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Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

3.Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

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

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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Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide - From the Húsavík harbor to open water
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Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide

4.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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The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik - Searching the bay for humpbacks and minke whales
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The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik

5.The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,626 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $105

Sail from Reykjavik into Faxaflói Bay for about three hours with Elding’s live guide, watching for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, seals, porpoises, and seabirds. The crew provides warm overalls, raincoats, blankets, WiFi, and a free return ticket if no whales or dolphins appear. Morning and afternoon departures are available.

“was great seeing the Whales, staff friendly. My only criticism is the whole trip was 2 hrs, so not much value for money when advertised as 3hrs and other companies was still out as we started back.”

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Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide - The Crew Works Hard, But Nature Makes the Rules
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Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide

6.Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,307 reviews · from $90

Join Special Tours from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour for a 2 to 3 hour cruise aboard Andrea, Iceland’s largest whale watching ship. Your English-speaking guide helps you spot minke and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and the occasional orca. Enjoy heated seating, warm overalls, WiFi, a café, and a free return trip if no wildlife appears.

“Booking with get your guide was easy and all information provided. The guide was brilliant with information and where to look as she sat at the front. We were so lucky on our tour that we managed to see over 40 whales. The guide said this was unusual to see this many, and sounded just as excited as us. It made it easier for viewing as not everyone had to be one side of the boat trying to capture a glimpse as the whales were all around us. Ypu can buy some snacks and drinks onboard and wasn't expensive. Was an amazing experience and both me and my teenager daugter…”

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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

7.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

8.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

9.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

10.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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Reykjavik: the Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour - What you might see in the bay
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Reykjavik: the Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour

11.the Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 908 reviews · 3 hours · from $108

Cruise from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour into Faxaflói bay with Elding Adventure at Sea. Marine guides such as Emily, Sam, Pedro, Mila, and Lasse have led lively trips featuring humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and seabirds. Warm overalls, onboard WiFi, hot drinks, and a free return trip if no whales are seen make this a practical choice.

“It was a great experience! We were very lucky because we saw not just the dolphins and minke whales but the humpback whale as well, the entire time we were at sea! Very lucky indeed and the kids enjoyed it.”

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Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik - Mount Esja, Harpa, and the open-water views
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Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik

12.Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 744 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $97

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour into Faxaflói Bay for about three and a half hours with a professional English-speaking guide. Watch for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and summer puffins. Patrick and Joe have earned special praise for lively commentary. Warm overalls, indoor cabins, WiFi, and a free return trip if no whales appear are included.

“What started as a bleak, rainy, windy day turned into a wonderful experience. There are complementary waterproof outfits you can use for this type of weather. I wasn't expecting to see anything but we persevered and the sun came out then so did the minky whale and humpback whales. Our guide was informative and kept us updated throughout. She also took pictures on her long lens camera which she uploaded onto the website for us as, try as we might, photos on mobile phones are a bit hit and miss.”

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From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour - Kollafjörður, birds, and the first views
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From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour

13.Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 711 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $103

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour to Kollafjörður and Faxaflói Bay for a 3.5-hour search for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. English-speaking guides, warm flotation overalls, indoor cabins, WiFi, seasickness tablets, and a free return trip if no wildlife is spotted are included.

“We got really lucky with everything. Beautiful weather, sighting of one or two humpback whales and some seals!! It was pretty sick seeing the other ships out on the sea and trying to catch a glimpse of the whales. Lovely experience with super nice guides. Very informative and kind.”

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Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise - The first stretch across Faxafloi Bay
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Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

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

15.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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