Whale Watching from Reykjavik & Akureyri

If whales are high on your Iceland wish list, this exceptional multi-day combo gives you the rare opportunity to experience whale watching from both Reykjavík and Akureyri during the same trip. Designed for independent travellers, this self-drive experience combines two classic whale watching tours in two of Iceland’s most rewarding marine regions: Faxaflói Bay in the south and Eyjafjörður Fjord in the north. In Reykjavík, you will set sail from the city’s Old Harbour and cruise into the rich feeding grounds of Faxaflói Bay, where the summer months often bring excellent chances to see minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises, with occasional sightings of orca and even fin whales.

Surrounded by views of Reykjavík’s coastline, distant mountains, and open ocean, this classic tour offers both excitement and comfort with outdoor viewing decks, indoor seating, live commentary, and warm overalls. On another day, continue your whale watching journey in Akureyri, where the calm waters of Eyjafjörður are especially famous for returning humpback whales. This northern fjord is one of Iceland’s most scenic whale watching locations, framed by steep mountain slopes and peaceful Arctic landscapes. The specially adapted whale watching vessel in Akureyri is built for comfort and excellent visibility, with spacious indoor and outdoor seating, elevated viewing platforms, and onboard refreshments available.

By combining these two destinations, you not only increase your chances of sightings, but also gain a broader understanding of Iceland’s marine ecosystems and seasonal wildlife. Whether you are a passionate nature lover, photographer, or first-time visitor, this combo offers a rewarding and flexible way to experience Iceland’s whale watching highlights from both ends of the country.

Approximately 6 hours

• Enjoy two classic whale watching tours in Reykjavík and Akureyri on separate days.
• Explore the rich waters of Faxaflói Bay and the scenic beauty of Eyjafjörður Fjord.
• Look for minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, and occasional orca sightings.
• Experience two distinct Icelandic coastal environments in both the south and north of the country.
• Benefit from the wildlife guarantee, allowing you to join again for free if no whales are seen.

Prices start from 169 EUR (exact pricing may vary based on group size and additional services).

• Classic Whale Watching Reykjavík
• Classic Whale Watching Akureyri
• Excellent live commentary in English
• Free WiFi on board both tours
• Use of warm overalls during both cruises
• Access to indoor and outdoor viewing areas
• Wildlife guarantee (join again for free if no whales are seen, subject to operator policy)

1. Book this multi-day combo and decide which date you would like to join the Reykjavík whale watching tour and which date you would like to join the Akureyri whale watching tour.

2. During booking, write your preferred dates in the special remarks section and reconfirm the schedule directly with the supplier after purchase.

3. On your selected Reykjavík date, arrive at the Elding office at Reykjavík Old Harbour before your scheduled departure time.

4. Board the classic whale watching vessel and set sail into Faxaflói Bay, where your guide will introduce the marine life and surrounding landscapes.

5. Spend approximately 2.5–3.5 hours at sea (or longer in winter, depending on conditions), searching for minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds.

6. Enjoy the cruise from outdoor decks for the best wildlife viewing or stay comfortable inside the heated indoor saloon with panoramic windows.

7. Return to Reykjavík after your southern Iceland whale watching experience.

8. On your selected Akureyri date, arrive at the Elding office in Akureyri before departure and check in for the northern whale watching tour.

9. Board the specially modified whale watching vessel and cruise into Eyjafjörður Fjord, one of Iceland’s most beautiful and productive whale habitats.

10. Spend approximately 2.5–3.5 hours on the water, watching for humpback whales, and potentially other marine species depending on the season.

11. Take in the dramatic fjord scenery, mountain views, and peaceful northern landscapes while listening to expert commentary from the onboard team.

12. Return to Akureyri after completing your second whale watching adventure, ending an unforgettable whale-focused journey across Iceland.

• This is a multi-day self-drive combo tour; the two whale watching tours take place on separate dates
• Available: All year
• Approximate duration of each tour: 3 hours
• Reykjavík whale watching duration: 2.5–3.5 hours in summer, 3–5 hours in winter
• Akureyri whale watching duration: 2.5–3.5 hours
• Please enter your preferred dates in the special remarks section when booking
• It is recommended to reconfirm both tour dates directly with the supplier after booking
• Meeting points:
• Elding office Reykjavík, Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, IS
• Elding office Akureyri, Oddeyrargata 2, 600 Akureyri, IS
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Booking: Can be booked until last minute
• Bring: camera, good sturdy shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing
• Warm overalls are provided on board
• Free WiFi is available on board both tours
• Cancellation policy: Refund if cancelled at least 1 day before the event
• Operated by Elding and its sister company Akureyri Whale Watching