Whale Watching from Dalvík: 98% Sighting Success Rate

Three hours on Eyjafjörður for humpback whales and dolphins most departures see

A three-hour whale watching tour departing from Dalvík, a small fishing village near Akureyri in North Iceland, sails into Eyjafjörður to search for humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales and harbour porpoises in waters just short of the Arctic Circle. The operator reports a 98% sighting rate across all tours. On the rare occasion no whales appear, you can return on another departure at no extra cost. A live English-speaking guide leads the tour, and hot chocolate with a cinnamon bun are served on board.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching tour from Dalvík

• Arrive at Dalvík fishing village
• Board whale watching boat
• Sail in Eyjafjörður fjord
• Whale watching near Hrisey island
• Return to Dalvík

The experience

Dalvík sits at the mouth of Eyjafjörður, one of the world's best humpback whale habitats, and the boat departs directly into those waters rather than traveling hours to reach them. The three-hour window gives the crew time to move through the fjord and respond when whales surface, without eating the entire day. You'll sail close to Hrísey island, which sits in the middle of the fjord, and the guide will point out what species you encounter and explain their behaviour as they move through the water.

The boat carries a restroom and stays close enough to shore that the crossing feels manageable even in rougher conditions. Hot chocolate and a cinnamon bun come out once you're underway, a small comfort that matters on a cold northern sea. All areas are wheelchair accessible, and infants can travel in a pram or stroller. Public transportation runs to Dalvík from Akureyri if you don't have a rental car.

What’s included

• Hot chocolate and cinnamon bun served on board.
• restroom access.
• live English-speaking guide throughout the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 10:00 and 13:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (7 to 15 years) · Infant (under 7): free

GroupUp to 60

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Arctic Sea Tours

Is this one for you?The three-hour duration leaves your morning or afternoon free for other activities in Akureyri, making this a natural half-day addition to a longer itinerary rather than a full commitment.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 15 years); Infant (under 7): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What whales and dolphins might I see on this tour from Dalvík?

Humpback whales are the most common sighting in Eyjafjörður, along with white-beaked dolphins, minke whales and harbour porpoises. Blue whales, fin whales and killer whales appear less often but do show up. The operator reports seeing whales or dolphins in 98% of departures.

How long does the whale watching tour take and what's included?

The tour runs three hours total. Hot chocolate and a cinnamon bun are served on board. The boat has a restroom and a live English-speaking guide narrates the experience.

Where does the boat depart from and how do I get to Dalvík?

The boat leaves from Dalvík, a small fishing village close to Akureyri in North Iceland. Public transportation options are available to reach Dalvík, and all transportation options in the area are wheelchair accessible.

What happens if we don't see any whales?

On the very rare occasion the tour doesn't encounter whales or dolphins, you're offered the chance to return on another departure at no additional cost.