In North Iceland, visitors can join whale-watching tours from various coastal towns and villages. Eyjafjörður, one of the country’s longest and most scenic fjords, is considered one of the best places to observe whales. Humpback whales are the main attraction and are seen throughout the year, while minke whales, dolphins, and bottlenose whales are also frequently spotted. Some whales have even been seen deep within the fjord—occasionally right in front of Akureyri. Several companies in the region specialize in whale watching, offering a range of tours and experiences.
These include:
Whale Watching Akureyri (Akureyri),
Special Tours (Akureyri)
Keli Sea Tours (Akureyri)
Whale Watching Hauganes (Hauganes, aprox 25 min drive from Akureyri),
Whale Watching Árskógssandur (Árskógssandur, aprox 30 min drive from Akureyri)
Arctic Sea Tours in Dalvik (aprox 30 min drive from Akureyri).
Whale Watching Akureyri
Oddeyrarbót 2
IS-600 Akureyri
Phone: +354 497 1000.
E-mail: info@whalewatchingakureyri.is
Website: www.whalewatchingakureyri.is
Departures from the floating pier at Hof Cultural house just below the city center of Akureyri. Open year-round.
Whale Watching Akureyri operates whale-watching tours in North Iceland from the seaside town of Akureyri, situated on the magnificent Eyjafjörður. Their tours provide opportunities to experience the famous humpback whales of Eyjafjörður in their natural habitat. The company offers two types of vessels: a traditional sightseeing ship for a comfortable experience and specially designed RIB boats for a more adventurous, up-close wildlife encounter.
We guide and operate whale watching tours in North-Iceland, from the sea side town of Akureyri, on the magnificent Eyjafjord. Join our day tours and experience the famous Eyjafjord Humpback Whales in their natural habitat.
Special Tours Akureyri
Oddeyrarbót 1
IS-600 Akureyri
Phone: 560 8800
Email: info@specialtours.is
Website: www.specialtours.is
Special Tours offers exciting whale-watching experiences for nature lovers, with tours around the scenic Eyjafjörður. Passengers frequently encounter humpback whales and other species. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into local wildlife and geography, while the fast and comfortable catamaran Lilja ensures a smooth experience.
Tours are available from May to September with daily departures at 9:00 and 13:00.
Keli Seatours
Oddeyrarbót
IS-600 Akureyri
E-mail: info@keliseatours.is
Website: www.keliseatours.is
Phone: (+354) 546 7000
Keli Sea Tours is a family-owned company run by three brothers—Egill, Halldór, and Sævar Áskelsson. They operate whale-watching tours in Eyjafjörður using a 40-year-old oak boat originally built in 1975 by their father.
Whale Watching Hauganes
Hauganes harbour
IS-621 Hauganes (Dalvikurbyggd/Dalvik municipality)
Phone: (+354) 867 0000
E-mail: whales@whales.is
Website: www.whales.is
Established in 1993, Whale Watching Hauganes is Iceland’s oldest whale-watching tour operator. Based in the quaint fishing village of Hauganes on the west side of Eyjafjörður, just 30 km north of Akureyri, the company specializes in whale watching and sea angling. Tours are conducted on traditional Icelandic oak boats, offering comfortable voyages with stunning views of the fjord and its diverse marine life, including humpback whales, minke whales, harbour porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins. Occasional sightings of killer whales or even blue whales are possible.
Whale Watching Hauganes is also committed to sustainability. The company operates carbon-neutral tours through its Whale Forest project, planting one tree per tour to offset emissions. Boats partially run on biodiesel made from recycled cooking oil. Guests are welcome to enjoy sea angling on the return trip, with the option to take home freshly filleted fish.
IS-601 Árskógssandur
Phone: (+354) 840 7250
E-mail: info@whalewatchingeyjafjordur.is
Website: Whalewatchingeyjafjordur.is
From the quiet village of Árskógssandur—about a 30-minute drive from Akureyri—visitors can join a unique 2-hour whale-watching tour. This hidden gem in North Iceland offers a peaceful setting and a great chance to see whales in their natural environment.
Only about 30 minute drive from Akureyri (35 km).
Arctic Sea Tours
Svarfaðarbraut 14
IS-620 Dalvík
Phone: (+354) 771 7600
Website: www.ArcticSeaTours.is
Open year-round, Arctic Sea Tours is a family-run company offering personalized whale-watching experiences from Dalvík, about 30 minutes from Akureyri. Tours focus on small group sizes and personal service. Arctic Whale Watching tours are adventurous and include a short fishing experience, a fish cutting demonstration, hot drinks and refreshments, and freshly grilled local fish at the end.
In 2011, whales or dolphins were sighted on 99% of their tours. The company operates a licensed oak passenger boat.