Iceland · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

The 15 Best Boat Trips in Iceland

85 tours  ·  from $60

Whales in the bay, puffins on the islands and the aurora from the water with no streetlights in the way. The 15 below range from a two-hour harbour run to a full day at sea, each priced and clear on what warm kit is provided.

Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise - The first hour is a search, not a show
Cruises & Boat Tours, Reykjavik Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

1.Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 9,838 reviews · 3 hours · from $87Our pick

Cruise Faxaflói Bay from Reykjavík with guides such as marine biologist Maria, watching for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and seabirds. You get indoor and outdoor seating, a heated cabin, café, toilets, and WiFi. Sightings are never guaranteed, but a free return trip is offered if none appear.

“This was by far the best experience we had in Iceland. It was so emotional seeing the whales. They jumped so many times and we were so lucky to see that in-person. Our guide, Maria, was also so knowledgeable and I learned so many things about whales with her. I highly recommend this tour!”

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Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht - What you might see in Faxaflói Bay
Cruises & Boat Tours, Reykjavik Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

2.Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,911 reviews · 3 hours · from $107

Sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor aboard the Amelia Rose for about three hours. Use three panoramic decks to spot humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds, while guides such as Lucky and Roman explain the wildlife. The yacht has a warm lounge, bar, bathroom, WiFi, and blankets.

“The excursion did not disappoint. The Amelia Rose is clean and well maintained. although it holds alot of people there is plenty of room and we never felt crowded. Our guide, Lucky, was very informative and enthusiastic, especially when she spotted whales and dolphins. We were fortunate to see both on our trip.”

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Reykjavik: Northern Lights Yacht Tour - Sailing through Faxaflói Bay
Cruises & Boat Tours, Northern Lights Tours, Reykjavik Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours

Reykjavik: Northern Lights Yacht Tour

3.Northern Lights Yacht Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,253 reviews · 2 hours · from $93

Sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor among the islands of Faxaflói Bay, then move offshore for darker skies and northern lights viewing. You get three panoramic decks, warm blankets, Wi-Fi, sea sickness tablets, and an indoor bar. Guides such as Maria, Julian, and Lucky have helped with aurora facts and camera settings.

“Great views of amazing lights across the sky and a couple of humpback whales came by too!”

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Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour - Lundey and Akurey, where the puffins gather
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Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour

4.Puffin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,052 reviews · 1 hour · from $64

Cruise from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour aboard the wooden Puffin Express to Lundey and Akurey. Guides such as Patrick, Joe, and Rebekka explain puffins and seabirds while you watch from the deck or roof. Binoculars are provided, but wind, waves, and viewing distance can affect photos.

“A really enjoyable hour long boat trip to watch the puffins coming and going, adorable creatures, and saw plenty of other sea birds too. Joe the guide was excellent, entertaining and informative. Would highly recommend this trip.”

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Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise - Scanning Faxafloi Bay for whales
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Reykjavik Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

5.Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 707 reviews · 3 hours · from $106

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor aboard MY Harpa or MY Amelia Rose for three hours in Faxafloi Bay. English and Icelandic guides point out whales, dolphins, seabirds, and summer puffins, while blankets, indoor lounges, a bar, WiFi, and a return ticket if nothing is seen add comfort and value.

“Our guide tried very hard to make us sight some whales which we did ! Remember its nature so you can’t really be sure of seeing whales … also another boat from another company really were v disrespectful and almost scared the whale .. but our guide was really patient and amazing”

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Árskógssandur: Whale-Watching Boat Trip - A traditional boat with real character
Akureyri Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Árskógssandur: Whale-Watching Boat Trip

6.Whale-Watching Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 695 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $96

Meet at Hótel Kaldi in Árskógssandur for a 2.5-hour whale-watching trip on a traditional oak boat. An English-speaking guide and captain search Eyjafjörður for humpbacks, dolphins, and seabirds, while warm overalls, hot chocolate, and a cinnamon bun keep you comfortable.

“Incredible experience. We were lucky to see lots of humpback whales. The guides and the boat were perfect. An incredible journey :)”

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Whale Watching Cruise on a Yacht in Reykjavik - Harpa and Reykjavik from the water
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Whale Watching Cruise on a Yacht in Reykjavik

7.Whale Watching Cruise on a Yacht in Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 684 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $102

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour through Faxaflói Bay aboard a yacht for about three hours. An onboard guide explains whale behavior while the crew searches for minke and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and sometimes orcas. If no whales appear, you can take the cruise again for free.

“A great experience. It took a while to find any whales so I didn’t think we were going to see any but we did and it was amazing. I read a review that said they didn’t get long with the whales but on our tour the crew stayed ages and waited for multiple sightings before heading back. Very pleased overall and the boat was lovely, clean and spacious. Thank you for a brilliant trip which we will forever remember.”

