Whale Watching and Goðafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri
A morning on Eyjafjörður with humpbacks and minkes, an afternoon at the Waterfall of the Gods
This whale watching and Goðafoss combo tour pairs a guided fjord excursion aboard a purpose-built vessel with a minibus trip to one of Iceland's most storied waterfalls. Both segments depart from Akureyri, making the day logistically straightforward and scenically rewarding.
Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in Iceland, provides a sheltered and nutrient-rich environment where humpback whales, minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins are regularly sighted. Guides on board share insights into the fjord's ecology, local history, and conservation context while the vessel moves quietly through the water.
After returning to Akureyri, the afternoon minibus leg heads east along the Fnjóská valley toward Goðafoss. The waterfall drops 12 meters across a 30-meter-wide curved basalt ledge, and visitors have open time to walk the viewing paths on both banks before the return drive.
The combination covers two distinct natural environments — open fjord and inland river canyon — within a single day, offering a practical way to experience North Iceland's most accessible highlights without requiring a rental car or separate bookings.
Tour Highlights
Whale watching in Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord, with certified naturalist guides on board.
High-speed, purpose-modified whale watching vessel with indoor and outdoor seating, a bar, and a cafeteria.
Professional photos taken during the whale watching segment, available to download after the tour.
Visit Goðafoss, a 12-meter-high waterfall spanning 30 meters, historically linked to Iceland's conversion to Christianity in the year 1000.
Comfortable minibus transfer to and from Goðafoss with scenic commentary en route.
Both tour segments depart from central Akureyri, with no private vehicle required.
Family-friendly difficulty rating, accessible to a wide range of ages and fitness levels.
Itinerary
Check in at the Whale Watching Akureyri ticket office beside the HOF cultural centre in downtown Akureyri. Staff will direct you to the correct vessel and provide safety briefing information before departure.
The vessel heads out into Eyjafjörður, where guides scan for cetaceans including humpback whales, minke whales, and harbor porpoises. Commentary covers marine biology, fjord ecology, and local history throughout the excursion.
The boat returns to Oddeyrarbót pier following the whale watching segment. Participants have time to rest, eat, and prepare before the afternoon minibus tour begins.
A comfortable minibus departs Akureyri heading east. The driver provides contextual commentary on the surrounding landscape, farming communities, and the geological features of the Fnjóská river valley.
Visitors explore the waterfall on foot, with well-maintained paths providing views from multiple angles on both the north and south banks. The site carries significant historical weight — in the year 1000, chieftain Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði cast his Norse idols into the falls upon Iceland's adoption of Christianity.
The minibus returns to central Akureyri, completing the full-day combo. Total tour time from the morning whale watching departure to the afternoon return is approximately 6 hours.
What Is Included
Included
- Whale watching boat tour in Eyjafjörður (2.5 – 3.5 hours)
- Expert naturalist guide commentary on board
- Professional tour photos (available after the excursion)
- Use of onboard facilities including bar and cafeteria
- Goðafoss Express minibus round trip from Akureyri
- Guided commentary en route to and from Goðafoss
- Free exploration time at Goðafoss Waterfall
Not Included
- Food and beverages (available for purchase on board)
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for guides
- Transport to/from the Oddeyrarbót pier meeting point
- Entrance fees to any optional attractions
Important Information
Reserve Your Spot
Secure your place on this full-day North Iceland combo and experience Eyjafjörður's marine wildlife alongside the historic Goðafoss waterfall — all in a single, well-organized day from Akureyri.
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