Top Akureyri On the Water

Iceland’s north coast is one of the best places in Europe to see whales in their natural environment—but it can be hard to spot them from land. Maximize your chances of seeing the giant marine mammals by taking to the water on a whale-watching cruise from Akureyri. A speedy rigid inflatable boat (RIB) takes you to the best locations, while a local guide is on hand to help you spot pods when they appear.

Maximize your chances of seeing whales in the wild on this half-day boat cruise from Akureyri. Iceland’s longest fjord is known for attracting humpback whales; travel aboard a specially adapted ship that covers all the likely viewing areas to increase the odds of seeing them. Choose from several departure times to fit your schedule, and stay cozy on board with thermal overalls, and raincoats or blankets.

Head out on a whale-watching tour in Hauganes, located 25 minutes north of Akureyri. Take in the scenery, wildlife, and the diverse range of whale species including humpback whales in Eyjafjordur fjord. Warm up with coffee and pastries, plus get outfitted with safety clothing. Angling tour options are also available.

Embark on an unforgettable whale watching tour in Húsavík with a guide who knows the very best places to see them. Cruise along the bay to take in captivating scenery, local wildlife, and the diverse range of whale species including blue, fin, and killer whales. Learn more about Iceland’s marine life as you see the incredible creatures up close.

Experience the enchantment of watching whales in their natural environment on a 3-hour whale watching tour from Husavik. Climb aboard a powerful boat and relax as an expert skipper sails to spots renowned for abundant whale sightings. Observe wild seabirds and playful dolphins in their natural environment while scouring the sea for sightings of colossal humpback, blue and Minke whales. Warm up with Hot cocoa and cinnamon buns served on your way back.

Enjoy a responsible whale-watching cruise with an eco-friendly company, and reduce the chance of motion sickness by traveling in a large stable oak boat in the sheltered waters of Eyjafjörður. Travel slowly and quietly so as not to disturb the wildlife. This leaves lots of time to soak up the scenery, and you’ll also have the chance to fish from the boat.

Realize your dreams of watching humpback whales in their natural environment on this half-day tour from Húsavik, the capital of whale-watching in Iceland. With multiple departure times to suit your schedule, you'll climb aboard a traditional Icelandic oak ship and set sail for a prime whale-watching destination on the ocean. With luck, marvel at the majestic mammals as they dive and plunge before your eyes, listening to informative commentary from your guide as you observe.

Discover Iceland’s most iconic wildlife with a 2 hour whale and puffin tour from Húsavík on an RIB speedboat. Enjoy views of the Skjálfandi Bay as you skim along the coast, covering an expansive territory in the high-powered craft. Watch for massive blue whales and acrobatic humpbacks, and learn about life beneath the surface from your experienced guide. During the breeding season of mid-April through mid-August, visit ‘Puffin Island’ to find a thriving colony of brightly-colored birds before returning to Húsavík.

Splash through the Icelandic wilderness and enjoy family-friendly adventure on this 3.5-hour rafting trip on the West Glacial River from Hafgrímsstaðir. Climb into your drysuit at the rafting base in Hafgrímsstaðir. Then, travel onward by bus to the banks of the choppy but gentle West Glacial River. With your paddle in hand, hop aboard your raft and follow the current downstream. Navigate the course with your guide and enjoy breathtaking views over the rolling riverbanks. Finish your adventure with a cliff jump and a swim in the glacial waters.

Hop on a vintage fishing boat for an adventure-filled, half-day wildlife tour, as you set out on the trail of puffins and whales. Get up close and personal with Iceland’s most iconic wildlife species, and get detailed background on their behavior from your captain and guide. Tours include a whale-watching excursion through Skjálfandi Bay.

Come face to face with the world’s largest mammals on this half-day whale watching excursion from Akureyri, Iceland’s scenic northern port city. Listen to stories about the history and culture of the region from your guide. Then, enjoy comfortable, first-class amenities as you cruise through Torfunefsbryggja Harbor, including an on-site bar with hot and cold drinks for purchase.

The north coast is one of the best places for whale watching in Iceland, and this cruise from Hjalteyri maximizes your chances of spotting the majestic creatures. Set sail across the Eyjafjörður fjord on a traditional oak ship, tuck into refreshments on-board, and look out for minke, and humpback whales.

