Find out how Iceland’s whale watching companies compare in a Guide to Iceland study of customer ratings, prices, cancellation rates, and what each operator does best. The findings help you choose a tour based on your priorities.
The study brings together 22,020 customer reviews from three booking and review platforms and 24,661 comments from 2,013 travel discussion threads. It also uses internal booking and cancellation records from January 2024 through September 2026, alongside tour prices recorded in September 2026.
Choosing among whale watching tours in Iceland involves more than picking a company. These boat tours in Iceland differ in passenger numbers, viewing space, indoor shelter, and price, all of which can shape your experience on the water.
We focus on the whale watching specialists among the best tour companies in Iceland. By pairing ratings with traveler feedback, we explain how operators and boat types compare and who each option suits best.
Where and when you sail also matter for whale watching in Iceland. Alongside these company comparisons, our study of where to find whales in Iceland examines sighting patterns by harbor and month to help you choose a departure point and travel date.
Key Findings
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Small-boat operators lead the ratings. Every small-boat company scored higher than every big-boat company, with Husavik Adventures highest at 4.90 out of 5.
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Small boats also win within the same company. RIB tours outscore big-boat tours by 0.4 stars at Gentle Giants, 0.3 at Elding, and 0.1 at Special Tours.
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Most travelers still book big boats. They account for 87.9% of Guide to Iceland whale watching bookings between January 2024 and September 2026, compared with 12.1% for RIB and speedboat trips.
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RIB trips carry a clear price premium. Adult fares listed in September 2026 range from 11,990–14,500 ISK for big boats and 20,990–24,900 ISK for RIB and speedboat trips.
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Husavik has lower starting fares than Reykjavik. In the September 2026 price comparison, its cheapest listed big-boat tour costs 1,500 ISK less, and its RIB options cost 2,500–2,910 ISK less.
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Laki Tours leads the big-boat ratings but has the highest call-off rate shown. It scores 4.68, while 22.1% of its bookings were called off because of weather or operator-side reasons during January 2024–September 2026.
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Weather drives most operator cancellations. During January 2024–September 2026, about one in ten whale watching bookings was called off, with weather responsible for 83% of those cancellations. Hauganes had the lowest rate among operators shown, at 3.0%.
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Prices increased between 2024 and 2026. Every company tracked raised prices, most by 4–9%. Husavik Adventures had the largest overall increase at 14%.
Cite This Study
The charts and data in this study are free to use under CC BY 4.0. Credit Guide to Iceland and link to this page. Every chart has an Embed button underneath it with ready-to-paste code.
Which Whale Watching Company in Iceland Is the Best?
Husavik Adventures is Iceland's highest-rated whale watching company in our study, scoring 4.90 out of 5 from 381 reviews across Tripadvisor, GetYourGuide, and Guide to Iceland. Whale Watching Hauganes follows at 4.76, while Laki Tours leads the big-boat companies at 4.68.
The ranking covers only whale watching tours, excluding northern lights cruises, fishing trips, and other activities. Companies that now operate together are ranked as one operation.
Every small-boat company included scores above every big-boat company, with ratings ranging from 4.70 to 4.90. Review counts vary widely, though, so a higher score does not always reflect more customer feedback.
We’ve separated the companies into small-boat and big-boat rankings to help you compare similar trips. Alongside ratings, consider the price, group size, and onboard comfort that suit you best.
Two operators sit outside the ranking. Friends of Moby Dick runs tours from Husavik and had around 150 highly rated external reviews at the time of the study, but too few on the platforms measured to rank fairly. Whale Safari runs RIB trips from Reykjavik and is covered in the price analysis.
Best Small-Boat Whale Watching Companies in Iceland
Husavik Adventures leads the study’s small-boat ranking for whale watching companies in Iceland with 4.90 out of 5 from 381 reviews, followed by Whale Watching Hauganes at 4.76.
All four score above the highest-rated big-boat operator, Laki Tours, at 4.68. Husavik Adventures and Whale Watching Hauganes also have considerably more reviews than the other two, so their ratings reflect a broader range of traveler experiences.
|
Company |
Home harbor |
Rating |
Reviews |
Cancellation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Husavik |
4.90 |
381 |
0% |
|
|
Hauganes |
4.76 |
278 |
3.0% |
|
|
Isafjordur |
4.70 |
48 |
– |
|
|
Dalvik |
4.70 |
32 |
5.8% |
Beyond the ratings, passenger numbers are another factor to consider. Tours in this category carry roughly 30 people or fewer per departure, with Husavik Adventures offering 12-passenger RIB trips.
