WHALE WATCHING IN ICELAND

Did you know that Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see whales throughout the whole year? Climb aboard one of our whale-watching boats and come with us to see the Whales in Iceland.  You can choose from different locations around the island such us Húsavík and Akureyri in the north or Reykjavík, the capital. Whale watching in Iceland is a must do activity during you Iceland trip. Check the whale watching tours in Iceland below and book in advance to experience an incredible adventure.

From Reykjavík

From Husavík

From Akureyri

From Reykjavík

from Husavik

from Akureyri

Snaefellsnes

Snaefellsnes

West Fjords

How is the whale watching in Iceland?

Whales are part of Icelandic history and have influenced Icelanders' lives since ancient times. Joining a whale watching tour in Iceland is not only the best and most respectful way to get close to these amazing animals but also you will gain a wealth of knowledge about these magestic creatures and you will have the opportunity to get amazing views from the coastline. There are two types for Whale watching tours in Iceland: traditional boat tours and speedboat tours for the more adventurous ones. The whale watching tours normally last between 2 and 3 hours and you will be accompanied by expert guides who will tell you everything you need to know about whales and how to spot them. Although spotting of the whales cannot be guaranteed there is a high probability of success in Iceland, so don't hesitate and check the whale watching tours to live a once-in-a-lifetime-experience in Iceland.      

Where can I join a whale watching tour in Iceland?

Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, and Húsavík and Akureyri, in the north, are the best spots to see whales in Iceland. You should choose according to your travel plans in Iceland.

Húsavík is considered the capital of whales and it is indeed the best place to get up close to these incredible mammals, but the tours are only available between March and November. The departures for whale watching in Húsavik are made from the port in the center of Húsavík, in traditional wooden boats and zodiac-type speedboats.

Also from the north, Akureyri is a good option if you travel between April and November. Departures are made from the port in the center of Akureyri to see whales in the Eyjafjordur fjord. The boats are large and modern, with all the comforts.

Reykjavík, on the other hand, has two great advantages. It is the capital and the place where countless other tours of Iceland begins. If you are in Iceland for a short getaway, Reykjavík is your place for whale watching. And the tours are running throughout the whole year!

There are also other locations in Iceland, such as, Grundarfjordur and Ólafsvík. If you are interested in taking a whale watching tour in these locations, don't hesitate to contact us!  

When is the best time to do a whale watching tour in Iceland?

The best time to see whales in Iceland is between April and October, with an almost 100% probability of success during June, July and August. In the north and west of Iceland, whale watching excursions take place between March and November but in Reykjavík throughout the whole year.

How are the boats of the whale watching tours in Iceland?

There are different types of boats and for all tastes but we can divide whale watching excursions into two types: traditional boat tours and speedboat tours. The boat tours can be done in a modern boat or in a classic boat. You can see the characteristics of each boat on the reservation page of each whale watching tour.

What kind of whales can be seen in Iceland?
The most common whales in Iceland are the Minke whales but you can see up to 20 different types of whales, such as humpback whales, blue whales, pilot whales, toothed whales, sperm whales or killer whales, as well as different types of dolphins. Depending on the place and the season, there is more probability of seeing one type or the other.

What if I cannot see the whales during my tour in Iceland?
If the whales are not seen during the whale watching tour in Iceland, the supplier does not refund the money paid since the tour was carried out. But you will have the possiblity of joining the tour another day for free! Remember that the tour only goes if the conditions are good but the actual spotting of the whales cannot be guaranteed (The Atlantic Ocean is not a zoo and the whales are in their natural habitat). Having said so, between April and October there is a probability of almost 100% that the tour will be succesful.

Is it possible to see whales in Iceland when there are waves? 
Yes, it is possible. The captains of the boats are experts in the field and if the excursion goes ahead it is because there is the possibility to see whales. However, safety comes first, and if the sea conditions are not good, the excursion is canceled in advance and you are entitled to a refund.

Is it possible to eat whale meat in Iceland?
Unfortunately, yes, it is possible to find restaurants where they sell whale meat. While it is true that the Icelandic tradition was to eat whales, this was a question of survival. Historically, they made the most of whale hunting and using every part of the whale, such as using their bones to burn and warm themselves. But today, hunting is no longer essential and they trade in it, so from here we recommend not eating it and we ask all of our customers to support the protection of whales.

 

Whale watching is a popular activity in Iceland, as the country's waters are home to a variety of whale species. There are several locations in Iceland where visitors can go whale watching, including Reykjavik, Husavik, and Akureyri.

Husavik is widely considered to be the whale watching capital of Iceland, with numerous tour operators offering daily trips out to sea to spot whales in their natural habitat. Visitors can see a variety of whale species, including humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas.

Whale watching tours typically last between two and three hours, and many tour operators offer expert guides who can provide information about the whales and their behavior. Most tours provide warm clothing and other gear to keep visitors comfortable during the boat ride.

Visitors should keep in mind that whale watching is a weather-dependent activity, and tours may be cancelled or rescheduled due to unfavorable conditions. However, many tour operators offer flexible booking policies and refunds in the event of a cancellation.

Overall, whale watching in Iceland is an unforgettable experience that allows visitors to witness these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat. It's a must-do activity for anyone visiting Iceland, particularly those interested in marine life and nature.

Pictures from the Whale watching tours in Iceland: