Our Story

Hafsúlan boat with whale tail

Whale Watching Akureyri was founded in 2016, bringing together the experience of two of Iceland’s most established whale watching operators: Elding Adventure at Sea, specialists in comfortable, larger-vessel wildlife watching, and Whale Safari, known for its small, personal RIB experiences. The vision was simple: to bring the same high standards of wildlife watching to North Iceland and make the sheltered waters of Eyjafjörður accessible to visitors year-round.

hólmasól during winter

In 2018, we joined forces with local operator Ambassador Whale Watching, bringing our fleets, local knowledge and expertise together under one name: Akureyri Whale Watching. Today, we operate from Oddeyrarbót pier, just behind the distinctive round Hof Cultural and Conference Centre in the heart of Akureyri. From here, we have easy access to the calm waters of Eyjafjörður and the incredible wildlife that calls the fjord home.

whale near rib boat

We offer a range of experiences, all year round, from comfortable and family-friendly whale watching aboard our larger vessels to thrilling, small-group adventures on our RIB. As the seasons change, so does the experience. Whatever tour you choose, our focus remains the same: safety, knowledge, quality and respect for the wildlife we encounter. We want every guest to leave with a greater appreciation for the incredible nature of North Iceland - and memories to last a lifetime.

AK-01 Akureyri Classic Whale Watching - close up of humpback whale

What we offer:

  • Incredible panoramic views of Eyjafjörður and the Eyjafjord Humpbacks from the "Wildlife Viewing Decks®" on our ship.
  • Unbeatable closeness to nature and the whales on the fast and small RIB boats.
  • Safe and responsible whale watching as a member of the Whale Watching Association of Iceland.
  • Whale Guarantee! See the whales on our tour or try again for FREE, In Akureyri or in Reykjavík!
  • Great value whale watching tours on our comfortable sight seeing ship.
  • Small groups whale watching tours on our RIB boats.
  • Centrally located ticket office at the floating pier in downtown Akureyri in North Iceland.