These smaller boats generally cost more and leave passengers more exposed to the weather. Minimum age requirements also vary by operator, so check the tour details before booking.
Best Big-Boat Whale Watching Companies in Iceland
Laki Tours leads the study’s big-boat ranking for whale watching companies in Iceland with 4.68 out of 5 from 1,218 reviews, followed by North Sailing & Salka at 4.61. Elding ranks third at 4.59 and has the lowest called-off rate in this group at 7.5%.
Big-boat tours use larger vessels, including catamarans, oak ships, schooners, and motor yachts. Tickets generally cost less than RIB trips, with more shelter and onboard toilets. Many welcome all ages, although facilities and age policies vary by tour.
|
Company |
Departure harbor |
Whale watching area |
Rating |
Reviews |
Called-off rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Olafsvik |
Waters off the Snaefellsnes Peninsula |
4.68 |
1,218 |
22.1% |
|
|
Husavik |
Skjalfandi Bay |
4.61 |
669 |
10.3% |
|
|
Reykjavik & Akureyri |
Faxafloi Bay & Eyjafjordur |
4.59 |
4,179 |
7.5% |
|
|
Husavik |
Skjalfandi Bay |
4.57 |
1,694 |
10.4% |
|
|
Reykjavik |
Faxafloi Bay |
4.50 |
11,562 |
11.0% |
|
|
Reykjavik |
Faxafloi Bay |
4.43 |
1,813 |
9.6% |
The ratings are closely grouped, with just 0.25 points separating the highest and lowest. Sea Trips & Iceland Discover has the largest review count in the entire ranking at 11,562, giving its 4.50 rating a much larger base of customer feedback.
Cancellation rates show a wider gap between operators. Despite leading on ratings, Laki Tours has the highest called-off rate in this group at 22.1%, compared with Elding’s 7.5%.
Companies with mixed fleets are grouped by their main fleet. Elding and Gentle Giants also offer RIB trips, whose ratings are higher than their big-boat products in our data.
What Is Each Whale Watching Company Best For?
Iceland’s whale watching companies suit different priorities, from small-group RIB trips and traditional sailing boats to sheltered seating and family-friendly experiences. The best choice depends on the group size, boat comfort, and onboard atmosphere you prefer.
To identify what each operator does best, we examined recurring themes across thousands of traveler comments. The company profiles below explain what travelers consistently praise about the boats, guides, and overall experience, helping you look beyond customer ratings.
Elding: The All-Rounder From Reykjavik
Elding Adventure at Sea is Reykjavik’s original whale watching operator, sailing year-round from the Old Harbor with naturalist guides on board. In our review analysis, travelers repeatedly mention crews turning back when whales are spotted on the journey home.
Its classic three-hour whale watching tour from Reykjavik is a practical first choice for visitors staying in the capital. The summer whale watching and puffin watching combo from Reykjavik includes a separate trip to nearby puffin islands.
Elding also runs a whale watching tour from Akureyri, exploring the sheltered waters of Eyjafjordur. Across its combined Reykjavik and Akureyri operation, it scores 4.59 from 4,179 reviews and has the lowest big-boat call-off rate in our study at 7.5%.
Husavik Adventures: Highest-Rated in Our Study
Husavik Adventures leads our whale watching company ranking with 4.90 out of 5 from 381 reviews. Its two-hour RIB whale watching and puffin tour from Husavik explores Skjalfandi Bay with a maximum of 12 passengers per boat.
The traveler comparison highlights close encounters and clear views from the small, open boats. Puffin viewing is included from approximately mid-April to mid-August, and warm suits and life jackets are provided.
This option suits travelers who prioritize small groups and views close to the water. The faster RIB ride is part of the experience, alongside the whale sightings.
