Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri: Humpbacks & Minke Whales

Spot humpbacks and minke whales from a heated boat in Iceland's most reliable whale habitat

Whale watching tour from Akureyri city centre aboard the Lilja, sailing Eyjafjörður's sheltered waters with an expert English-speaking guide for 2.5 hours. You'll wear provided thermal overalls and watch from a heated indoor saloon with panoramic windows or open decks while the guide points out humpbacks, minke whales and seabirds. If no whales surface, you get a free return ticket.

The experience

Where do you actually see whales in Iceland? Eyjafjörður, the fjord north of Akureyri, has some of the most consistent whale sightings in the country: humpbacks and minke whales feed reliably in these sheltered waters. The boat leaves from the city centre, so there's no drive out to a remote harbour. You board the Lilja and head straight into the fjord with a guide who knows exactly where the whales surface to feed and what to watch for when seabirds appear alongside the boat.

You'll spend 2.5 hours on the water dressed in warm, floatable thermal overalls provided in adult and children's sizes. The boat has a heated indoor saloon with panoramic windows so you can watch from inside if the weather turns rough, plus open viewing decks for closer views when conditions allow. Complimentary seasickness tablets are available on board, and there's free Wi-Fi if you want to share what you see. The guide speaks English and gives live commentary throughout, pointing out behaviour and identifying species as they appear.

The whale sightings guarantee means if nothing surfaces, you get a free ticket to try again on another departure: no second booking fee, no argument. The tour runs in a variety of weather conditions, so dress in layers. If conditions become unsuitable for sailing, you'll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

What’s included

• Warm thermal overalls in your size.
• heated indoor saloon with panoramic windows and open viewing decks.
• expert English-speaking guide with live wildlife commentary.
• complimentary seasickness tablets.
• free onboard Wi-Fi.
• whale sightings guarantee. If no whales surface, you get a free return ticket.

Before you book

Days and timesSundayDeparts at 13:00

Book up toStart time

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

GroupUp to 189 · max 9 per booking

Live 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Special Tours Iceland

Is this one for you?The tour runs 2.5 hours on open water with a guide pointing out wildlife, so you'll be standing and watching rather than hiking or walking on land. Dress warmly in layers and bring waterproof gear. The boat operates in varied weather, and seasickness tablets are available if you need them.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 15 years); Child (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 will I actually see on this tour?

Humpback and minke whales are the species most reliably spotted in Eyjafjörður's waters during the tour. The guide knows their feeding patterns and where they surface, and seabirds often appear alongside the boat as well. If no whales surface, you receive a free return ticket.

How long is the whale watching tour from Akureyri?

The tour lasts 2.5 hours from departure to return. You'll spend that time aboard the Lilja sailing Eyjafjörður with the guide providing live wildlife commentary.

What do I wear and what's provided on the boat?

Warm, floatable thermal overalls in adult and children's sizes are provided. You wear them over your own clothes. The boat has a heated indoor saloon with panoramic windows for viewing, open decks for closer sightings, complimentary seasickness tablets, and free Wi-Fi onboard.

Does the tour run if the weather is bad?

The tour operates in a variety of weather conditions, so dress in layers and bring waterproof gear. If sailing conditions become unsuitable, you'll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Is there food and drink available on the boat?

Food and drinks are available to purchase from the onboard café. They are not included in the tour price.