10 Whale Watching Tours in Akureyri to Build a Day Around

1.3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,000 reviews · 3 hours · from $108Our pick

Cruise Eyjafjord from Akureyri for 2.5 to 3.5 hours aboard Iceland’s specially modified high-speed whale-watching ship. Guides such as Gisella, Johan, Jacob, and David explain whale behavior while the crew searches for humpbacks, orcas, and minke whales. Thermal overalls, indoor seating, Wi-Fi, hot drinks, and crew photographs make this a practical choice in any season.

“It was an amazing experience. I got some good footage. Everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable. We got to see quite a few whales. Can’t wait to see the footage they send out after the tour.”

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2.Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 971 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $104

Board Elding’s whale-watching vessel at Oddeyrarbót in central Akureyri for a roughly three-hour cruise into Eyjafjord. Guides explain the area and its humpback whales while the captain checks likely viewing spots. You can watch from heated indoor areas or outdoor decks, borrow warm overalls and blankets, buy café drinks, and use free Wi-Fi.

“The tour is very good. Our tour guide was very informative and had a fun persona. We saw a humpback and a minke and few porpoises. I would highly recommend.”

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3.Árskógssandur: Whale-Watching Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 695 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $96

Meet at Hótel Kaldi in Árskógssandur, then sail Eyjafjörður for about two and a half hours on a traditional oak boat. Your English-speaking guide and captain look for humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds. Warm overalls, hot chocolate, and a cinnamon bun are included.

“Our captain and guide extended our trip so that we could follow our Minke whale a little longer. Loved the trip. The boat was comfortable with plenty of places to sit and to get a different view and perspectives of the Eyjafjordur. The hot chocolate and bun were also very appreciated! We also learned a lot about northern Iceland, the industry and educational opportunities in the area, as well as information about how whales eat and descend and rise up for air. It was exactly what we we were hoping for.”

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4.Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 501 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $203Top rated

Speed across Skjálfandi Bay in a RIB boat carrying no more than 12 people, searching for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seasonal puffins. A guide such as Austin, Alessandra, or Danny explains the wildlife while the captain handles the boat. Expect cold air, spray, and a lively ride.

“The experience was amazing! We saw three whales, some of them very close! In addition, the tours are very individual. Personally, I found the small groups much more pleasant than the large ships.”

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5.2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 489 reviews · 2 hours · from $200

Join guides such as Sergio, Mack, Agnes, or Victor for a two-hour whale and bird-watching ride from Akureyri’s floating pier. A 12-person RIB covers the Eyjafjord quickly, giving you a low, close view of humpback and minke whales. Expect warm overalls, an exciting ride, changing weather, and no toilet on board.

“Very organized tour, great guide, professional staff. We were fortunate to see quite a few whales on this tour. Highly recommend the smaller RIB boat which allows you to get much closer than the larger ships.”

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6.Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 417 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $180

Join Gentle Giants in Húsavík for a two-hour RIB speedboat safari across Skjálfandi Bay. Your guide may lead you to humpback, minke, blue whales, dolphins, and Puffin Island during the April to August season. The boat carries no more than 12 people, with warm safety overalls supplied. Expect speed, spray, cold air, and a serious chance of wildlife.

“Well organized & professional. Give & Captain excellent. Only downside was not being able to get close pictures of Puffins, otherwise, really great. Saw many whales.”

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7.Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík by Local Family Company

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 389 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $102

Cruise Skjálfandi Bay from Húsavík on a traditional Icelandic oak boat for about three hours. A guide such as Fabio or Vittoria may help spot humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and puffins while sharing live commentary. Warm overalls and rain gear are supplied, but expect cold, wind, waves, and a slower ride than the RIB boats.

“This was amazing! We loved our tour and lucked out with the weather. We saw so many whales and puffins! It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip.”

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8.Traditional Oak Ship Whale Watching Tour From Husavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 366 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $118

Sail from Husavik for about three hours aboard a traditional Icelandic oak ship with North Sailing. Your guide or marine scientist explains whale behavior, while the crew provides warm overalls, light refreshments, and live commentary. Sightings can include humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, puffins, and other seabirds.

“I had never been whale watching so it was a great first experience. Luckily we had some stars of the morning and we had two humpbacks giving us a show. The trip back we enjoyed hot chocolate and a cinnamon roll.”

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9.From Dalvik: Arctic Whale Watching in Northern Iceland

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 327 reviews · 3 hours · from $94Best value

From Dalvík, Arctic Sea Tours takes you into Eyjafjörður for three hours of whale watching among Tröllaskagi’s mountains. Expect an English-speaking guide, flotation coveralls, and chances to see humpbacks, dolphins, minke whales, and possibly blue or fin whales. Guide Clara has led especially well-praised trips.

“It was amazing! We were really lucky and we saw several whales and one of them jumped twice!!!! An awesome experience!”

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10.Whale Watching in the Midnight Sun

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 75 reviews · 3 hours · from $101

Sail from Akureyri into Eyjafjörður on a fast whale-watching boat timed for the midnight sun. Your English-speaking naturalist guide explains the fjord and wildlife while you watch for humpback whales from outdoor decks, large windows, or heated indoor seats. Thermal overalls, Wi-Fi, and crew photographs are included.

“L’accueil a été chaleureux, les commentaires pendant la visite étaient très interessants. L’équipe ne compte pas ses heures pour faire plaisir à ses passagers afin de leur montrer les baleines. Je recommande vivement ce prestataire”

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