Whale Watching from Reykjavík & Akureyri
Two coasts, one unforgettable wildlife journey across Iceland's richest cetacean waters
This combo experience puts whale watching in Iceland at the centre of your journey, combining a classic tour from Reykjavík with a dedicated expedition deep into Eyjafjord from Akureyri. Each location offers a distinct ecosystem and a different cast of marine wildlife, from minke whales and harbour porpoises in the capital's bay to humpback whales that reliably return to the north year after year. A wildlife guarantee backs both tours, so if no whale is spotted, you may join again at no extra cost.
The Reykjavík departure heads into Faxaflói Bay, where minke whales are the most frequently sighted species throughout the year. White-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, and humpback whales also appear regularly, while killer whales and fin whales make occasional appearances that few visitors ever forget. The historical sighting success rate sits above 91 percent, a figure shaped by decades of observation in these waters.
Akureyri's Eyjafjord is the deepest fjord in Iceland, and its cold, food-rich waters draw humpback whales back season after season with remarkable consistency. The vessel operating this northern tour was renovated specifically for whale watching, fitted with cinema-style viewing platforms and capable of moving quickly to wherever the whales happen to be feeding. Blue whales and white-beaked dolphins have also been recorded in the fjord during recent seasons.
Booking this combo requires choosing which tour you wish to do on which day, noted in the special remarks field at checkout. The operator recommends confirming those details directly with the sales team after booking to ensure smooth logistics between the two locations. Both tours run year-round, with winter departures from Reykjavík running slightly longer to account for conditions.
Tour Highlights
Access two of Iceland's most productive whale watching locations in a single combined booking.
Reykjavík tours carry a 91.40 percent historical sighting success rate across multiple cetacean species.
Akureyri tours recorded 100 percent humpback whale sighting success during the 2016 summer season.
A wildlife guarantee applies to both tours — no whale sighted means a free repeat trip.
The Akureyri vessel accommodates up to 200 guests with indoor seating, a bar, and a cafeteria on board.
Eyjafjord is the deepest fjord in Iceland, providing a dramatic natural corridor for whale activity.
Both tours run all year, giving travellers flexibility regardless of when they visit Iceland.
How the Combo Unfolds
Make your way to the designated meeting point at Reykjavík's harbour. Board the whale watching vessel and receive a briefing from the onboard naturalist guide before departing into Faxaflói Bay.
The vessel navigates the bay in search of minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises. The tour lasts approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours, with winter departures running up to 5 hours.
On a separate day, make your way to Akureyri in North Iceland. The town sits at the head of Eyjafjord and serves as the departure point for the second leg of your whale watching combo.
The purpose-built whale watching ship departs from Akureyri harbour and heads into Eyjafjord. Cinema-style viewing platforms offer elevated sightlines across the fjord from multiple angles.
Humpback whales are the primary species in the fjord, returning annually for the abundant food supply. Blue whales and white-beaked dolphins have also been recorded during recent seasons in these waters.
The vessel returns to port after approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours on the water. If no whale was sighted on either tour, the wildlife guarantee entitles you to a complimentary repeat departure.
What Is Included
Included
- Whale watching tour from Reykjavík (approx. 2.5–3.5 hrs)
- Whale watching tour from Akureyri (approx. 2.5–3.5 hrs)
- Onboard naturalist guide on both tours
- Wildlife guarantee on both tours (free re-sail if no whale is spotted)
- Indoor and outdoor seating on both vessels
- Bar and cafeteria service on the Akureyri vessel
Not Included
- Transport between Reykjavík and Akureyri
- Accommodation between tour days
- Meals and beverages beyond onboard offerings
- Gratuities for guides and crew
- Personal travel insurance
Important Information
Secure Your Spot on Both Tours
This combo is available year-round and offers one of the most complete whale watching experiences available in Iceland. Reserve your place on both tours and note your preferred dates in the special remarks field at checkout.
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