Boat Tours from Siglufjörður

A wooden boat tour can change how you see Iceland. This one runs out of Siglufjörður and mixes fjord scenery, local sights like the Selvíkurviti lighthouse and Strákagöng tunnel, plus time for sea angling. You also get English commentary, so the history and place names actually land.

I especially like the small-group feel (up to 20 people), and I like the way the tour is built around real landmarks, not just “pretty water.” One more big plus is the guide team, with Meg and Captain Gunni specifically called out for being welcoming and good at tying the views to what happened there.

The main drawback to plan for: the sea can get rough, and that can affect how far out the boat feels comfortable going. If the water is choppy, you might spend more time within the Siglufjörður viewing area instead of pushing farther toward Héðinsfjörður.

Key things I’d plan around

• Örkin, a wooden boat, with the kind of close-to-the-water experience that makes fjord views feel personal
• English-guided route through major local landmarks, including Selvíkurviti lighthouse and Strákagöng tunnel
• Fishing time for cod, with chances to fish during fjord stops
• Hvanndalabjarg sea cliff, Iceland’s highest sea cliff, as a major visual target
• Weather and sea conditions matter, so the route can adjust depending on comfort

First stop: meeting by the sea in Siglufjörður

You meet at Aðalgata 34, 580 Siglufjörður, and the tour starts at 10:00 am. The location is easy to reach in town, and it’s near public transportation, which helps if you’re not driving. You’ll also get a mobile ticket, so you can keep everything simple on your phone.

This matters because boat tours run on timing, not vibes. Showing up a little early gives you time to settle in, get a layer on, and figure out where you want to sit for the best views. On a fjord trip, your view changes fast, depending on whether you’re facing forward, to the side, or near the stern.

Group size also has a real effect. With a maximum of 20 travelers, the guide can keep the pace friendly and actually talk to you, not just read notes over a loudspeaker. That makes the stories feel more like conversation than presentation.

A route built around named places, not vague stops

After the first leg from the base in Siglufjörður, the boat heads out on the Örkin. From there, you’ll travel up the fjord and pick up context for what you’re seeing. This is the part I like most: you’re not just looking, you’re learning how the shoreline, tunnels, and lighthouses connect to daily life and the geography that shapes it.

Here are the highlights, and what to expect from each.

Selvíkurviti lighthouse and the old Siglunes area

As you head north up the fjord, you pass the Selvíkurviti lighthouse. Even if you’ve never been here before, lighthouses in Iceland usually mean the same thing: safe navigation through serious weather and tricky coastlines. Seeing it from the water gives it scale, and you can better understand why mariners cared.

Then you’ll go by the old settlement area at Siglunes. This isn’t just a photo stop. The guide’s job is to connect the place to how people lived around the fjord and what kinds of routes and resources mattered.

One practical note: don’t assume you’ll get long, shore-walking breaks. This is a boat tour, so you’re mostly viewing from the deck. If you want lots of museum-style time, plan a separate stop on land too.

Strákagöng tunnel: Iceland’s infrastructure meets the sea

Next comes one of the most memorable landmarks on the water route, the impressive Strákagöng tunnel. From the fjord, you get a clear sense of how infrastructure is carved into the rock and integrated into coastal geography.

I like this stop because it makes the trip feel more modern, not only historical. The tunnel is a reminder that Iceland keeps working on access and safety, even in remote places. And when you can see the coastline wrap around it, the engineering details start to make sense.

Héðinsfjörður country: stories in a dramatic setting

After the northward leg, the route heads east into Héðinsfjörður, which is tied to remarkable local stories. This portion of the trip is also where sea conditions can play referee.

If the sea is calmer, you’ll likely get the broader experience the route promises. If it’s rougher, the captain may keep things within the Siglufjörður viewing distance rather than pushing farther. Either way, you still get the point: this is a fjord world where the scenery comes with names and narratives.

When you feel weather shift on a boat tour, keep an open mindset. The best attitude is simple: focus on what you can see right now, not what you hope the captain can reach.

Hvanndalabjarg: the sea cliff you can feel

The tour continues onwards to Hvanndalabjarg, the highest sea cliff in Iceland. This is a stop that’s hard to fully describe until you’re close enough to understand the sheer vertical scale.

Expect dramatic rock walls and a strong sense of exposure to open water. Even if you’ve seen cliffs from viewpoints on land, the boat angle changes everything. You can see how the coastline breaks and why birds and marine life use these stretches.

If you’re lucky with wildlife, keep your eyes up. One traveler noted whales and puffins during their day, and in a place like this you’ll understand why. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s the kind of coastline where spotting something alive is possible.

Cod fishing time: what’s included and how to approach it

One of the big draws on this tour is sea angling for cod during fjord stops. You get a chance to fish, and the captain knows where the fish are.

