Best of · ICELAND WHALE WATCHING TOURS

The 15 Best Whale Watching Tours in Iceland

41 tours  ·  from $30 a head

Minke, humpback and the occasional blue whale feed in the northern bays from April to October, and Reykjavik runs boats almost all year. These 15 compare Faxafloi, Skjalfandi and Eyjafjordur on crossing time and price.

Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise - What the three-hour search is really like
Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Reykjavik Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Iceland, Whale Watching Cruises in Reykjavik, Whale Watching Tours

Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

1.Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

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

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour into Faxaflói Bay for a three-hour search for minke and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seals. Guides such as Maria and Lucky share clear wildlife facts while you watch from outdoor decks or heated cabins. The boat has toilets, WiFi, snacks, and hot drinks for purchase.

“Amazing experience! This tour was one of the highlights of my trip and something I will remember for the rest of my life. Thank you!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

2.3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship

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

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

Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht - Amelia Rose makes the three hours easier
Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Reykjavik Whale Watching Tours, Sailing and Yacht Whale Watching, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Iceland, Whale Watching Cruises in Reykjavik, Whale Watching Tours

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, an offshore yacht with three panoramic decks, a cozy bar, WiFi, blankets, and a smoother ride than many smaller boats. Guides such as Lucky and Roman explain whale behavior as you search Faxaflói Bay for humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and perhaps orcas.

“The yacht is very nice and sails smooth. We saw several humpback and minke whales along with dolphins. The guide was great and very helpful to point out where to look and also gave a lot of information on each species.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide - Boarding the traditional oak ship
Guided, Husavik Whale Watching Tours, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide

4.Whale Watching Tour with Guide

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

Join North Sailing in Húsavík for a three-hour whale-watching cruise on Skjálfandi Bay. Your English-speaking guide points out humpback and minke whales, dolphins, seabirds, and more from a traditional oak boat. Warm overalls, live commentary, hot chocolate, and a cinnamon bun are included.

“Great Guides, had a lot of fun and the female Guide (don’t remember her name unfortunately) did such a great job on commenting where to see the whales and gave many interesting Information.”

Check availability →Read our full review

The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik - Seals, puffins, and the smaller surprises
Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Reykjavik Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

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

Join Elding for a roughly three-hour cruise into Faxaflói Bay from Reykjavík. Guides such as Pedro and Kylie explain whale behavior while you watch for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, seals, porpoises, and seabirds. Overalls, raincoats, blankets, WiFi, and a wildlife exhibition are included. Morning and afternoon departures are available.

“We are so glad we did this! Took this tour during our visit to Reykjavik. We saw multiple humpbacks almost right away, very close to shore - also saw seals and all kinds of water birds.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide - What the route through Faxaflói Bay feels like
Guided, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Reykjavik Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide

6.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 points out minke and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds. You get warm overalls, indoor seating, WiFi, a café, and a free return ticket if no whales appear.

“I booked this to celebrate my 40th birthday and was trying to manage my expectations that we might not see any whale. However, we saw a minke on the way to the feeding ground, then at least 3 humpbacks. The guide was really good at sharing interesting information, then pointing us where to look. You also get access to a folder with the photos the guide took. It was really incredible - a real bucket list thing ticked off!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Húsavík: Traditional Whale Watching Tour - Checking in at Gentle Giants in central Húsavík
Husavik Whale Watching Tours, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Húsavík: Traditional Whale Watching Tour

7.Traditional Whale Watching Tour

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

From central Húsavík, you’ll board a traditional oak boat for three hours on Skjálfandi Bay. An English-speaking guide explains whale behavior as you search for humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, and, with luck, blue whales. Warm overalls and rain jackets help in Iceland’s cold, changeable weather.

“Awesome day out!! The team was effective and very engaging:)”

Check availability →Read our full review

Húsavík: Whale Watching – Family Run with Indoor Seats - From Hafnarstétt 35 to the open bay
Husavik Whale Watching Tours, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Húsavík: Whale Watching – Family Run with Indoor Seats

8.Whale Watching – Family Run with Indoor Seats

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

Sail from Húsavík with Friends of Moby Dick for three hours on Skjálfandi Bay. Guides such as Mada, Jitka, and Martin explain whale behavior while the crew searches for humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, and puffins. Vinur offers indoor seating and outdoor viewing, a real advantage from March through December.

“it was very cool we saw several pilot whales and dolphins. the guide was in his element was fun”

Check availability →Read our full review

Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat - Meeting the crew in central Húsavík
Husavik Whale Watching Tours, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, 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

Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

9.Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

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

From central Húsavík, you’ll board a modern RIB with up to 12 passengers, visit Puffin Island in season, and search Skjálfandi Bay for humpbacks, blue whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Guides such as Matteo, Carla, Jo, and Beatriz provide live commentary, while warm overalls help against Iceland’s cold, wet weather.

