Whale Watching in Iceland

Iceland is one of the best places in Europe for whale watching. Over the last couple of years it has become the whale watching center of Europe, and tours are operated all around the island.

There are more than 20 different species of cetacean that frequent the waters. The species seen regularly on whale watching tours include minke, fin, blue, humpback, sperm and killer whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises.

The chances of spotting a specific type of whale on a whale watching trip vary depending on the port of departure, but the Minke whale is by far the most commonly sighted animal and can be seen all around Iceland throughout the year.

Taking a tour, leaving from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour is clearly the easiest option. Tours tend to last three hours or less. Usually, if a tour is cancelled due to inclement weather or if you didn’t see any marine mammals, you are permitted to join another tour for free.


This activity is available as a stand-alone tour or as an option in the following packages:

Whale Watching in Iceland