Spotting whales in Iceland is one of the greatest experiences possible when traveling to the Land of Fire and Ice. We visit this nation annually to conduct our Iceland photo tour, and whenever feasible, we reserve an Iceland whale watching trip, an activity that I highly recommend.
If individuals have not seen wild whales previously, I can promise that their size will create an impact. Also, if one is passionate about cetaceans similar to myself, it`s not difficult to become energized by their majestic motions. This is why observing whales in Iceland is such a well-liked activity.
Additionally, whale watching tours in Iceland have greatly aided the fight against whaling. Taking a whale watching excursion in Iceland is the best way to demonstrate to locals that cetaceans are more valuable as living creatures than commodified goods.
So if you are starting to design your listing of essential things to do in Iceland and you want to locate the most suitable whale viewing visit, this article clarifies everything you necessary to appreciate it to the fullest.
This guide to whale watching in Iceland contains:
- Best time for whale watching in Iceland
- Best places for whale watching in Iceland
- Whale watching tours in Iceland
- Whales of Iceland
- Whales of Iceland Museum
- Whale hunting in Iceland
Table of Contents
Best time for whale watching in Iceland
Whale watching tours are provided in Iceland throughout each month of the year, but contingent on the region one visits, sightings will be more likely during specific times of travel. Additionally, the kinds of whales seen will vary across the different seasons.
Therefore, understanding when is the greatest time period to watch whales in Iceland and the preferable areas to travel based on if it`s summertime or winter is vital information.
There are various trips accessible to see marine mammals in Iceland from different areas of the island, and even though we have generally been fortunate and could fully experience it, no company can guaranteeseeing whales on your tour. Specifically, even if you travel at the ideal time to visit Iceland, it`s possible to conduct the same excursion on separate days and have entirely unlike encounters. As wild animals living with complete autonomy, their habits are unpredictable and this is what makes whale watching in Iceland so compelling and distinctive.
The good news relates to most whale watching tours in Iceland, or at least the ones being recommended, allowing repetition of the excursion free of charge until whales are seen. As such, the initial recommendation is to schedule the whale watching expedition in Iceland for the first travel date. This enables more prospects to observe the whales if repeating the tour becomes necessary.
Whale Watching in summer in Iceland
For various reasons, summer is the best time for whale watching in Iceland. From June to August, a large number of whales come to the island’s coast to feed.
This is the best time to see the most common whales of Iceland, the minke, and the humpback. You can even see some white-beaked dolphins and porpoises.
During these months there are also migrational movements by some cetacean species that are more difficult to observe, such as the blue whale, so you will have more opportunities to see this gigantic type of whale while they are migrating northward.
Another primary advantage of the summer months is the ability to go on a whale watching tour in Iceland departing from any of the three cities – Reykjavík, Húsavík, and Akureyri. This allows you to take a tour from wherever best suits your itinerary without major modifications. I will also explain when is best to see whales in Iceland depending on the city you are in later.
Finally, another reason I advocate taking a whale watching tour in Iceland in summer is you can benefit from more comfortable temperatures. While tours usually provide warm outerwear, on the open seas the biting wind is cold. Additionally, the waters are usually calmer during these months, so canceling the expedition because of poor weather is less probable. For all these factors, the summer months, between June and August, are seen as the optimal time to view whales in Iceland. April, May, September, and early October also represent a very good time for whale watching.
Whale Watching in winter in Iceland
Summer is widely considered the ideal period to observe whales in Iceland. However, that does not signify that you are unable to see and enjoy them in winter. We too have participated in whale watching tours in Iceland during winter months, and so far we have regularly been rather fortunate and capable of seeing whales on the initial outing.
The main difference with taking a whale watching tour in summer is that you will have to carefully preplan your departure since there are periods when you can only conduct it from Reykjavík. So you should keep in mind that if you travel to Iceland between November and March you won’t be able to take the whale tour from Húsavík or Akureyri.
We loved our whale watching tour in Iceland in the middle of the winter because the snowy backdrops make everything even more spectacular. Also, in winter you have the chance to watch orcas in Iceland. So if your dream is to watch killer whales in Iceland, I think winter is also a good time for a whale tour.
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Of course, if you travel to Iceland in winter and plan to take this excursion, be prepared for frigid temperatures. Even if you bundle up and wear the heated coveralls provided, you will inevitably feel cold while appreciating these incredible animals. Still, the experience is worth it .
Best places for whale watching in Iceland
Reykjavík, Húsavík, and Akureyri are the prime locales for whale observation in Iceland.
