boat trip reykjavik

Whale Watching Cruise from Reykjavík

Passengers will receive a complimentary beer or drink voucher at our favorite restaurant, Bryggjan Brewery & Restaurant, located by the

Whale & Puffin Watching from Downtown Reykjavik by RIB Speedboat

Come aboard an exciting RIB speedboat and see the incredible wealth of marine wildlife that lives in the waters just

Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavík

Out on the North Atlantic ocean the coastline of Reykjavík is one of the best places on Earth to view

Reykjavik’s Finest Catch: Guided Sea Angling Tour

This fun and friendly fishing tour is for everyone. Departing from the old Reykjavík harbour, these tours take you on

New Year’s Eve Reykjavík Cruise

Join Sea Trips for an amazing evening yacht cruise on the Amelia Rose to celebrate the New Year and say

Whale & Marine Adventure Tour

In Reykjavík’s gorgeous Old Harbor, on our specially equipped whale-viewing vessel, experience the excitement of whale watching.

Our Vessels

Arctic Rose

Arctic Rose is a state-of-the-art vessel that offers an unforgettable experience of whale watching and Northern Lights spotting in the

Amelia Rose

Experience the best of sailing with Amelia Rose, as you explore the seas around Reykjavík in comfort and style. This

Tsunami RIB Speedboat

Tsunami is a thrilling RIB (rigid inflatable boat) that offers an exciting whale watching experience in the Reykjavík bay. This

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Northern Lights Cruise at 22:00 – ON

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THE 10 BEST Reykjavik Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in reykjavik.

• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Water Sports
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Speed Boats Tours
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Parasailing & Paragliding
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Special Tours
• Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre
• Elding Whale Watching
• Old Harbour
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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puffin tours from Reykjavík - Iceland

Classic Puffin Watching Tour

Available: 1 May - 15 August

Duration: 1-1,5 hr. total Boat type: Yacht or similar

Passengers: 1-36 pax. A fun, fascinating and educational boat trip that takes you up close and personal! 

Premium Puffin Watching Tour

Available:  1 May - 20 August

Duration: 1 hr. total Boat type: RIB's

Passengers:  2-12 pax. Leaving from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík by RIB's multiple times a day, this is the ultimate thrilling puffin adventure!

Premium Whale & Puffin Tour

Available: 1 April - 31 October

Duration: 2 hrs. total Boat type: RIB's

Passengers:  2-12 pax. Two tours in one! An exhilarating express whale and puffin tour starting from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík. 

Whale & Puffin

Available: 1 June - 15 August

Duration: 5 hrs. total Boat type: Yacht or similar & ship

Passengers: 1-36 pax. This tour combines two fun activities ideal for nature lovers. Start the day puffin watching on a smaller boat and then go whale watching on a big boat.

THE 5 BEST Reykjavik Speed Boat Tours

Speed boats tours in reykjavik.

• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• Hiking & Camping Tours
• Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
• Speed Boats Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre
• Whale Safari Iceland
• Special Tours
• Elding Whale Watching
• Old Harbour
• Iceland Discover
• Videy Island
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Reykjavik Premium Puffin tour | Close Up and Personal

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Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

River Rafting on the Golden Circle

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WELCOME TO HARPA YACHTS

Comfortable yacht cruises from reykjavik, scheduled tours.

Here you’ll find the closest tours on date.

Whale Watching Yacht cruise

• 2,5-3 Hours
• 9:15* & 13:15

Northern Lights Yacht Cruise

• Sept. - April
• 1.5-2.5 Hours
• 21:00 / 22:00*

Harbour Cruise & Three Course Dinner

Why book with us.

We don’t like to brag, but people love our tours.

Free cancelation

97% of travelers recommend, reserve now & pay later, lots of reviews about us to read, the gallery.

Find here some imagery of our tours.

Don't believe us?

Check our clients reviews. Look good right?

The best boat tours and cruises from Reykjavik

The world’s northernmost capital city, Reykjavik grew up as a fishing harbour. Today the city spreads along the waterfront, and the sea still plays an important role in locals’ daily life.

So, it’s no surprise that boat tours are big business – and there’s no shortage of trips and cruises to choose from.

Whale-watching is the big ticket boat tour from Reykjavik – and taking one of these tours is really not to be missed. But if you’re in town for a while, you can also go on puffin cruises, white-river rafting trips and northern-lights spotting trips.

We’ve sussed out some of the best boat trips from Reykjavík, so grab your sea-sickness pills and a warm jumper, and let’s get out onto the ocean.

Our pick of Reykjavik’s best boat tours

Here are some our favourite trips – you can book all of these online, which will help you avoid disappointment, though there are local operators that allow walk-up bookings too.

Whale-watching trips

If you only do one boat tour from Reykjavík, make it a classic whale-watching trip.

This three-hour trip takes in some of Iceland’s most stunning coastline along with the chance to spot minke and humpback whales, harbour porpoises and whale-beaked dolphins.

There are warm indoor cabins in case the weather is cold, experienced guides to tell you all about the sea creatures you’re viewing – and if you don’t see any whales, you get a free ticket to go again another time. You can book the tour here . You can also try this other popular whale watching tour in the same area.

If you’re short of time – and don’t mind a fast, hair-raising trip – you can take this express whale-watching Rib tour . The high-speed boat gets you out to where the animals are basking much quicker, so you can spend longer watching them breach and play. 

Puffin cruises

These entertaining and colourful birds nest on two islands, Lundey and Akurey, near Reykjavík.

