Enjoy Iceland for less this spring. Browse our off-season deals!

Whale Watching in Reykjavik

What to Expect on a Reykjavik Whale Watching Tour

The waters surrounding the capital, Reykjavík, are rich with marine life, including Minke whales, Humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises. You can spot them from the boat. In springtime, with a little bit of luck, you might even see agile orcas poking out of the water.

Our experienced guides will take you to the best areas and share fascinating insights into Iceland’s diverse sea life. Most Reykjavik whale-watching tours last 2.5 to 3.5 hours, and the boats rarely venture more than 15 km (9 miles) from the harbor.

To ensure comfort, every passenger is provided with a special wetsuit to keep them warm and dry. If the weather is in our favor, on clear days, there's truly no better way to experience Reykjavík’s coastal beauty than from the deck of a whale watching boat.

Whale Watching in Akureyri and Dalvik

Whale Watching in North Iceland: What You'll See

Our North Iceland whale watching tours boast an impressive 98% success rate for spotting whales! On Dalvik tours, you’ll enjoy stunning views over Eyjafjörður Fjord, home to a large puffin population. The most commonly sighted species here include Humpback whales, Minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises.

During the Akureyri whale watching adventure, you’ll be surrounded by the majestic fjords of North Iceland. If conditions are right, you may witness magnificent ocean mammals dramatically breaching the water — a truly unforgettable experience.

And if no whales are seen (which is rare), you're welcome to join another tour free of charge, giving you a second chance to witness Iceland’s magnificent sea life.

Olafsvik Whale Watching

Your Whale Watching Tour in Olafsvik

If you’re exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, don’t miss out on the Olafsvik whale watching tour! Departing from this charming fishing village, you might encounter incredible creatures like sperm whales, orcas, and humpback whales, as well as adorable puffins and playful seals.

Hop aboard a traditional Icelandic boat for a thrilling Snæfellsnes whale watching experience. Your friendly captain is an expert in finding the best whale-watching locations, tailored to the day’s weather and sea conditions. Plus, you’ll hear fascinating facts about these amazing animals along the way.

While we can’t guarantee a sighting, our tours have a 90%+ success rate, ensuring you’re in for an unforgettable adventure.

WHALE WATCHING ON MULTI-DAY TOUR IN ICELAND

Combine whale watching with other unforgettable Icelandic adventures in one seamless tour. These multi-day trips take you to waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and beyond — without the hassle of planning each stop yourself.

FAQS

The best time for whale watching in Iceland is the summer season, from early May until late August, when whale activity is at its highest. 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.

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 90–98% 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 peak seasons for whale watching in Iceland, due to the weather and migration patterns, our tours are available year-round. Winter tours, in particular, are less crowded and are perfect for those visiting Reykjavik. Plus, you can enjoy the unique 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!”

Why Travel With Us?

  • Award-winning tours
  • Only small groups
  • Trusted by travelers for 40+ years
  • Modern, comfortable vehicles
  • Expert local guides
  • Reliable 7-days-a-week support

 

Photo Gallery From Iceland Whale Watching Tours

Need more information or assistance? We are here to help!