Our guide with the best places for whale watching in Iceland.
Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see whales. Thanks to the rich waters surrounding the island, dozens of species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises pass by every year. Since 2024, whaling has thankfully been banned in Iceland, and whale watching has now become an important tourist attraction.
Especially in summer, your chances of seeing these majestic animals up close are high. There are several well‑known whale‑watching locations, including the capital Reykjavík, Húsavík, and Akureyri in the north. Normally, you need to book a whale‑watching tour, but sometimes you can even spot them directly from the shore!
When we visited Iceland in April, we departed from Húsavík with North Sailing. Unfortunately, we were just a bit too early in the season and weren’t able to spot any whales yet. We did, however, have an amazing time on the boat and saw the first puffins arriving in Iceland.
So during your road trip through Iceland, whale watching absolutely deserves a spot on your bucket list. It’s one of the most enjoyable activities you can do there, especially in summer.
In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about whales in Iceland, from the best time and places to see them to our top tips.
Read more: 7‑Day Iceland Itinerary
Best Time to Go Whale Watching in Iceland
The best month to see whales in Iceland depends on several factors, including the season, the weather, and migration patterns.
- Summer (mid‑April to mid‑October): The best time for whale watching in Iceland is summer. Many species, including humpback whales, blue whales, and orcas, migrate to Icelandic waters to feed. The summer months (June to August) are especially ideal, with a very high chance of sightings (90% or more). The weather is also more favorable, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures.
- Winter (November to March): There are fewer tours during winter, but you still have a chance of seeing orcas, especially around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Grundarfjörður. Plus, you can combine it with the Northern Lights!
Read more: Driving in winter in Iceland
TIP: Weather conditions can have a big impact on whale‑watching tours in Iceland. If the weather is too bad, tours will be canceled or rescheduled. Always plan ahead and keep some flexibility in your itinerary so you can fully enjoy this unforgettable experience.
Best Places to Go Whale Watching in Iceland
Where can you see whales in Iceland? An important question when planning your Iceland travel itinerary. Below is a handy overview of the best places in Iceland for whale watching.
Húsavík, the whale‑watching capital of Europe
If you’re doing a 10‑day or 2‑week road trip along Iceland’s full Ring Road, you absolutely have to stop in Húsavík. This fishing village on the edge of Skjálfandi Bay in the northeast is recognized as one of the best places in the world to spot whales.
From the harbor, boats depart daily during the summer months (April–October). Between June and August, your chances of seeing whales here are over 95%! Just like in other northern areas, humpback whales are the most common species. Visitors can also see blue whales, fin whales, and orcas.
We also did a whale‑watching tour here with North Sailing, but because it was still early in the season (early April), we unfortunately didn’t see any whales. Still, we were very happy with the tour. We received warm clothing, a hot drink, lots of information, and stunning views. Plus, if you don’t see any whales, you can join a later boat tour for free.
Akureyri
Just south of Húsavík lies Akureyri, the largest city in the north and another popular place for whale watching in Iceland. Akureyri is located in Eyjafjörður, a beautiful fjord where humpback whales are regularly spotted.
Akureyri is a good option if you’re looking for a slightly less touristy experience than Húsavík. If you book a whale‑watching tour from Akureyri, the groups are usually a bit smaller.
TIP: If you want an even more authentic experience, book this whale‑watching tour with North Sailing on a traditional wooden boat departing from the small fishing village of Árskógssandur, 30 minutes north of Akureyri.
Reykjavik
If you have less time and you’re only visiting Reykjavík and the south coast of Iceland (for example on a 7‑day trip), you can also go whale watching in Reykjavík. The main advantage here is the easy accessibility, just a short walk from the city center.
From Reykjavík’s harbor, whale‑watching tours run year‑round. The most popular routes take you through Faxaflói Bay, where you can often see minke whales, white‑beaked dolphins, and occasionally orcas. You may also spot other wildlife, such as porpoises, seals, and various seabirds.
