Top 15 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.Traditional Oak Ship Whale Watching Tour From Husavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 366 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $118

Join North Sailing in Húsavík for a three-hour whale-watching trip aboard a traditional Icelandic oak ship. An English-speaking guide or marine biologist explains whale behavior as you search Skjálfandi Bay for humpbacks, dolphins, puffins, and seabirds. Warm overalls, rain gear, light refreshments, and hot chocolate with a cinnamon bun help make the cold ride more comfortable.

“Amazing!! We had warm weather the week we were in Iceland so we had excellent conditions to go see the whales! The water was also very calm and flat! We got to see a number of whale come up and one even went just behind our boat which was just amazing to see and experience. Our marine biologists and captain were very knowledgeable and seasoned! Gave us a great experience. Then to end we got a cinnamon bun and hot chocolate which was a great end to a very fun experience”

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8.100% Whale Watching

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

From Hauganes, sail into Eyjafjordur on a traditional fishing boat with a captain and guide watching for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and possibly blue whales or orcas. Warm waterproof suits, light refreshments, and live commentary are included. Júlía is one guide praised for her engaging explanations, though guide assignments can vary.

“Even though it was past the best season to see whales we managed to see 5 humpback whales. Loved this trip, staff were great and the cookies and hot chocolate were very welcome as it was cold.”

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9.Akureyri Express Whale Watching by RIB boat

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

Meet Elding Whale Watching in central Akureyri for a two-hour RIB trip into Eyjafjörður. Guides such as David, Jacob, Agnes, and Lindsey explain whale behavior and local wildlife while the captain tracks humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The boat carries only 12 people, with warm overalls, goggles, gloves, and a free classic tour if no whales appear.

“Great experience! Our guides David and Bobsey were great. The trip on the rib was a great experience but most importantly, we got to see whales. They also send you free photos taken on the day. Well worth the money.”

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10.Húsavík Whale Watching Tour, family owned and operated

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

From Húsavík, board Moby Dick for about three hours on Skjálfandi Bay with an experienced crew and marine biologist guide Mada. Look for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, puffins, and seabirds while learning about respectful whale watching. Warm flotation overalls and life jackets are supplied, and your boarding pass gives you 20% off the Whale Museum.

“This experience was amazing, well organized and got to see winky whales, dolphins and humpback whales. Highly recommend!”

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11.Whale Watching in Husavik

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

Set out from Húsavík on a three-hour whale-watching trip across Skjálfandi Bay aboard a traditional oak boat. An English-speaking crew looks for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds while explaining marine life and local conditions. Warm layers, hot cocoa, and a sweet snack are provided, with 20% off the Húsavík Whale Museum.

“3 hour trip, they provide a warmth layer for us since it was cold and windy. Provided hot cocoa and a bun at the end. Highly recommend saw 6 whales.”

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12.Original Carbon Neutral Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík

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

Sail from Húsavík around Skjálfandi Bay on North Sailing’s carbon-neutral ship. An English-speaking guide helps you look for minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and seabirds, while the quiet hybrid boat aims to limit disturbance. The roughly three-hour trip includes hot chocolate and cinnamon buns.

“Super Welcoming, unforgettable experience on the electric boat with a whale-friendly approach. Plus hot chocolate and cinnamon cake.Auto-translated”

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13.Whales and Puffins Tour from Husavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 85 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $130

From Húsavík, sail for about 3.5 hours to Puffin Island, home to roughly 100,000 puffins during breeding season, then continue into Skjálfandi Bay for whales, dolphins, and seabirds. Your crew supplies warm overalls, light refreshments, and route-finding based on years at sea. Puffin trips run from late April to August 15.

“Weather was gorgeous. Did not expect to see any whales, would have been ok if we had not, but saw 2 humpbacks. Magic!”

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14.Whale Watching in the Midnight Sun

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

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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15.Whale Watching on a Traditional Oak Sailing Ship from Husavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 68 reviews · from $106

Spend about three hours sailing from Húsavík on the wooden schooners Haukur, Opal, or Hildur. Guides such as Laura explain the wildlife and sea, while you may help raise sails and haul ropes. Warm suits, hot chocolate, and cinnamon buns are included, but sightings and sea conditions vary.

“The crew was very kind, helpful and professional. Unfortunately we were not very lucky. Whales were shy that day. Thank for the experience”

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