Whale Watching · ICELAND

The 15 Best Whale Watching Tours in Iceland

36 tours  ·  from $34 a head

Reykjavik is the convenient one and Husavik is the reliable one, and the boat matters more here than almost anywhere. These 15 compare the schooners, the big cruisers and the Zodiacs on price, sailing time and how cold you are going to get.

Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise - What the three-hour route feels like
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Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

1.Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

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

Sail from Reykjavík for three hours with guides such as Maria, Lucky, and Gunther, watching for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and seabirds. The boat has indoor and outdoor seating, a heated cabin, café, toilets, WiFi, and optional hotel pickup.

“Excellent trip with an informative friendly guide we saw humpback whales within an hour and I was impressed with the respect for the whales in not getting too close, hanging around and stressing them out. They came to us in their own time, it was beautiful to see these incredible mammals in a responsible way thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon”

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Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship - Why Eyjafjörður is a strong whale-watching spot
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Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship

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

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

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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Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht - What the Amelia Rose feels like on the water
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Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

3.Reykjavík: 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 spacious Amelia Rose for about three hours. Guides such as Lucky and Roman help you spot humpback and minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Three viewing decks, a warm lounge, bar, WiFi, blankets, and optional hotel pickup make this a comfortable cruise.

“So beautiful and fun! I got to see humpback whales and it was such a special encounter! highly recommend this tour!”

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Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide - Setting out on the traditional oak ship
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Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide

4.Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide

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

Join North Sailing for a three-hour whale-watching cruise from Húsavík aboard a traditional oak boat. An English-speaking guide such as Laura, Sophie, Alice, or Christian explains whale behavior as you search Skjálfandi Bay for humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, puffins, and other seabirds. Warm overalls, hot chocolate, and a cinnamon bun are included.

“We booked the tour from Húsavík and the day before the tour we got an email that the weather conditions aren't good. But we could reschedule our tour to Árskógssandur without any issue. The customer service was great. The tour guide was also great and we were able to see a whale even though it wasn't the best season to go whale watching. The humpback whale didn't have a name yet and my girlfriend got to name him because she came up with a funny name - Forest Hump. Overall I would highly recommend this tour!”

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The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik - Watching from the deck without freezing
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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

Cruise Faxaflói Bay for two to three and a half hours with an English-speaking guide, warm overalls, raincoats, blankets, WiFi, and access to a wildlife exhibition. Humpback and minke whales are common sightings. If no whale or dolphin appears, Elding offers a free return ticket.

“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 - What the 2 to 3 hour cruise feels like
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Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide

6.Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,422 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $87

Sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour into Faxaflói Bay aboard Andrea, Iceland’s largest whale-watching ship. An English-speaking guide helps you spot minke and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and sometimes orcas. Choose the roomy Classic cruise or the faster summer Express boat, with a free return ticket if wildlife stays hidden.

“Ania was an excellent guide. She was determined for us to see the Northern Lights, unfortunately they did not come out for us. Ania was very knowledgeable about the tour and you could tell she was unhappy that we didn’t get a chance to see them, but we do have a voucher that is good for two years if we come back.”

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Húsavík: Traditional Whale Watching Tour - Why the traditional oak boat matters
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Húsavík: Traditional Whale Watching Tour

7.Húsavík: Traditional Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,115 reviews · 3 hours · from $100

Join Gentle Giants in Húsavík for a three-hour cruise on a traditional Icelandic oak boat. Guides such as Nicoliene, Fabio, Carla, and Josephine share clear wildlife commentary while you search Skjálfandi Bay for humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, puffins, and, sometimes, blue whales.

“The whale watching tour was overall a good experience. We did see 2 humpback whales. We unfortunately did not have great weather. The sea was very rough and a lot of people on the boat got sea sick (everyone was warned about this when checking in). Luckily, my husband and I had sea sickness patches and we were just fine. The tour guide was great. Overall, it was a great experience. I wish the weather had been better, but no one can control that.”