A traditional wooden boat known as Old Skuli leaves from Reykjavík’s old harbour and heads out into Faxaflói Bay to see the puffin colonies close at hand.

The boat turns off its engine as it approaches the islands, so as not to disturb the birds.

Sightings of Atlantic puffins in their natural habitat are guaranteed, but you may well also see northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots. Book ahead to avoid the crowds .

White-river rafting tour

Running from mid-May to mid-September, this adrenaline-fuelled trip down the beautiful Hvítá River , fed by meltwater from the Langjökull glacier, is an action-packed day out.

You’ll paddle for 7km down the churning rapids of the Hvítá River, exploring the scenic Brúarhlöð Canyon en route.

And if that’s not adventurous enough for you, you can leap into the freezing waters afterwards for a quick dip, then warm up with a relaxing sauna.

The tour starts at the rafting base camp, but pick-ups from several locations in central Reykjavík can be organised.

Ice lagoon boat trip

Fancy a different kind of boat tour? This full-day trip starts in Reykjavík with a bus ride along Iceland’s stunning south coast, taking in the dramatic Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, where you can walk behind a wall of water.

Next, it’s on to the breathtaking Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, fed by Europe’s largest glacier. Iceland’s deepest glacial lake, its beautiful blue and white waters can be admired from the shores, or you can take a boat trip from April to October.

The boat ventures out onto the calm waters of the lagoon floating past huge icebergs – and you may even spot seals swimming around.

Afterwards, you can have a walk on the black volcanic sand Diamond Beach, and stop in at the traditional village of Vik with its intriguing basalt sea stacks. You can book online with Get Your Guide , which offers free cancellation.

Sea fishing tour

Head out onto the waters of Faxaflói Bay on this fishing excursion , where you’ll spend a few hours fishing for cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish and pollock.

Experienced fisherfolk are on hand to teach you the ropes if you’re a beginner – and show you the best place to cast your line, if you’re not.

The fishing trip will take you past some beautiful coastal scenery and you’ll get to view the puffin colonies on Lundey and Akurey islands too. After you’ve caught your fill, the crew will fire up the on-board barbecue, where you can cook and eat your tasty catch.

Northern lights luxury yacht tour

Of course, Iceland is one of the world’s best destinations for northern-lights-spotting, so why not head out to sea on this luxurious boat and admire the spectacular light display from one of its three panoramic decks – or even from the comfortable bar and lounge.

Warm blankets are provided for those on deck and you can sample Icelandic delicacies such as shark and the local liquor brennivin too. And if the lights don’t appear during your cruise, you’ll be offered a free trip at a later date. Book ahead!

Tips for taking a boat trip in Reykjavik

Wondering where the boats leave from, or how to maximise your chances of seeing the northern lights? These FAQs will help you out!

Where do most of the boat trips leave from?

Most of the big boat and Rib trips leave from Reykjavík’s main old harbour, known as Ægisgarður.

Trips out to the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon and white-river rafting trips involve a bus ride first: some companies will pick up at your accommodation, others ask you to meet at their central offices – check when you book.

Do boat trips run all year-round?

The best time of year for whale-watching trips in Reykjavik is from April to October, with peak viewing months being June, July and August.

Tours do go out over the winter months, weather permitting, but bear in mind that the seas around Iceland can be rough at the best of times – and very rough in winter – so be prepared for a bumpy ride, and trips to be cancelled if weather conditions are poor.

Where can I buy tickets?

You can buy tickets from the boat trip company’s ticket offices around the harbour or in advance online.

Am I guaranteed to see whales on a whale-watching trip?

The chances of seeing whales from April to October are high but, of course, they are wild creatures and don’t always swim close enough to shore for guaranteed viewing.

Tours like this one offer free tickets for a second boat trip if you don’t see any whales, so try and schedule your boat tour near the beginning of any trip to Iceland so that you have a chance to go out again if you don’t see whales or if the trip is cancelled due to poor weather.

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Boat Tours – Reykjavik

Top Customer Reviews

Marta meloni.

One of the best experiences of my life, the tour was operated by Bustravel, incredibly well organised, very very knowledgeable guide and AMAZING landscapes.

Christine Tang

Very courteous and warm greeting from our tour guide, Simon, from start to the end! Itineraries were kept on time perfectly. Our tour guide gives us additional info as a local on the background of Iceland, the tales and history behind each attraction. He tries to accommodate every passengers' request as much as he can and get general consensus on "additional requests". I'd love to have Simon in my next tour adventure!

GEORGIOS GEORGIOU

We have been planning to visit blue lagoon for long time , and we have such a wonderful experience.This tour is recommended.

Experience Boat Tours in Reykjavik

Safe as houses : Reykjavik, Iceland is classified as the safest city and country in the world. It has a small population, just over 333,000, and has the feeling that everyone knows each other, so trust in one another. It means you can enjoy your touring. And wow, are there plenty of adventures to be had?

Best things to do : You are never short of creating wonderful memories when you come here. You have the opportunity to see the Northern Lights, visit the Blue Lagoon and go on the Golden Circle tour. When to visit: If you want it warmer and the days longer, well summer is the best time to visit (June to August). Winter of course is the best time to visit sights such as the Northern Lights.

When to visit : If you want it warmer and the days longer, well summer is the best time to visit (June to August). Winter of course is the best time to visit sights such as the Northern Lights.

• It may well be a little windy when you’re out on your boat tour, so you can pick from over 100 words for wind. We can’t give you them but look them up and add them to your vocabulary.

