Top 7 Whale Watching in Akureyri

1.3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship

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

Sail from Akureyri into Eyjafjörður for 2.5 to 3.5 hours aboard Iceland’s specially modified high-speed whale-watching ship. Your English-speaking guide, perhaps Gisella, Johan, Jacob, or David, explains whale behavior while the crew searches for humpbacks and other wildlife. Thermal overalls, indoor seating, Wi-Fi, and crew photographs are included.

“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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2.Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

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

From Akureyri’s downtown harbor, you’ll cruise into Eyjafjord on a spacious whale-watching ship for about three hours. Use the supplied thermal overalls, raincoats, or blankets, then watch from large windows or outdoor platforms while the captain searches for humpback whales, minke whales, orcas, and porpoises. Hot drinks and snacks are available onboard.

“Great trip! A few whale sightings. Appreciate the pictures taken by staff which were made available after the trip!”

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3.Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

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

Join Húsavík Adventures for a two-hour RIB ride in Skjálfandi Bay. A guide and captain search for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seasonal puffins. The boat carries no more than 12 people, so every seat has a useful view. Puffins are usually present from mid-April through mid-August.

“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.”

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4.2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat

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

Meet at Akureyri’s floating pier for a two-hour RIB adventure in Eyjafjord. A guide such as Yoann, Agnes, Sergio, or Mack may explain whale behavior while the captain covers water quickly in search of humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and seabirds. Warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety gear are supplied, but dress warmly and expect a lively ride.

“Guides were great in sharing info about the wildlife we saw and ensuring we saw as many whales as possible. Unique and once in a life experience. For those considering tour: wear boots and warm clothes. You will get wet. The seat is a saddle seat and is a physically intense tour.”

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

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

Ride a fast RIB from Húsavík into Skjálfandi Bay with a small group of up to 12. Guides such as Nicoletta, Clara, Mario, and Victoria explain whale behavior while you search for humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, porpoises, and seasonal puffins near Lundey. Warm flotation overalls are provided.

“Very memorable experience, especially riding in the speedboat on the ocean waves. Seen puffins is not at all interesting since they are at quite a distance and you cannot see them distinctly. As far as seeing Wales, we did get a couple glimpses and it was a great experience.”

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6.Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík by Local Family Company

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

Join Gentle Giants for a three-hour whale-watching trip from Húsavík aboard a traditional Icelandic oak boat. Guides such as Fabio, Victoria, Matteo, and Nicola have helped passengers spot humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and puffins. Warm overalls and rain jackets are supplied, but bring motion-sickness remedies and waterproof layers.

“It was interesting and got information and opportunities to take video and photo. As a solo visually impaired person I knew I may have had little to no chance of seeing anything. I don’t think I ca”

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7.Whale Watching in the Midnight Sun

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 75 reviews · 3 hours · from $101Best value

Meet at Elding Whale Watching beside Akureyri’s HOF cultural center for a 3-hour cruise into Eyjafjörður. You’ll ride a fast boat with outdoor platforms, heated seating, thermal overalls, and an English-speaking naturalist guide while searching for humpback whales in the soft light of the midnight sun.

“L’accueil a été chaleureux, les commentaires pendant la visite étaient très interessants. L’équipe ne compte pas ses heures pour faire plaisir à ses passagers afin de leur montrer les baleines. Je recommande vivement ce prestataire”

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