Iceland · WHALE WATCHING

The 15 Best Whale Watching Tours in Iceland

102 tours  ·  ★★★★★★★★★★ 4.6 average  ·  from $86

Husavik in the north has the sighting record; Reykjavik’s old harbour has the convenience. These 15 compare the big oak boats against the RIB speedboats, what each costs, and how long you are actually out on the water.

Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise - Old Harbour House Check-In, Then Off the Dock
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Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

1.Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 9,838 reviews · 3 hours · from $87Our pick

3-hour whale watching cruise from Reykjavík in Faxaflói Bay, with heated cabins, WiFi, and guided spotting for humpbacks, dolphins, seals.

“It was so good !! Really recommend to anyone who’s coming to Iceland ! We saw 2 hump back whales which was very lucky :)”

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Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship - Oddeyrarbót pier start: what to expect before the boat even leaves
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Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship

2.3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,000 reviews · 3 hours · from $108

Hop aboard a heated high-speed boat from Akureyri to hunt humpback whales in Eyjafjörður, with thermal gear, Wi-Fi, and expert guides.

“It was great, the fjord is absolutely beautiful. We thought we might see nothing but once we saw the first whale, they were just everywhere. We were very lucky :) we stayed a bit longer than planned, because we were searching for whales longer than expected. The tour operator made sure we are all satisfied by staying a little longer.”

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Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht - From Old Harbor to Faxafloi Bay: where your whale watch actually happens
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Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

3.Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,911 reviews · 3 hours · from $107

3-hour Reykjavik whale watching on Amelia Rose yacht, panoramic decks, warm blankets, WiFi, and expert guides spotting humpbacks and dolphins.

“Amazing experience. The guide was informative and thorough. Not too full we felt crammed in and plenty of time was given to see everything. We had 4 young children with us who loved the trip. Massively exceeded our expectations!”

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Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide - North Sailing check-in at Húsavík: meeting point and getting set
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Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide

4.Whale Watching Tour with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,761 reviews · 3 hours · from $115

Cruise Skjálfandi Bay from Húsavík on a traditional oak boat with live guide spotting, warm overalls, and hot chocolate.

“So much fun. Saw many humpback whales. Guide was knowledgeable. Hot chocolate on the way back was blissful.”

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The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik - How the 3-hour cruise flows from Elding’s pier
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The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik

5.The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,626 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $105

Elding’s Original Classic whale watching from Reykjavik in Faxaflói Bay, with marine-biologist guidance, warm gear, and a free return ticket.

“The sea can be rough but wasn’t for us! You might not see the Northern Lights but we did (third time lucky, previous times was by bus) the crew were amazing. Definitely would recommend the Northern Lights by boat!”

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Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide - Andrea, the whale ship: comfort you’ll actually notice in Iceland
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Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide

6.Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,422 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $87

Reykjavik whale watching from Old Harbour on Andrea: heated decks, overalls, and a free return if you miss the whales.

“What a magical experience…saw humpback whales on our first trip. Absolutely surreal experience. The whole crew were amazing, one being a marine biologist, who made sure we were in the perfect position for spotting them. Wouldn’t hesitate to book again, if we ever return to Iceland x”

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Húsavík: Traditional Whale Watching Tour - Gentle Giants and the traditional oak boat you’ll ride
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Húsavík: Traditional Whale Watching Tour

7.Traditional Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,115 reviews · 3 hours · from $100

Spot whales in Skjálfandi Bay from Húsavík on Gentle Giants traditional oak boats. Warm gear, live guides, 3 hours.

“The tour was fantastic! We were lucky to see minke whales, humpback whales, and dolphins. It would have been even better if more detailed information had been shared about the different species and their habitats. Overall, it was the best tour I have ever had.”

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Húsavík: Whale Watching – Family Run with Indoor Seats - Skjálfandi Bay Whale Search: What You’re Actually Looking For
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Húsavík: Whale Watching – Family Run with Indoor Seats

8.Whale Watching – Family Run with Indoor Seats

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,521 reviews · 3 hours · from $96

Indoor-seated whale watching in Húsavík. Sail 3 hours on Vinur or Moby Dick, learn whale behavior, and chase sightings in Skjálfandi Bay.

“Saw many beautiful humpback whales up close with our exuberant and enhusiastic host Mada. Very enjoyable experience that I would highly recommend!”

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Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat - Price and what you are really paying for at $175 per person
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Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

9.Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,221 reviews · 2 hours · from $175

Original RIB safari from Húsavík, with Puffin Island stops and fast whale hunting in Skjálfandi Bay, all in warm overalls.

“Despite the rainy and cloudy weather, our whale watching tour in Húsavík was an unforgettable experience! The crew made the trip really enjoyable, our guides were not only friendly and welcoming, but also incredibly knowledgeable about the local wildlife and marine environment. We were lucky enough to spot several whales, which made the trip even more exciting. The overall experience felt well-organized and professional. Given the quality of the service and the memorable sightings, we felt it was excellent value for money. Highly recommended, rain or shine!”

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Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour - Meeting at Hafnarstétt 11 and getting kitted up in Iceland weather
Husavik Tours, Puffin & Bird Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Husavik

Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

10.Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 979 reviews · 2 hours · from $198

Fast RIB whale watching from Húsavík to Lundey Island for puffins in season, with warm suits and expert guiding in 2 hours.

“An incredible experience! Saw tons of puffins and TWO humpback whales, saw one whale come to the surface many times and got gray pictures, first time seeing a whale!”

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Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri - The Eyjafjord cruise, and how whales get spotted
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Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

11.Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 971 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $104

Whale watching from downtown Akureyri on a modified ship to scan Eyjafjord for humpbacks, with thermal gear and onboard Wi-Fi.

“Our whale-watching experience in Akureyri was fantastic. The tour was very well organized, and cruising through the fjord offered stunning views even before we spotted any wildlife. We were incredibly lucky to see five humpback whales, and the crew made the experience even better; professional, friendly, and full of interesting information about the whales and the area. We felt truly grateful for the chance to watch these amazing animals up close. The tour was also great value for the price, especially considering the length of the trip and the wonderful photos we received afterward. Highly recommend!”

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Reykjavik: the Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour - Faxaflói bay in 3 hours: how the cruise actually works
3-Hour Experiences, Reykjavik Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Reykjavik

Reykjavik: the Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour

Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik - The comfort details that matter in Reykjavik weather
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Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik

From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour - Geirsgata 11 and the short Reykjavík start
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From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour

14.Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 711 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $103

Reykjavik whale watching in Faxaflói Bay. Warm overalls, guide-led spotting for humpbacks and dolphins, plus indoor comfort.

“Loved it. Saw some humpback whales. Amazing to see. Had suits to wear to keep warm - brilliant. Would go again and definitely recommend.”

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Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise - Faxafloi Bay wildlife search: whales, dolphins, and seabirds
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Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

15.Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 707 reviews · 3 hours · from $106

3-hour yacht whale and dolphin cruise from Reykjavik in Faxafloi Bay, with warm blankets, WiFi, and a return ticket if no sightings.

“Amazing trip with memories to last a lifetime, great boat and crew, saw two hump back whales. 100% recommended and food at the boat house afterwards was delicious.”

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