• Enjoying a romantic time with someone? Then when in Reykjavik do as the locals do and eat ice cream! It’s apparently the perfect first date moment is sharing an ice cream!

• Reykjavik isn’t so far away from the North Pole, which all adds up to very few daylight hours in the winter. Sometimes as low as 4 hours, but in summer it’ll have around 21 hours. It's all about the extremes here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: dinner and a cruise.

You will find there are several Reykjavik lunch and dinner cruise options available. Check the individual tour details for the menu and the options available.

Q: Do Reykjavik Cruises offer free Wi-Fi onboard?

We realise you want to capture those destination hotspots on your tour. Many operators do offer free Wi-Fi on board, but you will need to check with the individual operator.

Q: Do Reykjavik Boat Cruises run throughout the year?

Yes, but be aware that there is a high season (June to August) and Low Season (November to March). Check the tour details for timings.

Q: Can you give me some alternative tours to your cruise and boat tours?

Reykjavik is a region full of attractions and experiences to enjoy and immerse in. Check out our Reykjavik by visiting isango.com

Q: What is the duration of the Reykjavik Boat Tour?

Each tour is different, but in general, they will have a duration of between 1 to 2 hours. Make sure to check the specific tour for timings.

Q: What time do Reykjavik Boat Tours operate?

Boat tours will run at different times of the day, especially if you are booked on a lunch or dinner cruise. Make sure to check the tour details for a full listing of times.

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The Best Boat Trip Tours in Iceland

No journey through Iceland is complete without a boat trip tour. Some of the best boat trip tours in Iceland get you up close and personal to icebergs, glaciers, and majestic wildlife like whales, puffins, and dolphins.

Boat trip tours will range in price from $40 to $200 depending on how long the tour lasts, how luxurious the boat is, and the time of year the tour is booked. The summer season in Iceland is busier than other seasons, and tours become competitive and sell out quickly. You will pay a premium for a spot on a boat trip tour during the summer. Boat tours are generally safe, but there are some dangers to be aware of. Iceland gets a lot of precipitation during the year, even during the summer, so you should keep up to date on weather patterns as they roll in.

Boat tours will start at tour stations that are near major cities or significant natural landmarks like glaciers. The capital of Iceland, Reyjavik, will have several boat tours available, but northeast towns also provide many Northern Light and whale watching tours for Iceland.

The best boat trip tours in Iceland are listed below.

1. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour (Jökulsárlón, Iceland, May-November)

The Jokulsarlon Glacier boat tour is a small boat tour of a glacier’s towering icebergs for those who want a chance to get up close and personal to these beautiful ice formations. 

The tour costs $44 and lasts for 35 minutes. There is no minimum age requirement for this tour, and it is easy to traverse. These facts make the tour perfect for families, couples, and anyone who wants a breathtaking view of these otherworldly icebergs. The whole tour package includes boat tickets, a life jacket, and an experienced guide that will know their way around the water. 

The guide will also provide knowledgeable insights into the area’s surrounding history, traditions, and culture. You will want to bring a camera to ensure you can capture all beautiful natural sights in high-quality resolution. The tour is only available in English. You will need to arrange travel separately from the tour because airport transfer and travel perks are not part of this tour package.

The tour starts as you begin heading to the cafe in Jökulsárlón, Iceland, at least twenty minutes before you are scheduled to depart. You will exchange your printed vouchers for actual tickets, and once it is time, you will begin boarding an amphibious vehicle that starts on land and then drives into the water. After entering the water, the vessel will navigate further into the lagoon, getting as close as possible to blue icebergs and the glacier’s tongue. The glacier is nearly 1000 years old, and despite the changing conditions of Iceland and the surrounding regions, it remains a fixture of Iceland.

While on tour, you will likely encounter various forms of wildlife. Seals like to make their home on the Jökulsárlón glacier. You will often see them playing in the water by the boat or laying out on floating icebergs. If you are lucky, a seal might get close enough to get a good picture of them. They are used to seeing human tour groups and don’t have a natural fear of humans that would make them hide from your camera. After the tour, you could also visit the nearby Diamond Beach , where you can see a different view of the seals and icebergs from afar.

This tour package can offer you a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled time. The tour requires you to pass a COVID-19 test to ensure that you are healthy before taking your flight to Iceland. In the event that you fail a COVID-19 test, you will also be offered a full refund. In the event of a weather condition that cancels the event, you will also receive a full refund on the tour package

If you love icebergs, this tour is one of the best ways to get close to them. Many other boat tours in Iceland will keep a fair bit of distance from them, but because of the unique way the icebergs form, this tour can get you closer than many others. One thing to note is that this tour will not get you close to the glacier edge, so if you are trying to get further out into the sea, you will need to look for a more extended tour. Don’t forget to bring weather-appropriate clothing and gloves to keep your hands warm. Even though this tour takes place in the summer, It can still get chilly out on the water.

2. Whale Watching From Dalvik Tour (Dalvik, February-December)

The Whale Watching from Dalvik Tour is a winter boat tour where visitors experience different types of whales up close and personal. In addition to whales, guests will also see different kinds of birds and beautiful natural scenery.

