Top 10 Sailing Trips in Iceland

1.Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

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

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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2.Northern Lights Yacht Tour

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

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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3.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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4.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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5.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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6.Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 428 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $94

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour for about two hours, watching the sky for the aurora while the crew explains what to look for and how to photograph it. The yacht has warm indoor seating, a bar, Wi-Fi, clean bathrooms, and open decks. A free return trip is offered if the lights are not seen.

“You aren't always guaranteed to see the northern lights, but the captain always keeps you updated and aims to stay out so you get the chance”

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7.Northern Lights Motor Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 133 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $99

Sail from Reykjavik Old Harbor into Faxafloi Bay on a 2.5-hour motor yacht cruise. Your guide explains the aurora and points out Harpa Concert Hall, Sun Voyager, Hofdi House, and Videy. Choose warm indoor seating or outdoor viewing, with blankets and drinks available onboard.

“Best trip the two men were the best so helpful and we got the lights whoo”

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8.Whale Watching on a Traditional Oak Sailing Ship from Husavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 68 reviews · from $106

Set out from Húsavík Harbour aboard the wooden schooners Haukur, Opal, or Hildur for about three hours in Skjálfandi Bay. Guides, including Laura on some departures, explain the whales and the sea while you help raise sails, watch for humpbacks and dolphins, and enjoy hot chocolate with cinnamon buns.

“Schooner Hildur, 3 Humpback whales with 2 flukes shown! Staff were amazing. Sitge, Alex, Sophie, all woman crew! Beautiful day and amazing experience”

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9.Northern Lights Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 35 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $100

Set out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour aboard a yacht for a 2 to 3 hour evening cruise past Harpa, Viðey Island, and Faxaflói Bay. Captain Einar and the crew watch for the aurora while you stay warm indoors with blankets, bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and a bar serving hot and cold drinks.

“Great experience, great tour! We got to see the northern lights (which helps!) skies were clear and our tour guide/narrator was fun and helpful. Boat was comfortable and all in all a great experience I would recommend.”

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10.New Year’s Eve Northern Lights Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 12 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $140

Spend 1.5 hours aboard a motor yacht off Reykjavík, searching for the Northern Lights near Videy Island before moving toward shore for the midnight fireworks. An English or Icelandic guide leads the cruise, with champagne served at midnight. Best for adults who handle the sea well.

“Fireworks & random whale sighting was exciting however staff were not trying hard to hunt for Northern lights on a clear sky even though we had lots of time prior to midnight champagne & fireworks. Staff were nice but engaging.”

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