In summary, Reykjavík serves as the capital and location for whale tours offered year-round, making it the most popular Icelandic city for whale watching excursions. Furthermore, it represents one of the few areas where sightings of orcas in Iceland may occur.
However, in the northern Icelandic cities of Húsavík and Akureyri, the probability of observing whales during summer is much higher, making these locations the best spots to see whales in Iceland for travelers visiting from June to August.
Húsavík is dubbed the Whale Capital for valid reasoning and is my preferred location to take such tours. Yet, Akureyri, as a bigger city, also offers an excellent option for watching whales in Iceland.
Any of the three cities make for suitable choices, although for more data to help determine where to embark on the expedition, check out the next section. Here, I’ll outline the main characteristics of whale watching trips from:
Whale watching in Reykjavík, a popular place for whale watching in Iceland
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Boat trips leaving Reykjavík`s Old Harbour provide sights of various whale species, dolphins, and porpoises. The tours allow seeing minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. Depending on the boat`s route, killer whales can potentially be viewed in winter, and puffins in summer.
However, if the capital is such a well-known location to watch whales in Iceland, it’s also because of the natural beauty of its landscapes. From the vessel, you have spectacular views of the Reykjanes peninsula, as well as Faxaflói Bay and the Snaefellsjökull glacier. There are undoubtedly numerous activities to engage in within Reykjavík, but participating in a whale-watching tour from the city is incredibly thrilling.
Most visitors to the island do not have enough time to drive the full circuit around the Ring Road,seeing the northern region of Iceland. Therefore, if this applies to your trip, do not worry. While Húsavík and Akureyri are more renowned spots for whale watching, you can easily book a whale watching tour in Reykjavík if you will only see the southern area. .
Whale watching in Húsavík, the best place for whale watching in Iceland
Húsavík is the premier place to see whales in Iceland. Known as the whale capital, it is considered the quintessential location for taking whale watching trips in Iceland.
This small coastal fishing community in northern Iceland, right where Skjalfandi Bay is located, an area rich in plankton, provides an ideal habitat for whales to feed during summer months. For me, the experience of the whale watching excursion from Húsavík has undoubtedly been the most remarkable, not merely because of sighting numerous humpback whales and other marine species, but owing to the breathtaking scenery.
Locals from the area assure that departing from the northern section provides an almost absolute chance of watching whales, particularly during summer months due to migratory patterns. Therefore, at minimum, you are virtually guaranteed to see humpback whales, as well as porpoises and white-beaked dolphins. And hopefully, some additional species might be spotted because up to 24 distinct types of cetaceans have been recorded in this region.
Tour excursions can take place between March and November and depart from the harbor located in the city center. I suggest taking your whale watching trip in Iceland from Húsavík. Furthermore, I encourage including this lovely city in your itinerary as the locals are also quite charming .
Whale watching in Akureyri, another option to see whales in Iceland
Akureyri is another potential for whale watching trips in Iceland if you travel between April/May and November. Excursions depart from the center port and generally head towards the Eyjafjördur fjord to glimpse marine mammals.
The probability of encountering whales in Iceland from Akureyri is virtually equivalent to that from Húsavík. Similarly, there is marginal divergence regarding the species detectable, though certain travelers favor stopping in Akureyri over Húsavík because the city is more extensive and presents more recreational prospects. Indeed, it represents the second largest urban center in Iceland after Reykjavík. The types most likely visible encompass humpback whales, minke whales, porpoises, seals, and white-beaked dolphins.
I believe Akureyri presents an excellent option to observe whales in Iceland if your aim is to spend a few days in the city exploring attractions, or if you are following an Iceland`s Ring Road itinerary lasting 7 days or less and lack time to detour to Húsavík .
Whale watching tours in Iceland
Now that you`re aware of where to see whales in Iceland and the optimal time, you must pick some of the top whale watching excursions in Iceland. After all, this activity can only be experienced through participating in a tour.
To aid your choice, I`ve curated the most suitable whale observing trips in Iceland. All permit a second chance at no additional cost if unfavorable luck prevented marine mammal sightings initially. This bears remembering since crowds commonly sight whales initially, yet whales behave spontaneously in the untamed.
My advice when selecting one of these whale watching excursions in Iceland is to book it in advance for the first or second day of your trip. This allows time for repetition if needed.
All of these whale watching tours are responsible, so the boats won’t come closer than needed to observe the whales safely. Also, these are specially designed boats that won’t disturb marine life and will respect their natural habitat.
