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Whale-Watching Aboard a Traditional Oak Boat in Árskógssandur - Book from Akureyri on Varoom

Explore the stunning scenery of Eyjafjörður while discovering the incredible wildlife of the North on a guided tour led by our qualified crew; you’ll enjoy up-close sightings of playful humpbacks that have made this fjord their summer dwelling and are regularly seen on the tours. Book through Varoom in Akureyri, Northeastern Region to combine unforgettable whale encounters with the dramatic coastal landscape, confident that expert guides will enhance your Nature & Wildlife experience.

About this activity in Akureyri

Cancellation policy
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Highlights

  • Spot playful humpback whales that summer in Eyjafjörður on a guided wildlife cruise from Akureyri.
  • Enjoy sweeping fjord and mountain scenery as you learn about northern marine life from a qualified crew.
  • Family-friendly experience suitable for a wide range of interests - from nature lovers to adventure seekers.
  • Opportunity to photograph wildlife and landscapes unique to the Northeastern Region with plenty of on-deck viewing space.

Important Information

  • Tours run during the season when humpbacks are most active in the fjord; sightings are frequent but not guaranteed.
  • Bring a camera and binoculars to make the most of wildlife spotting and scenic views around the bay.
  • Dress in warm, layered clothing appropriate for changing weather on the water to stay comfortable throughout the cruise.
  • Arrive a little early to check in and receive brief safety instructions from the crew before departure.

Meeting Point

Meet at the main quayside in Akureyri harbor (follow signs for whale-watching departures). Please arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure to check in with the crew.

Includes

  • Enjoy light refreshments included with your booking - a handy perk after activities around Akureyri and the surrounding area.
  • Benefit from a professional guide who knows the region, so you can relax and focus on the experience.
  • Receive a 10% discount on beers at Kaldi Brewery - a local favorite if you plan to explore nearby food and drink options.
  • Get a 10% discount at the Beer Spa, a unique local offering to unwind after your activity in the region.
  • Use warm overalls provided for this experience, helping you stay comfortable in the local climate.
  • Save 10% at Ströndin Bistro, perfect if you want a convenient meal option before or after your event in town.

Excludes

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your transport to and from the meeting point in Akureyri or the area.

Other

  • Wheelchair accessible - the activity is set up to accommodate mobility needs in this destination.
  • Service animals are allowed, ensuring support animals can join you during the experience.
  • Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; please plan accordingly if you’re traveling with a baby.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels, making this a good option whether you’re traveling solo, as a family, or with a group.
  • Dress code: wear warm clothes, hats, gloves, and good shoes to stay comfortable in the local climate and outdoor conditions.

Customer Reviews

9/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Mike W
• Oct 7, 2025 04:56:46 PM
Summary: This is worth every single cent you pay for it!!! Been on this ride before (a year ago) and had to come again and bring my son. Pure bliss! Very experienced and careful skipper. The way they get the boat into the direction of the whales and really close to where thy come up after diving, steering softly, only as much machine power as needed, taking really care not to bother the animals - impressive. The whales come really close! Excellent tour guide! Visitors get all information on the whales (they keep record and work together with the university). You get to know how long snd how many years the whales are in the bay already, what name they have (fluke ID and funny name - like "Fluke Reed"). You learn about all kinds of environmental aspects, behavior and more. Excellent. Safe and secure Security and participant preparation are very good, and everyone gets his own (warm ad dry!) onboard-suit before the tour. And yes! Hot chocolate and cinnamon rolles are served at half tme of the tour! It shows that they love their job and they do have something to offer! An experience for life you'll love and never forget. If you have the opportunity to book this tour from Arskogssandur, don't miss it. You'll be part of something wonderful
TLa1979
• Sep 19, 2025 05:36:27 PM
Summary: We saw 3 whales :D Enjoyable experience on a nice boat. Captain knew what het was doing and we spotted our first whale pretty fast after leaving. There was enough room on the boat so everyone could see. Would book this again.
815katharinav
• Aug 14, 2025 05:43:44 AM
Summary: We had a great experience!! On shore we got an isolating suit and a very big raincoat, to make sure we would not freeze to death on the ocean. 😅 (Make sure to be there 30 minutes before departure for this.) After half an hour we saw our first humpback from far away. When we got closer to it you could really see it's whole back and tail. Very impressive sights. We also got really lucky with the clear weather/skies. Rough sea though, be prepared to get splashed of you like to stand on the front of the boat. 💦 (Maybe wear water resistant walking shoes) Alas we only saw one whale, but that's something you can never predict ofcourse. On our way back we got delicious hot chocolate and cinnamon cookies, which were very welcome in the cold wind. After 2,5 hours we were back on shore. The staff was very kind, we forgot the name of the blonde haired guy, but he did an amazing job! 5 stars🌟

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Know more about Akureyri

You can expect stunning scenery along Eyjafjörður and regular sightings of playful humpback whales that make the fjord their summer dwelling, plus a chance to discover the wider wildlife of the North while guided by a qualified crew.
The tours are wheelchair accessible and staffed by a professional guide, allowing travelers with mobility needs to experience Eyjafjörður’s scenery and wildlife comfortably.
You’ll be offered light refreshments on the tour, and you may access local discounts provided as part of the experience for nearby spots like breweries and bistros in the area.
Yes - tours are suitable for all physical fitness levels and family-friendly; infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap and service animals are allowed, so you can enjoy nature and wildlife with your whole family.
Dress in warm clothes with hats, gloves and good shoes; warm overalls are provided, so you’ll stay comfortable while viewing humpback whales and exploring the fjord’s outdoor nature.
No - hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your own transport to the meeting point in Akureyri for the departure.