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The waters surrounding the capital are home to Minke whales, Humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises, which you can spot from the boat. In springtime, with a little bit of luck, you might even see agile orcas poking out of the water. Our qualified guides will find the best spots and provide you with insights into Iceland’s maritime wildlife.
In general, Reykjavik whale watching tours last 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The boat rarely travels further than 15 km (9 mi) from the harbor. Each passenger on board is provided with a special wetsuit to keep them warm and dry. If the weather is in our favor, there’s no better place to be on a sunny day in Reykjavík!
Our North Iceland whale watching tours have a 98% success rate of whale sightings! Dalvik whale watching tours enjoy views of Eyjafjörður Fjord, home to a giant puffin population. The chances of seeing Humpback whales are the highest, but Minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises are also commonly sighted.
During the Akureyri whale watching adventure, the majestic views of the fjords will be our background. If all goes well, we’ll see magnificent ocean creatures breaching from the water with their graceful movements! The most common species to spot are humpback and minke whales.
If no whales are seen, which rarely happens, you will be allowed to join a later tour for another opportunity to see Iceland’s mighty ocean giants!
If you’re in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, don’t miss the whale watching tour! Join us from the lovely fishing town of Olafsvik. You might spot amazing creatures like sperm whales, orcas, and humpback whales, along with adorable puffins and seals.
Hop aboard a traditional Icelandic boat and sail on the exciting Snæfellsnes whale watching experience. Your friendly captain knows all the best spots to find whales based on the day’s conditions and will share cool facts about them, too! While we can’t fully guarantee you’ll see a whale, our tours have over a 90% success rate, so you're in for a great time!
Our whale-watching tours in Iceland can be combined with other Icelandic adventures!
The best time for whale watching in Iceland is the summer season, from May to August. In this period, you’re most likely to see a variety of species. However, you can still spot whales at other times of the year and throughout the day. Check the article on the best time to watch whales in Iceland and choose the time that works best for you!
Absolutely! Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see those majestic creatures up close. The unique blend of cold waters, warm currents, and fjords provides a rich feeding ground for whales of all kinds. Our tours have a success rate of 98% no matter what season, delivering successful whale sightings nearly every time!
Yes, whale watching is a safe activity for all ages when conducted responsibly. Our trained crew focuses on responsible whale watching, ensuring you have a memorable experience while minimizing interference with the animals. We provide essential safety equipment like life jackets, flotation suits, gloves, and goggles, but remember to wear shoes with good traction, as the deck can be slippery.
We can’t guarantee whale sightings, but your chances are incredible! In summer, you have a 95–99% chance of spotting whales on our boat tours. Our experienced guides know the best locations to maximize your opportunity, and even in winter, encounters are still likely. The unpredictability of this experience adds to the magic, reminding us that nature is raw and unscripted.
While it’s possible to spot a whale from the shore, it’s rare and usually at too big of a distance. If seeing a whale is your goal, joining a guided boat tour is a must! Tours depart from the same Reykjavik harbor year-round and take you to the best locations for sightings.
Yes! While spring and summer are the high seasons for whale watching due to the weather and migration patterns, we have tours available all year round. Winter tours are less crowded and are the perfect excursion for visitors to Reykjavik. You also get a rare opportunity to join a Whale Watching Northern Lights tour for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Yes! Puffins come to Iceland in spring and summer, which is also peak whale watching season. You can spot these colorful birds on the mainland and during whale watching trips. For the best chances, join our Whales & Puffins tour from Reykjavík, which includes a trip to “Puffin Island!”
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