Whale watching tour from Reykjavík
If you intend on hiring a whale watching tour from Reykjavík I suggest this one. Andrea, which is the boat utilized to operate the tour, is the largest whale watching vessel in Iceland. Riders can observe cetaceans from anywhere on the boat.
It also offers a warm inside seating area where you can see whales through large windows. This is a good backup plan if it gets very cold. Even so, I recommend that you wear the warm overalls that they hand out, and go out onto the deck since it’s the best way to see these animals.
This basic tour from Reykjaik, Iceland to observe whales is very affordable. However, during peak season, it often reaches full booking early on
However, it is not the only recommended whale watching tour available from Reykjavík.
If you visit Iceland during the summer months, I suggest this excursion, which combines a whale watching tour from Reykjavík with a visit to see puffins. This trip uses a smaller vessel that permits getting nearer to the cliffs where the friendly birds build their nests.
At the end of June, observing the Midnight Sun also occurs, so if you are going to travel at this time I advise keeping an eye on the tour combining whale watching in Iceland during the Midnight Sun. This is an incredible phenomenon you cannot miss, and this tour truly stands out.
If traveling to Iceland in winter, another activity worth considering is taking this tour that combines witnessing whales along with viewing the Northern Lights. For those undertaking this excursion, I suggest reviewing our guide on photographing the Northern Lights.
Whale watching tours from Húsavík
There are numerous whale watching tours from Húsavík, Iceland, but the one we favored most is this particular one. This
is a 3-hour excursion that allows visitors to appreciate spectacular landscapes while observing various cetaceans and seabirds. The guide from our last trip was excellent and, in addition to seeing numerous whales, we learned a great deal.
I suggest checking out this excursion that combines whale viewing with a visit to an island populated by puffins. This option is only available during the puffin nesting period between April 15 and August 20. You can also repeat this tour at no cost if you don’t see whales or dolphins that day.
Best whale watching tour from Akureyri
From the city of Akureyri, the choice of whale watching tours in Iceland is not as extensive as in the previous cities. However, this does not imply the quality of tours is lower. With this basic whale watching excursion in Iceland from Akureyri, one travels on a high-speed boat intended to respect both wildlife and Iceland`s scenery.
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Whales of Iceland
In certain areas of Iceland, such as Húsavík, there are reports of up to 24 different species of whales. However, not all of these species are easy to see. So here is an overview of the whale species that one is most probable to see during a whale watching trip in Iceland.
Humpback whales in Iceland
The humpback whale is the most regularly seen species in Iceland and the odds are very high that you will see a few, even various, in summer, regardless of the city from which you take the tour.
Humpback whales measure around 40 to 45 feet in length. Since they lack teeth, they consume very tiny foods like krill, plankton, herring, and mackerel. Humpback whales seek cooler waters in the summer and warmer waters in the winter, thus they migrate. They can cover up to 16,000 miles in a single year in their travels.
In summer, the particles of the glacial rivers reach the ocean. This, along with the increased number of daylight hours, causes the plankton populations to increase significantly on the Icelandic coasts, thus attracting whales, which come there to graze.
Minke whales in Iceland
The minke whale is also very popular in Iceland. They can be seen throughout the year, although they are most active in the summer months. You can view them from Reykjavík, Húsavík, and Akureyri.
Unlike the humpback whale or other species, this particular marine mammal is smaller in size and rarely exceeds 30 feet in length. The mink whale, similar to the humpback, has baleen plates fitted with bristles instead of teeth to filter its food which mainly consists of tiny sea creatures and fish, with krill being its preferred dietary item.
White-beaked dolphins in Iceland
The white-beaked dolphin is Iceland`s most frequently encountered dolphin species. Therefore, any dolphins spotted will likely belong to this type. It ranges from 6 to 10 feet and has a dark gray or black body marked by white spots.
It is probable that throughout your whale watching tour in Iceland you will see them amusing themselves on the surface, a spectacular sight to behold. And best of all, they swim communally rather than solo. Patrons can spot them year-round irrespective of the starting point for the excursion.
Harbour porpoises in Iceland
The harbour porpoise is the smallest cetacean type, measuring between 5 and 6.5 feet, and can be seen year-round from any location in Iceland. It’s difficult to detect, so you will need the guidance of an expert to find it. They usually swim alone or in small groups and feed on fish, squid, and crustaceans.
