WHALE WATCHING IN ICELAND: THE BEST TOURS TO TAKE THIS SUMMER!
LOOKING FOR THE BEST WHALE WATCHING IN ICELAND TOURS?
WHALE WATCHING IN ICELAND:
BY DESTINATION
NORTH ICELAND: HÚSAVÍK
TOUR OPTION 1
Whale Safari and Puffins RIB Boat Tour
This 2 hour 30 minute tour is a wildlife lovers dream, setting out not only to see Iceland whales – but also the colourful colonies of puffins on Puffin Island!
Make the most of every second on the thrilling fast RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat), skimming the idyllic coastline of Skjálfandi Bay as you search for these epic creatures!
This is the most highly rated whale watching tour in Húsavík on Viator, check out the raving reviews here!
Top highlights: 99% chance of seeing whales! RIB speedboat around Skjálfandi Bay, searching for humpback, blue whales and puffin colonies on Puffin Island!
Tour operator: Gentle Giants Whale Watching.
Availability: Between start of April – end of October. Puffin breeding season is April – August, thus tours running September – October will have more focus on whales.
Tour Duration: 2.5 hours (approx.)
Time slots: 9.30am, 12.30pm or 3.30pm departure slots. 3 x trips per day.
Price: From £127 each.
TOUR OPTION 2
Whale Watching RIB Boat Tour
Get the VIP experience on this RIB boat whale watching tour with Husavik Adventures! Whizz past all the large boats on this small group tour (maximum 12 passengers), giving you a much greater chance to see whales during the tour and cover a wider area.
Be accompanied by both a driver and separate guide to give you their full attention throughout, making for a much more special and personal experience!
This is one of the most highly rated whale watching tours in Húsavík on Viator, check out the raving reviews here!
Top highlights: Personalised small group tour on a fun and fast RIB boat! Whizz to Skjalfandi Bay before passing Puffin Island on the way back.
Tour operator: Husavik Adventures.
Availability: April – end of October.
Tour Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
Time slots: 10am, 1pm, 3pm, 4pm, 7pm, 9.30pm and 10.30pm.
Price: From £120 each.
CHEAPER ALTERNATIVES IN HÚSAVÍK:
If your budget does not allow for a RIB boat experience, have no fear! There are other traditional whale watching tours available in Húsavík, which are much cheaper at around £70 per person.
Note: They are cheaper because they take place on larger, slower boats with usually a larger group size, but nonetheless still strive to make sure you have a memorable whale watching tour.
See below the two highest rated traditional tours to choose from:
PLACES TO STAY IN HÚSAVÍK FOR THESE TOURS:
NORTH ICELAND: AKUREYRI
TOUR OPTION 3
Express Whale Watching by RIB boat
Set sail from Akureyri pier along the idyllic Eyjafjörður fjord with this small group, fast RIB boat tour. The guide will point out key natural wonders and sea birds on route to the whales.
Look out for a variety of whales (i.e. humpback or minke being the most common) and even porpoises.
This is the most highly rated whale watching tour in Akureyri on Viator, check out the raving reviews here.
Top highlights: Whizz along Iceland’s idyllic northern coastline from Akureyri on a fast RIB boat, looking for humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales and other!
Tour operator: Elding Whale Watching.
Availability: April to end of October.
Tour Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
Time slots: 10am, 12pm, 2pm or 4pm departure slots. 4 x trips per day.
Price: From £133 each.
TOUR OPTION 4
Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri
Though we usually wouldn’t recommend the larger oak traditional boats for a whale watching (following many reviews of being too slow and sea sickness inducing), this large ship with Elding Whale Watching is specially adapted for whale watching.
It can reach high-speeds and is capable of covering most whale watching areas in the given time – so you will not miss out!
Take advantage of their ‘cinema-style’ outside viewing platforms and decks for the best vantage points as you cruises down the tranquil Eyjafjord in search of humpback whales.