This tour costs $73 and lasts for three hours. It is offered from February to December, which puts it squarely in the winter season of Iceland. The tour price does not include any airport transfers or other hotel pick-ups. You will need to meet the tour boat on location when you book this tour. This whale watching tour consists of the full whale-watching tour and a bird-watching segment, the tour where bird enthusiasts will have a chance to get great photographs of Icelandic birds. It also includes hot chocolate and other hot drinks as refreshments for passengers as they bundle together to stay warm to watch the natural splendor out on the water. This tour has no age restriction, so this is an excellent experience for families with smaller children. It is also pretty safe, so it is a leisurely tour for most people. Many reviews of this tour pointed out how much of an excellent family experience this is and how well all family members enjoyed it.

The tour starts at the ticket office in Dalvik. This ticket office is called Hafnarbraut and is located just above the harbor next to a gas station. You will see a big whale-watching sign that you cannot miss. After you exchange your voucher for a ticket, you will be led onto the boat when your meeting time arrives. 

As the ship goes out to the water, you will hopefully be greeted by humpback whales, minke whales, or white-beaked dolphins. It is also possible to see porpoises and blue whales. It is not guaranteed to meet aquatic wildlife on tour, but this tour boasts a 98% success rate of seeing a whale or a dolphin. Some types of whales, like blue whales, only have a 2-5% chance of being seen while on tour. Count yourself as extremely lucky if you meet a majestic blue whale on this tour. There are over 24 species of whales found in Iceland, so you never know what you might find until you are already out on the water. 

The tour provides a whale-watching guide that tells you everything you need to know about the wildlife. You also have a good chance of seeing many species of local birds, as the tour takes you by the beach and mountains of the nearby coast. 

Be sure to pack sufficiently warm clothes and gloves for this trip. Iceland, in the winter, can get quite cold, and frequent icy weather conditions are expected. This tour package provides guests with a winter jumpsuit to help insulate them from the cold. Iceland gets a large amount of precipitation every month of the year, and that precipitation is more likely during the winter. You will also need to provide your own meals, as even though this tour lasts for several hours, meals are not provided on this tour.

3. Zodiac Boat Tour of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon (Jokulsarlon, May-October)

The Zodiac Boat Tour of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is a small boat tour that takes guests on an exploration of massive icebergs. The tour keeps the group size small so that everyone can get a more intimate experience with these beautiful blue icebergs.

Going on this tour costs $80 per person and lasts one hour. The difficulty level of going on this tour is relatively low, so most age ranges and mobility restricted people should be able to partake in this tour. However, this tour has a minimum age requirement of ten years. So if you are looking for family-friendly boat tours in Iceland, this one might not make the list depending on how old your children are. 

The tour is provided in English, but there are no other language options available. This boat tour is a summer one between May and October. A summer tour generally has more favorable weather and temperatures, but Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable. For this reason, you should still prepare adequate clothes, and possible adverse weather conditions could make the boat trip more difficult. The tour does not offer hotel pickups or airport transfers, so it will be up to you to make it to the check-in area 30 minutes before departure.

After you, or your group has made it to the check-in area, the tour will commence. You should arrive at the check-in area at least 30 minutes early because the tour will provide flotation suits and life jackets. This tour wants everyone ready and suited up before they get on the boat, so you should get there early to change into the proper safety equipment. You may also want to pack warm clothes and sunglasses in case the sun has a glare, or the weather turns for the worst.

After everyone is suited up, you will be led to a small Zodiac boat that is low to the ground. Zodiac boats are inflatable boats that are small and low enough to navigate through obstacles, and their design allows you to go ashore if necessary. During the tour, you will navigate through cracks in ancient ice and between floating icebergs that are a magnificent shade of blue. The Zodiac boats will power through the waters at high speeds and get as close as possible to the giant floating ice. Also, during the tour, you will see seagulls and seals playing on the ice if the weather is nice enough. You should also bring a camera if interested in capturing these fantastic wildlife scenes. The nearby black sand or Diamond Beach also makes for a great photo opportunity. Sometimes you can even catch a rare event like a relaxing walrus or other large creature.

During the tour, you will hear facts about the area from your tour guide. You will learn about how the glacier lagoon has been expanding since the 1970s because of the effects of global warming on the coastline. The tours in this area started after a James Bond film in the 1980s used this location to film its opening scene.

4. Reykjavik Puffin Tour (Reykjavik, May-August)

The Reykjavik Puffin Tour is a boat-watching tour that features the adorable Puffin. These cute birds are nicknamed sea parrots for their likeness to parrots and other similar birds. They also resemble penguins because of their black and white color and love of fish.

This tour costs $46 and lasts for one hour. A great thing about this boat trip is that they can guarantee a 100% chance for their passengers to encounter a puffin. This is a fantastic perk because many wildlife tours cannot offer the same guarantee. Many tours have found ways to boost the percentage, but there is also a chance with other tours, you could miss out on the animal you saw because of nature’s unpredictability. This tour also includes an expert captain that can navigate safely through Iceland’s waters without issue. In addition to the captain, the tour also provides a knowledgeable guide that is happy to answer questions about the surrounding area and is an expert on puffins. The guide will provide commentary and insight during the tour to get the most out of your experience. This tour also provides guests with binoculars to see beautiful natural sights in the distance.

The Reykjavik Puffin Tour begins once you arrive at the meeting spot at Reykjavik harbor. You will then board your expert vessel that has been doing these tours for over seventeen years and is designed to get close to puffins safely. From there you will decide which of the two islands you will go to. Puffins live on two islands just off the coast of Reykjavik. These islands, Lundey and Akurey, act as homes for the puffins and are just a short 15-minute boat ride away. The island you visit will depend on the current weather conditions, but you are not missing out either way. Both islands look very similar and have beautiful picturesque vistas filled with small hills, rocky shores, and thousands of cute puffins. Each of these islands also has other animal species that make for great sightseeing. You may encounter arctic terns, guillemots, or fulmar. These islands are uninhabited by humans, making them the perfect place to see unique wildlife.