Orcas in Iceland
The killer whales are one of the most spectacular sea creatures that can be seen during whale watching tours in Iceland. They are generally found around the Snæfellsnes peninsula and along the south coast, so viewing them necessitates taking a whale watching excursion from Reykjavík. In addition, they only pass through Iceland`s coasts in the winter months, as they arrive there seeking herring.
To be straightforward, observing killer whales in Iceland is not effortless. We have seen killer whales in Vancouver, Canada and Kamchatka, but not in Iceland. However, we’ll continue trying and I hope we can see them there at some point, too.
Other types of whales of Iceland
Although there are many other types of whales in Iceland, if by luck you come across any of the following, you should feel extremely fortunate. They are rare to see, but with a bit of luck and a whale tour guided by authentic scientists and experts like the ones I have recommended, you will increase your chances.
Other baleen whales in Iceland
Besides humpback whales and minke whales, other types of baleen whales that can be seen in Iceland include the immense blue whale or fin whale. These varieties of whales are more difficult to observe, so if you want an opportunity, you should visit the island during summer months.
Toothed whales in Iceland
On some occasions, particularly during spring and summer, toothed whales can sometimes be spotted in Iceland. The most regularly seen is the sperm whale, which is the largest tooth-bearing creature globally, measuring up to 65 feet. At times, they are witnessed in western Iceland.
In the north, whales more typical of the Arctic Circle are also rarely seen, such as the beluga, also known as the white whale. Another rare species is the narwhal, the unicorn of the sea with a single tusk of up to 6.5 feet.
Viewing a toothed whale in Iceland is difficult, as they are not common, though you should have your camera ready in case you have a fortunate break during your tour.
Pilot whales in Iceland
The dolphins known as pilot whales mostly dwell on the open seas. Estimates put their Icelandic population at around 35,000, but they are seldom visible due to their offshore habitat. Occasionally moving closer to shore provides rare glimpses of these creatures. Sadly, whale watching excursions in Iceland infrequently result in sightings. Consider yourself exceptionally fortunate if any come into view.
Beaked whales in Iceland
The beaked whales are among the most mysterious types of whale since they spend the majority of their time submerged below the surface, making it virtually impossible to see them. They rise briefly for a few seconds before plunging back down into the depths to feed, resulting in sightings being very rare occurrences. Their tendency to swim away from ships also does not help increase opportunities for observation.
However, it is calculated that there are about 40,000 solitary bottlenose whales inhabiting the waters surrounding Iceland, so some have periodically been seen, especially in the southeast of the island .
Whales of Iceland, the best museum about whales in the world
The Museum of Iceland`s Whales is one of the finest establishments in the world dedicated to whales. I strongly suggest exploring it, particularly if you are traveling with your family to Iceland. There are few museums that respect animals as much as this one. Here, you can see full-size replicas crafted entirely by hand.
So if after participating in any of the whale watching excursions in Iceland, you want to learn more or didn`t see all the species you hoped, here you will find an exact replica of all the whale varieties found in the country. You can even experience the whales` special song and gain more understanding about their life at sea, including its dangers and methods of protection and defense.
The museum, situated in Reykjavík, showcases whales found in Iceland. If you wish to visit, I suggest booking tickets here, as it is one of the most popular activities in Reykjavík.
Whale hunting in Iceland
Contrary to common belief held by many individuals, hunting whales has never truly been a part of Iceland`s cultural traditions. It was not until the twentieth century that commercial whaling first began operating out of Iceland. Other nations had previously utilized Iceland`s waters for whalery, but Icelanders themselves did not historically engage in such practices.
Sadly, many whaling companies from Norway began operating in the waters surrounding Iceland. After intensively overhunting whales in Norway, they found Icelandic seas to contain more whales. Understanding the financial benefits of whaling, Icelanders started to hunt whales, generally to sell them to Norway and Japan.
Are you surprised to discover that most native Icelanders have rarely if ever consumed whale meat despite its appearance on menus at some tourist eateries?
Although nowadays it’s lawful to seek whales in Iceland, the locals have understood that the nation’s financial system is fueled by tourism and that tourists are eager to pay a lot more to watch whales in Iceland swimming freely than to see them on their plate.
The good news is that in 2019 no whales were hunted in Iceland and we hope this practice will remain discontinued until outlawed. You too can help fight whaling in Iceland. If at a restaurant where it`s offered, don`t request it. Also, take a whale watching tour in Iceland to continue aiding locals financially value whales in a much more respectful way.
Thank you for helping protect Iceland’s whales!
