WHALE WATCHING IN ICELAND

For many travellers, heading out on a whale watching tour is one of the highlights of their trip. The chance to see these impressive marine mammals in their natural habitat against the backdrop of Iceland’s extraordinary coastal scenery is irresistible. If you’re planning to go whale watching in Iceland, let’s explore some of the things you need to know.

Whale watching cruises set out regularly from some of the most striking parts of the Icelandic coast. From the Old Harbour in Reykjavík, boats head out into pretty Faxaflói Bay.

They also depart from Dalvík in North Iceland, chugging through the majestic landscapes of Eyjafjördur leaving the Tröllaskagi mountains behind. In both these locations, tours run year-round and there are multiple departures to make the most of the extra daylight during long summer days.

In addition, in the north you’ll find whale watching boat trips that focus on Skjálfandi Bay beyond Húsavík as well as from Stykkishólmur and Ólafsvík on the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

We often see whales through the Icelandia office window; in fact recently, we witnessed a pod of orcas (killer whales) crossing Skarfabakki Bay.

While you’re in Iceland, you’ve a good chance of seeing an array of different cetacean species – the term refers to members of the whale, dolphin and porpoise family. In fact, according to the Icelandic Institute of Natural History, 23 species have been seen in Icelandic waters, making us one of the world’s premier whale watching destinations. Some are more commonly spotted than others, so let’s take a look at those you’re most likely to see.

Humpback whales

Humpback whales love to be acrobatic, so you’ll often see them leaping out of the water or slapping it with their long flippers. Before they dive, to the delight of those watching from nearby boats, they lift their fluke. These magnificent mammals can measure as much as 17 metres long and are frequent summer visitors to Iceland.

Minke whales

There’s a healthy population of minke whales in Iceland. Small and sleek, you can distinguish them from the white band across their flippers, a tapered head and a ridge that runs along their back. Minke whales are famous for their curiosity and often approach whale watching boats.

Orcas (killer whales)

Orcas are considered whales but are also classed as the largest member of the dolphin family. Compared to some whale species, they don’t spend as much time underwater and are social creatures that like to remain in groups. With their distinctive black and white colouring, these fast swimmers are easy to spot and always well-received.

Fin whales

Fin whales are the second largest whale on the planet; only blue whales are bigger. When they blow, it can reach up to 9 metres in the air. They rarely appear in front of visitors on Iceland whale watching trips but if you’re hoping to get lucky, summer gives you the best odds.

Sperm whales

There are a greater number of sperm whales in the west of Iceland than up north. However, as they like to feed on squid, they can spend up to an hour at a time at great depths, remaining hidden from sight. Nevertheless, they’re worth watching out for: this is the largest species of toothed whale; its head represents a third of its total length.

Blue whales

If you’re struggling to get your head around the size of these massive cetaceans, then consider this: their tail is as wide as a football net and you could park a car in its mouth. Book a whale watching tour from north Iceland to maximise your chance of witnessing this enormous beast.

In addition, occasionally narwhals make an appearance in Icelandic waters. These curious creatures have a single, long tusk that extends from their head. Belugas are another unusual species thanks to their ghostly white appearance. It’s possible to visit a pair of rescued belugas, Little White and Little Grey, in the sanctuary in Heimaey in the Westman Islands.

Whale watching season in Iceland actually spans the whole year. While traditional wisdom states that summer is the best time to go whale watching in Iceland. Between April and September, it’s believed that the warmer sea temperatures lure whales closer to Iceland in greater numbers. As a tourist, you might also argue the wider choice of sailing times is an advantage. In mid-summer, the chance to go on a whale watching trip under the midnight sun is an exciting prospect.

That said, don’t rule out a trip during the colder months. The 2023/2024 winter whale watching season was exceptionally successful. We’re delighted to report that most Reykjavík-based tour operators achieved a 100% success rate. This challenges the long-held myth that whales aren't around all year. They are, and due to the reduced presence of cruise ships, they come closer to the city than in summer.

Prior to boarding you’ll be asked to register and complete any paperwork that’s required. Depending on the season and the type of vessel, you might be offered warm overalls to wear, which you pull on over your own clothes. It’s definitely a good idea to accept these! Once everyone’s ready, you’ll board from the harbour quayside or pontoon.

After a safety briefing from your guide, the boat will motor out to the open water, aiming for where there have been recent reports of sightings. The boat will move from place to place during the tour, getting as close as possible to the whales without disturbing them. Often at this point the captain will circle the boat around to make sure you see them no matter where you’re sitting.

Whale watching tours take multiple forms, from small, high speed RIBs that get the adrenaline pumping to traditional oak-hulled boats that ooze history and charm. RIBs are a thrilling ride for the adventurous. Larger boats, on the other hand, tend to be slower yet more comfortable with plenty of space to sit and the opportunity to move around.

Some boats also offer the opportunity to sit inside, which is a bonus at the end of the tour if you’re feeling the cold. If you’re travelling with children, it’s worth noting that tours using bigger boats don’t usually have an age limit, making this a family-friendly choice when you’re looking for things to slot in to your Iceland itinerary.

However, when it comes down to it, the biggest factor in choosing your whale watching tour in Iceland will be location. Sometimes, even in summer, weather conditions can delay or cancel a departure. So, you may need to show some flexibility. While tour operators work hard to get you rebooked, it helps if you’re still staying locally.

Having chosen your whale watching trip, your mind will turn to preparations. Wearing the correct clothing can make a big difference to your comfort and enjoyment on a whale watching trip. Get it right, and you won’t notice the chilly sea air or the spray; get it wrong and this could be a tour you remember for all the wrong reasons.

Layers are vital; you can always take an item of clothing off if you’re too warm but once you’re on board, you won’t be able to nip back to the hotel to pick something up you forgot. Make sure you have a warm base layer, even in summer, as it’s generally a lot colder out on the open water than it is on land.

Your outer layer needs to be windproof and waterproof – but the tour operator will supply overalls that are up to the job! If you’ve chosen a RIB trip, the operator will give you gloves and goggles too. Complete your outfit with a hat that won’t blow away in the wind (make sure it’s waterproof too) and something to wrap around the bottom of your face such as a snood or a scarf.

Waterproof footwear is also something to think about. Make sure your shoes have a decent tread so that you won’t slip on deck and that they are sturdy with closed toes. Warm boots might be even better on a cold winter’s day. And that’s about it: you don’t really need to do much else other than turn up on time.

The key message here is to do your homework to make sure that the tour you choose respects both marine life and the environment. Some pioneering operators have also introduced carbon-neutral electric boats that rely solely on electricity and wind power.

We shouldn’t ever put our own pleasure above animal welfare, so choose an ethical provider that follows the guidelines set out in IceWhale’s code of conduct. One of its most important recommendations is that the more boats there are near a whale, the further away they should be. Also, boats shouldn’t spend more than 20 to 30 minutes in the vicinity, and ideally keep speeds down below 6mph as they approach.

The best tours will be accompanied by expert guides, who will share educational content in a fun way without detriment to the beautiful species that are the reason everyone’s on the boat in the first place.