Akureyri Tours
Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri
4.5

Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

By Elding Whale Watching Akureyri
Recommended by 92% of travelers
92% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 190 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More


  • Warm overalls, raincoats or blankets on board
  • Professional guide
  • Overalls and blankets available to lend
What's not included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off


Start:
  • Elding Whale Watching Akureyri, Oddeyrarbót 2, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Stroller accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 7090P11

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Please note that weather in Iceland is unpredictable and that the tour can be cancelled on short notice due to unfavourable conditions at sea.
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This is a wildlife tour and therefore sightings cannot be guaranteed. In case of no sightings, we offer the opportunity to try again for free.
    • We abide by a code of conduct for responsible whale watching, which means that all sightings are on the wildlife's terms. We can therefore never guarantee up close encounters.
    • Please note that our fleet is not completely wheelchair accessible as there are steep stairs between lower and upper decks and high thresholds to get from the decks into the saloon as well as from the saloon to the toilets.
    • Wheelchair users are welcome to bring a foldable chair onboard our bigger boats, but if possible, please advise our office prior to departure as we may need to assist with boarding.
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 190 travelers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 7090P11

    From
    $99.00
    per adult
    Select date and travelers

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    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Elding Whale Watching Akureyri
      902
      Akureyri, Iceland
      Joined in July 2008
    • L9646ELmarkuss
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Highly recommend - dress warm!
      First off, i would definitely recommend dressing warm, and having something the covers/blocks wind up past your nose. We did and it was a lifesaver in the October cold. Secondly, i HIGHLY recommend this tour! It was a unique experience and we got to see many whales! The guides/boat captain were knowledgeable and pleseant. My husband and I created memories that will last a lifetime 💕
      Written October 10, 2024
    • V3356GMjoannem
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      100% worth the money
      This was the only trip we did in Iceland that didn't leave me feeling a bit disappointed. I loved it! It was well organised, the speedboat was alot of fun, we saw many whales, one popped up practically right beside the boat, but generally we kept a respectful distance away from the whales to not disturb them, our guide Mack was great and taught us so many interesting facts about whale behaviour. The speed boat definitely felt like the right choice as we were able to get over to where the whales were just in time to watch them dive. They usually turned the boat to the side so that everyone had a great view. We were also lucky to have fantastic weather and calm seas so that obviously helped!
      Written October 2, 2024
    • billjU2319TD
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing Whale watching
      Thank you very much for this incredible experience! We saw 7 whales and tales. It was just amazing. Full of joy and happynes.
      Written September 18, 2024
    • verabeckstromb
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing!
      It was great. We got up close to several whales. Just an FYI, your shoes will get wet unless you wear some waterproof ones. We had full on water hit us a couple times. But it was a great time
      Written September 3, 2024
    • Atravelfan
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Whales and Whales!
      We visited Akureyri by cruise ship but booked this independently with Elding. We had a great time. The RIB boat seats 12 so everyone has a good view, and they supply thermal suits for the cold. They also have goggles and gloves if you didnt have your own. We were able to see 7 or 8 whales- humpbacks, minkes and possibly a sei whlae. The guide was spotting, as was the captian, but he also was taking photos which they will email to you if you request them. The RIB boats are bouncy so be prepared for that if you are motion sensitive ( I am but with pre treatment with Bonine, had no issues). We definitely recommend this tour and would do it again were we to be in Akureyri in the future
      Written August 29, 2024
    • davidmk2024
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing whale watching
      Amazing tour. The tour guide was so informative and friendly. I would highly recommend doing this tour. The tour guide also takes photos of the whales which they send to you after the trip.
      Written August 25, 2024
    • denisebL746TS
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      So worth it!
