Top Iceland On the Water

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.

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.

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.

Get the chance to see marine mammals in the wild on this whale-watching cruise from Reykjavik—whales and dolphins are seen on more than 90% of tours in both summer and winter. With a local guide, cruise the coastal curve of Iceland to marvel at whales in their natural habitat. Keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife as you listen to your guide's fun facts about the majestic creatures.

Cruise Faxaflói Bay in search of humpback and minke whales during this whale-watching tour from Reykjavik. A naturalist guide talks about the biology and behavior of these magnificent marine mammals while you look for signs of their presence—if you don't see any, take a return trip for free. Stay warm and dry in provided thermal coveralls as you keep your eye out for whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises.

The Jökulsárlón Glacier lagoon is considered as one of the natural wonders of Iceland. Paddling on the Glacier lagoon provides outstanding experience and gives participants maqnificent view of the ice cap and the vast dome of ice that rises above. Secure your seat on this unique journey where we paddle amongst floating ice bergs and wildlife, seals and birds.

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.

Have a better chance of seeing puffins in the wild than you otherwise could—and enjoy a new perspective on the Old Harbour in Reykjavik—on this small-group tour. Traveling aboard a custom-made rigid inflatable boat (RIB) means you get as close as possible to the islands of Faxaflói Bay, where puffins come to breed in the summer. While looking out for the distinctive birds, learn more about local wildlife and ecology from your guide.

Discover extraordinary views of Iceland’s Mt. Kirkjufell–a.k.a. Arrowhead Mountain from HBO’s Game of Thrones–from the water on this kayaking tour from Grundarfjörður. Benefit from your small-group guide’s personalized attention as you paddle around the peak, stopping for plenty of photos along the way, and avoid hidden costs with all gear rental, plus a warming refreshment, included in the price.

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.

Swim between two tectonic plates on this small-group snorkeling tour from Reykjavik to the Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park. Don your provided wetsuit and snorkeling gear and jump into the water and snorkel through the rift that separates the North American and Eurasian plates. Enjoy hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik for added convenience.

Discover Iceland’s aquatic wildlife on a relaxing cruise aboard a spacious yacht. Board your vessel at Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and venture out to Faxafloi Bay, keeping your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins, and, during the summer months, puffins. While you sail, admire the coastline dotted with mountains, Reykjavik landmarks, and small islands. If you don't spot anything, you can take the tour again at no additional cost.

Join this totally unique experience around the world famous Glacier Lagoon. For this combo tour you will get best of both worlds. You can choose if you start with the kayaking at the Glacier Lagoon or the amazing hike up the Breidamerkurjokull Glacier. The Glacier Lagoon is famous for it's floating icebergs on the blue glacier water. In this tour you will have the chance to float around the icebergs with your expert guide who will show you all around the lagoon. After your tour on the Glacier Lagoon you will have a short break before hopping on a super jeep which will take you to the edge of the Breidamerkurjokull Glacier. After a short walk you will hike up the amazing glacier which surrounds the Glacier Lagoon. There you will learn about the features of the glacier and how the glacier has changed the last few years. Breidamerkurjokull is famous for it's crystal blue ice cave so if you are lucky you'll be able to see one of those amazing natural phenomenon.

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.

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.

Ride an Icelandic horse across open moors and fields, then look for minkes, humpbacks, porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins on a whale-watching cruise from Reykjavik. This full-day experience takes in the best of the country’s wildlife and scenery, both on land and at sea. Practice Iceland’s unique tölt gait and learn how horses arrived in Iceland almost a millennium ago, then search the waters of Faxaflói Bay while enjoying sweeping views of the rugged coastline.

Increase your chances of spotting one of Iceland's wildest natural attractions on a northern lights cruise from Reykjavik. Before boarding your sightseeing vessel, learn the science behind the aurora borealis from your guide. Then, wrap up warm and head onto the water. Enjoy unobstructed panoramas from the viewing deck, or slip into the heated lounge to purchase warm drinks. Leave the city lights behind in search of the aurora borealis.

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.

Iceland is home to an abundance of marine life, including minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. Maximize your chances of spotting them on a tour led back local guides who know all the best spots to look. Journey through the waters of Faxafloi as you learn about the creatures through on-board commentary. Before or after the cruise, visit the Whales of Iceland exhibition (admission included) to admire life-size models and learn about different whale species.

One surefire way to get away from Iceland's crowds? Get on the water. On this tour, you'll see the Sólheimajökull Glacier from a different perspective—from a kayak. After dressing in the included dry suit and learning the basics of kayaking, you'll paddle out behind your guide into the gorgeous lagoon. You'll glide around the icebergs anchored in the water, snap quick photos between paddling, and get to know this wild slice of paradise.

Snorkel between continents on this thrilling small-group tour from Reykjavík that lets you explore the waters below Þingvellir National Park without needing a scuba diving qualification. Glide through the Silfra fissure, a rift in the Earth’s crust, as you float between North America and Europe. Underwater photos, a PADI-certified divemaster, snorkeling gear, specialized cold-water safety gear, and a dry suit are all provided. Hotel transfers, hot chocolate, and cookies are included.

Enjoy a time-saving way to discover seabirds including puffins and other wildlife on this speedy rigid-inflatable boat (RIB) tour from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. In small groups led by a naturalist guide, ride across Faxaflói Bay aboard a vessel that provides the best possible access to the wildlife without disturbing the nesting birds. Make several stops, catching great views (and photos) of Iceland's wild side.

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.