Top Iceland Whale Watching
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Saul_I, May 2026
Great experience! We saw...
Great experience! We saw double humpback whales as well as a minky whale and puffins amongst other sea birds. Because of the small boat we were able to get around very quickly and get very close to the animals. Our tour guide Alex was fantastic and very knowledgeable and was also able to liven up the event with a great sense of humor. He was really helpful in answering our questions and we'd highly recommend the tour and specifically Alex to a couple of humpback whales as well as a minke whale and puffins, amongst other seabirds. Our tour guide, Alex. Because of the small boat we were able to get around very quickly and get very close to the animals. Our tour guide, Alex, was fantastic and very knowledgeable and was also able to liven up the event with a great sense of humor. He was really helpful in answering our questions and we'd highly recommend the tour and specifically Alex to any whale lovers who are visiting Iceland.
Giannis_A, May 2026
Fantastic whale watching...
Fantastic whale watching tour. We were lucky enough to see several humpbacks. Very experienced captain and a guide that definitely loves her job, we felt safe at all times. The fact that these people really care about the marine life and respect it, made our day even more.
Linda_A, May 2026
Whale watching Akureyri.
Late December out on fjord is not for the faint hearted but this experience is unique and exciting.
We met the small boat at the dock and were boarded upon showing our tickets. The boat was comfortable with a downstairs seating area and upper area with outside access and better views. You can also have access to the crows nest if you want.
In December it is cold. Very cold. There is no getting away from that. We had layers upon layers and waterproofs and snow boots and we’re still incredibly cold. But we did see whales which made the trip worthwhile.
We travelled for around an hour along the fjord to reach the feeding grounds of the whales but unfortunately didn’t see anything for about another hour. The fjord became very rough at one point and we got soaked as the waves hit the boat. A lot of people were feeling queasy.
Of course this is a wild animal spotting expedition so sightings off the
Whales are not guaranteed. After being out for about two hours the pilot decided to head back, it was then that a tail was spotted out on the water and we were lucky enough to spend the next 45 minutes or so being treated to a wonderful display from various whales, some coming really close to the boat. The experience was almost spiritual and we quickly forget about the harsh conditions.
The journey back to the dock seemed to pass quicker and once we were back on dry land we headed back to our accommodation to warm up.
We were lucky to see the whales which made what could have felt like an endurance test into a memorable, enjoyable experience.
Cheron_C, May 2026
So fun and a great trip....
So fun and a great trip. We had luck seeing whales, dolphins and puffins! The boat was equipped with warm coveralls that were a must for being outside even in May. A nice touch is photos sent after the trip too in case you missed anything on your own.
Sebastian_K, May 2026
A fantastic experience –...
A fantastic experience – friendly staff, a funny guide, and a skilled boat captain. It was like chasing something: first, spotting a fountain of water, sprinting towards it, and waiting for the whale's back, then for its characteristic dip with its tail above the water. And then a ride to the next fountain. In total, we managed to see four whales. The experience was so captivating that the two hours passed unnoticed. And the views from the boat were indescribable – this enormous fjord looked exceptionally majestic. I definitely recommend it👍
HUIPHIN_H, Apr 2026
We saw humpback whales!
It was such a great adventure and we managed to see humpback whales! The sea was very choppy this morning and some of the guests had very bad seasickness but nevertheless the guides were very professional and constantly looking after us. The guide was also very knowledgeable and we learned a lot about the sea life in Iceland from him.
Emma_F, Apr 2026
Once in a lifetime
Amazing once in a lifetime experience. We were so lucky to see all the species on offer, even some puffins. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and clearly very passionate about whales. She was very good at spotting and pointing out every whale. And on the journey back she gave a presentation about the different whale species, their anatomy and how we can help to prevent whaling. I had a bad bout of sea sickness while aboard and another staff member supplied me with ginger sweets which helped massively. Overall a very fun experience that I shall not forget.
Tim_F, Apr 2026
Many whales and bird species!
I booked this excursion on the day four the day I arrived in Iceland. The staff and the crew on the yacht were both fantastic! The yacht itself was very comfortable. They had drinks and snacks for purchase. The guide was very informative! We were fortunate enough to see Minky and humpback whales!! We also saw porpoise and a few puffins!! the cruise was very comfortable to the harbor. We witness many sites that you can’t see from the mainland! Also, we received a 15% discount at the local restaurant for meals and drinks! It was a great way to start my Iceland venture! I would absolutely recommend this excursion, it was well worth the price!!
Israel_G, Sep 2025
Excellent experience
The experience was incredible, we saw dozens of whales, they had a good location, the captain was excellent, he navigated very well with 6-foot waves, I say this because I have experience in sailing, and with minus 0 degrees Celsius (20 and something Fahrenheit) we didn't even got cold thanks to the suits they provided
Caroline_R, Sep 2025
Awe-inspiring whale-sighting adventure!!
Wow, what a great way to stay awake on our first day in Iceland after an overnight flight! Our guide was fantastic and very patient/helpful. After a very long (maybe 30 min one way?) and extremely choppy ride way out off shore, we finally had our first whale sightings, and they just kept coming! We even saw two whales breach at the same time —awe-inspiring! I highly recommend this tour but will say the choppy/rough ride is something to consider (as they warn) if you have older people in your party. But we are so glad we did it!!
Benjamin_S, Sep 2025
Extensive knowledge and excitement from the guides
Exceptional service and very knowledgeable guides on this tour. They know exactly where and when to look when going near the areas of previous sightings. The locations are a hit or miss when it comes to sightings but you will have a blast to and from the dock. Would go back if we ever got the chance!
Pablo_R, Jul 2025
Unforgetable experience, worth it!
We saw many whales, some far, some more close, one Humpback really close to the boat. Alisa, the guide, explained the type of whales while they were appearing, also explained some behaviors that help with the type identification, and the frequency of breathing. She was also really nice the kids.
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Many whale species—including minke and humpback whales—travel to the cool waters of Iceland in the summertime. Iceland whale-watching tours maximize your chance of spotting the marine creatures and result in some incredible photos and memories. Choose from cruises aboard spacious yachts or more intimate boats staffed with trained naturalists who can explain more about the biology and behavior of the animals.
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