Whale Watching Iceland Guide

Best Locations for Whale Watching in Iceland

Iceland's coastline stretches over 4,970 kilometres, but whale watching tours concentrate in a handful of proven hotspots. Each location has its own character, species mix, and advantages.

Húsavík — The Whale Capital of Iceland

Húsavík, a small fishing town on Skálfandi Bay in northeast Iceland, has earned its reputation as the whale capital of the country. Tour operators here report sighting success rates of around 98% during peak summer months, making it one of the most reliable whale watching locations in the world. The bay's shallow, sheltered waters are a favourite feeding ground for humpback whales, and it is not uncommon to see 10 or more individuals on a single tour.

The town is also home to the Husavik Whale Museum, one of the best cetacean museums in Europe, where you can learn about whale biology, Icelandic whaling history, and conservation efforts. Húsavík is roughly a 6-hour drive from Reykjavík or a short flight to Akureyri followed by an hour's drive east along the coast.

Akureyri — Eyjafjordur Fjord

Akureyri, the capital of north Iceland, sits at the head of Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord at 60 kilometres. The fjord's calm, deep waters attract humpback whales, minke whales, and large pods of white-beaked dolphins. Whale watching tours from Akureyri tend to have shorter sailing times to reach the whales compared to some other locations, meaning more time watching and less time in transit.

Akureyri is also a practical base for exploring north Iceland's other highlights — Godáfoss waterfall, Mývatn, and the Diamond Circle route are all within easy reach. The town has an airport with daily flights from Reykjavík (45 minutes), making it accessible even on shorter trips.

Reykjavík — Faxaflói Bay

For travellers short on time, Reykjavík offers the most convenient whale watching in Iceland. Tours depart directly from the Old Harbour in the city centre, so you can walk from your hotel to the boat in minutes. Faxaflói Bay is home to minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises, with humpback whale sightings becoming increasingly common in recent years as the animals expand their range southward.

While sighting rates in Reykjavík (around 90%) are slightly lower than in Húsavík, the convenience factor is hard to beat. Several operators run multiple daily departures throughout summer, and some offer combination tours that include puffin watching on the nearby islands of Lundey or Akurey (puffins present mid-April to mid-August).

Snæfellsnes Peninsula — Orca Territory

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula in west Iceland is the country's best-known location for orca (killer whale) sightings. The towns of Grundarfjörður and Ólafsvík serve as departure points for dedicated orca watching tours. Orcas follow herring schools into the fjords here, and the sight of a pod of killer whales cruising beneath the dramatic Kirkjufell mountain is an image you will never forget.

Orca tours in Snæfellsnes run primarily from November through March, when herring are most concentrated in the area, although sightings are possible year-round. The peninsula is roughly a 2.5-hour drive from Reykjavík, making it feasible as a long day trip or, better yet, an overnight stay.

Season & Species

Understanding when different species are present helps you choose the right time and location for your trip. Here is a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect in Icelandic waters.

April – May: Early Season

Whale watching season begins in earnest in April. Minke whales are typically the first to arrive in large numbers, and humpback whales start appearing by late April. White-beaked dolphins are active throughout spring. The weather can still be cold and unpredictable, but you often have the boats to yourself as the main tourist rush has not yet started. Tour frequency is lower — expect one or two departures daily from most locations.

June – August: Peak Season

This is the golden window for whale watching in Iceland. Humpback whales are present in large numbers, especially in Skálfandi Bay near Húsavík. Minke whales are abundant throughout Icelandic coastal waters. Blue whales — the largest animals ever to have lived on Earth — are occasionally spotted during these months, particularly off the north coast near Húsavík and in the waters around the Westfjords. Fin whales and sei whales also make appearances.

Midnight sun conditions mean extremely long daylight hours, and some operators offer late evening tours that take advantage of the calm seas and golden light. This is also puffin season, so you may see millions of these seabirds alongside the whales.

September – October: Late Season

As autumn arrives, humpback whales begin their migration south, but many linger into October. Minke whales remain active. White-beaked dolphins are still frequently seen. The shorter days bring moody skies and dramatic lighting conditions that photographers love. Tour frequency drops compared to summer, and prices may be slightly lower. You might also catch early Northern Lights displays on evening tours.

November – March: Winter Whale Watching

While most traditional whale watching tours pause for winter, this is actually the best time for orcas. Dedicated orca tours run from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula (Grundarfjörður, Ólafsvík) where killer whales follow herring into the sheltered fjords. The experience is raw, cold, and utterly spectacular. Harbour porpoises and white-beaked dolphins are also present year-round.

Most Common Species Summary

• Humpback whale — the most frequently seen large whale, known for breaching and tail slaps. Present April–October.
• Minke whale — smaller and faster, often surfacing close to boats. Present March–November.
• Blue whale — rare but possible June–August, mainly off north Iceland.
• Orca (killer whale) — year-round, best in Westfjords and Snæfellsnes November–March.
• White-beaked dolphin — the most common dolphin in Icelandic waters, seen year-round.
• Harbour porpoise — small, shy, and year-round resident of Icelandic coastal waters.
• Fin whale — the second-largest animal on Earth, occasionally spotted in summer.

What to Expect on a Tour

Knowing what a typical whale watching tour involves helps you prepare properly and set the right expectations. Here is what happens from the moment you arrive at the harbour.

