Whale Watching from the Heart of Akureyri
Akureyri, Iceland
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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.
- A half-day whale watching tour in Akureyri
- Listen to in-depth background on the thriving local ecosystem from your guide
- Choose from six different departure times for added flexibility in your travel schedule
- Get a peek at local bird life and spectacular landscapes, plus larger-than-life whales
What's Included
- Multiple watching platforms
- Excellent live commentary by naturalist guide
- Heated indoor cabin with toilet facilities
- Comfortable cushioned seats & ample space
- Use of warm overalls & blankets
- Wildlife guarantee - or try again for free!
- Free WiFi
- Drinks & snacks (available to purchase)
- Pickup (not available)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Elding Whale Watching AkureyriOddeyrarbót 2, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
Meet us at our ticket office by Oddeyrarbót pier, no later than 15 minutes before departure. We're located only a few minutes walk from the down town area and right next to the big round building HOF - you can't miss it!
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
1
Akureyri
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult and 12 yrs. and younger must wear a safety vest at all times.
- Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Whale guarantee or try again for free.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Jamie_S
Enjoyed the excursion and saw six or seven whales. Suits provided kept me warm and was able to stay on top of boat for a better view.
Reviews
4.1
based on 47 reviews
Kathie_M, Sep 2025
We spent a beautiful morning on the water and were able to see several whales. Our marine biologist gave us lots of information about the animals in the area. The sun was shining and the water was calm. Great boat and crew!
Janice_S, Aug 2025
Very comfortable environment and knowledgeable people on the boat. We loved that we received pictures from the tour operators afterwards.
James_C, Aug 2025
Dress warmly - but they did have very warm overalls to borrow which really helped. We saw a lot of whales - pretty constant sightings for about an 1 1/2 hours. Overall exceeded expectations
michaelmartinshort, Jul 2025
Very poor 3 hour trip only 2.5 hrs
Taken around the fiord and not into the open sea where another company had gone and saw whales
Make sure they plan to do the 3 hour whale watching trip and will take you out into the open ocean as that is where you are likely to see whales
If they change the time of the trip or itinerary
I would cancel and use some one else
Melitta_B, Jul 2025
Great trip, worth the money! The captain knew just where the whales were. It was a great excursion for my husband and our friends. I got some terrific pictures.
Andy_K, Jul 2025
on time and found the Whale. Very well done from check-in to boarding and a great cruise. Lots of fog but the crew persisted and we saw the Hump Back whale.
Ed_F, Jul 2025
No whales were watched. Hard to hear guide on loud speakers. They offered us tickets to use on a future trip, except that we probably will not come back.
Joe_S, Jun 2025
Great trip, went to the whale feeding ground and the boat stayed and went round and round till they saw the whales, saw about eight of them.
Kathy_M, Jun 2025
We knew seeing any whales wasn’t a guarantee but were lucky enough to see a couple of humpbacks and a couple of minkes. The staff knew a lot about the whales and their behaviors. It was chilly on the outside decks especially when the boat was moving. We sat inside until a whale was spotted and then went outside to see them. The boat was full but not so crowded that we couldn’t see anything. The captain maneuvered the boat so that people on either side of the boat could see the whales at some point. The tour was just long enough. We were completely satisfied.
Roberto_G, Jan 2025
Great trip up to the end of the fjord hunting for whales. We have been lucky to see two humpback whales. The crew and guide were nice and knowledgeable. They have sent us professional photos after the trip. We were not disappointed, highly recommended.
James_M, Nov 2024
Two pairs of humpbacks kept popping up to be seen. A memorable day in the fjord. The guide took some great photos and shared with me.
Jamie_S, Aug 2024
Enjoyed the excursion and saw six or seven whales. Suits provided kept me warm and was able to stay on top of boat for a better view.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Dear Jamie_S,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the excursion and were able to spot multiple whales! We're glad that the suits kept you warm and allowed you to stay on top of the boat for the best views. It's always great when the weather cooperates, and we get such wonderful whale sightings.
All the best,
The Whale Watching Akureyri team
Diana_M, Aug 2024
Magical experience. The crew is friendly and very knowledgeable about the whales and their environment. Very worthwhile experience! Dress warm and expect to get wet.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Dear Diana_M,
Thank you for your lovely review! We're so pleased you had a magical experience with us and found our crew friendly and knowledgeable. It’s wonderful to hear that you found the trip worthwhile.
