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Boat tours in Iceland are a captivating way to explore the country's stunning natural beauty from a unique perspective. Iceland's rugged coastline, glacier-fed fjords, and abundant wildlife make it an ideal destination for a variety of boat excursions.
Whether you’re sailing the iceberg-filled waters of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon or embarking on a whale watching adventure, Iceland’s waterways are as magical as its landscapes. Here is all you need to know about boat tours in Iceland.
Experience the thrill of seeing humpback whales and dolphins up close on whale watching tours. Departing from Reykjavik or Husavik and Akureyri in North Iceland, these tours offer an unforgettable journey into Iceland’s rich marine life.
The Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik: This popular whale watching tour from Reykjavik is the classic boat adventure to the Faxafloi Bay to see humpback whales and other marine animals.
The Husavik Whale Watching Tour: Visit Husavik, the whale watching capital of Iceland, for the best chance to see whales and dolphins in the scenic Skjalfandi Bay.
The Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri: Discover the rich marine wildlife of Eyjafjordur, the longest fjord in Iceland, on a boat tour departing from Akureyri in North Iceland.
Explore Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and its smaller neighbor, Fjallsarlon, by amphibian or Zodiac boats. Sail among shimmering icebergs and marvel at the dramatic scenery created by Iceland’s largest glacier, Vatnajokull.
The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour: Jump aboard an amphibian boat tour in Iceland to see the mesmerizing icebergs of Jokulsarlon. Watch out for sightings of seals and seabirds!
The Zodiac Boat Tour of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: Ride a speedy and inflatable zodiac boat to get closest to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon's icebergs.
The Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour at Vatnajokull: Enjoy a more intimate and less-crowded boat experience sailing through icebergs breaking away from the nearby glaciers of Fjallsarlon.
Set sail under the stars for a chance to witness the northern lights dancing across the Arctic sky. These tours often depart from Reykjavik, offering a serene escape from city lights.
The Northern Lights Boat Cruise from Reykjavik: Bask in the vibrant glow of the aurora borealis while cruising through the bay surrounding Reykjavik.
The Northern Lights Boat Tour with Reykjavik Pick-up: Another excellent northern lights boat tour in Iceland with a departure from Reykjavik's Old Harbor.
Northern Lights Boat Tour and Whale Watching from Reykjavik: Enjoy a back-to-back sea adventure in Iceland as you get close to whales and hunt for the northern lights onboard a boat.
During the summer months, boat tours to Iceland’s coastal cliffs bring you close to puffin colonies. Popular locations include Akurey and Lundey, reachable via short boat trips from Reykjavik.
Whale Watching and Puffin Safari Boat Tour from Husavik: Sail through the Skjalfandi Bay of Husavik to spot whales, puffins, and other seabirds in their natural habitat.
Puffin Boat Tour from Reykjavik Harbor: For approximately one hour, this boat tour from Reykjavik takes you to the small islands of Faxafloi Bay to see the friendly puffins.
Whale and Puffin Watching Boat Tour from Reykjavik: Book a seat on this RIB boat to seek the wildlife surrounding Reykjavik, from humpback whales to puffins.
For safe and convenient travel between different towns and islands, consider booking a boat transfer in Iceland. Glide through picturesque fjords, explore remote islands, or enjoy a peaceful ride on the open sea to your next destination.
Baldur Ferry Transfer from Snaefellsnes Peninsula to the Westfjords: Begin your Westfjords adventure with a convenient boat transfer via the Baldur ferry from the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to the Brjanslaekur port.
Baldur Ferry Transfer from the Westfjords to Snaefellsnes Peninsula: End your Westfjords tour with this Baldur ferry ride from Brjanslaekur port to Stykkisholmur in Snaefellsnes.
Boat Tour in Vestmannaeyjar with Transfer from Heimaey Harbor: Explore the highlights of the Westman Islands on a boat tour, including Heimaey Island, Klettshellir Cave, puffin cliffs, and more.
Below are some of the top destinations for boat trips in Iceland.
Reykjavik: As Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik is a hub for boat tours. Reykjavik boat trips include whale watching, puffin spotting, and northern lights cruises.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: Located in Southeast Iceland, Jokulsarlon is one of the country’s most iconic destinations. Boat tours here allow you to sail among massive icebergs and witness seals basking on the ice.
Husavik: Known as Iceland’s whale watching capital, Husavik offers exceptional boat tours to see humpback and minke whales. This charming North Iceland town is a must-visit for marine life enthusiasts.