There is the chance to warm up inside their seating areas and purchase on-board for refreshments (additional cost) from the on-board café and bar.
This is the best large vessels whale watching tour in Akureyri on Viator at a much smaller budget of £75 per person, check out the many reviews here.
Top highlights: Board a high-speed large vessel specifically adapted for whale watching, covering all bases and providing ultimate comfort. Cruise deep down the jaw-dropping Eyjafjord in search of humpback whales from ‘cinema-style’ viewing decks.
Tour operator: Elding Whale Watching.
Availability: April to end of October.
Tour Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Time slots: 9am and 1pm usually. Additional ‘Midnight cruise’ at 8.30pm slot available from June – August.
Price: From £75 each.
PLACES TO STAY IN AKUREYRI FOR THESE TOURS:
SOUTH ICELAND: REYKJAVIK
TOUR OPTION 5
Small-Group Reykjavik RIB Whale Watching Cruise
This highly-rated tour, honoured with a Viator “Badge of Excellence”, is a fun small-group experience hosted on a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) with Whale Safari.
This zippy fast boat is free to travel out further to cover more ground, really maximising your chances of spotting whales, dolphins and other marine life!
Not only that, being sat at sea-level on this smaller boat means you’ll actually up close to see whales and dolphins far better than if you were on a standard yacht or catamaran! It provides a much more up close and fun experience.
Top highlights: Zip along the Reykjavik coastline to Faxaflói Bay in search for whales and porpoises! Small group tour for a more personal and ‘up close’ experience.
Tour operator: Whale Safari
Availability: Only peak whale watching season in Summer: Early May – Late August.
Tour Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
Time slots: 10am departure. 1 x trip per day
Price: From £129 each.
Want to see more Icelandic wildlife when visiting Reykjavik? Check out our list of top puffin sightseeing tours from Reykjavik!
TOUR OPTION 6
Magical Whales in the Midnight Sun
Combing two of the best things to do in Iceland in the Summer: A whale watching tour under the midnight sun during the months of June and July, where incredibly, the sun never sets fully below the horizon!
Set sail under the magical golden hue of the midnight sun from Reykjavik Old Harbour. Enjoy an informative multimedia show on route, snuggle up in complimentary warm coveralls on deck looking out for whales and porpoises.
There is the option to get warm in the on-board inside cabins should you get too cold!
Top highlights: Whale watching under the magical midnight sun during Iceland’s summer months of June and July.
Tour operator: Elding Whale Watching.
Availability: Only the months of June – July.
Tour Duration: 3 hours (approx.), arriving back at 11pm.
Time slots: 8.30pm departure. 1 x trip per day.
Price: From £72 each.
TOUR OPTION 7
Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik
This highly-rated half-day combo tour, honoured with a Viator “Badge of Excellence”, is an animal-packed tour combining horse riding and whale watching in one day.
Begin with a small group 2-hour guided horseback riding tour with Íshestar through tranquil Icelandic countryside before making your way to the Old Harbour for your whale watching tour across Faxaflói Bay.
Note: These are two separate tours purchased together as a price bundle, meaning there is a few hour gap in between each activity, which you will need to make your own way to.
Or, for an additional 2500 ISK (approx. £15) per person, you can arrange directly for all pick-up / drop off for a seamless transition between tours.
Top highlights: A small-group guided horseback ride through tranquil Icelandic countryside followed by an epic whale watching tour from Reykjavik Old Harbour.
Tour operator: Special Tours Iceland.
Availability: Early May – Late December.
Tour Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes total (approx.)
Time slots: 10am departure. 1 x trip per day.
Price: From £160 each.
PLACES TO STAY IN REYKJAVIK FOR THESE TOURS:
WHALE WATCHING IN ICELAND:
“KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S
HOW LIKELY IS IT TO SEE WHALES IN ICELAND?
The chances of seeing whales in Iceland are relatively high, especially during the Summer months (early May – end of August) when the waters around Iceland are teeming with these magnificent creatures.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that whale sightings are not guaranteed, as they are wild animals and their movements can be unpredictable.
