Iceland is a popular destination for whale watching tours as it is one of the best places in the world to see these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat. There are several whale watching tour operators in Iceland, offering various packages and experiences.
Most of the tours take place on boats that depart from harbors in coastal towns such as Reykjavik, Husavik, and Akureyri. The boats are typically equipped with comfortable seating, heating, and large viewing windows to ensure that passengers can enjoy the experience even in colder weather.
It’s important to note that whale watching tours in Iceland are strictly regulated to ensure the safety and well-being of the whales and other marine wildlife. The tour operators adhere to a code of conduct that emphasizes responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
The best whale watching tour in Iceland is a unique and unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into the incredible world of these magnificent creatures in their natural environment.
Best Iceland Whale Watching Tours
| Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide | Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise | Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
 |  |  |
|
| Duration | 3 hours | 3 hours | 2 hours |
| Starting Time | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | 9:15 AM - 1:15 PM | 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM |
| Meeting Point | Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík, Iceland | Ægisgarður 5b, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland | Ægisgarður 5b, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland |
| Includes | Whale watching cruise , Warm overalls, guide | Heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities, Seating area outside and inside, Guide | Boat tour in a 12-seater RIB boat, Reykjavík sightseeing from the water, Warm overalls, gloves, goggles, |
| More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Iceland Whale Watching Tours For [2024]
- Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide
- Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise
- Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat
- Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour
- Húsavík: Big Whale Safari & Puffin Island Tour
- From Húsavík: Traditional Whale Watching Tour
- Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour
Best Iceland Whale Watching Tours Reviews
#1. Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide
Húsavík is a small town located on the north coast of Iceland, and it is one of the best places in the world to see whales in their natural habitat. The town is home to several whale watching tour operators, and a guided tour is a great way to explore the area and learn more about the marine wildlife that inhabits these waters.
Most whale watching tours from Húsavík are conducted on comfortable boats that are equipped with large viewing windows and spacious decks, allowing passengers to get up close and personal with the whales and other wildlife. The tours are led by experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the marine wildlife and the local area, and they provide interesting commentary throughout the trip.
The tours typically last for around 2-3 hours, and during this time, passengers have the opportunity to see a variety of whales, including humpback whales, minke whales, and blue whales. Other marine wildlife such as dolphins, seals, and seabirds are also commonly spotted on these tours.
One of the most unique aspects of whale watching tours from Húsavík is the chance to witness the whales breaching, tail slapping, and displaying other impressive behaviors. These displays are a truly unforgettable sight and a highlight of any tour.
Overall, a guided whale watching tour from Húsavík is an incredible experience that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. With the help of knowledgeable guides and modern technology, passengers can witness some of the most incredible wildlife displays on the planet, making for an unforgettable adventure.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#2. Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise
Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, is another popular location for whale watching tours. Many operators offer a whale watching and marine life cruise from the city’s harbor, which provides a unique opportunity to see a variety of marine wildlife.
The tours are typically conducted on comfortable boats with heated indoor cabins and outdoor viewing decks. They are led by knowledgeable guides who are passionate about marine life and the local area. The guides provide interesting commentary throughout the tour, sharing information about the wildlife and the history of Reykjavík and the surrounding area.
During the tour, passengers have the opportunity to see a variety of whales, including humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas. Other marine wildlife such as dolphins, porpoises, and various species of seabirds are also commonly spotted. Some tours even offer the chance to see puffins, the colorful and iconic birds that inhabit the nearby islands.
In addition to the wildlife sightings, the tours also offer stunning views of Reykjavík and the surrounding coastline, making for a scenic and memorable experience.
It’s worth noting that the whale watching and marine life cruises from Reykjavík are conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner, with a focus on protecting the marine environment and the wildlife that inhabits it.
Overall, a whale watching and marine life cruise from Reykjavík is a great way to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Iceland’s coastline. With knowledgeable guides and the chance to see a variety of wildlife, it’s a memorable adventure that shouldn’t be missed.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#3. Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat
For those seeking a more thrilling and adventurous whale watching experience in Reykjavik, a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) speedboat tour may be the perfect option.
The RIB speedboat tours depart from Reykjavik’s harbor and offer a more exciting and fast-paced way to explore the waters and search for marine wildlife. These tours are conducted by experienced and trained guides who prioritize safety while providing an adrenaline-filled adventure.
The RIB speedboats are designed to navigate through the waves with ease, allowing passengers to quickly reach areas where whales and other marine life may be spotted. The speed and agility of the boats also provide a unique and exciting perspective of the wildlife, as they can get much closer to the action.
In addition to the thrill of the speedboat ride, passengers also have the opportunity to see a variety of whales and other marine wildlife, just like on a regular whale watching tour. The tours are conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner, with a focus on protecting the marine environment and the wildlife that inhabits it.
It’s important to note that RIB speedboat tours may not be suitable for everyone, as they can be more physically demanding and may not be suitable for those with certain health conditions. However, for those seeking an adrenaline rush and a unique perspective on whale watching, a RIB speedboat tour in Reykjavik is an unforgettable experience.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#4. Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour
The Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour from Húsavík is a thrilling way to explore the waters around the town and search for whales and other marine wildlife.
