Tours/Akureyri/Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri
Viator · group up to 190 pax

Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

4.6(1,013)Akureyri1 hour
VIATOR4.5(354)TRIPADVISOR4.7(659)

Description

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.

Tour Options

9:00 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.
Classic Whale Watching
  • 3 hour whale watching tour from downtown Akureyri on high speed, specially modified, whale watching ship.
11:00 Classic Whale Watching
  • 3 hour whale watching tour from downtown Akureyri on high speed, specially modified, whale watching ship.

Highlights

Overalls and blankets available to lend
Professional guide
Multiple viewing platforms
Large veiwing windows
Warm overalls, raincoats or blankets on board
Complimentary WiFi

What's included

Included
Overalls and blankets available to lend
Professional guide
Multiple viewing platforms
Large veiwing windows
Warm overalls, raincoats or blankets on board
Complimentary WiFi
Not included
Food and drinks can be purchased on board
Hotel pickup and drop-off is not available

Traveller Ratings

4.6
1,013 reviews
5
801
4
123
3
38
2
24
1
27

Important Information

  • 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.

Reviews(1,013)

N
Nikerob
June 27, 2026
A Whale of a Time

It was a great experience. The guide really knew her business and was very informative. Whales were very cooperative, and appeared as promised.

R
razmataz2014
June 26, 2026
Beautiful experience

Beautiful navigation in the fjord while visually hunting for humpback whales. It is advisable to wear the suit they provide because the wind is strong. There is a high probability of seeing whales that suddenly appear. They offer a free service for photos of the sightings, but do not trust it; they do not always take them and send them to you. Without getting too distracted and losing the emotions of the sightings, take some photos.

K
K1843JIpatrickd
June 26, 2026
Good tour

Very nice tour. Warm clothes provided, very good guide. Boat was well maintained. Saw one Minke whale and several humpbacks. Recommend RIB boat tour if you want closer viewing and you feel able

R
Rita m
June 25, 2026
Seeing creation was awesome!

This is a tough trip - for the team to help you see & appreciate the wonderful sea creatures in close proximity Yet, it fulfilled expectations! I was very excited to book this & it was brilliant The enthusiasm of our guide & explanations of what to look out for & when, helped tremendously Standing up on the upper floor gave me a better view of these magnificent creatures There were warm outfits for those still feeling the cold/wind & it wasn’t made embarrassing The bonus of photos being sent by email is a real bonus too as I was too late to see quite a few that others spotted In all, we saw 9 whales, & I personally viewed 3,or 4 Very highly recommended

S
Sam_G
June 24, 2026
Wow!

I wasn't sure what to expect with a whale watching tour as you hear about good & bad (non) experiences but this was really good. The departure point was very close to the cruise ship dock (5 mins walk) as explained by member of staff in the little hut as you disembarked, who also spoke excellent English. The boat went back up the Fjord & not into the open ocean & the weather was fantastic, making for a smooth trip. We saw what turned out to be the same humpback whale multiple times, & there was a real feeling of consideration for the whale when it was explained that the time observing the whale was up. My only disappointment was the 'speaker' on deck. Unfortunately the commentary was just a distorted noise. But Jacob shouting 11 o'clock! Or 7 o' clock! Was great for knowing where to look. And hopefully the speaker will have been replaced by the time you enjoy whale watching 😀

D
Discover67210428513
June 23, 2026
Quite great

Don't expect dozens of whales surrounding the boat. Never going to happen! The brochures paint a glorious picture. However, you will likely see 2-3 whales performing various dives for food. It's exciting. Then again, I live in Santa fe, nm where whales and any sea life not exist. Have realistic expectations and you'll be pleased 😄

D
drew
June 23, 2026
A brilliant 3 hours. With a great crew

This was absolutely superb. Great little ship, wonderful knowledgeable and friendly crew. Saw some whales, which were impressive. Also the ecological aspect was great. They cared. Even the rain couldn't dampen our spirits. Great whale chocolate. Thank you.

P
penelope_H
June 21, 2026
Whale Watching was worthwhile !

Only needed to go to the start of the fjord before we saw whales - 2 minke, one humpback and 2 dolphins. Guide gave a good commentary telling us about them and where to look. Great trip

F
Freedom22745849646
June 20, 2026
An unforgettable experience

A unique and unforgettable experience. A very cold day, but just dress warmly... The only downside: since it was quite 'bulky', the thermal suit provided to me was one size smaller... it helped protect my legs... for the rest, I was sufficiently equipped.

T
Thomas_H
June 15, 2026
Spotted Humpbacks and Minkies

Great tour they know where to locate whales and infirm you when they sight any. Toilets and tea or coffee available free.

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