Read more: Things to Do in Reykjavík
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Although the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is mostly known for its breathtaking landscapes, it is often overlooked as a great location for spotting whales and other wildlife.
Snæfellsnes is the best place in Iceland to see orcas. You can spot them year‑round, even from land, but they are most frequently seen from March to early July. During the summer months, you can also see other species such as humpback whales, sperm whales, minke whales, and dolphins.
While we were driving around the peninsula, we met some Icelanders who had just seen a group of orcas off the coast. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see them ourselves during our trip.
Most whale‑watching tours on Snæfellsnes depart from the fishing village of Ólafsvík (such as this excellent whale‑watching tour), but you can also find tours in Grundarfjörður.
Read more: Complete Guide to Visiting the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Westfjords
You can also spot whales in the remote Westfjords, especially in the quieter areas around Ísafjörður or Hólmavík (with this whale‑watching tour). Here, you may see not only whales but also puffins and plenty of seals—perfect for nature lovers.
The best period, just like in the rest of Iceland, is from June to September, when you have a high chance of seeing humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
Which Whales Can You See in Iceland
As mentioned earlier, you can spot many different whale species in Iceland. Here are some of the species you may encounter:
- Humpback whales: One of the most common species seen during whale‑watching tours in Iceland, especially in summer. Known for their acrobatic behavior and tail‑slapping. Easy to recognize by their knobbly heads, long pectoral fins, and white undersides.
- Fin whales: The second‑largest animal on earth after the blue whale. Recognizable by their long, streamlined bodies and distinctive V‑shaped head.
- Minke whales: The most common large whale species in Iceland. Known for being curious and growing up to 10 meters. Sometimes spotted in winter, but far more common in summer.
- Blue whales: The largest animals on earth, reaching up to 30 meters. Rare in Icelandic waters, but with some luck, they can be seen in summer. Known for their blue‑gray color and long, slender bodies.
- Orcas (killer whales): The largest members of the dolphin family, most often seen around Snæfellsnes. Intelligent, social animals that travel in groups of up to 40 individuals.
- Beluga whales: Small white toothed whales found in Arctic and sub‑Arctic waters. Known for their white color and rounded forehead.
- Porpoises: The smallest cetaceans in Iceland. Recognizable by their triangular dorsal fin and small size, up to 1.8 meters. They can be spotted year‑round along Iceland’s coast.
Besides whales, you can also spot many other animals during the tour, such as dolphins, seals, puffins, and Arctic terns.
Our Top Tips + What to Expect from a Whale‑Watching Tour
Whale watching in Iceland is definitely something you shouldn’t miss! To help you prepare, here are our top tips along with answers to some frequently asked questions:
- Book your tour in advance: Whale watching in Iceland is very popular, so it’s best to book ahead during high season.
- How long does a tour last? Most tours take between 2 and 3 hours, depending on weather conditions and the season.
- Take motion‑sickness medicine: If it’s windy or the sea is rough and you get seasick easily, we highly recommend taking a motion‑sickness pill.
- What should I wear? Almost all tours provide extra clothing to keep you warm and dry on the boat. Put it on right away, as the weather can change quickly, and you don’t want to be getting changed right when whales appear. Read this article as well to find out what clothing to wear in Iceland (including a packing list).
- Cancellations: Tours can be cancelled due to bad weather or unforeseen circumstances. Some offer a full refund, others a partial refund or rescheduling. Check the policy before booking.
- What if I don’t see any whales? The chances of seeing whales in Iceland are very high, especially in summer. Tours are led by experienced guides who help you spot them. If you don’t see any, many companies (like North Sailing) let you join the next tour for free.
- Sustainability: To protect whale populations in Icelandic waters, it’s important to support sustainable practices and responsible tourism. Choose a company that respects nature. You can find more information on this topic on the Whales Watching Iceland website.
- Can I go whale watching with children? Absolutely! It’s a great activity for kids. Minimum age varies by operator, so check before booking.
Hopefully, this whale‑watching guide for Iceland has given you all the information you were looking for! Enjoy the experience, and let us know how it was!
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