The tour starts with a safety briefing and an introduction to the equipment before heading out into the Skjálfandi Bay on a high-speed RIB (rigid inflatable boat). The RIB boats are designed to navigate through the waves with ease, allowing passengers to quickly reach areas where whales and other marine life may be spotted. The speed and agility of the boats also provide a unique and exciting perspective of the wildlife, as they can get much closer to the action.
During the tour, passengers have the opportunity to see a variety of whales, including humpback whales, minke whales, and blue whales. The tour also takes passengers to Puffin Island, where they can see the colorful and iconic birds in their natural habitat.
The tour is led by experienced and knowledgeable guides who are passionate about marine life and the local area. They provide interesting commentary throughout the tour, sharing information about the wildlife and the history of Húsavík and the surrounding area.
It’s important to note that the Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour may not be suitable for everyone, as they can be more physically demanding and may not be suitable for those with certain health conditions. However, for those seeking an adrenaline rush and a unique perspective on whale watching and wildlife viewing, this tour is an unforgettable experience.
Overall, the Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour from Húsavík is a thrilling and memorable way to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Iceland’s coastline. With high-speed RIB boats and knowledgeable guides, passengers can witness some of the most incredible wildlife displays on the planet, making for an unforgettable adventure.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#5. Húsavík: Big Whale Safari & Puffin Island Tour
The Big Whale Safari & Puffin Island Tour is a popular whale watching tour in Húsavík, Iceland. The tour takes passengers on a comfortable and spacious boat to explore the waters of Skjálfandi Bay and search for a variety of marine wildlife.
The tour is led by experienced and knowledgeable guides who are passionate about marine life and the local area. They provide interesting commentary throughout the tour, sharing information about the wildlife and the history of Húsavík and the surrounding area.
During the tour, passengers have the opportunity to see a variety of whales, including humpback whales, minke whales, and blue whales. The tour also takes passengers to Puffin Island, where they can see the colorful and iconic birds in their natural habitat.
The boat used for the tour is designed for whale watching and provides excellent viewing opportunities from both the indoor and outdoor viewing areas. The boat is equipped with comfortable seating and amenities such as a heated indoor cabin and onboard bathrooms.
The tour is conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner, with a focus on protecting the marine environment and the wildlife that inhabits it. The guides follow strict guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of the wildlife and the passengers.
Overall, the Big Whale Safari & Puffin Island Tour in Húsavík is a memorable and educational way to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Iceland’s coastline. With comfortable and spacious boats and knowledgeable guides, passengers can witness some of the most incredible wildlife displays on the planet, making for an unforgettable adventure.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#6. From Húsavík: Traditional Whale Watching Tour
The traditional whale watching tour from Húsavík is a classic way to experience the rich marine life of Iceland’s coast. The tour takes passengers on a comfortable and spacious boat to explore the waters of Skjálfandi Bay and search for a variety of whales and other marine wildlife.
The tour is led by experienced and knowledgeable guides who are passionate about marine life and the local area. They provide interesting commentary throughout the tour, sharing information about the wildlife and the history of Húsavík and the surrounding area.
During the tour, passengers have the opportunity to see a variety of whales, including humpback whales, minke whales, and blue whales, as well as dolphins, porpoises, and various seabirds. The boat used for the tour is designed for whale watching and provides excellent viewing opportunities from both the indoor and outdoor viewing areas. The boat is equipped with comfortable seating and amenities such as a heated indoor cabin and onboard bathrooms.
The tour is conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner, with a focus on protecting the marine environment and the wildlife that inhabits it. The guides follow strict guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of the wildlife and the passengers.
Overall, the traditional whale watching tour from Húsavík is a peaceful and educational way to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Iceland’s coastline. With comfortable and spacious boats and knowledgeable guides, passengers can witness some of the most incredible wildlife displays on the planet, making for an unforgettable adventure.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#7. Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour
The 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri is a popular way to experience the rich marine life of Iceland’s northern coast. The tour takes passengers on a comfortable and spacious boat to explore the waters of Eyjafjörður and search for a variety of whales and other marine wildlife.
The tour is led by experienced and knowledgeable guides who are passionate about marine life and the local area. They provide interesting commentary throughout the tour, sharing information about the wildlife and the history of Akureyri and the surrounding area.
During the tour, passengers have the opportunity to see a variety of whales, including humpback whales, minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins, as well as various seabirds. The boat used for the tour is designed for whale watching and provides excellent viewing opportunities from both the indoor and outdoor viewing areas. The boat is equipped with comfortable seating and amenities such as a heated indoor cabin and onboard bathrooms.
The tour is conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner, with a focus on protecting the marine environment and the wildlife that inhabits it. The guides follow strict guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of the wildlife and the passengers.
Overall, the 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri is a peaceful and educational way to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Iceland’s northern coastline. With comfortable and spacious boats and knowledgeable guides, passengers can witness some of the most incredible wildlife displays on the planet, making for an unforgettable adventure.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
Francis Porter is a seasoned traveler and tour guide with over 15 years of experience in the industry. I have explored countless destinations around the world and have a deep passion for helping others discover new places and cultures.