This is where I recommend you adjust your expectations. You’re on a boat ride first, fishing second. The goal is to give everyone a real shot at fishing in a fjord setting, not to run a competitive tournament.

If you bring home your catch, be mindful that you’re on the water and handling fish will take time. Dress for it if you want to participate. Even if you don’t fish, fishing time tends to be one of the most social stretches of the trip because everyone is watching lines and talking gear.

About food and your catch

The tour notes that no food or drink is included. That means you should not plan on meals being part of the standard package.

At the same time, I did see indications that people have had their catch cooked on the spot and taken some home. Still, treat that as a pleasant possibility, not a meal you should build your day around. If you want to eat comfortably, plan to bring your own snacks and water, and accept that the official offer is no included food.

The guides and crew: why the people matter here

In a small boat tour, the crew makes or breaks the vibe. This is the kind of trip where people remember how they felt as much as what they saw.

Meg is specifically mentioned for being warm, welcoming, and good at connecting local history with the views. You’ll notice that the stories aren’t just dates and facts. They’re framed around what you’re looking at right then, like a lighthouse you just passed or a tunnel you can still see.

Captain Gunni is another name that shows up, and it makes sense because sailing skill equals comfort for everyone. A good captain reads the water quickly, chooses sensible pacing, and keeps the experience enjoyable even when the sea gets temperamental.

Also, it’s a bonus to have a guide team that can switch gears, whether you’re into history, fishing, or just enjoying the scenery. A couple of families in particular described how different ages found their own hook, one with the history of Siglufjörður and another focusing on the fishing.

Price and value: is $102.13 worth it?

At $102.13 per person for about 2 hours 30 minutes, the value depends on what you want from Iceland.

If you’re chasing scenery, you get named landmarks, not just generic “fjords are pretty.” You’re seeing lighthouse country, settlement history, a tunnel built into the rock, and a major sea cliff like Hvanndalabjarg.

If you care about activities, fishing time for cod is a real differentiator. Plenty of boat trips are sightseeing-only. Here, the tour adds a hands-on element, and that often turns a short ride into an experience with a memory you keep.

If you’re hungry, remember the important detail: no food or drink is included. That nudges this toward travelers who are fine with snacks or who plan meals after. You’ll also want to budget for any extra you decide to eat or drink elsewhere in town.

For me, the value checks out if you want a compact, well-paced morning tour from Siglufjörður, with a guide who turns place names into something you actually feel.

Practical tips for a smoother ride (and happier photos)

Dress for wind, even in summer

Fjord decks get breezy. Bring a warm layer, even if the day starts mild on shore. A hat helps, and gloves are often worth it because you might be handling gear during fishing stops.

Think seasickness early

If you’ve had motion sickness before, take medication before the tour. The tour specifically recommends this, and it’s one of those simple steps that can turn an uncomfortable trip into a fine one.

Also, sit where you feel the least motion. Generally, toward the middle of the boat is best, but use what feels comfortable for you.

Bring a plan for photos

You’ll be taking pictures from moving angles, so keep your phone secure and ready. If you want wildlife shots, bring some patience and aim high when you see birds circling. On Iceland coasts, birds often signal what’s going on in the water.

Don’t expect shore walking every stop

This is mostly time on the boat. If your dream includes lots of hiking or long shore excursions, you’ll want another activity on land to balance it.

Who this tour suits best

This boat tour from Siglufjörður is a strong match if you:

• Want fjord viewpoints with context and stories, not just a quick sail
• Are interested in the specific geography around Selvíkurviti lighthouse, Siglunes, Strákagöng tunnel, Héðinsfjörður, and Hvanndalabjarg
• Like activities, especially the chance to do sea angling for cod
• Prefer a small group with an English-speaking guide

It might be less ideal if you:

• Are very sensitive to rough seas and haven’t taken seasickness precautions
• Need included meals during the outing

Should you book this boat tour from Siglufjörður?

I’d book it if you’re traveling to North Iceland and want a morning that feels “local,” not generic. The mix of named sights, practical time for fishing, and a guide team that keeps things friendly makes it easy to recommend.

If your top goal is only whale sightings or only wildlife, I’d also say this trip can deliver but it’s not a wildlife safari. If your top goal is comfortable cruising, you’ll be happier going into it prepared for variable sea conditions and knowing the captain may adjust the route based on comfort.

Best decision rule: if you want fjord landmarks plus a hands-on element, this is one of the more worthwhile ways to spend a half day.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the boat tour?

The tour meets at Aðalgata 34, 580 Siglufjörður, Iceland. The experience ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start, and how long is it?

The start time is 10:00 am, and the duration is about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

Is food or drink included in the price?

No. The tour does not include food or drink.

Can I participate if I am not an experienced fisher?

Most travelers can participate. The tour includes an experienced guide, and the schedule includes fishing opportunities.

What should I do if I get seasick?

If you suffer from seasickness, it is recommended that you take medication before the tour.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.