Best of · AKUREYRI WHALE WATCHING TOURS

15 Unmissable Akureyri Whale Watching Tours

27 tours  ·  from $90 a head

Whales do not read timetables, so the boat and the month do most of the work. These 15 akureyri whale watching tours are priced and dated, and clear about what a blank day looks like.

Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship - Why humpback whales are the main event
3-Hour Experiences, Akureyri Whale Watching Tours, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

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 with an English-speaking naturalist guide aboard a fast, specially modified whale-watching ship. Look for humpback whales, orcas, dolphins, and minke whales in Eyjafjörður, using thermal overalls when needed. The heated cabin, viewing windows, Wi-Fi, onboard café, and crew photographs make this a practical choice in Iceland’s changeable weather.

“It was an amazing experience. I got some good footage. Everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable. We got to see quite a few whales. Can’t wait to see the footage they send out after the tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri - Eyjafjord provides the first reward
Akureyri Whale Watching Tours, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

2.Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

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

Sail from downtown Akureyri into Eyjafjord on a spacious Elding whale-watching ship. Your guide explains the fjord and its humpback whales while the captain searches likely feeding areas. Use indoor or outdoor viewing spaces, warm overalls, blankets, Wi-Fi, and onboard drinks. Sightings are not guaranteed, but a free return trip is offered if no whales appear.

“The staff and crew were great! We saw lots of humpbacks and we were even given access to their photos as well. My only concern was that it was crowded”

Check availability →Read our full review

Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík - Wildlife in the bay: whales, dolphins, and porpoises
Akureyri Whale Watching Tours, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruises, Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruises in Iceland, Whale Watching Tours, Zodiac and RIB Whale Watching, Zodiac and RIB Whale Watching in Iceland

Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

3.Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

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

From Húsavík, you’ll search Skjálfandi Bay aboard a fast RIB boat limited to 12 people. Expect humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seasonal puffins near Lundey. Guides such as Alessandra, Danny, Austin, and Austen have been praised for their wildlife knowledge. The two-hour ride can be cold, wet, and bumpy.

“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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Akureyri: 2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat - Why the RIB changes the whale-watching experience
2-Hour Experiences, Akureyri Whale Watching Tours, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours, Zodiac and RIB Whale Watching, Zodiac and RIB Whale Watching in Iceland

Akureyri: 2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat

4.2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat

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

Join Whale Watching Akureyri for a fast, close-range search for whales in Eyjafjord. Your English-speaking guide and captain take up to 12 people across the fjord in a small RIB, with warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety gear provided. Expect mountain views, possible humpback and minke sightings, and an exciting, sometimes wet ride.

“The whole experience was awesome. it was fairly cold and rainy, but the suits provided were great and kept us warm. there were 2 whales in the area about a 20 minute ride from the port. They were very active and we got so see plenty of action. Our guide Gisella was amazing. in between sitings she would give us info about the whales and the area we were observing. definitely a added value on the trip. Excellent experience. a "must do" while you're in Akureyri!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík - Puffin Island from April through mid-August
Akureyri Whale Watching Tours, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruises, Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruises in Iceland, Whale Watching Tours, Zodiac and RIB Whale Watching, Zodiac and RIB Whale Watching in Iceland

Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

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

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

From Húsavík, you’ll spend about two hours on a small RIB speedboat searching Skjálfandi Bay for whales and porpoises. During puffin season, the trip also visits Puffin Island. Guides such as Nicoletta, Clara, Mario, Victoria, and Milo have led past departures. Warm safety overalls are supplied, but bring extra layers.

“Wonderful experience. The staff were very nice helping us dress for the trip. We were lucky to see a Humpback whale. The crew tried hard to make sure we all able to witness the whales appearance. We felt safe and had fun with this RIB boat tour. Highly recommended.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík by Local Family Company - What the traditional oak boat feels like
Akureyri Whale Watching Tours, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík by Local Family Company

6.Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík by Local Family Company

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

Join Gentle Giants in Húsavík for a three-hour whale watch aboard a traditional Icelandic oak boat. Your guide watches Skjálfandi Bay for humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and puffins, while sharing live commentary. Warm safety overalls and rain gear are supplied. The boat holds up to 70 people, so expect a social, sometimes crowded ride.

