Best Whale Watching Tours in Iceland

Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see whales in the wild. Rich northern waters draw minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises close to shore, with departures from Reykjavík and the whale-watching capital of the north.

Which whales will you see?

The most common sightings are minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises. In the north, lucky trips spot larger species — and the occasional orca or blue whale — though, as with all wildlife, sightings are never guaranteed.

Where to go whale watching

• Reykjavík — the most convenient option, leaving from the old harbour and easy to combine with a city day tour.
• Húsavík — the self-styled whale-watching capital of Iceland, in the north, with some of the highest sighting rates.
• Akureyri & Eyjafjörður — the north’s sheltered fjord, another strong northern base.

For help choosing between them, see whale watching from Reykjavík vs the north.

What kind of boat?

• Larger boats are more stable and comfortable — good for families.
• RIB speedboats are faster and get you closer to the action, but are bumpier and more exposed.

How to choose

• Short on time / based in the city? Reykjavík.
• Serious about sightings? Húsavík or Akureyri in the north.
• Want a thrill? A RIB speedboat tour.
• Travelling with kids? A larger, steadier boat.

Frequently asked questions

Are you guaranteed to see whales? No — these are wild animals, so sightings can’t be guaranteed. Many operators offer a free second trip if no whales are seen; check the individual tour for its policy.

Where is the best whale watching in Iceland? The north — Húsavík and Akureyri — has the highest sighting rates, while Reykjavík is the most convenient. Both see whales regularly in season.

Do whale watching tours run all year? Reykjavík tours run year-round, peaking in summer. Northern tours are mostly a summer activity.

Compare departures from Reykjavík and the north on our whale watching tours page.