15 Cruises & Boat Tours in Iceland to Build a Day Around

Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise - The first hour: searching, watching, and learning

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

Cruise Faxaflói Bay from Reykjavík for whales, dolphins, seals, coastal views, expert guides, and a warm cabin when the wind bites.

“This was by far the best experience we had in Iceland. It was so emotional seeing the whales. They jumped so many times and we were so lucky to see that in-person. Our guide, Maria, was also so knowledgeable and I learned so many things about whales with her. I highly recommend this tour!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Boat Trips in Reykjavik, Cruises & Boat Tours, Reykjavik Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Reykjavik

Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

2.Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,911 reviews · 3 hours · from $107

See whales, dolphins, and porpoises from Reykjavík’s comfortable Amelia Rose yacht, with three decks, expert guides, and a cozy onboard bar.

“The yacht is very nice and sails smooth. We saw several humpback and minke whales along with dolphins. The guide was great and very helpful to point out where to look and also gave a lot of information on each species.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Boat Trips in Reykjavik, Cruises & Boat Tours, Northern Lights Tours, Reykjavik Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours

Reykjavik: Northern Lights Yacht Tour

3.Northern Lights Yacht Tour

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

Cruise from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour to watch the northern lights from three decks, with warm blankets, a bar, and flexible rebooking.

“Great views of amazing lights across the sky and a couple of humpback whales came by too!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Boat Trips in Reykjavik, Cruises & Boat Tours, Puffin Watching Tours, Puffin Watching Tours in Reykjavik, Reykjavik Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour

4.Puffin Watching Boat Tour

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

See Reykjavik’s puffins from a classic wooden boat, with expert guides, binoculars, nearby islands, and a weather-dependent one-hour cruise.

“Great information from the guide and captain. So close to the puffins”

Check availability →Read our full review

Boat Trips in Reykjavik, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Reykjavik Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Reykjavik

Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

5.Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

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

Review of Reykjavik’s Harpa Yachts whale cruise, with yacht comfort, wildlife odds, seasonal puffins, costs, weather tips, and booking advice.

“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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Akureyri Tours, Boat Trips in Akureyri, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Akureyri

Árskógssandur: Whale-Watching Boat Trip

6.Árskógssandur: Whale-Watching Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 695 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $96

See humpback whales, dolphins, and seabirds from a traditional oak boat on a calm Eyjafjörður cruise from Árskógssandur.

“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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Boat Trips in Reykjavik, Cruises & Boat Tours, Reykjavik Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Reykjavik

Whale Watching Cruise on a Yacht in Reykjavik

7.Whale Watching Cruise on a Yacht in Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 684 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $102

Review of Reykjavik’s 3-hour whale cruise, with humpbacks, dolphins, warm cabins, city views, cold-weather tips, and honest value advice.

“We saw the whales dive multiple times and tried a fel local drinks onboard. Very comfortable journey. We trultly enjoyed. Thank you”

Check availability →Read our full review

Boat Trips in Reykjavik, Cruises & Boat Tours, Day Trips from Reykjavik, Guided, Reykjavik Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Reykjavik

Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik

8.Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 651 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $86

Watch whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds in Faxaflói Bay on a guided Reykjavik boat tour with warm coveralls and a retry ticket.

“We saw whales and dolphins and the tour guide was so nice and personable. Would go again; 10/10. Loved it!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Boat Trips in Reykjavik, Cruises & Boat Tours, Day Trips from Reykjavik, Guided, Puffin Watching Tours, Puffin Watching Tours in Reykjavik, Reykjavik Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik

9.Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 636 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $63Best value

See Reykjavik’s puffins on a one-hour cruise to Akurey Island, with expert commentary, binoculars, flexible departures, and free cancellation.

“You do see puffins but not close enough for any decent iPhone pictures. Would love a more in depth and longer trip.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Boat Trips in Reykjavik, Cruises & Boat Tours, Northern Lights Tours, Reykjavik Tours, Tour Reviews

Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik

10.Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 610 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $105

Review the Reykjavik Northern Lights Cruise, with warm overalls, city views, a heated cabin, and a free return trip if needed.

“Once in a lifetime opportunity! Would definitely book with this company! Unfortunately, the night we originally booked had to be cancelled due to the weather, but the company did an amazing job rebooking us quickly and telling us which days had a higher chance at seeing the northern lights.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Akureyri Tours, Boat Trips in Akureyri, Cruises & Boat Tours, Puffin Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Akureyri

Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

11.Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 501 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $203Top rated

Review of Húsavík’s Big Whales and Puffins RIB tour, with practical advice on wildlife, cold weather, price, transport, and who should book.

“Amazing experience…saw numerous whales, including the elusive Northern Bottlenose whale. Our guide and captain were very informative and knowledgeable”

Check availability →Read our full review

Boat Trips in Reykjavik, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Reykjavik Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Reykjavik

Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise

12.Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 488 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $108

Review of Reykjavik’s 3-hour whale and dolphin yacht cruise, with wildlife, harbor views, onboard comforts, pricing, and practical booking advice.

“We had such a great experience as a family (2 adults, 2 children). We have been wanting to see whales for a long time and finally got to tick them off the bucket list. So pleased we got to see a few groups of Humpback whales - amazing! I would definitely recommend this trip to others, the crew were great at tracking them and communicating with all on board. We didn't use the warm areas or bars onboard, but it was good to know that facilities were available if we needed to use them. We were too engrossed with taking the experience in on the top deck! 🐋❤️”

Check availability →Read our full review

Akureyri Tours, Boat Trips in Akureyri, Cruises & Boat Tours, Myvatn Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in Akureyri

Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port

13.Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 473 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $205

See Godafoss, bubbling mud pools, lava formations, and Lake Myvatn on a small-group shore tour from Akureyri.

“Tour guide didn’t really seem organized or knowledgeable. He seemed bored. Would have been nice to have heard more of the history of Iceland- factual.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Akureyri Tours, Boat Trips in Akureyri, Cruises & Boat Tours, Guided, Puffin Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Akureyri

Húsavík: Whale-Watching Cruise and Puffins Guided Tour

14.Whale-Watching Cruise and Puffins Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 444 reviews · 3 hours · from $135

Sail from Húsavík on a traditional oak boat to spot whales, dolphins, and puffins, with warm overalls, hot chocolate, and a cinnamon bun.

“It was great. We were lucky to have good weather and we saw not one, but two blue whales. And one did belly spins! We also saw a humpback whale and several smaller ones. Of course, don't expect to see whales jumping, you will see just what the whale wants to show you (belly, tail, finns...), but it is impressive to be in the presence of this great animal. The guide was terrific, very enthusiastic and giving us plenty of information. On a side note, the puffin colony can be seen only from afar, so not really worth it...better go to a colony like Borgarfjörður Eystri”

Check availability →Read our full review