Akureyri Classic Whale Watching | Iceland

📍 Akureyri, Iceland

4.5 ( 4,879 reviews)

See them in the wild

Akureyri Classic Whale Watching | Iceland

From

Duration4 hours

FitnessEasy

CancellationFree cancellation 24h before start time

🔒Secure payment

✅Instant confirmation

🏅EarthCheck

🏅World Cetacean Alliance Approved

Overview

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as we set sail from Akureyri, with the towering Súlur mountain watching over us, and head into the breathtaking Eyjafjord. As we speed past the stunning landscapes, with the island of Hrísey to the north and charming towns dotting the shores, keep your eyes peeled for the rich variety of birdlife that fills the skies. The real stars of the show are the majestic "Eyjafjord Humpback Whales", known for their spectacular breaches and tail slaps, which frequent these waters alongside other remarkable marine species such as minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises, to name a few. Our high speed, specially modified whale watching ship ensures you won’t miss a moment of the action, offering unparalleled views from our cinema-styled platforms. With expert marine biologist guides on hand to share their knowledge, this is your chance to experience the wild beauty of Iceland in a way few ever do!

wildlife highlights

Why you'll love it

🔹 A conservation success

Commercial whaling in the 20th century killed around 2.9 million whales, with some populations, such as humpback whales, lost 90% of their global population. In 1986, commercial whaling was banned, and species were able to recover (although three countries continue to hunt whales - Japan, Norway and Iceland).

🔹 Support local communities

Whale watching is a major source of income for some communities, especially those around no-take Marine Protected Areas, where fishing and other commercial activities are banned. There are strict guidelines for responsible whale watching, which largely involve speed limits, never chasing the pod, never separating mother and calf, and not getting too close.

🔹 See them in their natural habitat

Seeing them in the vast ocean is an experience one’ll never forget. We believe responsible whale watching is a great way to educate the public about these majestic giants and to support their conservation.

What you will be doing

Check-in and boarding

Meet our team in our ticket office at the harbour in Akureyri, at least 15 minutes before departure. Our friendly staff will issue your boarding pass and show you to the boat. Proceed to the floating pier to board our state-of-the-art whale watching ship. Our crew will be on hand to guide you aboard and ensure you're comfortably settled in for the adventure ahead.

Whale Watching from Akureyri

Once on board, you can choose to unwind in the heated indoor saloon, where panoramic windows offer stunning views of the fjord. Visit the onboard bar to grab a refreshing drink or a snack, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere as you prepare for the voyage. For those eager to immerse themselves in the crisp Icelandic air, pick up a complimentary overall to keep warm and step outside to the viewing platforms. As we venture into the fjord, the search for the famous Eyjafjord Humpback Whales begins. These gentle giants, along with minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises, are frequently spotted in these waters. Our expert marine biologists will provide insights into the behavior of these incredible creatures, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of their natural environment.

Return to harbour

After an exhilarating 2,5-3,5 hr. whale watching experience, we'll make our way back to our home base in Akureyri. You can continue to enjoy the views from the deck along the way or relax indoors, reflecting on the unforgettable sights and sounds of the day. Upon arrival back at the floating pier, our crew will assist you with disembarkation. You'll leave with lasting memories of an extraordinary adventure through one of Iceland's most beautiful fjords as you head back into town!

Things to know

AccessibilityChildren friendly

Fitness levelEasy

Tour languageEnglish

Licence requiredNone

Hólmasól is the first high speed whale watching ship in Iceland, equipped with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, lavatories and an on board bar & cafeteria. The specially designed viewing platform on the front of the ship is ideal for wildlife watching. Depending on the conditions and booking status of the day, we may use one of three different sized vessels for this tour. Please check with our team on site.
Daily departures from the floating pier in front of Hof Cultural and Conference Centre in Akureyri each summer, in June and July! With plenty of car parking and within easy walk of any accommodation in town, this tour provides the perfect blend of convenience and adventure, offering you the chance to explore the wonders of the fjord's marine life in the ever glowing Midnight Sun!
Although our success rate is high, the cetacean abundance is unpredictable and varies with the food availability of our shores. In case no whales or dolphins make an appearance on the tour, we will offer you a complimentary ticket to try again within 2 years!
Please be aware that the weather can change rapidly in Iceland and therefore the captain could decide to alter or cancel the tour on short notice for safety reasons. In this case we will contact you as soon as possible with the contact information you provide in the booking process.
Dress warmly for our northern fjord. Bring warm outdoor clothing such as a wool / fleece sweater, a hat, gloves and sturdy shoes are recommended. Feel free to borrow our thermal overalls on board if needed.

Inclusions and Exclusions

✅ Included

Warm clothes
Photography
WIFI onboard
Tour guide

❌ Not included

Pick up and drop off transport

Where we'll meet

Meet up/Pick up location: Oddeyrarbót pier, 600 Akureyri, IS

Instruction: We will meet at Whale Watching ticket office

ReturnThis trip returns to meeting point.

You can select your preferred payment currency and enter any promo or gift card code at checkout.