Whale Watching from Akureyri
This whale watching Akureyri review is based on my personal experience taking a whale watching tour directly from downtown Akureyri in North Iceland. I’ll explain what the tour was really like, how many whales we saw, when the best time to go is, and whether this experience is actually worth your time and money when planning an Iceland itinerary.
Why Akureyri for Whale Watching
Best Time to Go
Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri: My Experience and Review
I was looking for a convenient way to experience a whale-watching tour from Akureyri, and while there are many other options accessible by car, I decided to book the Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri tour via Viator for the sake of convenience. First, it's important to point out that the links to this tour on my blog are affiliate links, so you may be slightly skeptical of my praise. To provide balance, I think you could have an equally good time with any other tour company in the area.
As mentioned in this blog down below, the best time to see whales in this region is during the summer, so I kept my expectations low. I told myself that even catching a glimpse of a whale in the distance would make the tour worthwhile. I also expected to spend the entire time on the boat freezing, but that certainly wasn’t the case.
The tour departs directly from downtown Akureyri, which means no long car rides or taxi bookings, definitely a benefit if you're looking to save a bit of money or if you're a traveler with limited time. I simply walked about 20 minutes from my hotel to the harbor. The boat was much larger than I had anticipated, with multiple restrooms, a spacious indoor area featuring seats, tables, and a bar selling hot drinks and snacks. On the outside of the boat, there were two observation decks that provided a fantastic experience of sailing along the fjord, breathing in the fresh air, and taking in the amazing landscape.
What I enjoyed most about this tour and the style of the boat was the freedom to move around and do my own thing. Every so often, the guide would update us on where and when we might spot a whale, along with some general information about the area. During the journey out of Akureyri, I spent some time outside photographing the view and appreciating the stunning location, then retreated back to the warm, indoor part of the boat when needed.
About an hour and a half into the journey, we had our first sighting of a humpback whale. Everyone (about 10-15 people on the tour) made their way to the front of the boat. Usually, I prefer to experience my travels with as few people around me as possible, but there was something special about the collective excitement, the anticipation, and the shared celebration when the whale appeared. It was a bit tricky to photograph the whales (a long zoom lens would have been ideal), so I feel that my photos don’t quite do justice to the experience I had.
In total, we had four whale sightings, and while I imagine that during peak summer or on other tours you might see even more, I left the experience feeling completely satisfied and with a renewed sense of motivation to see more wildlife in its natural habitat.
Final Verdict: Whale Watching Akureyri Review
In conclusion, I would highly recommend that if you're spending any time in Iceland, you should seek out a whale-watching tour. It’s an unforgettable experience.
Why I Booked This Whale Watching Tour Through Viator
For this whale watching tour in Akureyri, I chose to book through Viator mainly for convenience, as it’s an online tour company I have been using for several years. When planning trips, I prefer having tours, tickets, and bookings all in one place, and Viator makes that process straightforward. However, I’m sure this is also possible with other online tour platforms, and booking direct is probably no more hassle.
It is somewhat cliché to say you only advise or work with companies you genuinely love or already use. Whilst I wouldn't say I love Viator, we are good friends. I have had many, many good tours with them. But like many friendships, there can be ups and downs, although my few bad or mediocre experiences were related to the individual tour companies rather than Viator themselves.
I didn’t want to sound too preachy or praise Viator too much, so if you are thinking about booking a whale watching tour in Akureyri, book it with whoever you like. Just please don’t miss the opportunity to experience seeing the whales.
Practical Tips for Whale Watching in Akureyri (and What I’d Do Differently)
Even if you visit during peak whale season, it’s important to be prepared. Dress warmer than you think you’ll need. Layers, a windproof jacket, gloves, and a hat are essential. Obviously, you’re an adult and know how to dress yourself, but trust me when I say it gets cold on the boat, especially when you’re standing out on the observation decks with the wind coming straight off the fjord.
If photography is important to you, bring a camera with a longer zoom lens. Whales often surface briefly and can be further away than you expect. I usually travel with a 28 to 70mm lens, which simply isn’t long enough to capture the kind of shots that really do the experience justice. I will happily admit that the photos in this blog do not quite show how incredible it felt in real life.
If I were to do this tour again, and I genuinely think I will be doing another whale watching tour in the future, I would invest in a longer zoom lens without hesitation. That said, try not to spend the entire trip glued to your camera. Some of the best moments are the ones where you put it down and simply watch the whales with your own eyes.
Why Akureyri for Whale Watching?
Prime Location in the Heart of the Whale Migration Route
Akureyri sits along Eyjafjordur, Iceland's longest fjord, which is one of the most important areas for whale watching in the North Atlantic. Every year, hundreds of whales migrate through these waters, making the region a prime location for sightings. The fjord is home to several whale species, including humpback whales, minke whales, and the occasionally spotted orca and blue whale.
Iceland's northern waters are particularly rich in marine life due to the influx of cold, nutrient-dense waters from the Arctic. The combination of favourable currents, deep waters, and abundant fish makes the fjord an ideal feeding ground for these majestic creatures.
When is the Best Time to Go Whale Watching?
The whale watching season in Akureyri typically runs from late April to early October. The summer months, particularly June through August, offer the best chance to see a variety of whale species. During this time, the waters are teeming with plankton and small fish, attracting a wide range of marine life, including the magnificent humpback whale.
The prime months for whale watching in Akureyri coincide with the long daylight hours of Icelandic summer, which can provide up to 24 hours of daylight in June. This means more time to spot whales and other wildlife, as well as to enjoy the stunning scenery.
While the summer months are most popular for whale watching, the other seasons (spring and fall) offer quieter experiences with fewer tourists. These months can also provide more dramatic weather conditions, which can make for an even more thrilling experience on the water.
What Travellers Say About This Whale Watching Tour
After reading through a large number of recent reviews, it’s clear this whale watching tour in Akureyri is one of the most reliable in North Iceland. Many travellers report seeing multiple humpback whales, often very close to the boat, with tail dives, fins and even the occasional breach. Several people mention spotting a dozen or more whales during a single trip.
The guides and crew are consistently praised for being experienced, knowledgeable and friendly. They explain whale behaviour in a clear, engaging way and take safety seriously without making the tour feel rushed or over-structured. A few reviews even mention guides recognising individual whales, which adds a nice personal touch.
Cold weather is common on the water, but the tour is well prepared. Thermal overalls, blankets and indoor heated areas are provided, making the experience comfortable even outside peak summer. Small extras like hot chocolate and free professional photos after the tour are frequently mentioned as unexpected bonuses.
The location is another plus. The departure point is within easy walking distance of Akureyri’s cruise port, making it a good option for cruise passengers and short stays. While whale sightings are never guaranteed, most reviewers felt confident booking thanks to the company’s free return policy if no whales are seen.
Overall, this tour is regularly described as a highlight of visiting Akureyri and a must-do experience for anyone hoping to see whales in Iceland.
