Iceland · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
A shortlist rather than a catalogue: 15 cruises & boat tours, compared on cost, length and what is actually included, so you can decide in a couple of minutes.
3-hour Reykjavík whale watching from Faxaflói Bay with English guides, heated cabins, onboard WiFi, and a real shot at humpbacks.
“I can't really fault anything. Pick up was on time, staff fantastic. The trip was awesome and well informed.”
Join a 3-hour whale watching cruise from Reykjavik Old Harbor on the Amelia Rose, with 3 viewing decks, expert spotting, and warm blankets.
“Super easy to find and check-in, no worries at all. The guide gave many explanations about the fauna and landmarks which were appreciated. We were lucky to see several whales from up close. The Amelia Rose is very comfy and spacious, whenever it gets too cold you can warm up inside and buy a hot drink! Overall we recommend, we really loved it!”
Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor on a 2-hour northern lights yacht tour with warm blankets, a cozy bar, and deck space for photos.
“We got very lucky with totally clear skies and a high probability of a sighting, saw the lights within 10 minutes of the boat sailing out and then they put on a show for a good hour. The guide was very helpful, explaining how to take the best photos, that the lights come in waves and she alerted those of us who were sitting inside shielding from the cold whenever a new wave of lights would come up. It is very cold on the boat (it was minus 10 degrees that evening) so I advise wearing a lot of layers, coat, gloves, snow shoes. Would definitely recommend.”
“Our guide Patrick “The Puffin Man” was great. Engaging, hilarious, and knowledgeable about the puffin. Saw plenty of them. Got to take some good photos and videos, and they provide binoculars to help you see up close. Ride can be a bit bumpy due to the waves so if you have motion sickness, take meds beforehand. Beyond that, excellent tour.”
A 3-hour Reykjavik yacht cruise in Faxafloi Bay to spot whales and dolphins, with warm blankets, WiFi, and live guide commentary.
“Out of this world!!!! This was the best thing I’ve ever experienced on a trip. The scenery is more than enough but to witness Humpback Whales & a super pod of Dolphins in the wild took out breath away! The boat was very roomy & clean. The staff were lovely - very friendly & informative. We were blown away with this activity & will return to Reykjavík in the future just to do this trip again.”
Whale watching from Árskógssandur on a traditional oak boat in calm Eyjafjörður, with warm overalls and hot chocolate for about 2.5 hours.
“Our captain and guide extended our trip so that we could follow our Minke whale a little longer. Loved the trip. The boat was comfortable with plenty of places to sit and to get a different view and perspectives of the Eyjafjordur. The hot chocolate and bun were also very appreciated! We also learned a lot about northern Iceland, the industry and educational opportunities in the area, as well as information about how whales eat and descend and rise up for air. It was exactly what we we were hoping for.”
A 3 hour yacht cruise from Reykjavik to spot whales and dolphins around Faxafloi Bay, with landmark views and a free return if none.
“We saw dolphins, porpoises and whales. It was wonderful and they told us all about whales and the different seasons and what to expect from season.”
Reykjavik whale watching with thermal overalls, heated indoor viewing, free Wi-Fi, and a naturalist guide. Pick 2.5 or 3.5 hours.
“The most memorable parts was NOT seeing any whales which we know can happen however the response from the boat staff was simply, "bad luck". No refund, partially or otherwise nor any possibility of a return trip was offered.”
One-hour express boat from Reykjavik to Akurey for puffins, with an expert guide and binoculars, plus timing tips for better sightings.
“Lovely short cruise to see the puffins who are out there in great number. See them sitting on the cliffs and flying about.”
A cozy 2-hour Northern Lights cruise from downtown Reykjavik with heated indoor space, outdoor decks, and a free return if you miss the aurora.
“Our tour guides were fantastic and shared some fascinating facts. On the first night, unfortunately, the weather was against us and we missed seeing the lights. However, we were given a free pass and were able to see them the following night. The boat was very stable though a bit rocky if you stood on top but they did provide sea sickness tablets to help with this.”
“Essentially two separate tours as you come back to the harbour for a quick half hour change over. We did the Puffin tour first and it was fantastic, the guide had really good knowledge of the birds, the boat got nice and close to the colony and they were in good form flying around us and making a lot of noise. We then did the whale tour and whilst the whales were sadly being shy, we still got a few glimpses. The tour provider gave us a free return because the whales were not showing themselves as much as normal. Top set of tours, highly recommend.”
Small-group RIB whale watching from Húsavík, cruising Skjálfandi Bay for close whale encounters and, in season, Lundey puffins.
“Amazing experience…saw numerous whales, including the elusive Northern Bottlenose whale. Our guide and captain were very informative and knowledgeable”
Whale watching and dolphin yacht cruise from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor in Faxafloi Bay, with blankets, Wi-Fi photo sharing, and a second free tour if no sightings.
“Whilst we saw both a Minke whale and a Humpback whale on the trip, this tour could have been so much better. The commentary was very minimal; after a brief and basic welcome as we set off, we didn't hear anything for over another hour - and even that was just 5 minutes of telling us that there are 4 types of dolphins/whales that we might see. But that was largely it - nothing about the chances of seeing them, what our strategy for finding them was (we seemed to just be aimlessly sailing around for the first 90 minutes), do the animals live in the bay or further out,…”
Cruise-shore day tour from Akureyri to Godafoss and Lake Mývatn geothermal sites, with optional Nature Baths and easy port pickup.
“Loved this tour. There was 16 of us, and our guide was fantastic. Loved the itinerary, and we had lots of laughs along the way - and some great stories. Highly recommend.”
Húsavík whale and puffin cruise on a traditional oak boat from Skjálfandi Bay, with warm overalls, hot chocolate, cinnamon buns.
“Hard to hear the commentary at the back/sides. A lovely old timber fishing boat but really hard to manoeuvre to see the whales when we could hear the call. A wet day but still a great activity despite everything. Better signage is needed as there are three North Sailing spots with the ticket office, toilets/dressing room and another office area that was confusing even with directions.”
Pick the kind of day you want. Every one of them is ranked.
