Akureyri Express Whale Watching by RIB boat
Recommended by 95% of travelers
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Akureyri, Iceland
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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.
- This express cruise fits easily into packed vacation itineraries
- Enjoy the flexibility of different departure times throughout the day
- A small-group tour ensures an intimate atmosphere you won't find on larger cruises
- If you don't sight any whales, you can go on the classic tour option again
What's Included
- Professional guide
- Whale guarantee (or come again for free on the classic tour)
- Life jackets and safety equipment
- Overalls, goggles, and gloves
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Elding Whale Watching AkureyriOddeyrarbót 2, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
Departure Point: The pier by the HOF Cultural Center in downtown Akureyri Address: Oddeyrarbót 2, 600 Akureyri GPS: 65°40'59.8"N / 18°05'09.1"W
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Make your own way to the pier in central Akureyri to meet your captain and board your small-group RIB (rigid-inflatable boat). Pull on a life jacket, take your seat on a high-speed boat limited to just 12 passengers, and set off into the beautiful Eyjafjorour fjord.
As you cruise along Iceland’s northern coastline, your guide points out notable landmarks and seabirds, sharing insights about the area’s wildlife and natural features. The captain will slow and stop the boat when sightings occur, giving you the best possible chance to observe marine life. With a bit of luck, you may encounter powerful humpback whales, along with white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, and other species that frequent the waters.
After approximately two hours on the water, return to Akureyri, where your tour concludes back at the pier.
As you cruise along Iceland’s northern coastline, your guide points out notable landmarks and seabirds, sharing insights about the area’s wildlife and natural features. The captain will slow and stop the boat when sightings occur, giving you the best possible chance to observe marine life. With a bit of luck, you may encounter powerful humpback whales, along with white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, and other species that frequent the waters.
After approximately two hours on the water, return to Akureyri, where your tour concludes back at the pier.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Minimum age is 10 years or 145 cm (4 ft 7 in)
- You must be able to stand in your seat and fit into the provided overalls (max size 3XL) to participate in this tour
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 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
Christopher_A
Jacob our tour guides was very knowledgeable and incredibly friendly. He knew where to go find the whales and would explain to us what we were seeing as it happened. I would absolutely do this tour again!
Reviews
4.7
based on 169 reviews
Jane_R, Aug 2025
Fantastic experience on the rib boat and we were very well looked after. Saw so many whale sightings, quite emotional experience for us, especially as one whale breached which was quite a wow moment. Great to have a marine biologist aboard who was very knowledgeable
Cynthia_S, Aug 2025
This is a true bucket list for us! So exciting and thrilling to see these amazing giants up close! Our guide very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. This was well organized and everything we had hoped for! We got so close we could smell the whales breath!
JEAN_T, Aug 2025
If you have any back, hip or knee issues
I strongly suggest that you don't do this trip. Even though the seats are very comfortable, if its windy then the waves peak and you bounce around in boat pretty aggressively.
Christopher_A, Aug 2025
Jacob our tour guides was very knowledgeable and incredibly friendly. He knew where to go find the whales and would explain to us what we were seeing as it happened. I would absolutely do this tour again!
Ruth_N, Aug 2025
I did the rib boat Express whale watch Tour ...and it was amazing they got us right up next to some whales... we saw whales breaching.. lots of breaching and lots of whales.... of course it's nature and not guaranteed but this was one of the better whale watching trips I've been on and I have been on a lot of whale watching trips . .....definitely not for you if you have back issues or mobility issues because our water was a little rough and it might be too much for people like that ......but if you're adventurous and healthy with no injuries it's the way to go
Jason_B, Aug 2025
One of the best boat tours we’ve ever been on. The crew did a great job of bundling us up to stay warm on the water. On the water the crew was very enthusiastic and passionate about sharing their knowledge of whales. We got to see some rare whales during our tour and our guide was super excited. The captain took additional time to make sure we saw whales. Would recommend to anyone who is considering a whale tour out of Akureyri.
Mary_H, Jul 2025
Great experience! Our guides David and Bobsey were great. The trip on the rib was a great experience but most importantly, we got to see whales. They also send you free photos taken on the day. Well worth the money.
Ninghui_S, Jul 2025
This tour was an incredible experience - the boat ride itself was excellent fun and we managed to get up close and personal with a humpback whale! Agnes and the captain were both wonderful, and Agnes shared lots of interesting information about whales - highly recommend!
Steven_F, Jul 2025
The RIB was ideal for whale watching and our guides were extremely knowledgeable not only in identifying the whales and their behaviors but also the history of the surrounding areas
Corey_B, Jul 2025
I’m sure this would have been a 5 star tour on a better weather day, but we still had a great time. It was around 40 degrees and windy on the day of our tour. We came dressed warm but then they gave us a full suit and gear for the trip. The water was extremely choppy which made for a painful ride out to where we started to see some whales. Our teenage girls thought that part was fun and were laughing so your mileage may vary. Once we started seeing whales then it became more tolerable and we had a great time. Our tour guide and driver did a good job following them around.
Bill_H, Jul 2025
Great small boat tour-saw a humpback 6-8 times.
However, if there’s any wind, you’ll get wet, and the ride will be very rough.
Marshall_J, Jun 2025
Very well organized. Guide and captain did a great job. Small boat experience, we were able to turn the engine off and float with the whales for a long period. Highly recommend.