“We saw a lot of dolphins and 2 humpbacks!! Very good tour and nice crew. I would recommend it to everybody!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Traditional Oak Ship Whale Watching Tour From Husavik - What the three-hour itinerary is really like
Akureyri Whale Watching Tours, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Traditional Oak Ship Whale Watching Tour From Husavik

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, breeding, and identification as you search Skjálfandi Bay for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, puffins, and sea birds. Warm overalls, light refreshments, and live commentary are included.

“Honest review: ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! We went on July 6 2025 at 9am. I went whale watching in Canada and Australia but this tour was far beyond better than anywhere else. The on board marine scientist was so sweet and knowleadgable. The captain was really good at managing the boat and we were always at the right spot a the good Time to see whales compared to other boats. We saw at least 10 whales and Even dolphins! I would recommend this tour early in the morning and in the summer months! We also saw many puffins on the water so I wouldn’t recommend the tour whale + puffin since we…”

Check availability →Read our full review

100% Whale Watching - The first 25 minutes on the water
Akureyri Whale Watching Tours, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

100% Whale Watching

8.100% Whale Watching

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

From Hauganes, sail into Eyjafjordur aboard a traditional fishing boat for about two and a half hours. Your captain and guide point out humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds. Warm waterproof suits, hot drinks, cookies, and live commentary are included. Several departure times make this easy to fit into an Iceland itinerary.

“Nous ne pensions pas voir autant de baleines si facilement C’était super ! Les voir manger et replonger puis revenir, un moment magique”

Check availability →Read our full review

Akureyri: Whale Watching Shore Excursions - What the 2.5-hour cruise feels like
Akureyri Whale Watching Tours, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Akureyri: Whale Watching Shore Excursions

9.Whale Watching Shore Excursions

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 250 reviews · from $100

Set out from Akureyri on a 2.5-hour catamaran cruise through Eyjafjörður. Guides such as Massimiliano and Dominique explain whale behavior and local marine life while you watch for humpbacks, minkes, porpoises, dolphins, and seabirds. Warm overalls, heated seating, Wi-Fi, toilets, and an onboard café make this a comfortable choice in Iceland’s changeable weather.

“Our tour was amazing!! They have coveralls you can wear if it’s too cold. We saw 2 different types of whales and some porpoises. The boat was huge. I’m not sure if we just got lucky, but there were only about 15 people total on this huge boat for our tour, so it was extra special. Our guide (massimiliano) was amazing. They took amazing photos of the whales throughout the tour and sent them to us at the end. Could not recommend this tour more. Was definitely one of our favorite excursions during our trip.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Akureyri Express Whale Watching by RIB boat - Getting ready for a high-speed RIB
Akureyri Whale Watching Tours, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours, Zodiac and RIB Whale Watching, Zodiac and RIB Whale Watching in Iceland

Akureyri Express Whale Watching by RIB boat

10.Akureyri Express Whale Watching by RIB boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 168 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $180

Meet Elding at Akureyri’s central pier for a two-hour RIB boat trip into Eyjafjörður. With room for only 12 people, the boat gives you clear views of humpback and minke whales, dolphins, seabirds, and the fjord. Guides such as Jacob, David, Agnes, and Lindsey have been praised for their wildlife knowledge and friendly care. Warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and a whale guarantee are included.

“I’m sure this would have been a 5 star tour on a better weather day, but we still had a great time. It was around 40 degrees and windy on the day of our tour. We came dressed warm but then they gave us a full suit and gear for the trip. The water was extremely choppy which made for a painful ride out to where we started to see some whales. Our teenage girls thought that part was fun and were laughing so your mileage may vary. Once we started seeing whales then it became more tolerable and we had a great time. Our tour guide and driver did…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Húsavík Whale Watching Tour, family owned and operated - A three-hour route with plenty of open water
Akureyri Whale Watching Tours, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Húsavík Whale Watching Tour, family owned and operated

11.Húsavík Whale Watching Tour, family owned and operated

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 140 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $102

From Húsavík, sail across Skjálfandi Bay aboard Moby Dick for about three hours. Guides such as marine biologist Mada explain whale behavior and ecology while you look for humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, puffins, and sea birds. Flotation overalls and life jackets are included, but dress warmly and allow extra time to reach Húsavík from Akureyri.