Nevertheless, many whale watching tour operators in Iceland have a high success rate in finding whales, and most tours offer a “whale sighting guarantee” where you can take another tour for free if you don’t see any whales on your first trip.
WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO SEE WHALES IN ICELAND?
Iceland as a whole is one of the best places in the world to see whales. The most popular spot is Húsavík, a town located North of Iceland, which is often referred to as the “Whale Watching Capital of Europe.”
Not far from Húsavík is the additional whale hotspot Akureyri city, also located in North Iceland.
Another great location is Reykjavik, South Iceland, where you can embark on a magnificent whale watching tour straight from the harbour.
WHEN IS THE BEST MONTH TO SEE WHALES IN ICELAND?
Technically, there are chances to see whales in Iceland all year round, though whales number are far less in the Winter months. Likewise, Iceland’s fierce Winter weather often causes last minute tour cancellations, or makes for unsettling whale watching conditions.
In the Summer months, not only are the numbers of migrating whales in Iceland far greater, the warmer and calmer weather conditions offer much more pleasant viewing conditions. It also reduces the chances of whale watching tour cancellations significantly.
Overall, the best time to go whale watching in Iceland is the Summer months, ideally visiting Iceland in May to end of August.
HOW MUCH DOES A WHALE WATCHING TOUR IN ICELAND COST?
Prices for whale watching in Iceland tours vary greatly depending on the tour itinerary, duration and group size.
Tour prices can be as low as £70 per person (larger vessel and group size), whereas a small-group RIB boat tour (that we recommend) usually averages between £120 – £130 per person.
WHAT TYPE OF WHALES CAN YOU SPOT IN ICELAND?
Depending on the location and time of year, you may see humpback whales, minke whales, blue whales, orcas, fin whales, and many other species.
TOP TIPS FOR WHALE WATCHING IN ICELAND
- The best time to see whales in Iceland is during the Summer months. While there are whales around in Winter, numbers are much fewer and sea conditions on the boat can be unpleasant.
- Even during the Summer, Iceland’s sea winds can be very chilly. Make sure you dress up appropriately with plenty of layers!
- Whale watching tours are at the mercy of Iceland’s notoriously unpredictable weather, and are sometimes prone to very last minute cancellations due to safety concerns.
In this instance, most tour operators offer a complimentary boat tour or a full refund. Be sure to check the tour operators refund and cancellation policies before you book.
- While tour operators will do everything they can to ensure you see whales, remember they are wild animals and sightings (while success rates are very high) are not always guaranteed.
- For a more personal and up-close experience while whale watching in Iceland, we recommend booking a whale watching tour on a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat).
WHALE WATCHING TOUR PACKING LIST
WHAT TO WEAR FOR ICELAND WHALE WATCHING:
- Warm layers for the cold Iceland wind out at sea, including: A warm thermal coat, gloves, scarf, woolly hat and ear muffs.
- Optional: A lightweight waterproof poncho.
GREAT THINGS TO BRING FOR ICELAND WHALE WATCHING:
- Refillable water bottle.
- Powered battery pack (and cable) for your smart phone.
- A high-quality camera with a good zoom.
- A good pair of binoculars!
- Optional: Sea sickness tablets (most applicable for the slow moving, traditional tour boats that experiences the rocking of the waves much more).
CONCLUSION: WHALE WATCHING IN ICELAND
To conclude, you cannot miss the opportunity to embark on a whale watching tour in Iceland if you have the chance! It is by far the best way to see these majestic creatures up close.
As we’ve shown above, there are so many whale watching in Iceland tour options available to best suit your individual budget, travel plans, requirements and time.
While we recommend a whale watching tour on a RIB boat, ultimately you will have the most incredible experience on any tour you decide on – just remember your layers, high-quality camera or binoculars!
This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!
Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com
A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.
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