Category Whale Watching

Iceland · WHALE WATCHING

Whale Watching in Iceland: The 15 Best Tours

38 reviewed

Boats leave Reykjavik old harbour all year and Husavik from spring, and the two bays behave very differently. Compared below: minke and humpback odds by season and port, the difference between a big schooner and a RIB, how long each trip stays out, and which run a sighting guarantee.

Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise - From the harbor into the bay: where you’ll spend your first hour

1.Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

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

3-hour whale watching from Reykjavík in Faxaflói Bay, with trained guides, heated cabins, onboard WiFi, and a good shot at whales year-round.

“Everything ran smoothly. Staff were friendly and informative. We saw humpback whales who made many appearances while we were out on the water. As a large family we used this company as it was such great value in having much lower child prices than the adult prices. Would highly recommend”

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Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship

Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship - The high-speed boat, cinema-style viewing, and real comfort

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

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

3-hour high-speed whale cruise from Akureyri into Eyjafjörður. Humpback sightings, thermal overalls, hot drinks, and onboard Wi-Fi.

“What a great experience! We spent 3 hours out on the boat and saw 2 humpback whales, even in the middle of November! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, the captain was great, the views were fantastic and we had access to free hot chocolate and coffee on board. Would highly recommend, thank you!”

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Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht - The Amelia Rose yacht: three decks, real comfort, and how to use it

3.Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

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

3-hour Reykjavik whale watching on the Amelia Rose yacht with triple decks, expert guides, and chances to see humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins.

“We really loved our time whale watching on the Amelia Rose Yacht! We were lucky with good weather in the morning and saw a few Humpback whales and many Minke whales. The guide was very helpful teaching us how to spot the first signs of whales coming to the surface. The wind on the deck of the boat does get cold so bundle up! And there is a nice seating area inside with a bar and a bathroom if needed. We also enjoyed the smaller crowd on this boat and were able to see most of the whales spotted between the three levels of decks available.”

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Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide

Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide - North Sailing’s oak-boat experience, warm overalls, and what it feels like on board

The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik

The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik - Wildlife Exhibition Admission, Before or After Your Cruise

5.The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik

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

Elding whale watching from Reykjavik: guided Faxaflói Bay cruise, warm overalls, wildlife exhibition and free return if no sightings.

“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

Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide - Cruising Faxaflói Bay: what you can spot and why it matters

6.Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide

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

Reykjavik whale watching on the Andrea ship in Faxaflói Bay, with warm overalls, heated seating, and a free return if none.

“The guide was really fun and informative. The overalls were a really nice add on. They do cover your whole body so make sure your jacket isn’t too thick. We did see whales but nothing noteworthy to be honest.”

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Húsavík: Traditional Whale Watching by Local Family Company

Húsavík: Traditional Whale Watching by Local Family Company - The Gentle Giants setup: traditional boat, modern comfort

7.Húsavík: Traditional Whale Watching by Local Family Company

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,735 reviews · from $91

Traditional whale watching in Húsavík on a classic oak boat. Warm overalls, live English commentary, and strong odds for whales.

“Nice service: pretty warm and waterproof clothing provided as welll as proper clothing recommendations. Never stopped searching for whales even on way back. Therefore, saw multiple whales and dolphins. Great company!”

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Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour - Why Skjálfandi Bay Matters for Whale Odds

8.Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

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

RIB speedboat whale watching from Húsavík with Lundey Island puffins in season, small groups, and warm overalls for 2 action-packed hours.

“The crew was very knowledgeable and friendly, the boat ride was super fun. We were lucky to see several humpback whales and a seal. It was truly amazing. I will 100% redo it.”

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Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat - Gentle Giants ticket center to life jacket time

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 973 reviews · from $159

Húsavík RIB safari to Puffin Island and Skjálfandi Bay, with warm overalls, expert English commentary, and strong odds for big whales.

“The tour guide was great. I would certainly recommend going with the speed boat as when a whale came up we were able to get to it quickly. We saw Humpback whales and were lucky to see a Fun whale too”

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Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri - What happens on the water during the 3-hour cruise

10.Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

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

Downtown Akureyri whale watching on a spacious boat with thermal gear, Wi-Fi, and a captain focused on spotting whales fast.

“Easy to find, down at the harbour, very friendly staff. Children have to wear a life jacket, which honestly made me feel better, even if child wasn't impressed. You can sit inside the boat and be warmer or step outside on to the dexk at either the front or back of the boat. We went out down the fjord and then stopped, one of the staff members, I didn't get their name, but was talking about the whale and other mammals that frequent the area. Also pointed out where to look when the whales came by. Such an amazing experience, absolutely loved seeing the whales. It is cold out in…”

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Reykjavik: the Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour

Reykjavik: the Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour - Old Harbour check-in and the Whale Watching Centre warm-up

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

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

3-hour Reykjavik whale watching in Faxaflói Bay with Elding. Thermal gear, marine biologist guide, WiFi, and a sighting guarantee.

“It was great! We definitely got to see the whales and some dolphins. Beautiful start to my day. The pictures that were sent to us was also a fantastic bonus.”

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Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik

Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik - On board comfort: heated cabins, overalls, WiFi, and seasickness support

12.Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik

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

Reykjavik whale watching in Faxaflói Bay with heated cabins, flotation overalls, local guides, and a free return if no whales.

“Lovely experience for the family. Guide was very funny and made sure we saw whales. Definitely an experience. Warm clothes free of charge on board as well as drinks and snacks.”

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From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour

From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour - Faxaflói Bay: where the whales (and birds) do their work

13.From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour

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

Sail from Reykjavik to Faxaflói Bay to hunt for minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and lots of sea birds, with warm comfort onboard.

“It was a brilliant experience. The overalls were a great help to keep you warm when outside! We got so lucky and saw 3 humpbacks!”

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Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise - MY Harpa vs MY Amelia Rose: which boat helps your odds?