Top Akureyri On the Water

Sometimes whale watching cruises on huge boats make it hard to be able to actually see the ocean life unless you board first and claim the best spots. This whale watching tour from Husavik is on board an RIB boat limited to just 12 passengers, so you’re never in competition for the best vantage points. Plus, its easy to stay warm and safe with an included warm suit and life jacket.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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 commentary from your guide as you observe.

This is more than a whale watching tour, it’s a personal experience built on passion, family, and a deep connection to the ocean. Your company is family-owned and operated, created from a lifelong dream of sharing the beauty of Eyjafjörður with others. With over 15 years of experience at sea, your captain knows these waters inside out and is dedicated to giving you the best possible experience. We focus on small groups, creating a relaxed and personal atmosphere where every guest feels welcome. This is not a crowded tour, but a chance to truly connect with nature and experience whales in their natural environment. Every trip we run is personal to us. The boat is even named after the son, making each tour a reflection of the family, story, and the love for the ocean. When you join us, you’re not just booking a tour, you’re becoming part of something genuine, meaningful, and unforgettable.

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.

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.

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.

Whale Watching and Puffin Tours offer an unforgettable opportunity to experience Iceland’s wildlife in its natural habitat. Departing from the charming village of Hauganes, just 30 minutes from Akureyri, this 2–3 hour tour combines stunning fjord scenery with close encounters of whales and seabirds. Sailing across the calm waters of Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord, guests are surrounded by dramatic mountains and rich birdlife. The area is one of the country’s most reliable whale watching locations, where humpback whales are frequently seen, along with minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises. A highlight of the tour is a scenic cruise toward Hrísey, home to thriving puffin colonies during nesting season. These iconic seabirds can be seen nesting along cliffs and gliding over the water. Operated by Whale Watching Hauganes since 1993, this tour combines experience, comfort, and authentic wildlife encounters.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.