Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

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From USD 99

4.60
759 reviews

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Experience the incredible humpback whales in Iceland's longest fjord, Eyjafjörður, aboard our specially modified sightseeing boat. This is a family friendly and great value whale watching tour, operated all year round from Akureyri, North Iceland.

Elding Whale Watching Akureyri is an environmentally friendly company and recognised worldwide for its environmental efforts. Our mission and goal is to minimise the operational impact on the environment while offering an unforgettable experience at sea.

We abide by a code of conduct for responsible whale watching, ensuring the wellbeing of the wildlife in our waters.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please note that weather in Iceland is unpredictable and that the tour can be cancelled on short notice due to unfavourable conditions at sea.

This is a wildlife tour and therefore sightings cannot be guaranteed. In case of no sightings, we offer the opportunity to try again for free in either Reykjavík or Akureyri..

We abide by a code of conduct for responsible whale watching, which means that all sightings are on the wildlife's terms. We can therefore never guarantee up close encounters.

Please note that our fleet is not completely wheelchair accessible as there are steep stairs between lower and upper decks and high thresholds to get from the decks into the saloon as well as from the saloon to the toilets.

Wheelchair users are welcome to bring a foldable chair onboard our bigger boats, but if possible, please contact us well in advance as we may need to assist with boarding.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Professional guide

Multiple viewing platforms

Large veiwing windows

Warm overalls, raincoats or blankets on board

Overalls and blankets available to lend

Complimentary WiFi

Food and drinks can be purchased on board

Hotel pickup and drop-off is not available

Options

11:00 Classic Whale Watching

3 hour whale watching tour from downtown Akureyri on high speed, specially modified, whale watching ship.

20:30 Midnight Whale Watching

3 hour Midnight sun whale watching tour from downtown Akureyri on high speed, specially modified, whale watching ship.

17:00 Classic Whale Watching

3 hour whale watching tour from downtown Akureyri on high speed, specially modified, whale watching ship.

9:00 Classic Whale Watching

3 hour whale watching tour from downtown Akureyri on high speed, specially modified, whale watching ship.

Classic Whale Watching

3 hour whale watching tour from downtown Akureyri on high speed, specially modified, whale watching ship.

Reviews

4.60

759 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

592
93
30
22
22
  • Countless Sightings & Knowledgeable Guide

    PriyanKa P,

    Apr 9, 2025

    - Viator

    4.00

    The activity itself was fantastic and truly fulfilling! The whales were amazing—they came up frequently and were not shy at all about getting close to the boat. The host was incredibly warm, enthusiastic, and a true nature lover, sharing so many fascinating details about the whales. No matter where you were on the boat, there was always a perfect view, as the whales popped up from every direction. One of the most incredible moments was when I saw a whale come near the back of the boat and turn on its side, allowing me to see its belly! The entire boat went quiet every time the whales appeared or were about to, and you could even hear their breath through the blowhole. It was magical! That being said, there were a few logistical challenges. As a non-local, the communication about where to meet and how to get there was a bit stressful. I wasn’t aware they wanted us to arrive 15 minutes early, and the building where the tour was meeting was in a plaza with several tourist spots. While it clearly said “Whale Watching,” I was looking for “Elding Whale Watching,” so I wasn’t entirely sure I was in the right place; though that might seem obvious to most, when you're a tourist & rushing every detail seems critical. I arrived exactly on time according to the itinerary but later realized I should have arrived 15 mins earlier, so I felt a bit bad that I fumbled to ball there. However, they were very accommodating and ended up dropping me and two others off directly at the port where the boat was. Another thing I didn’t expect was the lack of information on how to get back from the port to the plaza. I had walked to the meeting point because it was close to my hotel, but there wasn’t any accommodation or clear instructions about getting back. I ended up walking 33 minutes from the port to my hotel, which wasn’t ideal in such temps (the view during my walk was inarguabley fantastic). These are just small details, though, and overall, I had an incredible time. I’m just mentioning them because, as a tourist, these little things can help make the experience even smoother and alleviate any miscommunication or confusion. Still, it was an amazing experience, and I’m so glad I did it!

  • Terrific trip

    Philip B,

    Apr 3, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Terrific trip, watched a humpback doing five or six dives over a period of about an hour. Would recommend

  • Great guide. Nice sized boat

    Jeanie S,

    Mar 18, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    The boat was large with great viewing from all sides. Passengers have the option of staying above deck or going below for a little warmth. Our captain and guide were very knowledgeable about the habits and types of whales. Additionally, the offer of hot chocolate and coffee was a very nice touch

  • Once in a lifetime experience

    Callum M,

    Mar 16, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Absolutely incredible, the views and the experience are once in a lifetime, the staff were lovely and the facilities are great. Make sure to rap up as it can get very cold due the wind but it is definitely a trip you should think about doing.

  • Earnest Crew

    Steve R,

    Jan 29, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Our guide, David, was knowledgeable about a lot of topics and willing to answer our questions. He and the captain went out of their way to ensure we “found” whales.