Top Iceland Wildlife Encounters

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.

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.

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.

Iceland’s Faxaflói Bay is home to diverse marine life, including dolphins, puffins, and whales—but knowing where the wildlife is likely to appear requires skill and experience. On this small-group rigid inflatable boat (RIB) tour from Reykjavik, zoom across the waves with your guide and reach the action swiftly. Wrapped up warm against the cold, discover scenic views along the way, and enjoy personal attention from your guide.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore one of Iceland’s unique geological features during this small-group tour. Snorkel between the North American and European tectonic plates at the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park. This area is known as the Silfra Fissure and is home to a number of unique marine species as well as incredible shades of blue. All necessary snorkeling equipment is provided as well as GoPro photos taken during the excursion.

Combine pre-booked admission tickets to the Perlan Museum’s Wonders of Iceland exhibition with a planetarium show, all thanks to this two-part, time-saving sightseeing package. Choose from a range of admission times throughout the day, make your own way to the Reykjavik museum, and explore immersive highlights like the world's first indoor ice cave. Then, watch a northern lights show in Iceland's only planetarium.

Get out and enjoy nature while getting the chance to ride an Icelandic horse—a breed originally brought to the country by the Vikings—on this equestrian excursion. Enjoy a relaxing ride through lava-laden scenery, rolling green hills, and mountains. Your excursion is designed based on your experience level and is led by an instructor.

Combine two exciting Icelandic activities into one day on a tour from Reykjavik. Your first activity is a whale-watching tour in Faxafloi Bay where you have the opportunity to see humpback and minke whales as well as dolphins and porpoises. Then, in the evening, board your vessel again for a northern lights tour that takes you away from the bright city lights.

Enjoy a nature experience like no other—and watch out for minke whales, dolphins, and humpbacks—on a half-day sightseeing cruise from Reykjavik. Cruise the harbor in comfort and style: Take in views of the coast from an open viewing platform or an enclosed cabin. Along the way, enjoy access to an indoor saloon stocked with snacks and drinks, and look out for Iceland’s diverse aquatic species with help from the experienced crew.

See Reykjavik from a different perspective on this whale-watching cruise from the Old Harbor. Board a spacious yacht, featuring panoramic viewing windows, and sail across Faxalfoi Bay, keeping your eyes peeled for marine wildlife such as minke and humpback, and maybe even orcasIf you don’t see any whales, enjoy another tour at no additional cost.

Increase your chances of seeing puffins in their natural habitat on this small-group guided cruise from Reykjavik. Travel by luxury rigid inflatable boat (RIB), and get as close as possible to the islands near Reykjavik where puffins can be found, and listen to informative commentary about puffins and other native wildlife from your guide.

Make exploring beyond Reykjavik city limits simple—and immerse yourself in Iceland's spectacular natural scenery—on this late-night tour by all-terrain vehicle. Following pickup from downtown Reykjavik, head into the Icelandic wilderness, and get acquainted with your ATV. Once you're comfortable, follow your guide through the backcountry to enjoy views of volcanoes, geothermal areas, mountains, and more. Even look out for the northern lights, depending on the season.

Explore Iceland’s legendary Laugavegur Trail on a fully supported hut-to-hut adventure with a local, English-speaking guide who knows the highlands inside out. Tour Departures: June 27, July 19, August 2, August 9, August 16, August 23 As a specialized trekking operator, we focus on small groups, personal service, and authentic experiences led by local people. Enjoy a true hut-to-hut journey with luggage transfer between mountain huts, so you hike each day carrying only a light daypack. Your main luggage is transported for you, allowing you to focus entirely on the scenery and experience. With comfortable hut accommodation and meals included, this is the perfect way to discover Iceland’s wild beauty with confidence.

Try dog-sledding in Iceland outside of snow season with this husky-drawn kart ride. Experience the thrill of sled dogs pulling you along dry land near Iceland’s rugged Southern Region, and get to know the beautiful Siberian, Greenland, and Alaskan huskies doing all the hard work. A musher accompanies you on the kart, ensuring your safety.