North Sailing & Salka: A Relaxed Onboard Experience
North Sailing offers whale watching aboard wooden boats, schooners, and quiet electric vessels. Our traveler comparison highlights the onboard atmosphere, including hot chocolate and cinnamon cookies. Together with Salka, it ranks second among big-boat operators at 4.61 from 669 reviews.
The original three-hour whale watching tour from Husavik explores Skjalfandi Bay aboard a traditional oak boat. The study’s comments highlight its appeal for photography and romantic outings. The 3.5-hour whale watching and puffin tour from Husavik visits Lundey’s nesting colony from mid-April to mid-August.
The silent electric-boat whale watching tour from Husavik offers a quieter ride aboard Andvari. Separate schooner whale watching tours add traditional sailing to the experience. Reviewers mention free repeat trips after no whale sightings and rebooking to a whale watching tour from Arskogssandur when weather disrupts Husavik departures.
Salka joined North Sailing in 2022, and its tours now operate in cooperation with the company. The study therefore ranks them as one operation.
Gentle Giants: Speed or Tradition in Husavik
Gentle Giants offers a choice between RIB speedboats and traditional oak boats in Skjalfandi Bay. It scores 4.57 from 1,694 reviews in our study, grouped by its main fleet among big-boat operators.
The two-hour Big Whale Safari and puffin tour from Husavik uses RIB speedboats to cover more ground. Reviewers in our study rate it among Iceland’s best trips and repeatedly recommend paying the difference for the speedboat. Puffin viewing runs approximately mid-April to mid-August.
The traditional three-hour oak-boat whale watching tour from Husavik offers a slower-paced experience at a lower price. Both tours include a wildlife guide and warm safety overalls.
Laki Tours: The Orca Specialists
Laki Tours leads the big-boat ranking at 4.68 from 1,218 reviews. Our review analysis highlights its research-focused crew, with travelers describing guides who recognize individual orcas by name. Some repeat visitors call themselves “orcaholics.”
The whale watching tour from Olafsvik explores waters off the Snaefellsnes Peninsula where both orcas and sperm whales are seen seasonally. Orca sightings are most consistent March to May, sometimes into June. Sperm whales are most often seen April to June, and both species can occur on the same trip.
The two-hour whale watching tour from Holmavik explores the Westfjords, where humpbacks are the main species encountered. The company’s guides contribute to research through identification catalogs for Olafsvik’s orcas and Holmavik’s humpbacks.
Laki had the highest call-off rate among the operators ranked, at 22.1% of bookings. The study attributes most of these cancellations to weather. Allowing a spare day in your Snaefellsnes itinerary gives you more flexibility to rebook.
Whale Watching Hauganes: A Family-Friendly Stop
Whale Watching Hauganes operates in Eyjafjordur, about 30 minutes north of Akureyri. It ranks second among small-boat operators at 4.76 from 278 reviews. Our traveler analysis highlights humorous crews, family-friendly trips, and a quieter alternative to Husavik.
The approximately 2.5-hour whale watching tour from Hauganes focuses entirely on spotting whales. The whale watching and sea angling tour from Hauganes adds fishing at the end, with equipment provided and the option to take your filleted catch home.
Warm overalls, guides, coffee, and refreshments are included on both tours. Hot tubs beside the village’s black sand beach offer another activity to enjoy after returning to shore.
Special Tours & Reykjavik Sailors: Whale Watching Combos
Special Tours and Reykjavik Sailors offer whale watching combos from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor. Grouped together in our study, they score 4.43 from 1,813 reviews.
Special Tours offers a whale watching and puffin watching combo from Reykjavik from May through August. Its whale watching and northern lights boat tour combo from Reykjavik runs from September through April. Reykjavik Sailors offers a year-round whale watching and Lava Show combo from Reykjavik.
Their combined rating falls below every small-boat operator measured, and seasickness came up most often in their reviews. Our traveler satisfaction study found that paying more within the same activity rarely bought a better experience. Complimentary seasickness tablets are available at the ticket office and on board.
Sea Trips & Iceland Discover: Comfort on the Water
Sea Trips and Iceland Discover stand out in our traveler comparison for comfortable interiors and smaller crowds than the big catamarans. Ranked together, they score 4.50 out of 5 from 11,562 reviews, the largest review pool in our Icelandic whale watching study.
