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Westfjords Whale Watching

Recommended by 94% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Isafjordur, Iceland
Popular pick
Booked 5+ times last week!
  • 3 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.8
·
· RobertL ·
Sep 2025
Best whale watching ever!! 2 groups of whales we followed swam right up to the boat!! WE got great pics and videos. We even had a 4 TAIL Flip at once - AMAZING!! Just an amazing trip. The crew was great including a visiting whale specialist documenting the whales for researc purposes. They donate part of each trips earnings into a save the whales research fund.
· TonyMichael_R ·
Sep 2025
Just done a whale trip with this Company in Isafjordur Iceland and would thoroughly recommend. We were surrounded by humpbacks. Pick up is very close to cruise ship terminal. Very knowledgeable crew on board, we didn’t have to travel far, I.e. 15 minutes, to see whales.

Overview

    What's Included

    • Restroom on board
    • Air-conditioned vehicle
    • Gratuities

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    • Sjóferðir
      Ásgeirsgata, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland

      The meeting points is by the red boathouse on the harbour. You can't miss it. All passengers are required to check in 15–30 minutes before departure

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    Itinerary

    1

    Ísafjarðardjúp

    3 hours Admission Ticket Free

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Stroller accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 48 travelers

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

    Featured review

    Michael_H
    Tom was fantastic along with the boat captain. We saw at least 7 whales and one was a pod of 4 that we were able to watch for quite a while. Amazing to see all 4 tails up at one time. Highly recommend this tour.

    Reviews

    4.8
    based on 104 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

    A whale of a tale!

    Heather_S, Jan 2026
    What an amazing adventure. We watched as our ship’s tour group boarded a small boat with cramped rows and smiled a bit when our open boat arrived! We were able to board quickly and headed straight to the top deck. We were given blankets for the ride as well. Loved the opportunity to hear an expert in his field explain and talk with passion about the whales. We were so close and felt in the actions as the whales came close to us. On the return we got to see things the tour guide had collected on whales as well as see photos of the whale tails we had experienced seeing. This was amazing

    Whales HO!

    RobertL, Sep 2025
    Best whale watching ever!! 2 groups of whales we followed swam right up to the boat!! WE got great pics and videos. We even had a 4 TAIL Flip at once - AMAZING!! Just an amazing trip. The crew was great including a visiting whale specialist documenting the whales for researc purposes. They donate part of each trips earnings into a save the whales research fund.

    Best day Whale Watching.

    Michael_H, Sep 2025
    Tom was fantastic along with the boat captain. We saw at least 7 whales and one was a pod of 4 that we were able to watch for quite a while. Amazing to see all 4 tails up at one time. Highly recommend this tour.

    Excellent experience

    david_B, Sep 2025
    Great experience and we saw loads of whales. Our guide Tom, was very knowledgeable and helpful. Thoroughly enjoyed it - but dress up warm!

    A must do trip

    TonyMichael_R, Sep 2025
    Just done a whale trip with this Company in Isafjordur Iceland and would thoroughly recommend. We were surrounded by humpbacks. Pick up is very close to cruise ship terminal. Very knowledgeable crew on board, we didn’t have to travel far, I.e. 15 minutes, to see whales.

    Amazing! So many whales to see!

    Kim_J, Sep 2025
    This is definitely a bucket list item ticked off! I was expecting to see maybe one or two whales in the distance but instead our boat was surrounded by dozens of whales which were all really close. After about half hour sailing we reached the point where the whales were feeding, we then spent over an hour watching these magnificent creatures. We were joined by a whale expert who told us a lot of interesting facts about the whales and even the names of some of them (they all have unique tail patterns).

    Amazing whale experience,...

    Stephanie_L, Sep 2025
    Amazing whale experience, they were so close to ship. Make sure to dress warm and waterproof! Rough seas, take seasickness tables prior and hold on tight.

    Lots of whales

    Joseph_W, Sep 2025
    I think we had a really nice trip. We found a spot with around 10 humpback whales hovering in the area to feed. Lots of opportunities to see them from afar and relatively close. I appreciate that the captain was respectful of the whales and let them come close to us rather than us chasing them. The guides were fantastic and gave lots of info and individually went around to check on all the passengers numerous times. Really great trip!

    Best whale watching ever!

    Christine_M, Aug 2025
    We had an incredible experience we will never forget with Tom and the Captain. They immediately found 25-30 humpback whales and we spent the entire time in what Tom called “whale soup”. I appreciated that we didn’t chase the whales, like other groups out at the same time did. Our captain knew where to be, and would turn off the engine and let the whales come to us. Because of this approach, whales swam right next to us, and under us, and we could really enjoy the sounds they made. It was so beautiful I cried. All during this amazing cruise Tom educated us about the whales and even identified several of them who frequent the area. I honestly can’t recommend the tour enough. I’ve done many whale watching tours in Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, and California, and this was leagues better than every one of them. Don’t miss this tour.

    Whale Watching Experience

    ziv, Aug 2025
    We had a fantastic time observing groups of Humpback whales. Received a fantastic commentary from the very knowledgeable Chloe. Well organised, comfortable and well worth the time.

    Great experience

    Cindy_G, Aug 2025
    We got lucky! Perfect weather. The whales were everywhere and went under our boat. Our guide, Tom, was fantastic!

    Great trip, I think we...

    Claire_G, Aug 2025
    Great trip, I think we were very fortunate with the amount of whales in the area complimented by the immense knowledge and friendliness of the staff! A must do if you have the opportunity

    Whale watching at its finest!

