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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 02 March, 2023
Expert travel writer: Oliver Berry

Iceland’s pristine waters are among the best places in the world to spot wild whales. Tour boats take you out into the North Atlantic to see these gentle giants as they pass Iceland on their annual north–south migration, especially the main feeding and breeding season from May to November.

Humpback and minke are the most commonly sighted, but with luck you might also see sei, fin and, very occasionally, blue whales. Humpbacks – the most curious and playful of all the whales, so the best for whale watching – congregate in the far northern fjord of Eyjafjord.

The town of Husavik is the main base for whale watching, although it’s also possible to take tours from nearby Akureyri. Tours from Reykjavik head to wildlife-filled Faxafloi Bay, where dolphins, porpoises and puffins are also regularly sighted.

The tours guarantee sightings (or you get a free trip) and it’s common to see the whales up close. If you’re really lucky, you’ll be treated to a breach – an unforgettable display of whale acrobatics, in which the animals leap from the water before smashing back down in an explosion of spray.

Price from: £70
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: 3-4 hours

Getting there & doing it

Tours depart from Husavik, Akureyri and Reykjavik, and last between two and four hours. There is generally a choice of cheaper, but larger, boats with more tourists that cannot get as close to the whales, or more expensive, smaller RIB boats (max 12 people) that can get much closer.

Trips often get cancelled at short notice for bad weather, and if you don’t spot whales, you get a complimentary second chance – so plan this trip early in your vacation, to allow the opportunity to reschedule if needed.

When to do it

Tours generally run up to five times daily from April to October, less so in winter months, due to the longer periods of daylight.

Whales can be spotted all year round, but summer months from May to September are the time to go, when the whales congregate or migrate past, the weather is warmer and the days are longer. Winter sightings are sporadic.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Whale Watching Tour on board a Traditional Oak Ship from Hjalteyri

Whale Watching Tour on board a Traditional Oak Ship from Hjalteyri

Akureyri

Enjoy a 2 hour whale watching tour the scenic surroundings of Hjalteyri and experience the aura of old times. Hjalteyri is a well kept secre...

€75 | Rating 4.32 / 5 [43 ratings]

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Traditional Oak Ship Whale Watching Tour From Husavik

Traditional Oak Ship Whale Watching Tour From Husavik

Akureyri

Experience the Original Húsavík Whale Watching tour that has built a reputation for the town of Húsavík as the capital of whale watching in ...

€79 | Rating 4.31 / 5 [232 ratings]

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Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík

Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík

Akureyri

-More than 160 years of family history in the bay -Great respect to nature and minimum environmental impact -Good memories and natural happi...

€79 | Rating 4.22 / 5 [224 ratings]

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Whale Watching & Dolphin Luxury Yacht Cruise

Whale Watching & Dolphin Luxury Yacht Cruise

Reykjavik

Join Harpa Yachts for a Luxury Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise from Reykjavik Old Harbor. On this cruise with we sail out from the old har...

€84 | Rating 4.42 / 5 [246 ratings]

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Iceland

Iceland

From volcanoes and glaciers to black beaches, geothermal pools and the Northern Lights, Iceland is one of the world’s wildest, weirdest destinations. A paradise for adventurous travellers.

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

toruists soaking in the Geosea Geothermal Sea Bath
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Geosea (Geothermal Sea Baths)

Husavik, Iceland[1 miles]

A newcomer to the north coast, near Husavik, with hot seawater pools heated to 38˚C, and fine ocean views. The waters are said to be good for psoriasis.

Best for ages: 6+ | £35 | 1 night

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Round-ups that include this experience

18 Best places to go whale-watching

Multiple countries

Ranging from the mere 2.5m dwarf sperm whale to the whopping 30m blue whale, these ocean giants beguile and amaze with their size, grace and dignity. Here’s our round-up some of the best places in the world to see them.

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