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Iceland Whale Watching Holidays

4.8/5

Average Customer Score
Based On 1362 Reviews

4.8/5

Average Customer Score
Based On 1362 Reviews

Overview

We’re proud to have pioneered whale watching in Iceland back in 1993, when we became the first company to operate a whale-watching boat trip. It’s a truly spectacular destination for encountering these majestic, captivating creatures.

During summer, you can watch humpback whales breaching in the golden light of the midnight sun. And in winter you can see pods of orca hunting herring against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains. Over 20 species of cetacean are found in the seas around Iceland.

The species most commonly seen range from the diminutive harbour porpoise and white-beaked dolphin to orcas, minke whales and gentle giants like the sperm, fin, humpback and the largest of them all, the blue whale.

A whale watching experience can be tailored into nearly all of our holidays in Iceland – just get in touch with our team.

There's nothing like personal experience from someone who's been there to elevate your holiday out of the ordinary. Our specialists have it in bucket loads ready to tailor make your adventure.
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  • Orcas off Snaefellsnes in Iceland © Alexa Kershaw

    Highlights

    Enjoy boat trips by day in search of the orca that prowl the coast and aurora spotting each evening against the stunning backdrop of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

  • north iceland husavik humpback whale breaching ns

    Highlights

    Spot humpbacks, minke and blue whales on a boat trip from Husavik during summer

Whale watching holidays in Iceland

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Year round whale watching opportunities

Whale watching in Iceland is a year round affair though peak season is April to September when you stand a good chance of witnessing the acrobatic antics of humpback whales. Blue whales are also regular spring and summer visitors, particularly off the coast of North Iceland in top whale watching locations like Skjalfandi Bay and Eyjafjordur. Late winter into spring and even early summer brings orcas off the coast of West Iceland.
“I’m amazed at the number of whale species you can see in Iceland. Some are resident, others migratory, arriving via a mid-Atlantic whale highway to where the cold East Greenland current and the warmer Gulf Stream meet.  The resulting upwelling of nutrient-rich water creates an open-all-hours snack bar for whales and dolphins and outstanding whale watching opportunities for us.”
Cathy Harlow, Iceland Guide

Winter whale watching

During winter, whale watching in Iceland focuses on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in the west of the country where orcas gather to feed on large shoals of herring, typically from January and and through to June. In the more southerly coastal waters, you can spot whales year round, with excursions operating from Reykjavik harbour. No matter, which season you choose to search for cetaceans, you’ll also be able to enjoy the added spectacle of large flocks of seabirds, stunning scenery and sublime, ever-changing Arctic light.

Ways to travel

Our close ties with the tourist industry in Iceland allows us to offer tailored whale watching holidays. Our winter Orcas and Aurora self-drive holiday lets you search for killer whales by day off the coast of Grundarfjordur and the northern lights by night.

Independent travellers can also enjoy whale encounters with excursions threaded into our diverse collection of summer self-drive holidays. At Husavik, ‘Europe’s Whale Watching Capital’, you have the added charm of setting out in a sailing schooner or a beautifully restored oak fishing boat, while from Reykjavik fast and fun RIB boats add an extra thrill!

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The Sound of Orcas in Iceland

What do orca sound like? Listen to the incredible sounds of wild orcas socialising off the coast of Snæfellsnes in Iceland. Footage is courtesy of Laki Tours. Credit: Nicole Lipovicova.

  • Travel guide

    Your Guide to Summer Whale Watching in Iceland

    From where to go and what species you’ll see, read our guide to whale watching in Iceland.

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  • Travel guide

    Wildlife Holidays in Iceland

    Wildlife and nature form an integral part of the many of holidays to Iceland, where rugged natural beauty is complemented by wonderful bird watching and whale watching opportunities. You’ll find plenty of wildlife along Iceland’s 5,000km of coastline.

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