Whale Watching in Iceland: Reykjavík, Húsavík & Akureyri

Key facts

Húsavík is recognised as a whale watching centre on the northeast coast, with a whale museum by the harbour
Reykjavík departures leave from Faxaflói bay in the southwest, convenient for visitors staying in the capital
The Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel opened in 2019, reducing the journey from Húsavík to Akureyri to within an hour

Reykjavík Departures from Faxaflói Bay

Reykjavík is located on the southern shore of Faxaflói bay in southwest Iceland. The capital has a population of around 140,000 as of 2026. Tours depart from the harbour within the city.

The surrounding Capital Region has a population of around 252,000, constituting approximately 64% of Iceland's population. This makes Reykjavík a convenient starting point if you are staying in the capital.

Keflavík International Airport is located approximately 50 kilometres southwest of Reykjavík. The airport is linked to downtown via a 50-kilometre journey on the Route 41 dual carriageway. Private companies operate express services to downtown.

Check the rebooking policy for tours before booking. You can also visit Blue Lagoon as part of a Reykjavík area itinerary.

Whale Watching Tours in Iceland

Húsavík on Skjálfandi Bay

Húsavík is a town in Norðurþing municipality on the northeast coast with 2,485 inhabitants. It sits on the shores of Skjálfandi bay.

Húsavík has become a centre of whale watching in Iceland. Whales of different species frequently enter the bay. The Húsavík Whale Museum is located in the town centre by the harbour.

The Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel opened in 2019. It shortened the travel time to Akureyri to within an hour. Flights from Húsavík Airport have ceased. You need to drive or join a tour that includes transport from elsewhere.

Húsavík experiences midnight sun from 11 June until 29 June. The shortest daylight hours are 2 hours 45 minutes on 21 December, from 11:45 UTC until 14:30 UTC. This limits winter tour departure times.

Pros

Multiple departure ports let you match tours to your route around Iceland
Reykjavík tours suit short stays, with the capital holding around 35% of Iceland's population
Húsavík sits on Skjálfandi bay where different whale species frequently enter
Midnight sun occurs in Húsavík from 11 June to 29 June

Cons

Weather and road conditions in Iceland can change fast, check safetravel.is before departure
Flights from Húsavík Airport have ceased, requiring road access
The shortest daylight in Húsavík is 2 hours 45 minutes on 21 December, limiting winter tour times
Distance between ports means you need to choose one location or plan a multi-day itinerary

Access via North Iceland

The Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel opened in 2019, reducing travel time from Húsavík to Akureyri to within an hour.

You can combine whale watching with a longer itinerary around the region. Check Mývatn Nature Baths and other attractions in your planning.

Check weather and road conditions before travelling. Weather and road conditions in Iceland can change fast. Visit safetravel.is for current alerts and road.is for road status.

The Ring Road passes through almost all areas of the country apart from the Westfjords. The Ring Road is 1,309 kilometres long and was completed in 1974. Use it to plan your route between whale watching ports.

Winter Tours and Evening Departures

Check the rebooking policy for each tour before booking. Northern lights are never guaranteed.

Reykjavík has a latitude of 64°08' N, making it the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state. Iceland is warmed by the Gulf Stream. It has a temperate climate despite being at a latitude just south of the Arctic Circle.

Húsavík daylight is severely limited in winter. The shortest daylight is 2 hours 45 minutes on 21 December. This affects tour schedules and visibility.

Dress in layers and check departure times carefully. Weather conditions can force cancellations. Operators will inform you of changes, so keep contact details current when booking. For more winter activities, see Iceland winter tours.

Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.

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Comparison of Whale Watching Ports

Port	Location	Population	Nearest Airport	Special Feature
Reykjavík	Southwest, Faxaflói bay	Around 140,000	Keflavík (50 km)	Capital access
Húsavík	Northeast, Skjálfandi bay	2,485	None (flights ceased)	Recognised whale watching centre, museum

Choose Reykjavík if you have limited time or are staying in the capital. Choose Húsavík if you are touring the north and want the recognised whale watching centre.

Planning Your Whale Watching Itinerary

If you are flying into Keflavík International Airport, you are approximately 50 kilometres from Reykjavík. The airport is linked to downtown via Route 41. Private companies operate express services including stops and transfers to hotels.

