Keli Sea Tours
Keli Sea Tours
5
Full view
About
Come aboard an traditional Icelandic oak boat and travel Eyjafjorður. Experience the wildlife and weather traveling from Akureyri around one of the most beautiful fjords in Iceland. Whale watching adventure with birds and other wildlife surely enriching the experience. We set off close to Hof, downtown Akureyri .
Akureyri, Iceland
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingSimilar Experiences
Travelers talk about
Contribute
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
5.0
107 reviews
Excellent
102
Very good
3
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Travelinis
Worms, Germany132 contributions
Jun 2022
We had a fantastic time on a beautiful boat with a family crew, who went an extra mile to ensure that we definitely see whales. Very friendly, very experienced and if you book through the webpage, you receive 10% discount. We loved it and recommend it very highly. The trip took longer than expected which was fantastic as the crew wanted us to definitely see whales…and we did. Definitely better than a speed boat and I would only go out with them again. Thank you guys for an unforgettable trip. 🥰
Written June 9, 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.
JLloydLondon
London, UK1,110 contributions
Aug 2020
An outstanding whale watching experience in a breathtaking location, Keli Seatours (in partnership with Whales.is) bring generations of experience of sailing in harmony with the whales of Eyjafjordur, one of the longest and most beautiful fjords in Iceland.
Compared with whale watching tours departing from Reykjavik and Husavik, sailing from Hauganes is a vastly preferable experience, as the narrow fjord means that the boat will be much more quickly in range of the whales, rather than needing a lengthy journey to first get to the feeding grounds.
That means a much better chance of a prolonged encounter with these majestic mammals, rather than half of the sailing or more being set aside for the "commute" to get there.
Even without sight of any whales or dolphins, the stunning scenery rewards a sailing with Keli Seatours, with impressive mountain ranges rising steeply on both sides of the fjord.
These mountains also provide a windbreak (except for when the northerlies are blowing), making it a calmer and more peaceful experience too.
Halldor was our guide on this journey, and he provided a very entertaining commentary as we made our way from Hauganes to the edge of Hrisey and back.
It wasn't very long before we heard a blowhole exhalation and had our first sight of a number of humpbacks as they glided around the fjord, feeding and diving as they wished.
The boat captain did his best to get us as close as possible, without disturbing the whales, and respecting their space.
It was a glorious way to spend a Saturday morning and one that is highly recommended if you find yourself in North Iceland.
The boats are well-equipped, spacious, comfortable and stable, with flotation suits provided, along with coffee, hot chocolate and cakes.
An excellent experience.
Compared with whale watching tours departing from Reykjavik and Husavik, sailing from Hauganes is a vastly preferable experience, as the narrow fjord means that the boat will be much more quickly in range of the whales, rather than needing a lengthy journey to first get to the feeding grounds.
That means a much better chance of a prolonged encounter with these majestic mammals, rather than half of the sailing or more being set aside for the "commute" to get there.
Even without sight of any whales or dolphins, the stunning scenery rewards a sailing with Keli Seatours, with impressive mountain ranges rising steeply on both sides of the fjord.
These mountains also provide a windbreak (except for when the northerlies are blowing), making it a calmer and more peaceful experience too.
Halldor was our guide on this journey, and he provided a very entertaining commentary as we made our way from Hauganes to the edge of Hrisey and back.
It wasn't very long before we heard a blowhole exhalation and had our first sight of a number of humpbacks as they glided around the fjord, feeding and diving as they wished.
The boat captain did his best to get us as close as possible, without disturbing the whales, and respecting their space.
It was a glorious way to spend a Saturday morning and one that is highly recommended if you find yourself in North Iceland.
The boats are well-equipped, spacious, comfortable and stable, with flotation suits provided, along with coffee, hot chocolate and cakes.
An excellent experience.
Written August 27, 2020
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.
HWG
2 contributions
Jun 2022
We had a wonderful whale watching trip of more than 3 hours with Keli Sea Tours in the meticulously restored historic boat of the Egilsson family. Our group of just 4 people was small, because the summer months for tourists are just beginning. Nevertheless, Mr. Keli and his wonderful crew took all the time necessary to show us around in the beautiful area including a 20 min bus ride to the bay area where the boat is located. The weather was perfect, and the coveralls were very helpful to keep the cold winds away. Due to the vast experience of the crew we were able to see whales which was really impressive for us landlubbers. We highly recommend Keli's individualized tours, and we love to come back to have another trip with Keli Sea Tours!
Written June 27, 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.
Surrey-Glide
Ottershaw, UK42 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We visited Akureyri whilst on a cruise around Iceland & Scandinavia. My wife was keen to go Whale Watching and so we looked book a trip.
We chose Keli Tours trip because the tour company laid on a bus from the cruise port by road to the location of their tour boat (about 30 minutes road trip).
Other tours were by boat from the cruise port or close to it. Those boats spent more time travelling too & from the whales rather than actually watching them.