“Very kind staff and prepared!they made the experience really relaxing and joyfull!we saw a whale for about one hour and very close to us!!!great!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Watching in Husavik - What the three-hour route feels like
Akureyri Whale Watching Tours, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Whale Watching in Husavik

12.Whale Watching in Husavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 119 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $113

Set out from Húsavík with Salka Whale Watching for about three hours on Skjálfandi Bay aboard a traditional oak boat. A guide explains whales, dolphins, birds, and local waters while the crew searches for humpbacks, minke whales, porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins. Warm suits, hot cocoa, a snack, and a 20% discount at the Whale Museum are included.

“È stata una grande emozione vedere le megattere nel loro habitat naturale. Un'esperienza per la vita, la consiglio a tutti!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale and Puffin Watching around Skjálfandi Bay from Husavik - A three-and-a-half-hour search for whales
Akureyri Whale Watching Tours, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruises, Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruises in Iceland, Whale Watching Tours

Whale and Puffin Watching around Skjálfandi Bay from Husavik

13.Whale and Puffin Watching around Skjálfandi Bay from Husavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 99 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $139

Set out from North Sailing in Húsavík for about 3.5 hours on Skjálfandi Bay. A marine biologist guide helps you watch for humpback, minke, and sometimes blue whales, dolphins, puffins, and seabirds. Warm overalls, hot chocolate, and cinnamon buns are included, but puffins may remain far offshore.

“Très bonne prise en charge par l’équipe de North Sailing. Malgré la mauvaise météo, les combinaisons font l’affaire et nous n’avons pas eu froid. Les baleines étaient au rendez-vous !”

Check availability →Read our full review

Original Carbon Neutral Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík - Leaving Garðarsbraut for Skjálfandi Bay
Akureyri Whale Watching Tours, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Original Carbon Neutral Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík

14.Original Carbon Neutral Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 94 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $135

Sail Skjálfandi Bay from Húsavík on North Sailing’s carbon-neutral hybrid boat. The three-hour trip looks for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, seabirds, and occasional blue or sperm whales, then finishes with hot chocolate and cinnamon buns. Bring warm layers, and allow time to reach the harbor yourself.

“Behövde byta startort med kort varsel. Vilket innebar 1,5 Tim i bil. Båten gick i princip bara ur hamnen och kryssade runt. Förvisso fick vi se knölval, vilket väl gjorde att de inte tyckte det var mening med att resa ut längre. Kunde varit längre tur. Nästa gång väljer jag ribbåt. Värt den extrakostnaden tror jag.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Watching on board a Traditional Oak Boat from Árskógssandur - Looking for minke, humpback, and orca whales
Akureyri Whale Watching Tours, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Whale Watching on board a Traditional Oak Boat from Árskógssandur

15.Whale Watching on board a Traditional Oak Boat from Árskógssandur

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 92 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $99

Set out from Árskógssandur near Akureyri aboard a traditional oak boat for a 2.5-hour whale watch across Eyjafjörður. Your guide explains local whale life while you watch for minke, humpback, and orca whales. Warm overalls, hot chocolate, and a cinnamon bun are included. Guide Laura has earned special praise for her clear explanations.

“Slow A tte thé beginning but after 30 min. we had a dighe and then severa l’onestà with 3 times the tail in the air to dive.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Akureyri Whale Watching Tours

★ 3.8Whale Watching Tour & Forest Lagoon EntranceFrom $1594 reviews
★ 5.0Express Whale Watching in DalvikFrom $1688 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Watching from Akureyri PortFrom $14414 reviews
★ 4.5Classic Whale Watching from Dalvík Near AkureyriFrom $9611 reviews
★ 5.0RIB boat express: Whales, Eyjafjord and AkureyriFrom $19212 reviews
★ 4.1Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from PortFrom $14119 reviews

Keep browsing

Whale Watching Cruises246Humpback Whale Tours35Orca Watching Tours30Catamaran Whale Watching50USA Whale Watching Tours300Tenerife Whale Watching Tours113
Scroll to Top

Go looking for a whale

Pick a hull, a species or a month.

By boat

Cruise BoatsZodiacs and RIBsCatamaransUnder SailPrivate Charters

By species

HumpbacksOrcasGrey WhalesWhale and DolphinWildlife Cruises

Closer in

In-Water SwimsSnorkelling TripsKayak TripsWith a BiologistSmall Groups

Ways to go out

Luxury BoatsSunset SailingsPhotography TripsHalf-Day TripsGuided Trips