The captain of your boat will work hard to get you as close as possible without disturbing the puffins. Thankfully, puffins have become accustomed to humans watching them on tours and do not scare easily. While you will not get close enough to touch them, you will get more intimate than you think, and the binoculars will help you feel even closer. You will hear the tour commentary on the speakers of the ship as you observe the natural scene of wildlife living harmoniously with nature. After spending around a half-hour on one of the islands, the tour will end, and the boat will begin its 15-minute journey back to Reykjavik harbor.

This tour does not offer hotel pickups or airport transfers, so you must arrange travel to the meeting spot yourself. If something comes up and the tour needs to be postponed or canceled, the tour group is very flexible and will help you with more options without charging additional fees.

5. Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour & Glacier Hike (Vatnajökull, May-October)

The Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour & Glacier Hike combines the relaxing fun of watching the glacial landscape with a hike of the Falljökull glacier. On this tour, you will take a zodiac boat that can zip around the iceberg-filled lagoon of Jökulsárlón.

This tour costs $117 per person and lasts for nine hours. It is available from May to October so that you will benefit from the extended summer sun hours. You get several nice perks for the price, like an expert and knowledgeable guide, a small tourist-to-guide ratio, and a cancellation guarantee. This tour does have a minimum age of eight years, so not every person will be able to go on the tour. If you are trying to schedule a family trip with younger family members, this tour might not be the best one to pick. You will have to go to this meeting spot to start the tour, and the tour does not offer any pickup options from a hotel or airport, so you will be on your own. This tour is considered easy to traverse and not too dangerous, so it will not require too much effort to enjoy. You should remember that since this is a nine-hour tour, you will need to provide your own meals and manage your fatigue throughout the more extended tour.

The tour begins on location at the Glacier Lagoon parking lot in Jökulsarlon. You will start the boat ride and venture deeper into the deep water that the glacier has retreated from. This lagoon is an extraordinary experience because it is connected to the ocean. You will be able to see many icebergs and surrounding water that is bluer and saltier than many other Iceland lagoons. You will be provided with a flotation vet before boarding the vessel for safety. On your zodiac boat, you will see shiny icebergs and ride to the center of the lagoon, where you can get the closest to ancient floating blocks of ice that feels like you have been transported to another world.

After the boat tour, you will still be left with time for a glacier hike at the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. This will be about a 50-minute drive away from the boat tour area. You will arrive in a beautiful oasis surrounded by black sand beaches, volcanoes, and other glaciers. Guests will make their way up the icy slope on the glacier’s edge and watch as hundreds of meters of ice continuously fall off the melting glacier there. The glacier hike is about 1.5 miles long, not too far. It can be a strenuous trek if you are not in the best shape physically, but the view is definitely worth it. The tour guides take things slow enough for everyone to be comfortable, no matter their fitness levels.

While this tour does provide safety equipment, it doesn’t provide everything. You will want to bring warm outdoor clothing, waterproof clothing, something to cover your head, gloves, and hiking boots that are suitable for walking on ice. The tour will provide you with glacier hiking gear for the hiking portion and life vests for the boat trip portion. You will also keep in mind that the tour can get delayed due to rain or other weather conditions, which may reduce the amount of time for activities during the day. This tour will work with you if you need to postpone the tour due to the weather or other factors influencing your ability to hike or ride a boat. You can cancel 24 hours ahead of your scheduled time and reschedule your boat tour to another day.

6. Luxurious 3-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour with a Bar & Cafe (Reykjavik, Year-Round)

The Luxurious Whale Watching Boat Tour is a premium boat tour available from Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavík. It is a great way to get close to majestic natural creatures like whales while having the creature comforts of a candy climate -controlled yacht.

This tour costs $101 per person and lasts for 3.5 hours. This tour is available all year round, so the price may increase or decrease a bit depending on the season you want to visit. This tour is great for families because there is no minimum age requirement. Any children you may have brought with you on your Iceland trip will be free to participate.

This luxury tour includes guidance from an expert and knowledgeable tour guide, a triple observation deck, wifi, medicine, warm blankets, a luxury climate-controlled inside area, and a bar and cafe. The stand-out feature of this tour is the bar and cafe, which serves refreshments and small food items to keep your energy high as you excitedly explore the coastal regions where whales roam. The viewing area also has a panoramic view, so you can see whales in any direction of the boat, no matter where they happen to be.

The tour starts as soon as you arrive at the meeting point in the Old Harbor district of Reykjavik. You will want to arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled tour so that the travelers all have time to organize and put on their flotation devices. From there, you will journey to several small islands that dot the Faxaflói Bay and a good portion of the Reykjavík coast.

Your tour will be located on a luxurious vessel called the Amelia rose. This yacht is designed to be an offshore vessel so that you will have a smooth ride free from the effects of the turbulent waves of the coast surrounding Iceland. If you are someone who gets seasick, you will have a much easier time enduring the weather. If you want to ensure you go out on this luxury vessel, the tour group needs to have at least 12 passengers. If the tour gets less than 12 passengers, the tour will be aboard the Axel Rose, a smaller yacht.