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Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik - Choosing between 2.5 and 3.5 hours
Cruises & Boat Tours, Guided, Reykjavik Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik

8.Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 651 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $86

Meet at Reykjavik’s Old Harbor for a 2.5-hour express ride or a 3.5-hour classic cruise into Faxaflói Bay. Your naturalist guide explains the wildlife as you search for minke and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins. Thermal coveralls, heated indoor seating, Wi-Fi, and a no-sighting retry ticket are included.

“They canceled it three days in a row can I please get a refund? The weather was too bad to do tour please give a refund”

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Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik - Why the guide can make the short trip worthwhile
Cruises & Boat Tours, Guided, Puffin Watching Tours, Reykjavik Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik

9.Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 636 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $63Best value

Join an English-speaking guide and captain for a one-hour boat trip from Reykjavik to Akurey Island. From May through August, you may see puffins, fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots. Guides such as Patrick, Peter, and Joe are known for lively bird stories, and binoculars are provided.

“You do see puffins but not close enough for any decent iPhone pictures. Would love a more in depth and longer trip.”

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Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik - The first view is Reykjavik by night
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Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik

10.Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 610 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $105

Sail from central Reykjavik into Faxaflói bay for about two hours, viewing the aurora, city lights, Harpa, Hallgrímskirkja, and the Imagine Peace Tower. Elding provides warm overalls, a heated cabin, café, Wi-Fi, and a free return cruise if the lights do not appear.

“The boat was a good size for the amount of viewers. Their cold suits worked perfectly and everyone was very nice. It took approximately 25 minutes to get to the area where the northern lights were and they were spectacular”

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Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík - Why the RIB boat changes the experience
Akureyri Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

11.Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 501 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $203Top rated

Race across Skjálfandi Bay in a 12-seat RIB with a captain and wildlife guide. Look for humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins near Lundey from mid-April to mid-August. The two-hour trip includes a warm flotation suit, life vest, and commentary, but you must reach Húsavík yourself.

“Exceptional service and very knowledgeable guides on this tour. They know exactly where and when to look when going near the areas of previous sightings. The locations are a hit or miss when it comes to sightings but you will have a blast to and from the dock. Would go back if we ever got the chance!”

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Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise - The first hour, city views and the search for wildlife
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Reykjavik Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise

12.Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 488 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $108

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor aboard Harpa or Amelia Rose for about three hours in Faxafloi Bay. Guide Lucky and the crew search for whales, dolphins, porpoises, and summer puffins, with outdoor viewing decks, warm blankets, indoor seating, a bar, Wi-Fi, and a free return trip if wildlife stays out of sight.

“The boat is rocky and many folks got sick but we did see two humpback whales. The captains do their best to find the whales.”

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Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port - Hverir and Námaskarð: Iceland’s sulfurous side
Akureyri Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Diamond Circle Day Trips, Iceland Waterfall Tours, Iceland Waterfall Tours in Akureyri, Tour Reviews, Tours

Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port

13.Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 473 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $205

From Akureyri’s cruise pier, follow a local guide such as Oli, Jon, or Johannes to Godafoss and Lake Myvatn. Expect a 5 to 6-hour outing with waterfalls, steaming earth, Dimmuborgir lava, Grjotagja Cave, and optional time at the Myvatn Nature Baths.

“Beautiful trip to see an amazing waterfall and areas where lava continues to heat the surface with the funk of sulfur”

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Húsavík: Whale-Watching Cruise and Puffins Guided Tour - Searching Skjálfandi Bay for whales and dolphins
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Húsavík: Whale-Watching Cruise and Puffins Guided Tour

14.Whale-Watching Cruise and Puffins Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 444 reviews · 3 hours · from $135

Join North Sailing from Húsavík for a 3 to 3.5-hour cruise on a traditional oak boat. An English-speaking guide helps you search for whales, dolphins, puffins, and seabirds around Skjálfandi Bay, with warm overalls, hot chocolate, and a cinnamon bun included.

“I would have given it a 4 star to be honest with you, neither of us were too impressed with the puffin tour. We didn't imagine what that part of it would be like, and I think I expected more from that, though in hindsight I can see why a) we couldn't get closer to the colony and b) the rocking boat didn't make using binoculars easy with the potential for motion sickness with continued use. And therefore, again, with hindsight, we wouldn't have taken the puffin tour option. With regards the whales - I believe we struck lucky with decent weather, plenty of sightings to get excited about. It…”

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Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour - Puffin watching aboard Old Skúli
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Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour

15.Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 442 reviews · from $148

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor on two separate wildlife trips: a shallow-draft boat to puffin islands and the Andrea or faster express boat into Faxaflói Bay for whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Guides such as Patrick and Rebecca add sharp facts and good humor, while overalls and binoculars keep you comfortable.

“The combination offered by Special Tours was a really good choice, especially choosing the faster tour for the whale watching. Less time travelling to the area, same amount of time to spot the whales, perfect! Going to watch puffins afterwards was great. Good explanations on both tours, a downloadable app with more info, binoculars to borrow for free to spot the puffins, everything was great! Also, despite the many tourists they have every day, they remembered me and gave me a discount for booking a second tour with them to go sea angling, lovely.Read more”

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