The 13 Best Iceland Boat Tours

1.Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

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

Cruise Faxaflói Bay from Reykjavík with a trained guide such as Maria, Lucky, or Gunther watching for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seals. You’ll have indoor warmth, outdoor viewing decks, onboard WiFi, toilets, and a café, but dress very warmly because the sea feels much colder than the harbor.

“Excellent experience, we were with whales for 90 minutes of the 3hr trip often very close, once they swam within 20 feet of us, very good and informative commentary from Maria throughout the trip. comfortable, well appointed boat.”

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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, an offshore yacht with three viewing decks, a warm lounge, bar, WiFi, and expert guides such as Lucky and Roman. Search Faxaflói Bay for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seabirds, and occasional orcas.

“I didn't get seasick at all and it was a wonderful cruise. However, it was a shame that we only saw small whales about the same size as dolphins, probably because it wasn't whale season.”

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3.Northern Lights Yacht Tour

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

Sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor into Faxaflói Bay, away from city glow, and watch for the aurora from three open-air decks. Guides such as Maria, Brianta, and Julian have helped passengers spot the lights and adjust phone cameras. A bar, blankets, Wi-Fi, and indoor seating make the two-hour cruise comfortable when the wind turns cold.

“We got very lucky with totally clear skies and a high probability of a sighting, saw the lights within 10 minutes of the boat sailing out and then they put on a show for a good hour. The guide was very helpful, explaining how to take the best photos, that the lights come in waves and she alerted those of us who were sitting inside shielding from the cold whenever a new wave of lights would come up. It is very cold on the boat (it was minus 10 degrees that evening) so I advise wearing a lot of layers, coat, gloves, snow shoes. Would definitely recommend.”

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4.Puffin Watching Boat Tour

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

Cruise from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour aboard the 33-passenger wooden boat Old Skuli to Lundey and Akurey. Your English-speaking guide, often Patrick, Joe, or Rebekka, explains puffins and seabirds while you watch from the deck or roof. Binoculars are provided.

“Really helpful guide and captain, the whole trip was extremely smooth. Would’ve liked it if the boat could get a little closer to the puffins, but otherwise everything was top-notch.”

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5.Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

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

Set out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor aboard MY Harpa or MY Amelia Rose for three hours in Faxafloi Bay. Guides such as Lucky and Rebecca help you spot humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, seabirds, and summer puffins, with blankets, WiFi, and a bar on board.

“The guide was excellent taking us to spots where the whales had been seen earlier that day. We were lucky to see several sightings of the Humpback Whales.”

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6.Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 552 reviews · 4 hours · from $153

From Reykjavík’s Old Harbor, you’ll visit puffin colonies aboard the shallow-draft Old Skúli, then search Faxaflói Bay for humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, and porpoises. Guides such as Patrick and Alex bring the wildlife to life, while warm overalls and binoculars make the four-hour outing easier in Iceland’s changeable weather.

“Completely Icelandic ocean wildlife tour in time managable hours. Whales watching was amazing, we have seen multiple shows from humped back whales. The puffin tour was perfect with plenty of amazing informations from our guides. Enjoyed.”

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7.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 across Skjálfandi Bay. A live English-speaking guide points out whales, dolphins, seabirds, and Puffin Island. You’ll ride a traditional oak boat, wear warm overalls, and finish with hot chocolate and a cinnamon bun.

“We were very lucky because we got really good weather, it was sunny and not a cloud in the sky. We got to see 4 humpback whales. The puffins are harder to catch in a photo because they get scared and get under water. But there were a lot of them flying around. I would really recommend this activity.”

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8.Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 438 reviews · 2 hours · from $88

Join Sea Trips Reykjavík for a two-hour Northern Lights cruise from the Old Harbour. English-speaking guides such as Steingreimur, Hólmar, and Christina help you spot the aurora, explain camera settings, and keep watch from the double observation deck. Blankets, warm indoor seating, Wi-Fi, and a bar make the wait easier.

“Unfortunately we didn’t get to see the Northern Lights, but it was still a great trip”

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9.Whale Watching Tour by RIB Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 393 reviews · 2 hours · from $194

Join a two-hour English-guided RIB tour from Reykjavik’s harbor, reaching 32 knots on the way to Faxaflói Bay. Warm flotation suits, shock-absorbing seats, and a small boat bring you close to whales and dolphins, with an Akurey puffin stop in summer and museum entry included.

“Fantastic experience, saw plenty of whales of different species whilst analysing the beautiful scenery, definitely worth the money, guide was fantastic throughout!”

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10.Best Value Whale Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 300 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $103

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour into Faxaflói Bay for 3.5 hours of whale watching. Guides such as Lucas and Badger help you spot minke and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds. Warm flotation overalls, heated cabins, Wi-Fi, a café, and a return ticket if no animals appear make this a practical choice.

“WE SAW WHALES! The boat was great, with so many indoor and outdoor viewing options - which was helpful since it was rainy and chilly that day AND they supplied warm coveralls which was a godsend! Once a whale was spotted, the captain frequently repositioned the boat to get closer and to ensure that no matter what side you were on, you'd get a look. Our guide was sweet and insightful and answered questions at the end. Highly recommend.”

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11.Small Group Golden Circle from Cruise Terminal

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 293 reviews · 6.5 hours · from $166

From Reykjavik’s cruise terminals, you’ll visit Þingvellir, Öxarárfoss, Geysir, and Gullfoss with an English- or German-speaking guide. Guides such as Diego, Laura, and Emilia are praised for clear local stories. The schedule is tight but designed to get you back to your ship on time.

“In the tight timeline we had, our guide managed the time well and got us back to the ship in good time. We saw all the major highlights and despite the cold, windy rain it was a good time.”

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12.Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 293 reviews · 2 hours · from $200

Join a small group of up to 12 on a two-hour RIB ride from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. A marine biologist guide helps you spot puffins, minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises, while the captain covers open water quickly. Warm suits, gloves, goggles, and photos are included.

“Great experience- saw lots of whales and other wildlife, had a great knowledgeable and funny tour guide. Just be advised- you will get wet and the ride is very bouncy. The seats are comfortable if you listen to their directions and they give you warm and water repellent overalls to wear. Highly recommend!”

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13.Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Cruise Ship Day-Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 269 reviews · 6 hours · from $182

From Akureyri’s cruise pier, you’ll travel by 11 to 19-seat minibus to Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, Dimmuborgir, Hverir, and Grjótagjá. A local English-speaking guide such as Johannes, Armann, or Biggi leads the day. The Nature Baths are optional and cost extra.

“Jon was a fantastic guide. He was local so could share his own knowledge. He was extremely informative and made sure everyone in the group were included. We were extremely happy with our day trip!”

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