You will want to bring warm clothes, outdoor footwear, and a camera if you’re going to capture photos of different minke or humpback whales. You have a chance to see dolphins, porpoises and blue whales as well. Seeing a whale is not guaranteed, as the tour cannot predict where they will be. Keep that in mind if you are set on seeing a specific type of animal during this tour. Since the tour is over 3 hours long, you should be able to have a decently good chance of seeing that animal you were hoping for. If you often get seasick, you should ensure you don’t eat a huge breakfast and lay down ahead of time to lessen any potential symptoms.

7. Classic 3-Hour Sea Fishing Trip on an Oak Boat Tour (Reykjavik, May-September)

The Classic Sea Fishing Trip Tour is a fishing journey on an oak boat from Iceland’s capital. Rather than just seeing and taking pictures of wildlife, this tour aims to catch your own Icelandic fish and have it served to you as a meal. This tour has a cool concept that lets you enjoy the fruits of your labor at the end of the tour. Don’t be scared if you don’t have a lot of fishing experience, you will have plenty of opportunities to learn, have fun, and engage with nature regardless.

This tour costs $109 per person and lasts for a total of three hours. It is available from May through September. Being a summer tour, you will see calmer and less frequent weather and more daylight hours to schedule your tour. This boat tour provides fishing equipment and protective clothing, so you don’t need to buy any of those beforehand. Also, this tour comes with a fishing boat stocked with a group and captain knowledgeable about the surrounding Iceland coastal waters.

As mentioned, you get to keep anything you catch on the boat trip, and then your catch is served as a meal with a side of sauce and potatoes. If you assign up for the tour in May through August, there will also be a puffin-watching segment of the tour added as a part of its itinerary. The tour doesn’t offer much in the way of refreshments, but they do have fresh, clean water on hand to wash your meal down. There are no age restrictions on this tour, so that you can bring family members of any age on this trip. This tour is great for families because you get to spend a quiet and peaceful time catching fish and engaging in conversation.

Your journey begins as you go to the meeting spot in Reykjavik harbor. Be sure to arrive early, so your group has time to equip their vests before you set off. On a traditional oak boat, you will be setting out to the open seas. Your captain will tell you all of the tricks to quickly catching Icelandic fish, so you will be equipped with the knowledge of how to cast your line, set your bait, and get the big catch. During the tour, you will see beautiful mountains and scenic islands and meet different Icelandic wildlife. You get to experience these exciting sights and top off the experience with a meal that you helped prepare. Your trip will end as you are dropped back off at the Viking Maritime Museum.

8. Jokulsarlon Amphibian Boat Tour (South East Iceland, May-October)

The Jokulsarlon Amphibian Boat Tour is a scenic exploration of the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. This natural wonder is a hugely popular tourist spot, with thousands of people visiting it yearly. It makes for a great photo shoot and a surreal Iceland boat tour experience. The tour also participates in a carbon offsetting program called the Kolviður Fund. This fund ensures that a portion of the cost of your tour goes towards planting a tree in the first of Iceland to help offset the effects of global warming.

This tour costs $44 per person and lasts for 35 minutes. If you are looking for a great family adventure, you will be delighted to hear that this tour has no age restriction. No airport transfers or hotel pickups are offered as a part of this tour, so you will need to head to the meeting location on your own. The tour is considered easy to traverse, so there will not be too many people who will be physically limited from participating. This boat trip includes an English-speaking guide that will give you advanced insight into the surrounding area’s history and the environmental conditions of the glacier lagoon.

All the necessary equipment for the boat tour will also be provided, including any flotation devices. The tour will also provide power outlets and charger plugs if you need to charge any of your devices while participating in the tour.

Your tour starts after making it to Vatnajokull National Park , which photographers of the world term the “photographer’s paradise.” You will head to the Jökulsárlón boat launch point at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. During the tour, your vessel will navigate close to and around floating icebergs, blue glaciers, and gorgeous scenic views of the nearby mountains.

While this tour does provide some essentials, you will want to bring your own layers of warm clothes. Even though this tour takes place during the summer months, a weather event is still likely to occur that may need headwear, gloves, or scarves for you to remain comfortable. Be aware that this tour will need to be rescheduled if a severe weather event occurs, at which point you can get a refund or reschedule your tour for another time.

9. White Water Rafting Day Trip Tour (Hafgrímsstaðir, May-June)

The White Water Rafting Day Trip Tour has you trading in a big boat for a series of small rafts for tackling challenging rapid with a group of up to 42 people. You will travel into the Austurdalur wilderness and test your rafting skills against a six-hour white water rafting adventure on a grade 4 river .

This tour costs $191 per person and lasts six hours. This tour is considered challenging and should only be attempted by people with rafting experience and physically fit individuals. The tour only accepts adults as participants. The minimum age to participate in this tour is 18 years old. Because of the intensity and age restrictions, this tour is not recommended for families or couples. This tour is best done with a group of experienced rafters.

The tour includes all the necessary rafting equipment you will need. You will be equipped with a helmet, boots, gloves, and drysuit in your challenge against the rapid. Professional raft guides and safety kayakers will be on-site to protect anyone who falls off of their craft. Food is also provided during the tour, including freshly baked waffles and homemade hot chocolate refreshments.

Your journey will begin once you get to the meeting spot at Viking Rafting in the town of Varmahlíð. From there, you will go to the east glacial river gorge and experience an intense rafting day tour filled with deep canyon greenery and rapid white water waves. After an unforgettable journey through the Icelandic wilderness, you will return to your start point at Viking Rafting.