The Lovingly Restored Fishing boat that Keli Tours have is great for watching the whales and very conveniently mores in a little fishing port just a few minutes sailing from where the whales can be found.
The Boat was not at all crowded and biscuits and coffee or hot Chocolate are supplied on board.
Within a few minutes of leaving port we were watching whales, a mother and calf feeding, a short distance from the boat. We then followed a large male whale as it swam out to sea. Then we went back towards the port and watched more whales. We were out amongst them for maybe 2 hours and Keli Tours were willing to stay out longer but we had to be back aboard the cruise ship so we went back to port and climbed back aboard the bus which took us back to the ship.
The family that run the tours are relaxed and fun and make the trip very enjoyable.
By the way they supply thick waterproof overalls and these keep you extremely warm. Most people took off their own coats rather than wear them underneath the overalls as that would have been too warm.
A Thoroughly Enjoyable Day Whale Watching and would definitely do this trip again.
We chose Keli Tours trip because the tour company laid on a bus from the cruise port by road to the location of their tour boat (about 30 minutes road trip).
Other tours were by boat from the cruise port or close to it. Those boats spent more time travelling too & from the whales rather than actually watching them.
The Lovingly Restored Fishing boat that Keli Tours have is great for watching the whales and very conveniently mores in a little fishing port just a few minutes sailing from where the whales can be found.
The Boat was not at all crowded and biscuits and coffee or hot Chocolate are supplied on board.
Within a few minutes of leaving port we were watching whales, a mother and calf feeding, a short distance from the boat. We then followed a large male whale as it swam out to sea. Then we went back towards the port and watched more whales. We were out amongst them for maybe 2 hours and Keli Tours were willing to stay out longer but we had to be back aboard the cruise ship so we went back to port and climbed back aboard the bus which took us back to the ship.
The family that run the tours are relaxed and fun and make the trip very enjoyable.
By the way they supply thick waterproof overalls and these keep you extremely warm. Most people took off their own coats rather than wear them underneath the overalls as that would have been too warm.
A Thoroughly Enjoyable Day Whale Watching and would definitely do this trip again.
Written October 20, 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.
PottyP
United Kingdom548 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Booking with Keli Sea Tours is easy and a great family company to book with.
I chose them because of the reviews and they did not disappoint in the overall experience.
Got picked up at the cruise port and transported a half hour away to their boat,which was a lovely scenic trip to Hauganes.
They have the full suits there at the depot of all sizes and clean toilets. Staff are lovely and friendly.
The boat is clearly a lovely old boat and more than adequate with hot drinks on board to warm you up.
The lovely lady doing the commentary was clear and knowledgeable and off we went to see many whales.
What was wonderful was that we were the only boat in this area.
There are clearly a lot of whales in the Fjord and we saw multiple blow holes.
Now for the only negative...... for us the trip just had too many people on board and it was very difficult to get any good viewings as people were jostling around and we found it frustrating.
The pictures don't show you this, so you think there will be a lot less based on previous posts.
The boat can hold 72 people and there were only 60 on ours, so lord knows what it would be like with another 12.
It would give the customer a far better experience if the company reduced the numbers even if the price was higher, or look to run two boats, and gave the customer options?
I guess it doesn't help when the cruises are in port, so if travelling independently you may get a less crowded boat and a better experience, but unfortunately some of us don't have that option.
So overall a reasonable trip, with the only negative of way too many people to get any decent viewings.
I chose them because of the reviews and they did not disappoint in the overall experience.
Got picked up at the cruise port and transported a half hour away to their boat,which was a lovely scenic trip to Hauganes.
They have the full suits there at the depot of all sizes and clean toilets. Staff are lovely and friendly.
The boat is clearly a lovely old boat and more than adequate with hot drinks on board to warm you up.
The lovely lady doing the commentary was clear and knowledgeable and off we went to see many whales.
What was wonderful was that we were the only boat in this area.
There are clearly a lot of whales in the Fjord and we saw multiple blow holes.
Now for the only negative...... for us the trip just had too many people on board and it was very difficult to get any good viewings as people were jostling around and we found it frustrating.
The pictures don't show you this, so you think there will be a lot less based on previous posts.
The boat can hold 72 people and there were only 60 on ours, so lord knows what it would be like with another 12.
It would give the customer a far better experience if the company reduced the numbers even if the price was higher, or look to run two boats, and gave the customer options?
I guess it doesn't help when the cruises are in port, so if travelling independently you may get a less crowded boat and a better experience, but unfortunately some of us don't have that option.
So overall a reasonable trip, with the only negative of way too many people to get any decent viewings.
Written July 6, 2024
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.