The whale watching and wildlife yacht tour from Reykjavik sails aboard Amelia Rose, with heated indoor lounges, several viewing decks, and onboard toilets. It departs from the Old Harbor to search for whales and other wildlife in Faxafloi Bay.
The three-hour whale watching and marine life tour in Faxafloi Bay usually sails aboard Arctic Rose, a classic vessel with warm indoor seating and spacious viewing decks. Both options suit travelers who value somewhere comfortable to sit and warm up between sightings.
Warm layers are still recommended for time on deck. The indoor spaces give passengers the flexibility to move between sheltered seating and outdoor wildlife viewing throughout the trip.
Friends of Moby Dick: A New Boat for Family Trips
Friends of Moby Dick offers whale watching tours from Husavik, with the boat Vinur added to its fleet in 2025. Its heated indoor seating supports the family-friendly experience travelers praise in our review analysis. Guests also highlight the small crew’s attention to children.
The small-group guided whale watching tour from Husavik explores Skjalfandi Bay with a personal, family-run approach. The owner responds to nearly every review. At the time of the study, it had around 150 highly rated reviews on external platforms, but too few on those we measured to rank fairly.
Sjoferdir: Whale Watching in the Westfjords
Sjoferdir’s whale watching tour from Isafjordur explores Isafjardardjup, with humpbacks as the main attraction and the Westfjords’ mountain walls as the backdrop. Our review analysis highlights the intimate experience and quieter setting.
The company names whale researcher Tom Grove as its lead whale guide. His work includes monitoring humpbacks in the fjord, bringing local research experience to the onboard commentary.
Sjoferdir scores 4.70 from 48 reviews in our study, placing it alongside Arctic Sea Tours in the small-boat ranking. Tours depart directly from Isafjordur, fitting easily into a Westfjords road trip or a cruise stop in town.
Arctic Sea Tours: The Dalvik Alternative
Arctic Sea Tours offers whale watching from Dalvik on Eyjafjordur. Our review analysis highlights its quieter small-town setting, a convenient alternative to Husavik if you are exploring North Iceland or booking day tours from Akureyri.
The three-hour classic whale watching tour from Dalvik uses a traditional oak boat and includes warm overalls, hot drinks, and local refreshments. The two-hour express RIB whale watching tour from Dalvik carries up to 12 passengers and covers more water at speed.
The RIB tour also looks for puffins during their nesting season. Arctic Sea Tours scores 4.70 from 32 reviews in our study, tying with Sjoferdir in the small-boat ranking.
Are Small Boats Better Than Big Boats for Whale Watching in Iceland?
Yes, small boats are better than big boats for whale watching in Iceland, according to customer ratings. Small boats score higher in all three comparisons between tours run by the same operator. The advantage is 0.4 stars at Gentle Giants, 0.3 at Elding, and 0.1 at Special Tours, and the pattern repeats across every platform measured.
Bookings tell a different story. On the Guide to Iceland marketplace, big boats account for 87.9% of whale watching bookings at a median price of 13,990 ISK per person. RIB and speedboat trips account for 12.1%, at a median of 20,990 ISK.
Most customers book the less expensive big-boat tours, which also receive high ratings. Small boats attract a smaller share of bookings but earn higher customer scores, including when the same company runs both options.
The comments help explain the appeal. RIB passengers repeatedly praise clear views, fewer people competing for viewing space, and less time reaching sightings. Big-boat complaints include crowded bow rails, queues for the best positions, and substantial time spent in transit.
Those trade-offs come with lower fares and more onboard facilities. Many big boats provide heated cabins, toilets, and access for children below RIB age limits. Larger vessels can also offer a steadier ride in swell, although conditions and boat designs vary.
If close encounters and fewer passengers are your priorities, the ratings favor a small boat. If price, indoor shelter, or traveling with young children matters more, a big boat can be the better fit.
Where Is the Best Place To Go Whale Watching in Iceland?
Husavik, Iceland’s whale watching capital, is the best place to go whale watching in the country, with four operator groups in this study sailing from its harbor into Skjalfandi Bay. North Sailing’s logbooks report an overall whale sighting rate of 97%. Humpbacks are a main attraction, and our guide to the top things to do in Husavik offers ideas for the rest of your day.
