Whale Watching Tours in Iceland
Handpicked whale watching tours from Reykjavík, Húsavík, Akureyri and Ólafsvík — when to go, what is included and how to book.
Guided whale watching tours
Tours from four harbours, from a two-hour sail to a full day combined with the Golden Circle. Booking happens with Guide to Iceland through an affiliate link — prices and availability are always current there.
The Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavík
Out into Faxaflói bay from Reykjavík’s old harbour in search of humpbacks, minke whales and dolphins — plus puffins in summer. The easiest option if you are staying in the city without a car.
Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík
Húsavík is Iceland’s whale watching capital, and this tour goes out on Skjálfandi bay in a traditional Icelandic oak boat. You usually get the widest variety of species here.
Whale Watching from Akureyri with Transfer
Sail out into Eyjafjörður from Akureyri, the capital of the north. Warm overalls are provided on board, and it fits easily into a ring road day in North Iceland.
Whale Watching from Ólafsvík, Snæfellsnes
A small boat from a small harbour beneath Snæfellsjökull, where you often get closer to the animals. A good add-on to a day driving the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Golden Circle & Whale Watching in One Day
A full day from Reykjavík that combines the Golden Circle — Geysir, Gullfoss and Þingvellir — with a whale watching sail on Faxaflói bay. Guide and transport included.
Every whale watching tour on Guide to Iceland
The live list of whale and puffin tours around Iceland, with departure harbours, duration and today’s prices.
Affiliate disclosure: the links above are affiliate links. If you book, we earn a small commission from Guide to Iceland at no extra cost to you.
Which harbour should you choose?
Reykjavík
Year-roundFrom the city harbour, easiest without a car.
Húsavík
April–OctoberThe widest species list and the best sighting rate.
Akureyri
May–SeptemberEyjafjörður, easy to fit into a northern route.
Ólafsvík
SummerSnæfellsnes, small boats and closer encounters.
Every tour above departs from one of these harbours — see the details on each tour.
Before you board
- Dress warmer than you think: it is always colder at sea than on land, even in July. Most operators lend overalls.
- Take seasickness tablets in advance if you are prone to it, rather than once the boat has left.
- Morning sailings are often calmer, and afternoon departures are busier. Tours can be cancelled in rough seas.