      Booked in advance to go on the RIB Whale Watching in Akureyri while visiting the town on a cruise. This was the best thing we did on the whole holiday. We were lucky and saw a number of humpbacks and a couple of minky whales - this obviously made the trip very special. A big thanks to David our escort who gave us lots of useful, funny and insightful information on the animals we saw and the local environment. Thanks also to our skilful lady driver who got up close (but not too close!) to the action and able to see these wonderful creatures whilst feeding in the fjord. Just a wonderful experience and can only recommend this local firm who have great knowledge of their area and the whales who visit.
      Written August 18, 2024
    • fleurth_
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing trip
      We went on the rib boat and had an amazing trip. Our guide Lindsey was great. We saw humpbacks, minks and even the northern bottlenose.
      Written August 5, 2024
    • EssexMan66
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Thoroughly recommended
      Excellent! We went in the morning slot, weather was kind and we saw humpback up very close and Minke whales amongst other things. Worth it for the RIB ride alone…you go a long way! Wrap up and use the supplied goggles. Team were friendly and very knowledgeable. Recommended.
      Written August 2, 2024
    • charlesbJ1
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great trip
      A great 2 hours. Porpoises, Minkes and Humpbacks (one very close to rib) great guiding and steering. Saw more whales than other boats and were in the right place at the right time.
      Written July 24, 2024
    • KMac322
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Highlight of our trip!
      Outstanding tour! After a failed attempt (due to rough seas) the day before in a different port, I was lucky to get a spot on the afternoon RIB express tour. Even if we hadn’t seen any whales, it would have been a fun and scenic boat ride, but boy did we see whales! From start to finish, it was one sighting after another of humpback and minke whales. I specifically wanted to do a tour in a RIB boat and be at the water level and it did not disappoint. One whale swam right by the boat! We also heard another whale trumpet. The onboard naturalist was fantastic and don’t worry about taking pictures and videos, the naturalist took a bunch and you can email them for the link after the tour. This is also a very responsible company who cares about the marine life. They are careful to stay a respectful distance from the whales and let the whales come to the boat. In our two week Iceland trip, this was probably my favorite thing we did. Can’t recommend highly enough!
      Written July 16, 2024
    • U2955XLmelindat
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Whales from start to finish.
      What a great trip. Perfect sunny day. We saw easily 8 humpbacks and several minke whales. Our captain Anna and guide Lindsey were very knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend this trip!
      Written July 8, 2024
    • Thomas K
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Awsome
      It was an incredible experience. The RIP boat drive to and from the spots was great, good fun,good start into the tour. When we arrived at the spot, we immediatly saw mutliple whales, it was incredible to see these creatures from such a smal distance. Adiitionally, the tour guide was also great, he gave interesting facts about these whales and was open to all sort of questions.
      Written June 29, 2024
    • jenniferaP7061YP
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      High speed whale watching
      Mac was a wonderful, spirited, and knowledgable guide. The driver was quick and smooth in maneuvering the boat. The gear provided was warm and in good condition. Instruction for safety and plan was clear. Only thing that needs to be done is updating the address on the tripadvisor site bc our address stated an old building. The site did have the updated address. Recommend this trip to those that want speed, feel of the wind, and adventure.
      Written May 29, 2024
    • N3704MIcatherinem
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Incredible - do not miss!
      We had the most amazing time whale watching with Elding! The captain and host were incredibly knowledgable and friendly. We saw two whales multiple times as well as a waterfall. Our fist trip was cancelled due to bad weather however the team were swift and responsive in getting us booked onto the next one possible We were also very impressed with the green commitment and the animal welfare towards the whales from the company. A truly unforgettable experience - thank you!
      Written January 27, 2024
    See all 902 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles486 reviews
    Excellent
    404
    Very good
    47
    Average
    12
    Poor
    10
    Terrible
    13

    Eugene S
    Colorado325 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2021
    This turned out to be s great trip. Booking online was easy. We showed up with our coupon; got a friendly welcome; and were quickly checked in.

