Responsible Whale Watching

Whale watching is a wonderful way to experience Iceland’s marine wildlife in its natural environment. But with more people taking to the sea to see whales, it is important that we consider how our presence may affect the animals we have come to admire.

whales and holmasol

OUR APPROACH TO WHALE WATCHING

For us, responsible whale watching means putting the wellbeing of the whales first. We believe that a great whale watching experience is not about getting as close as possible, but about observing wildlife respectfully and allowing the animals to behave naturally. The presence of boats and the noise they create can potentially affect whales and other marine life, particularly when vessels approach too closely, move too quickly around animals, or remain with them for too long. By operating carefully and giving wildlife space, we aim to minimise our impact while still giving our guests an unforgettable experience.

whale tail

WHALE WATCHING WITH RESPECT

We follow the Icelandic Whale Watching Association (IceWhale) Code of Conduct for responsible whale watching and our experienced captains and guides follow these principles throughout our tours. This means approaching whales carefully, avoiding sudden changes in speed or direction, keeping an appropriate distance and allowing the animals to decide whether they want to come closer. If the whales move away, we let them go. Our crew also keeps a close eye on the behaviour of the animals and the conditions around us. Sometimes the most responsible thing we can do is simply slow down, wait patiently or move on.

breaching whale

SHARING THE EXPERIENCE

Responsible whale watching is something we believe should be shared with our guests too. During the tour, our guides explain how we operate around the wildlife and why we make certain decisions on the water. After all, the goal is not simply to see a whale - it is to experience these incredible animals without disturbing the natural behaviours that make the encounter so special. By choosing responsible whale watching, we can help ensure that Eyjafjörður remains a healthy and rewarding habitat for whales and other marine life for years to come.

Our Responsibility

Discover how we work to protect the environment, support research, and act responsibly toward nature and communities.

whale tail

Code of Conduct

Whale watching is about observing wild animals in their natural environment - and that means giving them the space and freedom to behave naturally. In Akureyri, we follow the IceWhale's Code of Conduct for Responsible Whale Watching, to help ensure that encounters with wildlife is respectful.

Environmental policy

We are committed to minimising the impact of our activities. Through sustainable operations, waste reduction, recycling, responsible partnerships, staff training, and support for research and local communities, we strive to protect Iceland’s marine heritage while providing meaningful experiences for our guests.

Onboard Research

With more than a decade of experience studying and observing the waters of North Iceland, Whale Watching Akureyri has built an extensive knowledge of the whales and wildlife of Eyjafjörður.