Akureyri Whale Watching: What to Know

Akureyri whale watching tours run on Eyjafjordur in north Iceland, departing from Akureyri and also from Hauganes and Dalvik on the same fjord. Typical tours last about 2.5 to 3 hours, and whale watching is strongest roughly June to August. Humpback whales can be seen around much of the year, so tours run more widely than just summer.

Where whale-watching tours run on Eyjafjordur

Whale-watching tours here run on Eyjafjordur, with departures from the town of Akureyri. Akureyri sits at the head of the fjord and is Iceland's largest town outside the capital region.

Eyjafjordur stretches about 60 km from head to mouth. Tours also depart from the nearby villages of Hauganes and Dalvik on the fjord. Hauganes sits on the west side of Eyjafjordur, roughly 25 minutes drive from Akureyri and 12 minutes from Dalvik.

Which whales you can see in north Iceland

Humpback whales are the most commonly seen species on tours here. Minke whales are also frequently spotted, especially in summer.

Dolphins, including white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises are regularly seen. With luck, orcas and blue whales are occasionally encountered.

Why the sheltered fjord makes for calm sailings

Surrounding mountains shelter the fjord, keeping its waters calm and well suited to marine tourism. The fjord is also well sheltered from the open North Atlantic, so the water stays relatively still.

When to go: the north Iceland whale-watching season

Whale watching is strongest roughly June to August, the peak summer months. Humpback whales can be seen around much of the year, which is why tours run more widely than just summer.

What a typical tour is like

A typical whale-watching tour lasts about 3 hours. Operators commonly list durations in the range of about 2.5 to 3 hours.

Sightings are never guaranteed, so tour descriptions focus on the time on the water and the wildlife that is regularly seen in Eyjafjordur.

Choosing and booking an Akureyri whale-watching tour

Akureyri departures run on Eyjafjordur, including this classic Akureyri whale-watching trip, and other departures on the same fjord are available from Hauganes and Dalvik. For current tour options and prices, see whale-watching tours.