Watch for harbor porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, and whales on a whale-watching tour in Akureyri—unlike tours by open boat, this tour offers both outdoor decks and heated, indoor seating where you can stay cozy and dry. It's great for travelers with limited time, too. The whale-watching boat departs right from the city center, near top sites and hotels.

Watch for nimble humpbacks and massive blue whales on this whale watching adventure from Húsavík on a traditional Icelandic oak boat. Enjoy stunning views of the Skjálfandi Bay and Vík mountains as you explore the coastline, a thriving pilgrimage place for marine mammals in the summer season. Learn about Iceland’s wildlife and culture with live commentary from your experienced guide.

Nature lovers will enjoy this guided open-top kayak tour on Iceland’s Svartá River. The two-hour tour provides ample opportunity to gaze at the North Iceland landscape, rich in wildlife (particularly horses) and framed by mountain views. Paddlers of any skill level can participate, making this a great option for families.

Race through the Eyjafjörður fjord between the mountains in search of whales on this guided small-group tour. From inside a powerful rigid inflatable boat (RIB) get panoramic views of Akureyri in northern Iceland. Be on the lookout for puffins and other seabirds and search for whales in the fjord during this adventure.

Coastal Iceland is home to a spectacular range of native wildlife, but to see the best of it you have to take to the waves. With this tour, cruise out into Skjálfandi Bay by traditional wooden oak boat, and watch the waters for dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. Spot colorful puffins and other seabirds with live on-board commentary, and keep warm with a refreshing hot chocolate.

Explore the natural wonders of Northern Iceland on this full-day tour from Akureyri. Enjoy spectacular views of Godafoss waterfall, then visit Lake Myvatn and enjoy free time to soak in the Myvatn Nature Baths (entrance fees not included). Along the way, marvel at natural wonders including the Dimmuborgir Lava formations and Hverir mud pools, visit Grotcaja cave, and see filming sites from hit TV show Game of Thrones.

Maximize your chances of seeing whales in north Iceland on this small-group Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) tour from Dalvik. Your speedy vessel can maneuver through the water more quickly than bigger vessels, giving you a better chance of reaching the whales when they are spotted. If you don't see a whale or a dolphin then you can join another tour for free.

A volcanic lake nestled in the northern Iceland countryside, Lake Mývatn ranks among Iceland’s top natural attractions—but its remote location can make visiting a challenge. Specially planned for cruise ship passengers, this tour begins and ends at the port in Akureyri, and takes you to the lake and back in comfort. Choose the tour time to match your arrival and departure cruise times, and visit nearby attractions including the Dimmuborgir lava fields.

Travel into the Austurdalur wilderness and pit your paddling skills against the surging torrents of the East Glacial River on this 6-hour white-water rafting adventure from Hafgrímsstaðir. Pull on your drysuit at the base in Hafgrímsstaðir, then grab your paddle and hit the waves. Navigate the choppy waters of the grade IIII–listed river and see why it consistently tops Iceland’s white-water rafting rankings. Tackle challenging rapids such as ‘Alarm Clock’ and ‘Deep Fry’ with your guide, and end your trip with a cliff jump into the glacial waters.

If you want to paddle in peace, away from the crowds and soak up all our 24-hour daylight has to offer in Siglufjörður, this tour is for you. This tour is perfect for photographers wanting to spend time getting the perfect shot or families wanting quality times together. In this tour we can be more flexible with where we go and what we see. If you want to focus on exploring, history, nature or simply relaxing and experiencing the moment, we can tailor the tour to suit you. If you want to learn more about kayaking, we can focus on improving and putting your skills to the test. We will learn the basics of kayaking before setting off to search for seals and adventure. We will explore the ruins of the famous Evanger Factory and discover it´s tragic end. As we paddle further and explore shipwrecks we might have the opportunity to spot seals who are often curious about the kayaks. Our tours are bespoke and it is our aim to create safe and memorable experiences for all who travel with us.

Whale watching is a popular activity for visitors to Iceland, but it can be tricky for animal lovers to find a tour that is sustainable. This whale-watching cruise from Húsavík is the perfect choice – using low-sound, carbon-neutral boats to ensure minimal disturbance as you admire the whales in their natural environment.