All the best,
The Whale Watching Akureyri team
Katherine_M, Jul 2024
We saw many minke whales swimming around the boat. The captain arrived at a feeding area teeming with fish, which drew the whales. It was a perfect spot. Everywhere you looked there were whales. Minkes are not jumpers but they were sleek and graceful swimmers. An experience of a lifetime for me. I was ecstatic. We booked on viator for $100 each. The cruise ship charged $300 each for exact same trip on the exact same boat. Viator is a reliable, cost-effective tour organizer. Why pay more to the cruise company?!!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Dear Katherine_M,
We truly appreciate your thoughtful review and are thrilled you had such an incredible experience with us! It sounds like a dream to be surrounded by so many graceful minke whales. We’re glad we could be a part of this lifetime memory for you.
All the best,
The Whale Watching Akureyri team
Troy_B, Jul 2024
The overall experience met expectations! We had great views of humpback whales feeding near the surface and then diving with their flukes in the air. The boat was plenty comfortable and didn't feel crowded. There were places to view the whales on the deck in the open air and then also places of comfort to retreat to when the wind picked up. The double hull boat design reduced the rocking motion a lot as we navigated well up the fjord. Our host was amiable, amusing, and knowledgeable.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Dear Troy_B,
Thank you for your detailed and thoughtful review! We’re so glad the experience met your expectations, and that you enjoyed the humpback whales feeding and diving nearby. It’s wonderful to hear you found the boat comfortable, with plenty of viewing options both outside and inside. We’re delighted to know our team and the boat’s design contributed to a smooth and enjoyable trip.
All the best,
The Whale Watching Akureyri team
DerrickFoord, Aug 2022
We booked a whale hunting trip in Akureyri because we were informed that was the best way of seeing sea life. However if we had known the boat was only going to travel the same route as the Cruise ship then I wouldn't have booked it !! I know that we are in the laps of the gods with regards to whale/dolphin spotting and the staff on the boat were very knowledgeable about sea life & bird activities & in that aspect ot was a good trip. However having just cruised the same waters on the ship it eas a tad disappointingly. Sorry to give a rather negative view but those are my feelings
Response from Host, May 2024
Dear DerrickFoord,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us.
While we're sorry to hear that your whale watching experience didn't meet your expectations, we're glad to hear that you found our staff knowledgeable about sea life and bird activities.
All the best,
The Whale Watching Akureyri team
carole_c, Jul 2022
After wanting a sighting of humpback whales for over 25 years, the feeling of an actual sighting cannot be put into words.
Response from Host, May 2024
Dear carole_c,
Thank you for sharing your incredible milestone with us! We're thrilled to have been a part of your long-awaited sighting of humpback whales.
It must have been an indescribable feeling to finally witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat after 25 years of anticipation.
We're grateful to have been able to provide you with this unforgettable experience, and we hope it's just the beginning of many more amazing wildlife encounters for you.
All the best,
The Whale Watching Akureyri team
Mary_K, Jun 2022
The ship and crew were fine and very knowledgeable. The only problem was we really saw no whales. Of course, that's always the chance you take, but that's why I gave it a 3 rating. The whale ship was docked extremely close to our NCL cruise ship so it was easy to get there by walking. The walk to the whale ship sponsored by the cruise line would have been a much longer walk.
Response from Host, May 2024
Dear Mary_K,
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us.
We're glad to hear that you found our ship and crew to be good and knowledgeable during your whale watching tour in Akureyri.
We understand that not seeing any whales can be disappointing, and we appreciate your understanding of the unpredictable nature of wildlife sightings.
We appreciate your review and hope you'll consider joining us again for another opportunity to spot these magnificent creatures.
All the best,
The Whale Watching Akureyri team
Angela G, Jul 2017
Unbelivable fantastic amazing so lucky and blessed to see so many humpback whales
Response from Host, May 2024
Dear Angela G,
Thank you very much for your kind review of our tour and services. We're glad you enjoyed the tour.
All the best,
The Whale Watching Akureyri team
alemann61, Jul 2024
Eine wundervolle Tour. Bei traumhaftem Wetter haben wir über eine Stunde drei Buckelwale beobachtet, die beim Fressen waren. Einer ist direkt am Schiff aufgetaucht.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Dear alemann61,
Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful experience! We are so pleased to hear that you were able to watch three humpback whales in beautiful weather, especially when one surfaced right next to the boat - what a moment!
All the best,
The Whale Watching Akureyri team
Udo_T, May 2023
Die Anzahl der zu beobachtenden Wale war beeindruckend. Es wurde dabei sehr behutsam agiert. Man hatte nicht den Eindruck, dass den Tieren Stress erzeugt wurde. Immer wieder.
Response from Host, May 2024
Dear Udo_T,
Thank you for your review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your whale watching tour in Akureyri.
It's wonderful that you were fascinated by the impressive number of whales to observe and that you appreciated the gentle approach to interacting with the animals. Your compliment regarding the stress-free experience for the whales means a lot to us!
All the best,
The Whale Watching Akureyri team
From $111.53
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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