Zachary_S, Sep 2024
Great experience! The guides are very knowledgeable and did a great job of spotting whales. We followed a pod of humpback whales for over an hour! Be sure to wear waterproof clothing (boots and waterproof pants, for sure), and only sit in the front of the boat if you’re a thrill seeker.
Ailsa_B, Sep 2024
Absolutely brilliant trip David our guide was very knowledgable and we got to see plenty of whales would highly recommend
Joshua_H, Sep 2024
Loved this tour! It was certainly one of the highlights of our trip to Iceland. The smaller boat made it so easy to watch the whales and get great information from our guide, Jacob. The smaller boat also made it easy for us to get close to the whales as we spotted them. They provide coveralls - which in addition to our jackets and beanies kept us warm! Would recommend bringing something to cover your face as the wind is chilly while you ride. Overall would definitely recommend this excursion!
Anita_L, Sep 2024
Best 2 hours of whale watching. We were literally up close and personal with many whales. The staff was great.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Dear Anita_L,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with us!
We're thrilled to know our staff made a positive impression on you and that you enjoyed an up-close and personal encounter with so many whales!
All the best,
The Elding team
Liz_D, Aug 2024
Great tour. Exactly as described. We liked the small group so we could always see and not have to run from side to side to see whales and be 3 people deep.
Gene_B, Aug 2024
David our guide was amazing, we had a great day with him. We found porpoises, a minke whale and a humpback whale. We felt safe with him and he told us a lot of information about the sea life. Do wear warm clothes (bring a beanie if you want to keep your head warm) underneath the overalls they give you, the wind gets quite cold the further out one goes. Also bring a pair of warm waterproof gloves if possible as hands can get quite cold.
Jill_H, Jul 2024
The crew was fantastic! They were friendly and knowledgeable. The views were fantastic and we got to see several whales.
Jon_P, Jul 2024
Was concerned that our group (3 over 70 and one 69 y/o) that this might be too difficult for us based on the recommendations from the vendor.
Nah!
One person's balance issues made it a little difficult to saddle up but great after that.
Sadly, not an abundance of whales to see (just one). Not their fault. These things happen.
Amber_S, Jul 2024
The suits they gave us to wear made the trip super comfortable! I was cozy but not too warm. David was a great guide who has a true passion for the whales. There was no shortage of photo opportunities of the whales. Absolutely incredible trip!
marimer, Jul 2024
Very good! Finally I got to see whales! Great experience!
In other places (previous trips to other countries) I had booked trips to watch whales and dolphins and had no luck. This one was perfect! Saw 2 types of whales, several of them!! And dolphins.
Thank you!!!
Brian_C, Jul 2024
Safe and fun activity; although, be advised it may get a little bumpy from time to time. Saw many whales up close and personal. Go for it!!!
Gillian_B, Jul 2024
The experience was fantastic. A memory made to never forget. We saw the humpback whale feeding, opening its mouth, rolling at the top of the water and showing us all of him. The guide said that in 6 years she hadn’t seen a whale up so close feeding. It was magical. Thank you.
equez1958_m, Jul 2024
What an amazing time everyone we encountered was helpful and polite. Safety first all the way, ride back what a buzz a defs must do.
Brigitte_S, Jun 2024
This was a tour to remember. Our Whale Whisperer Linsey was knowledgeable and fun. The weather was perfect and whales just popped up repeatedly to a point where I had 3 in one picture. My 14 year old granddaughter gave it thumbs up!!
Helen_H, Jun 2024
We had a fantastic trip on 14th June at 10am with Jacob and David they were amazing and really knowledgeable a really fun trip. We are still waiting for the promised photos of the morning though.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Dear Helen_H,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
We are delighted to hear that you had a fantastic and fun trip with our team on the Express Whale Watching tour from Akureyri. It's great to know that you found them knowledgeable and engaging.
We sincerely regret any delay in sending photos from your tour. Feel free to email us again so we can solve tis quickly!
All the best,
The Elding team
Nancy_H, Jun 2024
Great time whale watching in Akureyri. We saw 4 whales: 2 humpbacked and 2 minke. About 20 sightings from all 4 throughout the exhilarating RIB boat tour. Both our guide and captain were excellent. The coveralls kept us dry and warm! We got back to the pier within plenty of time of all “all aboard” cruise departure.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Dear Nancy_H,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us.
We're thrilled that you had a great time whale watching in Akureyri and enjoyed the sightings of humpback and minke whales.
It's fantastic to hear that our guide and captain were excellent, and that the coveralls kept you dry and warm.
We're glad you returned to the pier with ample time before your cruise departure.
All the best,
The Elding team
Hillary_W, Sep 2023
What a great tour! Saw lots of whales. Guide and captain were great. Love the fast boat. Amazing experience.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Dear Hillary_W,
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We're thrilled to hear that you had a great tour with us and saw lots of whales and it's wonderful that you enjoyed the fast boat and had an amazing experience overall.
We'll be sure to pass on your compliments to our guide and captain!
All the best,
The Elding team
Pedro_G, Sep 2023
Staff and equipment were great. We had 6 different whale watchings with opportunity to film. The staff was kind and experienced. Excellent experience highly recommended. Couldn’t ask for more, the office had restrooms, wifi etc all good!!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Dear Pedro_G,
We're thrilled to hear that you had the best activity ever with us!
It's fantastic that you had the opportunity to see 6 different whale sightings and even film them. We're glad our staff and equipment met your expectations, and we appreciate your kind words about our team's kindness and experience.
Thank you for highly recommending our services!
All the best,
The Elding team
From $195.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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