Overview
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as we set sail from Akureyri, with the towering Súlur mountain watching over us, and head into the breathtaking Eyjafjord. As we speed past the stunning landscapes, with the island of Hrísey to the north and charming towns dotting the shores, keep your eyes peeled for the rich variety of birdlife that fills the skies. The real stars of the show are the majestic "Eyjafjord Humpback Whales", known for their spectacular breaches and tail slaps, which frequent these waters alongside other remarkable marine species such as minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises, to name a few. Our high speed, specially modified whale watching ship ensures you won’t miss a moment of the action, offering unparalleled views from our cinema-styled platforms. With expert marine biologist guides on hand to share their knowledge, this is your chance to experience the wild beauty of Iceland in a way few ever do!
See them in the wild
What you will be doing
Meet our team in our ticket office at the harbour in Akureyri, at least 15 minutes before departure. Our friendly staff will issue your boarding pass and show you to the boat. Proceed to the floating pier to board our state-of-the-art whale watching ship. Our crew will be on hand to guide you aboard and ensure you're comfortably settled in for the adventure ahead.
Once on board, you can choose to unwind in the heated indoor saloon, where panoramic windows offer stunning views of the fjord. Visit the onboard bar to grab a refreshing drink or a snack, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere as you prepare for the voyage. For those eager to immerse themselves in the crisp Icelandic air, pick up a complimentary overall to keep warm and step outside to the viewing platforms. As we venture into the fjord, the search for the famous Eyjafjord Humpback Whales begins. These gentle giants, along with minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises, are frequently spotted in these waters. Our expert marine biologists will provide insights into the behavior of these incredible creatures, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of their natural environment.
After an exhilarating 2,5-3,5 hr. whale watching experience, we'll make our way back to our home base in Akureyri. You can continue to enjoy the views from the deck along the way or relax indoors, reflecting on the unforgettable sights and sounds of the day. Upon arrival back at the floating pier, our crew will assist you with disembarkation. You'll leave with lasting memories of an extraordinary adventure through one of Iceland's most beautiful fjords as you head back into town!
Where we'll meet
🧭 Meeting/pick-up point: Oddeyrarbót pier, 600 Akureyri, IS
🗺️ Instructions: We will meet at Whale Watching ticket office
Things to know
Accessibility:
Children friendly
Fitness requirement
Any fitness level
Tour Language
English
License requirement
None
Additional information:
Hólmasól is the first high speed whale watching ship in Iceland, equipped with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, lavatories and an on board bar & cafeteria. The specially designed viewing platform on the front of the ship is ideal for wildlife watching. Depending on the conditions and booking status of the day, we may use one of three different sized vessels for this tour. Please check with our team on site.
Daily departures from the floating pier in front of Hof Cultural and Conference Centre in Akureyri each summer, in June and July! With plenty of car parking and within easy walk of any accommodation in town, this tour provides the perfect blend of convenience and adventure, offering you the chance to explore the wonders of the fjord's marine life in the ever glowing Midnight Sun!
Although our success rate is high, the cetacean abundance is unpredictable and varies with the food availability of our shores. In case no whales or dolphins make an appearance on the tour, we will offer you a complimentary ticket to try again within 2 years!
Please be aware that the weather can change rapidly in Iceland and therefore the captain could decide to alter or cancel the tour on short notice for safety reasons. In this case we will contact you as soon as possible with the contact information you provide in the booking process.
Dress warmly for our northern fjord. Bring warm outdoor clothing such as a wool / fleece sweater, a hat, gloves and sturdy shoes are recommended. Feel free to borrow our thermal overalls on board if needed.
Inclusion ✅
Warm clothes
Photography
WIFI onboard
Tour guide
Exclusion ❌
Pick up and drop off transport
About your host
Elding Adventure at SeaWe are a family-owned company that began with a personal interest in wildlife, boats and people. Whale-watching tours were the perfect way to unite these interests while giving locals and tourists the chance to experience Iceland’s marine life. We started in 2000, and over the years our products and services have developed a great deal; from small-scale seasonal tours to year-round products, and whale watching is now one of the top three tourist activities in Iceland. We are proud to be the original whale-watching operator in Reykjavík.
EarthCheck: The world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for sustainable travel and tourism
World Cetacean Alliance Approved: The WCA Approved programme verifies responsible whale and dolphin watching tour operators who have demonstrated their ability to meet global standards of care for local wildlife and sustainability.
Blue Flag: One of the world’s most recognised voluntary awards for beaches, marinas, and sustainable tourism boats.
For every trip booked, Kodama Travel donates £1 to Just One Tree to restore our forests and the ocean.