Reykjavík whale watching tours suit short stays or shore excursions from cruise ships. The capital holds around 35% of Iceland's roughly 395,000 residents, making it a logical base.

Plan a full day or include Húsavík in a multi-day tour around the Ring Road. The Ring Road is 1,309 kilometres long and passes through almost all areas except the Westfjords.

Check safetravel.is before departure for weather conditions. ICE-SAR is available day and night year-round if emergencies occur.

Combining Whale Watching with Other Attractions

Reykjavík departures let you combine whale watching with Golden Circle day trips. The Golden Circle is a loop of about 300 kilometres from Reykjavík into the southern uplands and back. Primary stops include Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and Haukadalur geothermal area.

Strokkur geyser in Haukadalur erupts every 5 to 10 minutes. You can visit the geothermal area and return to Reykjavík for an evening whale watching departure.

Combine Húsavík whale watching with a visit to the Húsavík Whale Museum, located in the town centre by the harbour. See Akureyri tours for options in the region.

If you are touring the south coast, consider Jökulsárlón boat tours instead. Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is easily accessible from the Ring Road. Plan your route to match tour locations with your accommodation stops.

Practical Tips for Tours

Weather and road conditions in Iceland can change fast. Always check safetravel.is before departure. Safetravel is run by ICE-SAR, the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue. ICE-SAR is a non-profit volunteer-based organisation with over 4,500 volunteers.

Dress in layers and bring waterproof outer clothing. Check the tour details on GetYourGuide for boat type and available measures if you are concerned about seasickness.

Tours run year-round but schedules change with daylight hours. Húsavík has 2 hours 45 minutes of daylight on 21 December. Reykjavík at 64°08' N has longer but still limited winter daylight.

Book through GetYourGuide to compare departure times, boat types, and policies. Check cancellation and rebooking terms before confirming. Keep your booking reference and contact details current so operators can reach you if conditions force changes.

Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.

Check availability →

Access and Logistics

Keflavík International Airport is located approximately 3 kilometres west of the town of Keflavík, Reykjanesbær. Long-term and short-term parking is available at the airport. If you are driving, you can leave your car at the airport. Take an airport transfer to Reykjavík before joining a whale watching tour.

The Blue Lagoon is approximately 20 kilometres from Keflavík International Airport. It sits in a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. You can visit the lagoon and Reykjavík whale watching on the same day with careful timing.

Húsavík requires road access since flights from Húsavík Airport have ceased. The Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel shortened the drive to Akureyri to within an hour. Factor in travel time when planning your itinerary.

If you are joining a small group tour or private tour, transport is usually included. Self-drive visitors should check road.is for current conditions before setting out.

Our verdict

Choose Reykjavík departures if you are staying in the capital or have limited time. The convenience of Iceland's largest city makes it ideal. Choose Húsavík if you are touring the northeast and want the recognised whale watching centre on Skjálfandi bay.

More tours to compare

Frequently asked questions

Where is Húsavík located?

Húsavík is a town in Norðurþing municipality on the northeast coast of Iceland. It sits on the shores of Skjálfandi bay with 2,485 inhabitants. It has become a centre of whale watching because whales of different species frequently enter the bay.

How far is Keflavík Airport from Reykjavík?

Keflavík International Airport is located approximately 50 kilometres southwest of Reykjavík. The airport is linked to downtown Reykjavík via a 50-kilometre journey on the Route 41 dual carriageway.

When does Húsavík have midnight sun?

Húsavík experiences midnight sun from 11 June until 29 June. The shortest daylight hours are 2 hours 45 minutes on 21 December, from 11:45 UTC until 14:30 UTC.

Can you combine whale watching with northern lights viewing?

Check tour details on GetYourGuide for evening departures in winter. Northern lights are never guaranteed, so check the rebooking policy for each tour.

How do I check weather conditions before a whale watching tour?

Visit safetravel.is before departure for weather and safety alerts. Safetravel is run by ICE-SAR, the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue. ICE-SAR is a non-profit volunteer-based organisation available day and night year-round.

Guide to Whale Watching in Iceland