7 Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruises in Iceland Worth Booking

1.Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,221 reviews · 2 hours · from $175Our pick

Review of Húsavík’s two-hour RIB whale safari, with puffins, small groups, expert guides, practical tips, price advice, and weather notes.

“Took a guided tour with Gentle Giants on Sept 10 in the morning. Our guide was super knowledgeable and friendly, the speed boat was able to get to whale locations very fast, compared to the big slow crammed boats. We saw rare whales and humpbacks; at one point just over an arms length away. Our guide she educated us, the captain he knew what he was doing, everyone was so overjoyed. I am so happy I took a risk and spent a little extra on a much higher quality tour. Life changing experience! Sebastien and Tia”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 979 reviews · 2 hours · from $198

Ride a small RIB from Húsavík to see whales, dolphins, puffins, and Tjörnes Peninsula with warm gear and expert guides.

“Fabulous! Zina was a wonderful guide and the whole trip was brilliant!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 552 reviews · 4 hours · from $153

Review of Reykjavik’s whale and puffin cruise combo, with boat details, timing, wildlife tips, value, weather advice, and booking guidance.

“We enjoyed both thevpuffinscand the whales. Saw lots on both”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 501 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $203Top rated

Review of Húsavík’s Big Whales and Puffins RIB tour, with wildlife highlights, cold-weather tips, price value, logistics, and booking advice.

“We had great whale sightings, up close. The weather was not great but the crew tried hard for us to have a good experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Húsavík: Whale-Watching Cruise and Puffins Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 444 reviews · 3 hours · from $135Best value

Review of Húsavík’s 3.5-hour whale and puffin cruise, with oak boat sailing, wildlife tips, hot chocolate, price advice, and FAQs.

“Excellent experience. They extended your trip for about 2h just to take us to see very rare blue whale who was showing. Everything was outstanding. 100/10”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 417 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $180

Ride a fast RIB from Húsavík to spot whales, dolphins, and puffins, with warm suits, expert guides, and a small group setting.

“We had an amazing time! We saw minkes, humpbacks and the largest pod of dolphins I've ever seen jumping and playing all around our boat. Our guide and captain did a wonderful job! If you've never been on a rib boat before the seats are all individual - like a motorcycle or snowmobile - which allows you to bend your knees or stand when appropriate. This is important for when the boat is going fast and hits a wave hard. You will want to stand to prevent your back from being jolted on impact - think of it like going up and down in the saddle of a horse. Do…”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Reykjavik: Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 293 reviews · 2 hours · from $200

Review of Reykjavik's 2-hour RIB whale and puffin tour, with marine biologist guides, warm gear, wildlife odds, costs, and practical tips.

“We received protective gear against water & wind which was amazing - the boatride is of course bumpy but the guides give you safety instructions and regularly check in if everyone is ok. We saw plenty of dolphins, puffins, a humpback and minke whales. Great experience”

Check availability →Read our full review