Thrill-seekers will love this tour; many reviewers say that this tour is not for the faint of heart. This tour is one of the best summer white rafting tours in Iceland and is a much book for adrenaline enthusiasts and lovers of wilderness scenery.

10. Family Rafting Day Trip from Hafgrímsstaðir Tour (Hafgrímsstaðir, May-September)

The Family Rafting Day Trip from Hafgrímsstaðir is a great alternative option for a rafting boat tour for people who aren’t experienced rafters. This tour is recommended for families and has a maximum group size of 60 people.

This tour costs $126 per person and lasts for 3.5 hours. You will be able to book this tour between the months of May and September. The tour includes all the essential equipment for rafting, like a drysuit, boots, gloves, and headwear. They also provide safety instructors and professional rafting guides to keep you safe during your river adventure.

The minimum age for this tour is six years old, so while this is billed for families, some families with smaller children might have to miss out. Airport transfer and hotel pick-up are not included in this your, so you will need to arrange a way for you to make it to the meeting point on your own. Even though this tour is safer than the expert tour, it can still be dangerous as it involves rafting over a moving river. Care should be taken to learn the proper safety rules from your instructors and maintain the safety equipment they give you.

Your journey starts with you making your way to Viking Rafting in the town of Varmahlíð. Your tour group will travel to a grade two river called the West Glacial River. From there, you will participate in a 10km descent on gentle rapids, where you will encounter some resistance from the river rapids. Still, it will be a primarily peaceful river ride through spectacular scenery and hot springs. After descending the river, you will be treated to hot chocolate made from the river’s hot spring . After taking some time to relax, the tour group will head back to the starting point.

You will want to bring your own food for this tour, as there will be no meals provided as part of the cost. You should also bring thermal underwear, a sweater, and a change of socks. After getting wet on your river tour, you will want some fresh clothes to change into. This tour is not recommended for anyone with heart problems or any serious medical illnesses.

What to know for Best Boat Trip Tours in Iceland

Before you book a boat trip tour, there are a few considerations you will want to know about. Some of the crucial considerations for the best boat tour trips are listed below:

Airport Transfer Arrival/Departure: There are a few boat tours that will pick you up from your hotel. However, the majority of boat tours require you to navigate to the meeting spot yourself. This also applies to any airport shuttles or transfer services.

Accommodation Cost: Individual boat tours will not cover accommodations for staying the night. You must book a tour package that explicitly covers accommodations.

Personal Travel Agent: Although boat tours provide knowledgeable guides and captains, none of these guides can serve as your personal travel agent. Before landing in Iceland, you must contact a personal travel agent to reduce the stress, not knowing if your plans will fall through or not.

Price Range: Boat tours range in price from $40 to $200.

Price Factors: The factors that influence the price of boat tours are listed below:

• Duration of tour
• The luxury of the boat
• Month the tour is booked

Popularity: Boat tours in Iceland are some of the most popular tours. Many people make the trek to Iceland just for a slight chance to catch a glimpse of a majestic whale or other rare animals. Your experience of Iceland is incomplete until you are out on the water looking back at the beautiful landscape.

COVID-19 Precautions: Iceland has relaxed many of its previous COVID restrictions. You no longer have to prove your vaccination status to travel to Iceland. However, many tour groups will require you to take a PCR COVID-19 test before you arrive in Iceland. You will also have to follow any social distancing or mask policies that any tours still uphold.

Which regions of Iceland are better for Boat Trip Tours?

Certain regions of Iceland are better for boat trip tours when compared to other areas. Some of the best regions for the best boat trip tours in Iceland are listed below:

• Western Region: The western region is better for boat trip tours because they get you closer to the natural habitats of certain animals like whales and puffins. The western region also contains Iceland’s capital Reykjavik, which has more tourism opportunities because of its size.
• Southern Region: Similar to the western region, the southern region has more attractions and more opportunities for boat trip tours because of its popularity. You also have some unique options for glacier boat tours that some of the other regions lack.

What are the Most Famous Boat Trip Tours of Iceland?

When researching boat trip tours, finding the most famous ones is a good place to start. The most famous boat trip tours of Iceland include the following:

• Luxurious 3-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour with a Bar & Cafe: A boat tour famous for its luxurious yacht, comfy surroundings, and full-service bar and cafe.
• Classic 3-Hour Sea Fishing Trip on an Oak Boat: This tour is famous for appealing to the angler’s heart. Based out of Reykjavík, this tour is popular for being convenient and for its lunch service, which uses the fish you catch to prepare a meal.

What are the Best Boat Trip Tours for Families?

Not all boat trip tours are safe for everyone of all ages. The best boat trip tours in Iceland for families are listed below:

• Magical 2-Hour Northern Lights Boat Cruise: This tour has no minimum age requirement and is one of the best ways to show family members of all ages the Northern Lights.
• 2-Hour Whale Watching & Sea Fishing Boat Trip: A tour that boasts having the oldest whale watching tour operator in Iceland. This extra experience makes it safer for family members.
• Puffin Watching Tour on Breiðafjordur Bay: This tour is great for families because it gives the little ones the most time possible with puffins and uses smaller boats to get closer.
• Midnight Sun Whale Watching Boat Tour: A tour that takes full advantage of the midnight sun to produce a scenic whale watching experience for all ages. It is excellent for families because of all the safety precautions like its thermal overalls.

What are the Best Boat Trip Tours for Couples?