    The 1PM cruise left a few minutes late but no bother. It was a windy day and we went out quite a ways in the fjord before we first came across some dolphins. We drove on and spotted a couple of humpback whales. The boat floated near the whales and we all got good close-up views and pictures. On the return trip we came across a large pod of dolphins. Many of them were jumping out of the water. So from the point of view of seeing the whales and dolphins the mission was accomplished.

    The crew kept us informed of progress and, as we saw the whales and dolphins, they gave us information about the whale and dolphin lifecycle and behaviors.

    The boat was very comfortable, especially so given the wind. There was another whale tour in a smaller boat that was bopping up and down in the swell. If you didn't have sea legs you'd likely be quite uncomfortable. Our journey was calm, given the wind and swell.

    There's a snack bar on board and a big indoor area to keep warm. Most people spent the outbound trip above deck and indoors on the return voyage.

    We had to go a long way to find the whales and I think the crew went further than their normal trip to ensure a great outcome. Well done.
    Written September 5, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Tim S
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2022
    Wow, what an incredible experience - easily a Top 3 highlight of our trip to Iceland! We saw 2 humpback whales while we were out, and got very lucky to get an exceptional show from them. One did a full body jump out of the water 3 times, then came literally right up next to our boat to get a look at us. Just magical and the best we could've hoped for. Our guide was very, very knowledgeable and helped us understand the whales and their natural habitat better throughout our journey. The journey itself was also really worth the price - it was a beautiful ride our of Akureyri, through the fjord, and into the area where it meets the ocean. Just lovely and helped us understand the history of the area better, as well.

    We were very happy with the sustainable practices the company has put in place, too. They definitely take care not to disturb or interfere with the whales, and are respectful of their space and needs. We were happy to support such a conscientious company.
    Written August 3, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Mark552
    Mitcham, UK33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a brilliant trip! First of all, Ania was a superb guide. I spoke to her for a while when booking the tickets at the office and her enthusiasm and love for the whales shone through then and on board she was even more insightful and engaging. Both she and the captain Arnar worked really hard to find some whales in what were tough conditions in terms of visibility - especially as I didn’t realise that they don’t use sonar or any things like that to track them and have to rely on their own skills to find them! Ania was happy to answer any question and also provided an interesting running commentary of the area as well as facts about the whales and other wildlife in the water. The boat trip in itself is really cool as you get to see the beautiful fjord and the surrounding scenery and we then had the pleasure of four separate whale sightings with Ania happy to share her photos afterwards so you can just sit back and enjoy the trip (which I did!) would wholeheartedly recommend!
    Written November 25, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Steyningtraveller
    Steyning, UK10 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2022
    The outside of the boat got very cold due to the wind, even in August, so I was glad I had taken a hat, gloves and warm coat. They will provide warm suits to borrow. To try to see a whale we had to travel out for two hours, spend just a few minutes watching the two that were found, and then travel two miles back. So it was a long journey for a short experience but it was good of them to extend to trip to try to ensure we saw some wildlife. It was much cheaper to book direct than use the cruise ship excursion on the same trip.
    Written August 14, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    22124kat
    Oakton, VA30 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2023 • Couples
    Mack our guide was very personable and provided expert narrative as to what we were seeing. My aim was to see how whale watching is done in Iceland. When the animals (4 humpbacks) were found several boats encircled the whales and kept moving nearer them. These animals are there to eat or rest and I know these boats disturbs them. On another note these animals are still hunted here. Hunting starts next month and they indiscriminately kill them only to export the meat. There is only one company that kills whales owned by a guy who says he wants to do whatever he wants. Iceland had a moratorium due to public pressure on killing whales but it’s on again. This was because there is no humane way to kill them taking over 6 hours to die, for the love of god. For all we know the animals we saw can be killed in the next 60 days. If you love them please lobby the Icelandic government to stop. There’s only 3 countries who still kill eagles: Norway, Japan and Iceland.
    Written July 25, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    quarckiee
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2022 • Couples
    It was start of November. Weather was good.

