What are the odds of whale watching in Iceland?


What are the odds of whale watching in Iceland? Visit during the peak season months of April to October and you'll have a chance of seeing whales on a whale watching tour in Iceland of about 99%.


How likely is it to see whales in Reykjavik?

Minke whales Typically coming to Iceland during the summer, many often stay long into the autumn and winter. While they're quite a shy species, there are estimated to be between 10,000 and 15,000 minke whales around the coasts of Iceland. That means you have a really good chance of seeing them.


Are you guaranteed to see whales in Iceland?

North Iceland In fact, the town of Húsavik, on Skjálfandi Bay, is often named as the best place to see whales and other marine mammals in all of Europe. Whales are in these waters throughout the year. So, whenever you come, you're very likely to glimpse an animal or two yourself.


Can you see whales from the shore in Reykjavik?

There are in fact some places in the capital where you could spot a whale from the land. You will definitely need binoculars though. If you forgot yours at home, you can drop by at the Eiðisgrandi Beach in the west side of Reykjavik, where they just recently installed binoculars for whale watching.


Is it better to see whales in Iceland morning or afternoon?

There is no time of the day when we are more likely to see the whales. They come and go and the situation in the bay can change very fast. Sometimes we see many whales, sometimes few. Nature is unpredictable and no two tours are exactly the same – every trip is a new adventure.


Are whale cruises worth it?

YES! There are few experiences in life comparable to the extraordinary feeling of seeing gregarious dolphins as they approach from every angle, excited to see our passengers aboard the safety of each of our vessels within our sea-worthy fleet. When asked if whale watching is worth it, our answer is an assured YES!


How likely is it to see whales in Iceland?

Minke whales Typically coming to Iceland during the summer, many often stay long into the autumn and winter. While they're quite a shy species, there are estimated to be between 10,000 and 15,000 minke whales around the coasts of Iceland. That means you have a really good chance of seeing them.


What month is best for whale watching in Iceland?

So you're ready to set out on a Iceland whale watching trip, but you don't know when to go. The best time for whale watching in Iceland and Greenland is from April to late September-early October, with the summer months of June, July and August recognized as the peak whale watching season.


What do you wear to whale watching in Iceland?

What to wear:
  • Warm layers (it is significantly cooler on the water than on land)
  • Good outdoor jacket and pants.
  • A sun or winter hat (depending on the season)
  • Sturdy shoes.
  • Gloves (especially in the winter season)


What time of day are whales most active in Iceland?

When it comes to the best time of day to see whales (morning, afternoon, or evening), there is no definitive answer. One leading operator in North Iceland says that 'afternoon and evening tours are usually less busy, and you get a chance to see whales in a spectacular sunset'.


Is whale watching in Húsavík worth it?

Husavik is one of the best places in Iceland to go whale watching, so you'll need to make the trek up to North Iceland for this one. This sleepy town is known as the “Whale Capital of Iceland” and you're nearly guaranteed to see at least a few of these gentle giants out on the water.