    Traci_D, Aug 2025
    One of the best excursions we’ve ever been on. So, so many whales. Melanie and Tom were great. Highly recommended!!

    A must-see attraction

    Eric_W, Aug 2025
    Our guide, Tom, was knowledgeable. We’ve located the group of whales quite quickly. We stayed in the area for about an hour and have multiple sightings of the group of whales. They did come quite close to the boat at one point and we were able to get some good pictures and videos of the whales. There are plenty of spots on the boat for everybody to get some good pictures.

    Whale watching! YES!

    Melissa_F, Aug 2025
    Awesome experience! Saw so many whales, beautiful and amazing!!!! Tom is amazing! Ship was great, loved every minute!

    Best ever Whale Watching excursion!

    JEFFREY_C, Aug 2025
    Fantastic excursion! We saw more whales than expected and nonstop sightings for 1+ hours. They even had a marine biologist onboard who has been in Iceland for 8 years studying whales. He was a great host and answered many questions.

    Brilliant experience

    Katherine_H, Aug 2025
    Brilliant trip, saw loads of Whales, and Tom and Captain were very knowledgeable and friendly. Just be aware you’re out at sea and the waves can be very high. Hold on tight, dress warmly and be prepared to get a bit wet!

    Amazing whale watching!

    Joe_W, Aug 2025
    The best whale watching experience we’ve ever had. 5 min walk max from the cruise terminal. Tom and the team were friendly and knowledgeable. They respected the whales whilst getting us close enough for an amazing view (the whales swam under the boat!). They quickly found a group of whales which we were able to watch for over an hour whilst the team gave us information and answered questions. Would 100% recommend!

    Whales!!!

    Matthew_B, Aug 2025
    We had an absolutely stunning experience! We saw 10 different whales, up close and personal. They swam under the boat at one point!!! Fantastic guide (Tom) who shared great information about the whales we were seeing.

    Lovely day

    Paul_H, Aug 2025
    Far exceeded our expectations. We saw about a dozen different whales and must have been over 100 sightings during the full trip. (All Humpback). Some within 10 mtrs of the boat. Loads on photo opportunities. This is a feeding ground for the whales so mainly seeing them diving down for food with tails waving out of the water. Tom the guide was very helpful, friendly, informative and enthusiastic. As were the whole crew including some researchers they have partnered with. Would I do it again…. Yes like a shot.

    Great whale viewing!

    mishbissonnette, Aug 2025
    Great encounters with whales! Saw many whales , so a fantastic way to view these magnificent creatures. The company is also supporting the ecological impacts to whales from over-tourism. They are careful not to stress the wildlife, yet still allow spectators to view them in their natural environment.

    Absolutely the best day! ...

    Jennifer_M, Aug 2025
    Absolutely the best day! Our captain and guide were wonderful. Having a marine biologist as your tour guide adds to the experience. We saw so many whales. The enthusiasm of our guide during this trip was so fun to watch. Definately recommend this tour and tour company.

    Excellent whale watching trip.

    mariannekevin, Aug 2025
    It was an excellent experience. We saw 10 humpback whales. The trip on the boat lasted 2 hours and 5 minutes.

    Wonderful time on the water

    Tom_J, Aug 2025
    Not guaranteed, but we saw about 20 whale. Close enough to see, but at a respectful distance Nice ship, easy walk from cruise ship. Bring water.

    Go with a company who has a bigger fleet

    Linda_C, Aug 2025
    Trip was cancelled due to mechanical issue. It would have been helpful to know they only have one boat, which would have allowed me the option to go with a larger company in case a mechanical issue did arise. We were there for one day and lost the opportunity to whale watch as all other fleets were booked.

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    I’m truly sorry you weren’t able to join us for whale watching. I’d like to clarify one important detail: we don’t operate just one boat—we actually run four, and no other operator in the area offers more passenger vessels than we do. It was incredibly frustrating that one of the engines aboard our boat failed, forcing us to return using the remaining functional engine. All our vessels are equipped with two engines, and we refuse to go out unless both are fully operational—for safety reasons, including situations just like this. Consequently, we had no choice but to cancel the tours scheduled for that boat. On most days, we are able to rearrange our fleet to accommodate bookings, but on especially busy days—unfortunately, as in your case—there’s simply very little flexibility. I truly hope you still enjoyed your time in Ísafjörður. Should you ever return, we would be honored to offer you a complimentary whale-watching trip with us.

    Amazing Experience

    Lara_H, Aug 2025
    We learned so much and got up close with some humpback whales. Our guide was a marine biologist and it was apparent he is passionate about his work. Highly recommend.

    Take the tour.

    Hillary_C, Aug 2025
    This tour was fantastic. You can tell how much Tom loves these creatures. We had a wonderful day seeing a group of humpback whales, one minke whale, a harbor dolphin, and several birds. Lots of time on the water with amazing views.

    Whales!!

    John_W, Aug 2025
    Fantastic! We saw whales cruising, splashing and diving - many tails. One large female came right next to boat! Our guide’s enthusiasm and love of the whales was infectious. Highly recommend.

    whale watching

    traci_p, Aug 2025
    a perfect day! we had humpback whales come right up to the boat! captain and tour guide tom were awesome!

    Whale Watching

    Gloria_G, Aug 2025
    Tom was a great guide with so much enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge of whales with us. The captain was great at getting us to the whale sites

    From $110.33

    per person

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 64 days in advance.

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