The main whale watching season in Iceland runs roughly from April to October. The highest sighting rates come in summer, during the June to August peak season. Some operators from Reykjavik and the north run whale watching tours year-round.
When whale watching season is in Iceland
The main whale watching season in Iceland runs roughly from April to October. Across that season, summer is the peak period for sightings, specifically June to August.
Whale sightings are never guaranteed, as the animals are wild and range widely across the ocean.
Summer: peak sightings and puffin season
Summer brings the highest sighting rates, during the June to August peak season. Long daylight hours and calmer seas improve viewing conditions in this period.
Summer also overlaps with puffin season, which runs roughly from May to August. In Faxafloi Bay, puffins nest on islands and are often combined with whale tours.
Year-round and winter whale watching
Some operators from Reykjavik and the north run whale watching tours year-round.
In winter, tours from Reykjavik are quieter. White-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises are the most common sightings on these trips, and both species are seen regularly, including in winter.
Where to go: Reykjavik, Husavik, and Akureyri
Faxafloi Bay off Reykjavik is the most convenient departure point, from the Old Harbour.
Husavik in North Iceland is widely called the whale-watching capital of Iceland.
Akureyri and the Eyjafjordur fjord in the north offer calm waters and strong humpback sightings. North Iceland operators also report very high sighting success on summer tours.
Which whale species you can see
Minke whales are among the most frequently sighted species in Iceland.
Humpback whales are commonly seen, especially through the summer months.
White-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises are seen regularly, including in winter.
Choosing when and where to book a whale watching tour
You can compare whale watching tours here: whale watching tours.
Bring the right layers
Use the Iceland Packing List to organise clothing and essentials before setting out for Best Time for Whale Watching in Iceland.