Reykjavik offers convenient departures from the Old Harbor, close to downtown hotels. Year-round tours explore Faxafloi Bay for humpbacks, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises.
Travelers on Reddit describe boats sharing sightings by radio in Faxafloi Bay. Operators search the same waters, so boat type, viewing space, and onboard facilities are useful differences to compare alongside the company name.
Eyjafjordur offers departures from Akureyri, Dalvik, and Hauganes. These ports combine sheltered fjord waters with whale watching options near North Iceland’s main travel routes. Our cancellation data highlights Hauganes as a departure point with relatively few canceled bookings.
Olafsvik is the departure point for Laki Tours’ orca-focused trips, with the best months generally March to May. Laki also sails from Holmavik in the Westfjords, where humpbacks are the main attraction. Sjoferdir’s tours from Isafjordur explore Isafjardardjup, offering another Westfjords option.
Several companies combine whale watching with visits to puffin colonies during the nesting season, while others offer a separate puffin boat trip. For a closer look at species and locations, see our study on where to see whales in Iceland and our guide to Iceland’s wildlife.
How Much Does Whale Watching in Iceland Cost?
Whale watching in Iceland costs 11,990–14,500 ISK per adult for the big-boat tours listed below, compared with 20,990–24,900 ISK for RIB and speedboat trips. Boat type makes a clear difference in price: even the cheapest RIB trip costs 6,490 ISK more than the most expensive big-boat tour in this comparison.
The tables below show Guide to Iceland adult fares recorded in September 2026 and form the basis of our price comparisons. They include Whale Safari’s Reykjavik RIB tour, although the company sits outside our ratings ranking. Child prices and minimum ages vary by tour.
Big-Boat Whale Watching Prices in Iceland
|
Tour |
Company |
Price per adult |
|---|---|---|
|
Arctic Sea Tours |
11,990 ISK |
|
|
Friends of Moby Dick |
11,990 ISK |
|
|
Gentle Giants |
12,490 ISK |
|
|
Whale Watching Hauganes |
12,700 ISK |
|
|
Reykjavik Sailors |
13,490 ISK |
|
|
Sea Trips |
13,490 ISK |
|
|
Laki Tours |
13,500 ISK |
|
|
Laki Tours |
14,000 ISK |
|
|
Sjoferdir |
14,240 ISK |
|
|
North Sailing & Salka |
14,036 ISK |
|
|
Special Tours |
14,490 ISK |
|
|
North Sailing & Salka |
14,490 ISK |
|
|
Elding |
14,500 ISK |
|
|
Elding |
14,500 ISK |
RIB and Speedboat Whale Watching Prices in Iceland
|
Tour |
Company |
Price per adult |
|---|---|---|
|
Arctic Sea Tours |
20,990 ISK |
|
|
Gentle Giants |
21,990 ISK |
|
|
Husavik Adventures |
21,990 ISK |
|
|
Special Tours & Reykjavik Sailors |
24,490 ISK |
|
|
Elding |
24,900 ISK |
|
|
Whale Safari |
24,900 ISK |
How Do Whale Watching Prices in Iceland Compare Between Harbors?
|
Price comparison |
Reykjavik |
Husavik |
|---|---|---|
|
Operations compared |
4 |
4 |
|
Lowest big-boat fare |
13,490 ISK (Reykjavik Sailors, Sea Trips) |
11,990 ISK (Friends of Moby Dick) |
|
Highest big-boat fare |
14,500 ISK (Elding) |
14,490 ISK (North Sailing electric) |
|
Big-boat price spread |
1,010 ISK |
2,500 ISK |
|
RIB/speedboat fares |
24,490–24,900 ISK |
21,990 ISK at both operators |
Husavik offers lower starting prices for both boat types. Its cheapest big-boat tour costs 1,500 ISK less than Reykjavik’s, while the highest big-boat fares in the two harbors are almost identical.
The bigger difference is the range of choices within each harbor. Reykjavik’s big-boat fares are closely grouped, while Husavik has a wider spread between its lowest-priced trip and North Sailing’s electric boat tour.
For RIB trips, Gentle Giants and Husavik Adventures charge the same listed fare in Husavik. Reykjavik’s options cost 2,500–2,910 ISK more per adult, although departing from the capital may fit your itinerary better than traveling north.