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Húsavík: Whale Watching – Family Run with Indoor Seats - What the three-hour route feels like
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Húsavík: Whale Watching – Family Run with Indoor Seats

8.Húsavík: Whale Watching – Family Run with Indoor Seats

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,521 reviews · 3 hours · from $96

Join Friends of Moby Dick for a three-hour whale watch from Húsavík. Sail aboard Vinur, the only local whale boat with indoor seating, and search for humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, and blue whales with guides such as Mada and Jitka.

“Really nice activity to do alone or with family or friends. The guide was very friendly and explained a lot of details about the different kind of whales we could see on the tour.”

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Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat - Meeting the crew and getting ready
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Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,221 reviews · 2 hours · from $175

From Húsavík, you’ll ride a spacious 12-passenger RIB with a guide such as Matteo, Carla, or Jo, visiting Puffin Island in season before searching Skjálfandi Bay for humpbacks, blue whales, dolphins, and other marine life.

“three experience was perfect from start to finish. the booking was easy, the staff were friendly and efficient the guide was very knowledgeable and appeared to be having as good a time as we were. we saw numerous wildlife and thoroughly enjoyed the boat. brilliant experience.”

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Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour - From Hafnarstétt 11 to the open bay
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Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

10.Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

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

Join Húsavík Adventures for a fast, small-group whale tour from Húsavík. A maximum of 12 passengers, warm overalls, and guides such as Austin, Iñaki, and Ignacio make it easy to watch humpbacks, dolphins, and seasonal puffins around Lundey Island.

“Our guide, Austin, was incredibly professional and friendly. He speaks several languages (English, Italian, and Mexican Spanish) and gave engaging, informative explanations about whales, seabirds, and ocean safety. The whole trip was well organized, and you could really feel his passion for nature and marine life. It would be lovely if some hot drinks or small snacks were offered after the trip — that would make the experience even cozier and more complete. A wonderful and memorable whale-watching experience — professional, caring, and truly unforgettable. Thank you, Austin! 🐋”

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Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri - The fjord is part of the experience
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Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

11.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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Reykjavik: the Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour - What you may see during the three-hour search
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Reykjavik: the Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour

12.Reykjavik: the Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour

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

Join Elding Adventure at Sea for a three-hour cruise from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. Marine guides such as Emily, Pedro, Mila, and Sam explain the wildlife while the crew searches Faxafloi Bay for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and seabirds. Warm overalls, WiFi, and a free retry if needed are included.

“Really good experience, we were lucky enough to see lots of whales close to the boat, the commentary was very good telling us what side of the boat to go when whales were about to appear. We went on the evening trip and being July the sun didn't set completely even at 10.30 at night and was a beautiful sight low over the ocean.”

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Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik - What the guides add to the ride
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Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik

13.Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik

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

Leave Reykjavík’s Old Harbour for a 3.5-hour search through Faxaflói Bay, where humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and summer puffins may appear. Guides such as Patrick and Joe add lively commentary, while heated cabins, warm flotation suits, WiFi, and a no-sighting return ticket make this a practical choice.

“Do not see many whales Ramp on and off boat very slippery Wife fell and no one came to assist her No help at office except gave her a packet of Tylenol”

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From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour - Searching Faxaflói Bay for whales
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From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour

14.Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour

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

From Geirsgata 11, you cruise through Kollafjörður to Faxaflói Bay for up to 3.5 hours of whale and dolphin watching. English-speaking guides such as Patrik and Lukas add lively commentary, while warm flotation overalls, indoor cabins, WiFi, and a free return trip after no sightings make this a practical choice.

“journey was long and cold,I bought sandwiches for way back,seeing the whales come in and out the water,as our tour guide notifying us of were they were. definitely recommend”

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Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise - Crossing Faxaflói Bay in search of whales
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Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

15.Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

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

Set out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor aboard MY Harpa or MY Amelia Rose with guides such as Lucky or Rebecca. Search Faxaflói Bay for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, seabirds, and summer puffins, with warm blankets, WiFi, a bar, and a return ticket if sightings fail.

“we were so happy, within 20 mins of being out in the boat we saw Banana and Apple the 2 humpback whales, they came right up to boat and kept playing circle games with us. what an experience.”

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New in Iceland Whale Watching Tours

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