Debbie B
Thornton Cleveleys, UK16 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Arrived in Akureyri by ship. A short (6-7 minute) walk with a less mobile person to The Hof centre where the Keli Sea Tours van was parked. (There are toilets in The Hof centre) Once our van was loaded, we had a 30 minute drive to the harbour where their beautiful oak boat is moored. Once we were in our flotation suits, it was all aboard for an amazing trip. Within 10 minutes on the water we spotted our first whale. Then another, and another.... lots of other boats out there too and they appeared to communicate with each other on the sightings. Nothing to disturb these amazing creatures though, as engines were turned off so as not to frighten them. We had a clear sunny day which helped. This is a definite "Must do" tour if you are in this part of Iceland. A great family run company who love their whales as much as we do. After we returned to the harbour, it was back aboard the minivan and back to the Hof Centre. The entire trip lasted about 3.5 hours. Worth every penny/Krona. Thank you so much for an amazing experience.
Written July 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.
harrietfreeman18
Llanelli, UK27 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
A wonderful experience with a great crew. Much smaller group than the commercial boats, it made it a much nicer experience despite getting drenched! The crew were great at spotting the whales and quickly driving the boat in the direction of the whale so I was able to get a few videos.
Written June 20, 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.
SuciTraveller
Virginia60 contributions
Aug 2022
We walked from our cruise ship berth to Akureyri Hof Cultural & Conference Center. We needed to go behind the conference center building to the parking lot to find the Keli Sea tour van. By van we were transported to a small fishing village to meet the boat. We prepared for chilly and or wet weather. We wore warm clothing and brought protective bags for our cameras. A full (shoulder to ankle) protective, flotation suit was provided. One of the co-owners circulated among passengers and helped folks to spot the whales. It was a most enjoyable experience, and we would highly recommend Keli Sea Tours.
Written September 5, 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.
David G
2 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Nice experience, nicely set up. I couldn't pay online but a quick call gave a resolution. The tour takes 3 hours and is way less crowded then other boats in the area.
The tour included some whale facts, hot chocolate milk/Coffee, a biscuit and of course WHALES!
All in all, a great experience.
The tour included some whale facts, hot chocolate milk/Coffee, a biscuit and of course WHALES!
All in all, a great experience.
Written September 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.
Inspire57365500884
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
Our family of 6 from 12 to 73 years of age went on whale watching and had a wonderful experience with the really nice, hospital and caring family that runs the Keli tours.
At first, we were confused as we were not giuded onboard a ship but into a minivan that took us 30 kilometers ip the fjord before arriving at a small harbour with almost no other ships than our whale watching ship. But this turned out to be the perfect as we did not have to spend an hour sailing out to the whales but instead went straight out and almost stumbled upon 2 humpback whales which we followed for about an hour. It was absolutely amazing though the boat was going up and down on the waves and one of us had to give up the breakfast to the sea. A strong stomach is recommended for this adventure but the men of this ship is very observant, kind and caring.
The high point of the trip was the wonderful double jump from the 2 whales! Marvelous!
At first, we were confused as we were not giuded onboard a ship but into a minivan that took us 30 kilometers ip the fjord before arriving at a small harbour with almost no other ships than our whale watching ship. But this turned out to be the perfect as we did not have to spend an hour sailing out to the whales but instead went straight out and almost stumbled upon 2 humpback whales which we followed for about an hour. It was absolutely amazing though the boat was going up and down on the waves and one of us had to give up the breakfast to the sea. A strong stomach is recommended for this adventure but the men of this ship is very observant, kind and caring.
The high point of the trip was the wonderful double jump from the 2 whales! Marvelous!
Written July 16, 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.
Hello! We're on a princess cruise tour of island in Sept - we arrive in Akureyri from 9am - there are only 10am tours left to book on your website - how easy is it to get to your location from the cruise dock? And would an hour be enough time to get to you? Thanks!
Written August 20, 2023
the meeting point is about 10 minutes away on foot. then with the van they take you to the boat for the excursion
Written September 3, 2023
Hola:
¿El precio incluye café o chocolate, bollos y ropa de abrigo (buzo rojo impermeable)?
Gracias.
Written August 9, 2022
Hi,
yes it includes coffee and cookies and a red watertight jumpsuit which will keep you warm.
Have fun with Keli Sea Tours!
Written August 11, 2022
Hi! We are travelling on september with 3 childs, the smaller is a 2 years old boy, could we travel with you?
Will you keep cloths and any necessary thing?
Thank you!
Written August 16, 2019
Someone mentioned oil skins. Are those the red jumpsuits in the photos? Is there toilet of any kind on boarding
Thank you. We will be in Akureyri on Sept. 11. Judy
Written May 9, 2018
Sorry for my late answer, yes there are toilete on board and those are oweralls floting sutes.
Written May 23, 2018
My group of four will be in Akureyri September 9,10 & 11. Is this a good time to see whales? Judy
Written May 9, 2018
We (4 adults) are thinking about taking a tour at 10 AM on September 2. How long does the tour last?
Written July 20, 2017
Yes, the tour is 2-3 hours and we will still be running tours in September :)
Hope to see you then!
Written July 27, 2017
Showing results 1-7 of 7