Whale watching in Iceland: A guide to getting up close and personal

Known for its ethereal landscapes and otherworldly beauty, Iceland is a Nordic wonderland of epic proportions. While tourists often flock down to chase the elusive Aurora Borealis or pamper themselves at the invigorating Blue Lagoon, there’s one lesser-known activity you can’t miss: whale watching in Reykjavík, Iceland.

Iceland is a great place for spying on these gentle giants, thanks to its perfect blend of cold ocean water and warm currents. With just a little research (and a splash of good luck), it won't be long before you're spotting a humpback breaching the calm waters, or pods of orca circling the snow-capped mountains. We’ve gathered the best seasons and places for whale watching in Reykjavík, so grab a ringside seat and get set for a whale of a time.

You can whale-watch in Iceland all year round, but the peak whale-watching season commences from May to September. The summer months of June to August are the best for spotting pods by the numbers; during this period, the nutrient-rich Icelandic shores become a veritable feeding ground for plenty of migratory whales. If you’re hankering for a unique experience, you can even consider observing them under the midnight sun.

During winter, on the other hand, tours are less frequent and at higher risk of cancellations. Even though you may find better crowd-free vantage points, the frigid weather and unpredictable sea conditions may leave you seasick. We’re talking biting temperatures, Arctic winds, and choppy waters—as you can guess, it’s not the best combo for most travelers.

So what are the odds you’ll actually see a whale during whale watching season? Well, no two whale watching trips are ever the same. There’s over a 95% chance but in nature, there’s no guarantee that you’ll spot a mother and calf at all. If you’re out of luck that day, you can still bask in Reykjavik’s sublime coastal scenery (with adorable puffins nesting by Faxaflói Bay) and leave the cruising for another day.

Iceland doubles up as a whale sanctuary because of the water’s abundant zooplankton and krill. Mind you, there are 24 species of whales found in this region alone. Harbor porpoises, minke and humpback whales tend to dwell closer to shorelines and in fjords. Other species are rarer, usually spotted further offshore.

If you’re unsure of where to go whale watching in Reykjavík and the rest of Iceland, we’ve got you covered. But before heading off on your adventure, remember to make wise decisions based on how much time you have and the creatures you hope to see. Every whale watching port has its own biodiversity and scenic hotspots, so plan your sojourn to the sea as closely to your preferences as possible.

Whale watching tours in Reykjavík are convenient and usually depart from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor all year round. In clear weather, look out for looming landmarks like Mount Esja and Akrafjall on the horizon.

Cruise towards Faxaflói Bay — a popular site teeming with humpback and minke whales, along with white-beaked dolphins. Tucked between the Snaefellsnes and Reykjanes peninsulas, the shallow waters here make it easy to scan for marine life. Orcas are less prominent, though they make a guest appearance once in a while.

If you have time to kill and want to see a variety of whales, a trip up north will reward you extensively. The higher viewing rates in this part of Iceland make this area attractive to whale watchers. In fact, all 24 species of whales known to inhabit Iceland’s waters have been seen in the north — something no other part of Iceland can claim. Fin whales, blue whales, belugas, orcas and even elusive narwhals are commonly seen here.

Fun fact: the fishing town of Húsavík in North Iceland has been dubbed Europe’s “whale watching capital”. You can bet on spotting whales near Skjálfandi Bay on a traditional whale-watching tour. There’s even a dedicated whale museum in the center of town which you can add to your itinerary.

For a more family-friendly version of whale watching in Iceland, head to Akureyri — the largest town outside of the capital. Just a stone’s throw away from Húsavík, the whale watching tours in Akureyri will take you to Iceland’s longest fjord: Eyjafjörður. This fjord is sheltered from turbulent winds and rough waters so don’t worry about the kids (or elderly) feeling nauseous. The low wind and calm waters make it a more tranquil experience overall.

Note: Tours don’t happen all year round in smaller towns like Akureyri, Húsavík and more. Remember to check and book in advance.

If you've ever dreamt of having a personal encounter with an orca, venture along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and you might hit the jackpot. Alongside Reykjavík, avid whale watchers consider this a must-go destination.

Alternatively, depart from Grundafjörður and make your way to Breiðafjörður — a herring ground that attracts dolphins, humpback whales and orcas. In summer, this hidden gem is also the most ideal location to snag awe-inspiring views of sperm whales.

If you’re looking for an excursion that’s more off-the-beaten-track, drive towards Steingrímsfjörður Bay surrounding Hólmavík. This part of Iceland holds the country’s best whale-watching secrets. Here, you can possibly witness humpback whales tail-slapping and showing off their glorious size. The vast scenic panoramas are a sight to behold too.

Whether you’re up for a high-speed tour or prefer a lengthier 3.5-hour cruise, there’s an array of whale watching trips from Reykjavik with expert guides. To embrace a more authentic version of whale watching, look for tours on traditional oak fishing boats. If you’d like a relaxing alternative, hop on a luxurious yacht and revel in unforgettable views from the viewing platform.

Before you raise your binoculars, here are some tips to remember:

1) To get as close as possible to the whales and dolphins, go for a RIB boat tour. They’re mighty fast and bumpy as they cruise against the waves, so you’ll get that extra dose of adrenaline too.

2) Consider traveling to Iceland during winter, so you can pair your whale watching trip with the ephemeral Northern Lights. Save more with this two-in-one combo and see the best parts of Iceland together.

3) It’s even better to experience whale watching in Iceland from multiple ports. Book tours in different parts of Iceland across multiple days to maximize your chances of seeing everything, from precocious minkes to their larger cousins.

4) The Icelandic elements can be unforgiving. Keep the cold at bay by wearing plenty of layers, a thick hat, warm gloves and a hooded waterproof jacket.

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