How Have Whale Watching Prices Changed?
Our three-year sales data show that every company tracked raised prices between 2024 and 2026. Most increases were 4–9%, with changes generally occurring through annual price revisions rather than seasonal adjustments.
Laki Tours made the largest single increase, raising its tracked fare by 12% in 2025 and holding it through 2026. Husavik Adventures, the highest-rated operator in our study, had the largest overall increase at 14% over two years.
Special Tours held its tracked fare for two years before adding 500 ISK in 2026, making it one of the more price-stable options during the study period.
The data distinguishes annual price increases from departure-dependent fares. North Sailing’s “from” price means readers should not assume every sailing costs the same, even where the tracked prices show no seasonal adjustment.
Our earlier tour satisfaction study found that paying more within the same activity rarely bought a better experience. Whale watching adds a useful distinction: the premium buys a different boat class. RIB tours receive higher ratings in all three comparisons with big-boat tours run by the same operator.
How Often Do Whale Watching Tours in Iceland Get Canceled?
About one in ten whale watching bookings in our data was called off by the operator, with weather accounting for 83% of those cancellations. These figures exclude travelers canceling their own plans and cover January 2024 through September 2026.
Laki Tours had the highest call-off rate shown, at 22.1%, while Whale Watching Hauganes had the lowest at 3.0%. Arctic Sea Tours recorded 5.8%, and Elding’s combined operation recorded 7.5%. Weather caused most of Laki’s cancellations, with operator-side reasons also contributing.
These are company-wide figures, so operators serving several harbors do not provide a separate rate for each location. Differences in seasons, vessels, and operator decisions also affect the totals, so the results do not establish harbor exposure as the sole cause.
Our monthly analysis found the highest whale watching call-off rates in March, September, and April, and the lowest in May. These describe the study period, rather than guaranteeing better conditions for a particular future trip.
Weather accounts for most cancellations for most operators shown, but operator-side cancellations also contribute. A weather cancellation alone does not establish poor service, and a low call-off rate does not measure passenger safety or onboard comfort.
Traveler comments repeatedly recommend booking whale watching early in your stay. That leaves time to reschedule if conditions prevent sailing. Check your tour’s cancellation and refund terms, and distinguish a weather cancellation from the free repeat trip some operators offer when no whales are seen.
About This Study
Guide to Iceland analyzed 22,020 whale watching reviews from its own marketplace, TripAdvisor, and GetYourGuide. The analysis also included 24,661 comments from 2,013 discussion threads on communities such as r/VisitingIceland.
Ratings include whale watching products only, with each review weighted equally. Paired companies are presented as combined study entries, which does not necessarily indicate a formal merger. Rankings are split by main fleet, with separate comparisons of boat types within the same operator.
Internal records cover January 2024–September 2026 and inform booking shares, median prices, price changes, and cancellations. Listed adult fares were recorded in September 2026. Whale Safari is included in price comparisons but not the company ratings ranking.
Call-off rates measure bookings canceled by weather or the operator, excluding traveler-initiated cancellations. Operator totals may cover multiple harbors.
Small review counts are flagged in the text. Sighting rates are operator-reported and not independently verified. Several companies are marketplace partners, but ratings and rankings are based solely on the pooled review data.
Keep Reading More Iceland Studies
This article is part of Guide to Iceland's original research series. If you're planning your trip around nature, wildlife, and weather, start with these:
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Where To Find Whales in Iceland: Sighting Rates by Harbor and Month
-
The Best and Worst Months To Visit Iceland: A 26-year Weather Study
Guide to Iceland’s marketplace is built from Iceland’s own tour operators, and we publish what the reviews say about them, whether it flatters us or not. We support our partners in maintaining the highest safety and quality standards in the industry.
Guide to Iceland Editorials is the shared byline for our content team. We use it on pieces several people worked on together, where no single writer owns the article, and on anything rewritten often enough that a personal byline would be misleading. We also publish our original data studies under this profile. Each study answers a question travelers ask about Iceland, using primary sources such as booking records, traveler reviews and public datasets, and every study is quality checked by human experts before it's published. Everything under this byline is researched and reviewed by people who live and work in Iceland. If you spot something out of date or want to suggest a correction, message us and it reaches the whole team.
