WHALE WATCHING:
AKUREYRI vs HÚSAVÍK
Whale watching is one of the most popular activities in Iceland, and also one of the most confusing to choose.
If you start researching, you’ll quickly notice that most recommendations point north, usually to Akureyri or Húsavík. Both are excellent locations, both have experienced operators, and both regularly offer incredible whale sightings. Yet the experience can feel quite different depending on where you go.
This guide isn’t about naming a “winner.”
It’s about helping you decide which place makes more sense for your trip, your itinerary, and the kind of experience you’re looking for.
After spending years working in Icelandic tourism and seeing how these tours actually play out on the water, one thing is clear: whale watching is absolutely worth it in the north, but choosing the right location can make the difference between a good day and a truly memorable one.
Below, we’ll break down the real differences between whale watching in Akureyri and Húsavík, including scenery, atmosphere, accessibility, and what kind of traveler each place suits best.
Whale watching in Akureyri
Akureyri sits at the end of Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord: a deep, sheltered body of water that has become one of the country’s most reliable feeding grounds for whales, especially humpbacks.
One of the biggest advantages of whale watching in Akureyri is the setting. The fjord is calm, scenic, and protected, which often means smoother sailing and a more relaxed experience on the water. Whales here are frequently seen feeding close to town, sometimes within minutes of leaving the harbor.
Tours from Akureyri tend to feel:
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calm and well-paced
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accessible for families and first-timers
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easy to combine with a North Iceland road trip
Because Akureyri is a larger town with a wider tourism base, whale watching here fits naturally into a broader itinerary. It’s a great option if you’re already passing through the north, staying nearby, or traveling with children who might appreciate a shorter, less exposed boat trip.
Akureyri whale watching is often about quiet moments: watching a humpback surface repeatedly in the fjord, listening to guides explain feeding behavior, and enjoying the landscape without feeling rushed
For travelers planning to whale watch from Akureyri, this is the operator we recommend based on guide quality, group size, and how they handle real conditions..
Whale watching in Húsavík
Húsavík is often called the whale watching capital of Iceland, and for good reason. Located on Skjálfandi Bay, it has a long history of whale watching and a strong identity built around marine life.
What immediately sets Húsavík apart is the atmosphere. Whale watching here feels like the main event, not an add-on. The harbor, museums, and local businesses all revolve around the sea, and that focus shows in how tours are run.
Skjálfandi Bay is wide and open compared to Eyjafjörður, which can mean slightly more exposure to wind and swell. But it also creates excellent conditions for spotting a variety of species. In addition to humpback whales, sightings here often include minke whales, dolphins, and occasionally blue whales.
Whale watching tours from Húsavík tend to feel:
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more immersive and educational
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deeply connected to maritime culture
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ideal for travelers who specifically came to Iceland to see whales
Many boats operate longer trips, and guides often spend extra time explaining whale behavior, migration, and conservation efforts. For travelers who enjoy learning as much as seeing, Húsavík offers a particularly rich experience.
If whale watching is a key reason for your trip, rather than something you’re fitting in along the way, Húsavík is hard to beat.
For whale watching from Húsavík, this is the operator we recommend for their experience, respectful approach to wildlife, and consistent standards.