Top North Iceland Wildlife Encounters

Realize your dreams of watching humpback whales in their natural environment on a 3-hour Original Whale Watching tour from Húsavik, capital of whale watching in Iceland. After selecting a departure time to suit your schedule, climb aboard a traditional Icelandic oak ship and set sail for a prime whale-watching destination on the ocean. With luck, marvel at the majestic mammals as they dive and plunge before your eyes, listening to informative commentary from your guide as you observe.

Hop a vintage fishing boat for an adventure-filled, half-day wildlife tour, as you set out on the trail of puffins and whales. Get up close and personal with Iceland’s most iconic wildlife species, and get detailed background on their behavior from your captain and guide. Tours include a visit to Lundey Island, home to one of Iceland’s largest puffin colonies, and a whale-watching excursion through Skjálfandi Bay.

Whale watching is a popular activity for visitors to Iceland, but it can be tricky for animal lovers to find a tour that is sustainable. This whale-watching cruise from Húsavík is the perfect choice – using low-sound, carbon-neutral boats to ensure minimal disturbance as you admire the whales in their natural environment.

The north coast is one of the best places for whale watching in Iceland, and this cruise from Hjalteyri maximizes your chances of spotting the majestic creatures. Set sail across the Eyjafjörður fjord on a traditional oak ship, tuck into refreshments on-board, and look out for minke, and humpback whales.

Coastal Iceland is home to a spectacular range of native wildlife, but to see the best of it you have to take to the waves. With this tour, cruise out into Skjálfandi Bay by traditional wooden oak boat, and watch the waters for dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. Spot colorful puffins and other seabirds with live on-board commentary, and keep warm with a refreshing hot chocolate.

Watch for nimble humpbacks and massive blue whales on this whale watching adventure from Húsavík on a traditional Icelandic oak boat. Enjoy stunning views of the Skjálfandi Bay and Vík mountains as you explore the coastline, a thriving pilgrimage place for marine mammals in the summer season. Learn about Iceland’s wildlife and culture with live commentary from your experienced guide.

Sometimes whale watching cruises on huge boats make it hard to be able to actually see the ocean life unless you board first and claim the best spots. This whale watching tour from Husavik is on board an RIB boat limited to just 12 passengers, so you’re never in competition for the best vantage points. Plus, its easy to stay warm and safe with an included warm suit and life jacket.

Discover Iceland’s most iconic wildlife with a 2 - 2.5-hour whale and puffin tour from Húsavík on an RIB speedboat. Enjoy views of the Skjálfandi Bay as you skim along the coast, covering an expansive territory in the high-powered craft. Watch for massive blue whales and acrobatic humpbacks, and learn about life beneath the surface from your experienced guide. During the breeding season of mid-April through mid-August, visit ‘Puffin Island’ to find a thriving colony of brightly-colored birds before returning to Húsavík.

Maximize your chances of seeing humpback whales on this Eyjafjord whale watching cruise from Akureyri. Iceland’s longest fjord is known for attracting these massive mammals for summer feeding. Board a high-speed, specially adapted ship capable of covering all the likely viewing areas, and watch for whales from the viewing platforms and decks. Choose from several departures, including a late-night cruise (June to August), with use of thermal coveralls, raincoats, or blankets included.

Go whale watching aboard a traditional Icelandic schooner during this 3 hour excursion from Húsavík. Learn about Icelandic sailing traditions and take in the wild, rugged, natural scenery of the sea. Light refreshments included.