Akureyri: The "Capital of North Iceland," Akureyri is another fantastic destination for boat tours. From here, you can embark on whale watching adventures in Eyjafjordur, Iceland’s longest fjord.
Westman Islands: The Westman Islands, located off Iceland's South Coast, offer unique boat tours showcasing dramatic volcanic cliffs, sea caves, and abundant birdlife. Puffins are especially plentiful in the summer months.
Westfjords: The remote Westfjords region is ideal for exploring Iceland’s rugged coastline. Boat tours in this region provide unique opportunities for birdwatching, including the famous puffins and Arctic terns.
The best time for boat tours in Iceland depends on your interests:
Summer (May to September): Perfect for puffin watching, glacier lagoon tours, and whale watching. Calm seas and long daylight hours enhance the experience.
Winter (October to March): Ideal for northern lights boat tours and scenic cruises in snow-covered landscapes. Whale watching is also possible year-round, with different species spotted during winter.
Iceland has several departure points for boat tours, including ports, harbors, and popular destinations.
Reykjavik Old Harbor: Located in the heart of Iceland’s capital city, this bustling harbor is the most popular departure point for whale watching, puffin spotting, and northern lights cruises.
Akureyri Port: Situated in the North Iceland town of Akureyri, this port serves as a gateway to whale watching and scenic boat tours in Eyjafjordur. Akureyri is approximately a 5-hour drive from Reykjavik or a short domestic flight away.
Husavik Harbor: Found in the charming coastal town of Husavik, this harbor is often referred to as the whale watching capital of Iceland. Located about an hour from Akureyri, Husavik offers tours featuring oak boats and high-speed RIBs.
Landeyjahofn: This harbor on Iceland’s southern coast is the primary departure point for ferries and boat tours to the Westman Islands. Landeyjahofn is about a 2-hour drive from Reykjavik.
Stykkisholmur Port: Located on the north side of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Stykkisholmur is a picturesque harbor offering scenic boat tours of Breidafjordur Bay. It’s approximately 2.5 hours from Reykjavik by car.
Brjanslaekur Port: Situated in the remote Westfjords region, this port is a key departure point for ferries to Flatey Island and scenic tours of the area’s dramatic fjords.
Isafjordur Harbor: Isafjordur is a hub for boat tours exploring the Westfjords’ rugged fjords and abundant wildlife. Known for its pristine beauty and remote charm, Isafjordur offers unique tours, including visits to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: This glacier lagoon is the departure point for amphibian and Zodiac boat tours that take visitors up close to massive icebergs and serene glacial waters. Jokulsarlon is approximately a 5-hour drive from Reykjavik.
Boat or sailing tours in Iceland provide a safe and immersive way to explore the country’s breathtaking waterways, led by licensed captains or experienced boat crews. These professionals are well-versed in navigating Iceland’s unique marine environments and ensuring your safety while enhancing your journey with expert knowledge.
All tours prioritize safety and comfort, offering essential gear such as life jackets and, in some cases, thermal suits for colder conditions.
Boat tours are thoughtfully designed to accommodate travelers of all ages and skill levels, making them an excellent choice for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.
Most boat tours offer small group sizes for a more intimate and personalized experience. Additionally, many tours include photo opportunities, so don’t forget your camera to capture Iceland’s remarkable natural beauty from the water.
Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, which can sometimes affect boat tours. Strong winds, rain, or rough seas may lead to cancellations, as safety is the top priority for operators. If your boat tour is canceled due to weather conditions, most companies offer the option to reschedule or provide a full refund.
It’s always a good idea to check weather forecasts on reliable platforms like Vedur.is or SafeTravel. You may also contact your tour operator directly for updates before your departure.
For travelers with flexible schedules, booking tours early during your trip allows time to rebook if needed. With these precautions in mind, you can enjoy Iceland’s stunning waters and landscapes worry-free.
To help prepare for your Iceland boat trip, below are some helpful tips to consider.
Dress for the Weather: Even in summer, it can be chilly on the water. Wear warm, waterproof layers, gloves, and a hat to stay comfortable.
Book in Advance: Popular boat tours, especially during summer, can fill up quickly. Secure your spot early to avoid disappointment.
Bring Your Camera: Iceland’s waters are teeming with photo opportunities, from breaching whales to towering icebergs.
Check the Forecast: Weather in Iceland can change quickly. Use resources like Vedur.is to check conditions before your tour.
Consider Motion Sickness: If you’re prone to seasickness, bring medication or wristbands to ensure a pleasant experience.
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