    We were briefed on what to look for. That heightened the whole experience as we were all on watch, not only the crew.

    First sighting was a Minke (told) however it was too fleeting and far. What followed were countless sprays and Humpback deep dives (breathtakingly beautiful tail flips). 12 o'clock! 3 o'clock! 9 o'clock! The clock references of spotted whales were being called out in succession as the whales seemed to be playing and teasing us from all around.

    The awesomest finale was Aretha Frankfinn, a seasoned diva performer, deserving a standing ovation and huge round of applause.

    Our hearts were full, exactly like the Akureyri red (heart) traffic light ♥️
    Written November 12, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Kim G
    Toronto, Canada1,656 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2021
    The staff leading our group were were nice and friendly. They were pretty determined to find a whale for us that day taking us over 55kms out at the very end of the fjord. It was a really long ride on the rib boat seats that are ok for awhile but start to get pretty uncomfortable the longer you sit on them. We did finally find a single humpback whale. We also saw a very large pod of white beaked dolphins that were playing and flipping so that was pretty exciting. The ride back was quite bumpy as the wind had picked up. It was a good thing we took seasickness medication or it could have been a rough outcome.

    On the way back we stopped briefly to see a geothermal waterfall. With water is 88 degrees at the top so you could feel the hot mist. Very interesting.

    Our guide took pictures and the office shared them with us later that day. That was really great.

    We were out over an hour longer than was scheduled - assume that was because we went so far. Their effort was certainly appreciated but not sure I would do it again since so much of the tour was spent zooming across the water versus actually visiting with the whale.
    Written October 23, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    barbara w
    4 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2023
    Our tour guide did a good job providing nature and historic information while we were heading out to see whales. And evidently some folks on the boat did see whales. But because there were so many people on the boat my friend and I were never able to get near enough to a part of the boat to see out. Every open surface of the boat that could be used for viewing was several people deep so unless you were lucky enough to nab a rail side to stand at or were very tall and considerate enough to stand behind others, you were out of luck seeing the few seconds that the whales would come to the surface. This was a very disappointing to be so close to seeing something I've wanted to see for over half a century, then unable to experience because the boat was too crowded for many folks to get a view. While the boat was not overloaded safety-wise, the tour company needs to consider what the guest are there to see and provide the space for them to get the experience they paid for.
    Written July 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Dear M1824JQbarbaraw, Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate your comments about the informative tour guide and the efforts to provide nature and historic information. However, we regret the disappointment caused by the crowded conditions on the boat, hindering your ability to fully enjoy the whale watching experience. We will certainly review our procedures and address the issue of overcrowding in order to enhance the overall guest experience. We appreciate your understanding and hope to have the opportunity to provide you with a more satisfying experience in the future. All the best, The Elding team
    Written November 28, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Northern Wanderers
    Mississauga, Canada15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2022
    Quite simply the most incredible 3 hours you could possibly spend in North Iceland. We experienced “a festival of whales” in the Eyjafjord!

    Heading north, we first spotted a couple of minki whales, and then the show began. Some single humpbacks came into view and then did their deep dives for food waving their flutes at us as they dove. Then a pair of humpbacks frolicked around the boat for a few minutes before heading down for food. Later we were literally surrounded by 5 more whales. Three of these decided to simultaneously wave goodbye as they continued their search for food. This went on for over an hour of continuous viewing!

    It was a tremendous experience that we will never forget. Thank you to the entire crew and especially our most knowledgeable guide.
    Written October 29, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Maj S
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2023
    We did not expect to see any whales but much to our surprise we did! The Elding crew knew exactly where to steer the boat (to a safe distance from the animals) so we experienced the amazing sighting of these beautiful animals. The explanation was very clear. The boat was big enough with different levels so everybody was able to have a good view. Afterwards we asked for the photos which were send to us by email. An experience definitely recommended!
    Written February 28, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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