Top North Iceland Bird Watching in 2026

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Unique for this trip is that travelers will get a taste of Icelandic nature, birds, and wildlife. It is a big part of the experience to take a look at the river on the way to the sea. The maximum number of travelers in each trip is 8 persons and they will get personal guidance on the trip and can ask questions if they need and get personal answers from a local guide who is living in this area. Travelers will also get information about the culture in the same area. An example experience is to take a look at the waterfall in the area before or after this trip and look at the Glacier River Jökulsá á Fjöllum in Vatnajökull National Park and see where the river is falling down to the sea with all the Seals and birdlife. How the river has through the years shaped the area. Example of a waterfall in this area is Dettifoss, Selfoss, and Hafragilsfoss that is a well-known waterfalls.