Iceland Boat Tours: Our 12 Best

1.Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

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

Set out from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour for a three-hour search through Faxaflói Bay. English-speaking guides, including marine biologist Maria on some departures, explain whale behavior and local seabirds while you watch for humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, porpoises, and seals. Heated cabins, outdoor decks, WiFi, and a café make the ride comfortable in Iceland’s chilly sea air.

“It was amazing and the guides were very informative with facts about the whales”

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2.Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

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

Sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor aboard the Amelia Rose, a spacious yacht with three viewing decks, a warm lounge, bar, WiFi, and blankets. An English-speaking guide, sometimes including Lucky or Roman, helps you spot humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seabirds, and possibly orcas. The cruise lasts about three hours, though weather and whale locations can change the timing.

“We had sightings, but the guide could not always be heard very well, had to ask a couple of ti.es to turn the volume up. other than that, a great tour”

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3.Northern Lights Yacht Tour

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

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor into Faxaflói Bay on a two-hour northern lights yacht cruise. An English-speaking guide points out the aurora and helps with phone photography, while three decks offer open-sky views. Warm blankets, Wi-Fi, sea-sickness tablets, and a bar with hot drinks make the wait more comfortable, but sightings depend entirely on weather and solar activity.

“Beautiful yacht with a lovely atmosphere and great guide. Amazing way to see the lights and really adds to the experience”

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4.Puffin Watching Boat Tour

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

From Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, ride the wooden boat Old Skuli across Faxaflói Bay to Lundey and Akurey. A guide such as Patrick, Joe, or Rebekka explains puffins and seabirds while you watch from the deck or roof. The one-hour trip includes binoculars and a 100% puffin-sighting guarantee.

“Fabulous- helped that the sea was calm. We were able to get so close to the island to see the puffins.”

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5.Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 979 reviews · 2 hours · from $198Top rated

Join a guide and captain in a 12-seat RIB boat from Húsavík for two hours on Skjálfandi Bay. From April 15 to August 20, the trip includes Lundey, or Puffin Island. Guides such as Austin, Ignacio, and Inaki explain whale behavior and seabirds while the boat covers ground quickly. Bring gloves, a hat, and warm layers.

“A great Must-go experience in Iceland! My family love the whale-watching trip and we DID see 4 whales. The guide Martin (see if the name is correct) is a very nice guy, who is professional and cared a lot about my parents‘ safety. Highly recommended!”

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6.Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

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

Set out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor on MY Harpa or MY Amelia Rose for a three-hour cruise across Faxafloi Bay. Guides such as Lucky and Rebecca help you spot humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, puffins, and sea birds. The yachts offer indoor lounges, outdoor decks, blankets, WiFi, snacks, and a bar.

“Fantastic afternoon - very comfortable and welcoming crew. Very lucky to get some close ups with humpbacks.”

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7.Húsavík: Whale-Watching Cruise and Puffins Guided Tour

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

Join North Sailing from Húsavík for a 3 to 3.5-hour cruise across Skjálfandi Bay on a traditional oak boat. A guide explains the wildlife as you search for humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and puffins around Puffin Island. Warm overalls, hot chocolate, and a cinnamon bun help take the edge off the cold.

“Absolutely amazing experience! For the first two hours we didn’t see anything, I almost gave up and thought that was it. However, the last hour of the trip we started seeing whales nonstop! Two humpback whales swim together almost synchronously with the boat. Got so close captures. The tour guide even said we were lucky ( not sure if he says that to every group lol.) The crew did a phenomenal job- friendly, professional, super helpful. Learned lots of fun facts about humpback whales. I highly recommend.”

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8.Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 438 reviews · 2 hours · from $88

Sail for two hours from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour into darker waters, where guides such as Steingreimur, Hólmar, or Christina may help you spot and photograph the aurora. The boat offers indoor seating, two observation decks, blankets, Wi-Fi, and a bar. Pickup from Reykjavík hotels is optional.

“We were so lucky to book a last minute boat trip and were rewarded with a wonderful display of the Northern Lights. Friendly informed guide and modern clean boat. Ten out of ten.”

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9.Best Value Whale Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 300 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $103

Set out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour for 2.5 hours on Faxaflói Bay, watching for minke and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, orcas, and seabirds. English-speaking guides such as Lucas and Badger have been praised for sharp spotting and lively explanations. The boat has heated cabins, toilets, Wi-Fi, a café, and free warm flotation overalls.

“Had great afternoon guide so informative and told us exactly where to look to see the whales”

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10.Small Group Golden Circle from Cruise Terminal

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 293 reviews · 6.5 hours · from $166

You’ll leave your Reykjavik cruise terminal with a small group and a certified English- or German-speaking guide for Þingvellir, Öxarárfoss, Geysir, and Gullfoss. Guides such as Diego, Laura, and Emilia are known for clear local stories and careful timing. The $166 price includes transport and port return, but not lunch.

“Need more time at the last waterfall. Could have skipped the horses to allow more time. Took a long time to get van cool enough.”

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11.Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 293 reviews · 2 hours · from $200

From Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, you’ll ride a fast, stable RIB boat with up to 12 people, visiting puffin islands before searching for whales, dolphins, and porpoises. An English-speaking marine biology guide explains the wildlife, while the crew supplies warm waterproof gear and shares any tour photos. Expect wind, spray, and a bouncy ride.

“Everything was fantastic, the guide was knowledgeable and the whole experience well organised and very enjoyable, and a bonus we saw hump back whales and the Puffins!”

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12.From Akureyri: Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Cruise Ship Day-Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 269 reviews · 6 hours · from $182

From Akureyri’s cruise pier, a local English-speaking guide takes you by 11 to 19-seat minibus to Godafoss, Lake Myvatn, Dimmuborgir, Namaskard, and Grjotagja. You can add the Myvatn Nature Baths, or visit the cave and continental rift instead. The six-hour route is timed for cruise passengers.

“A wonderful day touring out of Akureyri. Small group tour is the way to go. Our guide Johannes was exceptional. He timed stopping at all of the tour points to arrive ahead of the large bus tours to beat the crowds. If you have a short time in Akureyri this is the tour to take. Unfortunately our cruise schedule was a bit off with a 6:00 AM arrival and departure at 3:00 PM. The thermal baths at Lake Mývatn did not open until noon leaving not enough time to enjoy them. Not the fault of the tour operator. Many tour operators tried to arrange for an earlier opening but were…”

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