The 8 Akureyri Whale Watching Tours That Earn Their Price

1.Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship

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

Sail from Akureyri into Eyjafjörður aboard Iceland’s only specially modified high-speed whale-watching ship. Guides such as Gisella and Johan point out humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life while you enjoy indoor seating, outdoor viewing areas, thermal overalls, Wi-Fi, and crew photos.

“It was great, the fjord is absolutely beautiful. We thought we might see nothing but once we saw the first whale, they were just everywhere. We were very lucky :) we stayed a bit longer than planned, because we were searching for whales longer than expected. The tour operator made sure we are all satisfied by staying a little longer.”

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2.Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

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

Sail from downtown Akureyri into Eyjafjord on a purpose-built whale-watching ship. Your guide explains the humpbacks and local wildlife while the captain searches the fjord. You get warm overalls, indoor and outdoor viewing areas, Wi-Fi, and a chance to buy drinks on board.

“Easy to book and clear directions to meeting point, friendly staff and well organised. Saw around 12 humpback whales (identified by the guides) and spent a good amount of time watching them, was a great experience and good value for money.”

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3.Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

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

Join a captain and expert guide on a two-hour RIB tour from Húsavík. The boat carries no more than 12 people, giving you open views as you search for humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seasonal puffins. Warm overalls and life jackets are supplied, but bring gloves and a hat.

“Great whale watching tour. Our guide was great. Highly recommended. Lucky day we saw a hump back whale.”

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

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

Join a 12-seat RIB boat in Akureyri for two hours of whale and bird watching in Eyjafjord. Guides such as Yoann, Agnes, Mack, and Sergio have helped guests find humpback and minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Expect fast runs, close sea-level views, cold spray, and a lively ride.

“amazing whale watching tour with a nice and funny guide, we saw many whales. The boat is comfortable”

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

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

From Húsavík, you ride a 12-person RIB for about two hours with a guide such as Clara, Mario, Nicoletta, or Victoria. Expect fast open-water travel, warm safety overalls, whale watching, and a stop near Puffin Island from April 15 to August 15.

“This was an amazing experience. Clara was an enthusiast and knowledgeable guide. The captain was skilled in her job. It was fun to see them equally as excited about all the wildlife we encountered. We would definitely do this experience again if we returned to the area. The RIB is the way to go!”

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6.Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík by Local Family Company

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

Cruise Skjálfandi Bay from Húsavík aboard a traditional Icelandic oak boat for about three hours. A live guide searches for whales, dolphins, and puffins while the crew provides warm overalls and rain gear. Expect scenic coastal views, changing sea conditions, and a relaxed pace.

“We went out expecting the worst just in case but we saw soooo many humpback whales! One of the best parts of the our Iceland trip! You will need to find transportation if you’re on a cruise and docking in Akureyri.”

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7.Traditional Oak Ship Whale Watching Tour From Husavik

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

Sail from Húsavík with North Sailing for about three hours aboard a traditional Icelandic oak ship. Your guide explains whale behavior as you search Skjálfandi Bay for humpbacks, dolphins, puffins, and seabirds. Warm overalls, light refreshments, and live commentary are included, but bring sturdy warm shoes.

“The trip was amazing. We saw allot of whales. The crew was very friendly and professional. I would highly recommend this activity.”

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8.100% Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 273 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $90Best value

Sail from Hauganes into Eyjafjordur aboard a traditional fishing boat, guided by a local captain and crew. Look for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and possibly blue whales or orcas. Warm flotation suits, light refreshments, and live commentary are included.

“We thoroughly enjoyed our tour. Staff was super friendly. We arrived 30 minutes early. You will be wearing coveralls that they provide. Wasn’t the coldest day when we went so leaving my thick coat in the car was ok. Bring some well insulated gloves. My hands were the only thing that was cold. WE SAW WHALES. A pod of four and three individuals. We stayed long enough to see them dive 3 times. If you are inclined to have motion sickness, take Dramamine. Water is choppy at best and there were some pretty nice swells. Even at that, the captain navigated us close to the pod. Unbelievable to be so…”

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