Iceland · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 cruises & boat tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
3-hour Reykjavík whale watching cruise in Faxafloi Bay to spot humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and more, with heated cabins.
“It was so good !! Really recommend to anyone who’s coming to Iceland ! We saw 2 hump back whales which was very lucky :)”
Amelia Rose in Reykjavik, a 3-hour whale watching cruise from Old Harbor with triple decks, warm blankets, and expert spotting.
“The whole Team was great on the Amelia Rose Yacht. Definitely recommend.”
Reykjavik northern lights yacht cruise with three decks, warm blankets, sea-sickness tablets, and a cozy bar for 2 hours.
“The boat was nice, not overcrowded and we could choose a seat inside or outside. The guide pointed out the northern lights and spent time with us on how to change our phone settings to get a decent photo of them. The bar inside had a choice of drinks, but I would highly recommend the hot chocolate with amaretto in for a cold night As we found out what to look for on this tour, we were then able to spot northern lights again the next night right above our hotel by the marina”
Reykjavik puffin boat tour from Old Harbour to Lundey and Akurey in Faxaflói Bay, with binoculars and 100% puffin sightings in about an hour.
“Enjoyable tour with entertaining guide and boat captain. The puffins were out and very active during the 8 am tour.”
Yacht cruise from Reykjavik in Faxafloi Bay for whales, dolphins, and seabirds, with warm blankets, WiFi, and guided spotting.
“We had the most incredible trip! We were so lucky to see several humpbacks, minke whales and the endangered fin whale as well as lots of puffins! It was an absolute dream come true. Our guide, Lucky, was incredibly knowledgable and passionate. Thank you so much for having us 🙏”
Whale watching from Árskógssandur on a traditional oak boat with hot chocolate, cinnamon buns, warm overalls and live English commentary.
“The area is breathtaking, host and guide very kind and caring. We have received interesting information on the tour about whales and the area. Boats from Akureyri were packed where as ours was very comfortable with a small group of people. Definitely recommend this spot! We were lucky and spotted one whale we followed for a good while, we nearly said 3 hours on the sea and the traditional boat mode it even more exciting! Loved every minute of it, thanks to the guide and captain 😍🤩 hot chocolate and bun was a nice supplement.”
3-hour Reykjavik yacht whale cruise in Faxaflói Bay for humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and more, plus warm comfort and a return deal.
“We saw the whales dive multiple times and tried a fel local drinks onboard. Very comfortable journey. We trultly enjoyed. Thank you”
Warm thermal overalls, onboard Wi-Fi, and a guide’s real whale intel on a 2.5 to 3.5 hour cruise from Reykjavik.
“Only one side of the boat could consistently see the animals because they kept turning the boat toward it rather than letting the animals pass on the sides.”
Quick Reykjavik puffin cruise to Akurey Island, with an expert guide, included binoculars, and close-in boat time for prime seabird spotting.
“Cruise was good, our guide Patrick was quite the showman and made the best of a rainy day with few puffins left. I do think this tour is probably not worth it after the first week in August because there weren't too many puffins to see-- we saw maybe 20 if I'm being generous. However, not at all the fault of the tour operator at all, just wanted to let future travelers know that mid-August is slim pickings for puffin sightings.”
2-hour Northern Lights cruise from downtown Reykjavik with warm coveralls, heated cabin, Wi-Fi, and a free return if you miss the aurora.
“Though seeing the lights aren’t guaranteed, they let you come again as many times as you like/ reschedule if you don’t see them. I was lucky enough to catch quite a few green streaks on my first try! :)”
Chase humpback whales and puffins from Reykjavik with warm overalls, two boats, and smart timing for Faxaflói Bay wildlife.
“What a wonderful experience to see these fantastic birds. Our tour guide was excellent.”
RIB whale watching from Húsavík in Skjálfandi Bay, with Lundey puffins during season, warm suits on board, small group views.
“Overall fun experience even though we took the 9am tour which was the first tour of the day hoping to see Whales, but only saw a few fins, not that exciting. Very cold, wet and rough waters getting out there so expect to get wet! They provide great gear for all. Austin our guide was great, very informative. I will say the negative was that it was also suppose to be whales & puffins, but the puffins aspect of the tour was never addressed, so not sure if what happened with that (?) overall no regrets.”
A 3-hour yacht cruise from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour to spot whales and dolphins in Faxafloi Bay, with Wi‑Fi photos and warm comfort.
“Excellent observation decks at multiple levels. The indoor decks and bar were appreciated for warming up”
Akureyri cruise port tour to Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn’s lava, steam vents, and optional Nature Baths, with easy pickup.
“Tour guide set the tone from the first stop, where he asked if anyone needed to use the restroom, when we said yes, he replied “you must hurry😡!” After that at every stop we were given strict instructions to be back at a set time, no longer than30 minutes at each stop. It was all very rushed. The tour would be better if there were less stops in order to experience the surroundings at a more leisurely pace. It would be better to not feel so rushed.”
3 hours on a traditional oak boat from Húsavík in Skjálfandi Bay, warm overalls, hot chocolate, whales and puffins.
“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…”
Every kind of Icelandic day out, and the best of each.
