Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Leave behind Akureyri for this 2-hour whale watching experience. Limited to only 12 travelers, board your boat with a guide who can answer your questions and provide personal service. Search the ocean for humpback whales and other wildlife. This tour includes all necessary safety equipment. Choose between one of four departure times when you book
Elding is an environmentally friendly company and recognised worldwide for its environmental efforts. The aim, mission and goal is to minimise the operational impact on the environment while offering an unforgettable experience at sea.
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 10 years or 145 cm (4 ft 7 in)
You must be able to stand in your seat and fit into the provided overalls (max size 3XL) to participate in this tour
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Overalls, goggles, and gloves
Professional guide
Life jackets and safety equipment
Whale guarantee (or come again for free on the classic tour)
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
This 2 hr. Express whale watching is a small group tour on custom made 12 seater RIB boats, that can get you closer and faster to the optimal whale watching areas. This means a bigger chance of spotting whales, dolphins and bird life with out disturbing any natural behaviours. We guarantee an intimate and up close experience with our expert guides and a fantastic time in Iceland's longest glacial fjord.
Personal: With only 12 passengers per boat, the tour offers a semi-private experience, with our marine biologist guide and captain!
Duration: 2 hours: The tour is about 2 hrs. in total. We are quick to travel into the fjord, spending less time sailing and more time watching!
Akureyri - Eyjafjörður: The boat travels through Iceland’s longest fjord, stretching about 60 km, known for stunning landscapes and ample wildlife!
RIB boat: The Express tour can reach key whale watching areas faster, maximising the chances of spotting whales and birds!
168 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Alessandra T,
Aug 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
The whales can be seen but from afar.the tour leader and 'nice and prepared.sit at the bottom of the boat if you do not wash!
Jane R,
Aug 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
Fantastic experience on the rib boat and we were very well looked after. Saw so many whale sightings, quite emotional experience for us, especially as one whale breached which was quite a wow moment. Great to have a marine biologist aboard who was very knowledgeable
Cynthia S,
Aug 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
This is a true bucket list for us! So exciting and thrilling to see these amazing giants up close! Our guide very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. This was well organized and everything we had hoped for! We got so close we could smell the whales breath!
JEAN T,
Aug 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
If you have any back, hip or knee issues I strongly suggest that you don't do this trip. Even though the seats are very comfortable, if its windy then the waves peak and you bounce around in boat pretty aggressively.
Chr E,
Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
A well organised trip. Very impressive safety information and professional staff. We saw several whales close to the boat
Christopher A,
Aug 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
Jacob our tour guides was very knowledgeable and incredibly friendly. He knew where to go find the whales and would explain to us what we were seeing as it happened. I would absolutely do this tour again!
Ruth N,
Aug 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
I did the rib boat Express whale watch Tour ...and it was amazing they got us right up next to some whales... we saw whales breaching.. lots of breaching and lots of whales.... of course it's nature and not guaranteed but this was one of the better whale watching trips I've been on and I have been on a lot of whale watching trips . .....definitely not for you if you have back issues or mobility issues because our water was a little rough and it might be too much for people like that ......but if you're adventurous and healthy with no injuries it's the way to go
procorep,
Aug 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We took the small 12 seat Zodiac boat and were able to manuver closer to the whales when they surfaced that the other ships also whale watching. The captain of the vessel was excellent and she was able to get us within camera range without interfering with the whales feeding, direction or path. The whole experience was first rate and SO worth the cost. The guide on board the Zodiac provided insightful information on whales in general and was able to answer all our questions. This was a great experience and we highly recommend this company. They provides us with a cold weather water proof full suit to keep you warm and dry. Bring a knit hat and gloves to keep warm. They also have googles to protect your eyes from the cold wind during the boat ride to the area that the whales most often are. They small gift shop had some great souvenirs also to make this special experience. If you have mobility issues the larger ship they have available is the way to go. If you can climb in and out of the rubber type Zodiac and straddle the seat and sit on a semi cushioned boat seat that is the way to go. We had a very successful whale watching time. But remember no one can promise if the whales will be feeding or going through the area at any given time.
Jason B,
Aug 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
One of the best boat tours we’ve ever been on. The crew did a great job of bundling us up to stay warm on the water. On the water the crew was very enthusiastic and passionate about sharing their knowledge of whales. We got to see some rare whales during our tour and our guide was super excited. The captain took additional time to make sure we saw whales. Would recommend to anyone who is considering a whale tour out of Akureyri.
adamhaack,
Jul 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Epic trip. We got to move onto the express tour which was a very good switch. The trip out and back was stunning! We got nice and close to 5 Humpbacks. Agnes and Karen were great! Would recommend
Operated by Elding Whale Watching