Tour Duration and Boat Types

Standard whale watching tours last 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Some operators offer express RIB (rigid inflatable boat) tours that run about 1.5 to 2 hours, covering more water at higher speeds. Traditional oak boats, converted fishing vessels, and modern catamarans are all used. Larger boats are more stable in rough seas, while smaller RIBs offer a more thrilling, closer-to-the-water experience.

On Board

Most operators provide warm overalls and waterproof gear to borrow, especially on open-deck boats. A naturalist guide on board will spot whales, explain their behaviour, and answer your questions. When a whale is sighted, the boat slows and approaches at a respectful distance (typically 50–100 metres). The captain will position the vessel so passengers on both sides get a view.

Hot chocolate or coffee is usually available, and some tours include light refreshments. Toilets are available on most larger vessels.

Seasickness Tips

Seasickness is the most common concern among travellers. These practical strategies help prevent it:

• Take motion sickness medication (such as dimenhydrinate or meclizine) 30–60 minutes before departure.
• Choose morning tours — seas are typically calmer before midday winds pick up.
• Stay on deck in the fresh air rather than inside the cabin.
• Focus on the horizon, not the waves directly beside the boat.
• Eat a light meal before boarding — neither an empty nor an overly full stomach is ideal.
• Avoid alcohol the night before and coffee on the morning of the tour.
• Ginger tablets, acupressure wristbands, and behind-the-ear patches are popular non-prescription options.

What to Bring

• Warm layers — even in summer, it is significantly colder on the water than on land. Dress for 5–10°C colder than the onshore temperature.
• Waterproof outer layer — sea spray is inevitable, especially on smaller boats.
• Hat and gloves — wind chill on the water is fierce, even in July.
• Sunglasses — glare off the water is strong on sunny days.
• Camera with a zoom lens — a 70–200mm lens is ideal for whale photography. Secure your camera strap.
• Binoculars — not essential (guides spot the whales for you) but enhance the experience.
• Sunscreen — reflected UV from the sea can cause sunburn even on overcast days.

Check sea conditions and find departure points with SkyRoad — our app provides real-time weather data for every harbour in Iceland, so you know what conditions to expect before you board.

Booking Tips

A little planning goes a long way towards getting the best whale watching experience. Here is what we recommend based on years of guiding travellers through the process.

Book Ahead in Summer

During peak season (June–August), popular operators in Húsavík and Reykjavík can sell out days in advance, especially for morning departures. Book at least 2–3 days ahead, or even earlier if your dates are fixed. Shoulder season (April–May, September–October) is more relaxed, and walk-up bookings are usually possible.

Morning Tours Offer Calmer Seas

Wind typically builds throughout the day in Iceland. Morning departures (8:00–10:00) generally offer the smoothest conditions, which means less seasickness risk and often better whale activity. Afternoon tours are fine too, but if you are at all concerned about rough water, go early.

Comparing Tour Companies

Iceland has several reputable whale watching operators. When comparing, look for:

• Sighting guarantee — many operators offer a free second trip if no whales are spotted.
• Boat type — traditional boats for stability, RIBs for adventure.
• Group size — smaller groups mean a more personal experience.
• Naturalist guides — look for operators with trained marine biologists on board.
• Carbon-neutral certification — several Icelandic operators offset their emissions or use low-emission vessels.
• IceWhale membership — the Icelandic Whale Watching Association sets ethical standards for the industry.

Pricing

Standard whale watching tours cost between 10,000 and 15,000 ISK (roughly €65–€100) per adult. RIB speedboat tours and premium experiences typically cost 20,000–30,000 ISK. Children under 7 are often free, and those aged 7–15 receive significant discounts (usually 50%). Family tickets and combo packages (whale watching plus puffin tour, for example) can offer savings of 10–20%.

Ethical Whale Watching

Iceland has a complex relationship with whales. Commercial whaling existed alongside whale watching tourism for decades, though the last whaling season occurred in 2023 and no licenses have been renewed since. The whale watching industry has grown into a powerful economic argument for keeping whales alive — generating over 3 billion ISK annually and supporting hundreds of jobs in coastal communities.

Responsible Operators

The best whale watching companies in Iceland follow strict ethical guidelines set by the Icelandic Whale Watching Association (IceWhale). These include:

• Maintaining safe distances — boats approach no closer than 50 metres and let whales set the pace of interaction. Engines are cut or reduced to idle when near animals.
• No feeding or baiting — whales are observed in their natural feeding behaviour without any interference.
• Time limits — boats do not linger with a single animal or group for extended periods to avoid causing stress.
• Carbon-neutral operations — several operators have achieved carbon-neutral certification by offsetting fuel emissions through reforestation and other environmental projects. Some have introduced electric or hybrid vessels.
• Research contributions — many operators collaborate with the University of Iceland's Research Centre and international cetacean research programmes, sharing sighting data and photographs for individual whale identification catalogues.

How You Can Help

As a whale watcher, you can contribute to conservation by choosing IceWhale-certified operators, reporting unusual sightings to the crew, and sharing your experience to promote non-consumptive use of marine wildlife. Avoid operators that combine whale watching with other disruptive activities, and be respectful of the animals' space if you encounter them from shore.