“It was fantastic, one of the best experiences of my life !”

Check availability →Read our full review

Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour - From Hafnarstétt 11 to the harbor
Husavik 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

Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

10.Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

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

Join Husavik Adventures for a lively two-hour RIB trip across Skjálfandi Bay. You may see humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seasonal puffins at Lundey Island. Guides such as Austin, Iñaki, Ignacio, and Sofie explain the wildlife while the small boat covers ground quickly. Bring warm layers, a hat, and gloves.

“My daughter (14YR) and I loved the whale watching trip…we saw puffins, humpbacks, and a minke. The guide was awesome and she taught us a lot in an entertaining way. Highly recommend..”

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

11.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

Reykjavik: the Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour - Crossing Faxaflói Bay in search of whales
3-Hour Experiences, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Reykjavik Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Reykjavik: the Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour

12.the Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour

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

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour into Faxaflói Bay with Elding Adventure at Sea, Iceland’s environmentally certified whale-watching company. A marine biologist guide such as Emily, Sam, Pedro, or Mila explains the wildlife while you watch for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and seabirds. Warm overalls, WiFi, hot drinks for purchase, and a free return trip if no whales appear are included.

“Great tour! Within 5 minutes we saw the (rare to the bay, and ironically) common dolphin! Then not long after a couple of humpback whales which were bobbing around the bay for a couple of hours. It was lovely to see! Tour guides were very informative and knowledgeable, kept us updated and had good humour. Thank you for a wonderful day!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik - Why the whale sightings can be brief
Guided, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Reykjavik Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

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

Sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour into Faxaflói Bay for about three and a half hours. Guides such as Patrick and Joe share facts while the crew searches for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and summer puffins. You get warm flotation overalls, indoor cabins, WiFi, and a free return trip if no whales appear.

“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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour - Kollafjörður begins the scenic part
Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Reykjavik Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour

14.Whale Watching Tour

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

Sail from Geirsgata 11 into Kollafjörður and Faxaflói Bay for up to 3.5 hours, with guides such as Patrick or Lukas sharing whale facts and spotting tips. Flotation overalls, heated cabins, WiFi, toilets, seasickness tablets, and a free return trip if no wildlife appears make this a practical choice for families and first-time whale watchers.

“This was a great trip and we seen humpback whales and seals. Week worth it”

Check availability →Read our full review

Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise - Searching the bay for whales and dolphins
Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Reykjavik Whale Watching Tours, Sailing and Yacht Whale Watching, Tour Reviews, Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Iceland, Whale Watching Cruises in Reykjavik, Whale Watching Tours

Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

15.Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

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

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor aboard MY Harpa or MY Amelia Rose for three hours of wildlife watching in Faxafloi Bay. English and Icelandic guides, warm blankets, WiFi, a bar, and indoor and outdoor viewing areas make this a comfortable choice. Guides such as Lucky and Rebecca have helped guests spot humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and summer puffins.

“Even though the weather was really unpredictable we were able to see whales and puffins Due to choppy seas one of our party was feeling quite queasy and they had sickness tablets available for free Friendly staff who were very informative”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Iceland Whale Watching Tours

★ 3.5Beluga Whale Sanctuary – AdmissionsFrom $308 reviews
★ 4.6Whale Watching in the Midnight SunFrom $10175 reviews
★ 4.1Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from PortFrom $14119 reviews
★ 4.8Whale Watching in Reykjavik by SpeedboatFrom $20077 reviews
★ 4.5RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from ReykjavikFrom $208241 reviews
★ 4.6Whale Watching Shore ExcursionsFrom $100250 reviews
★ 5.0100% Whale WatchingFrom $90273 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Watching ExpressFrom $106258 reviews
★ 4.6Midnight Sun Whale Watching TourFrom $111286 reviews
★ 4.7Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat TourFrom $200293 reviews
★ 4.5Best Value Whale Watching Boat TourFrom $103300 reviews
★ 4.7From Dalvik: Arctic Whale Watching in Northern IcelandFrom $94327 reviews
★ 4.5Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík by Local Family CompanyFrom $102389 reviews
★ 4.5Traditional Oak Ship Whale Watching Tour From HusavikFrom $118366 reviews
★ 4.7Whale Watching Tour by RIB BoatFrom $194393 reviews

Keep browsing

USA Whale Watching Tours98Canada Whale Watching Tours37Mexico Whale Watching Tours30Australia Whale Watching Tours60Spain Whale Watching Tours63Portugal Whale Watching Tours40
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