Boat trip tours for couples can be tricky to book because couples often want privacy to view things romantically with their partner. Some of the best boat trip tours for couples include the following:

• Ice Lagoon Zodiac Boat Tours: This tour uses Zodiac boats, which are small, agile, and only have enough room for two people and the driver. These boats make the tour perfect for couples.
• Fjallsárlón Iceberg Lagoon: A tour popular with couples because it can be customized into a private tour for couples who want some privacy.

What is the Most Common type of boat used in Iceland Boat Tours?

Many different types of boats are used in Iceland boat tours. A few of the common types are listed below:

• Zodiac Boats: These boats are popular for iceberg and glacier boat trip tours because they are agile and can maneuver around the floating ice.
• Yachts: A type of boat that is the most common in luxury boat trips. They are widely popular because they offer enough space for comfort and luxury and are often used in extended whale watching tours.

What is the Most Unusual type of boat used in Iceland Boat Tours

The Banana boat is the most unusual type of boat used in Iceland boat tours. This boat usually has a three to ten-seat capacity and is used to transport cargo. These boats are used in tours where water exploration is casual and laid back.

What are the Most luxurious Iceland Boat Trip Tours?

There are many luxurious boat trip tours for Iceland. One of the most expensive boat tours is the Northern Lights Luxury Yacht Tour in Reykjavik. It can cost over $200 per person during the summer and is costly because it offers a hotel pick-up option, amenities, wifi, drinks, food, and souvenirs.

What is the Price Range for Iceland Boat Trip Tours?

The average price range for Iceland boat trip tours is between $40 and $100. Some boat tours can break that scale and be more expensive, but this is the average price range. The price will differ based on the location, tour duration, and the amenities offered. Also, boat tours in the busy summer months tend to cost more than winter boat tours.

What is the Cheapest Boat Trip Tour in Iceland?

When looking to save money, you could try some of the cheapest boat trip tours. Some of the least expensive boat trip tours are listed below:

• Reykjavik Puffin Tour: This tour costs $43 and is cheaper because you only spend 30 minutes with the puffins before heading back.
• Affordable Boat Tour of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: A similar tour only spends 35 minutes on the water that costs $44.

What are the Rules for Iceland Boat Trip Tours?

There are three rules to follow if you want to go on boat trip tours. These rules are for guest and staff safety, as well as for the safety of animals and the environment of Iceland. These rules include the following:

• Get to the meeting spot ahead of time: Boat tours often have to outfit you with safety devices before you get on the boat. It is essential that you show up early enough for everyone on tour to get equipped.
• Bring Sunglasses: Iceland’s sun can glare at you brightly over the water, so sunglasses are essential to ensure you can get a clear view of the tour.
• Dress Warm: Even during the summer sun, Iceland can still get cold when you are out over the water.

Is taking Photographs allowed for Boat Trip Tours?

Yes, taking photographs is allowed on boat trip tours. Many tours are set up so you can get unique and beautiful pictures.

Do Tour Packages offer Photography for Boat Trip Tours?

Yes, tour packages do offer photo opportunities on boat trip tours. You will have to provide your own camera for most boat trip tours.

Are Iceland Boat Trip Tours safe from COVID-19?

Yes, many tourists must pass a COVID test to enter Iceland, and many boat tour companies still practice COVID safe operation policies for their employees and guests.

Are Boat Trips in Iceland alone allowed?

Yes, private boat trips can be booked to have as small of a group as you want. However, many public tours do require a minimum number of guests.

Are you allowed to bring Food to the Iceland Boat Trip Tours?

Yes, you are allowed to bring food on Iceland boat trip tours. Some boat tours will provide beverages or food, but many will leave lunch or dinner up to you to provide.

What are the Best Sessions for Iceland Boat Trip Tours by Month?

Some of the best sessions for Iceland boat trip tours include:

• May-August: These months are great sessions for boat tours in Iceland because you get the maximum amount of sunlight. Some boat tours also offer special midnight sun tours to see the unique and breathtaking sky.
• November-January: Winter boat tours are better than some others because you can get a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Tours during the winter also tend to cost less because these months aren’t as busy.

What is the Average Duration of Iceland Boat Trip Tours?

Iceland boat tours last an average of 30 minutes to an hour, with some of the more expensive and luxurious boat rides lasting two to three hours.

The shorter boat rides have a better average price but often lack amenities and features. Depending on your budget and interest, scheduling many cheap boat tours or one extensive, all-encompassing boat tour is better.

Where do the Iceland Boat Trip Tours start?

When looking for boat tours, they will typically start near the shore. These places include the following:

• Reykjavik Harbor: One of the biggest harbors in the highest populated cities in Iceland. Many boat tours will originate from this point.
• Glacier Parks: Many boat tours explore icebergs and glaciers, and they usually originate from the shore closest to the glacier.

Are Iceland Boat Trip Tours hard to Finish?

No, Iceland boat trip tours are not hard to finish. Some of the tours can be difficult for your constitution, so some boat trips are not recommended for small children. There are a few boat tours with a minimum age of six or more.

What to know about Boat Trips in Iceland?

There are a few interesting facts to know about the boats in Iceland. Many of the tours that are popular today have only been going since the 1970s or 1980s. These tours owe their success to Hollywood movies filmed in these locations that inspired foreign tourists to come and experience them. The oldest steel boat in Iceland was built in 1912 and is called Garðar.

How many Boat Trips does Iceland have?

Iceland hosts many boat trips throughout all its regions. Every year in Iceland, at least 250,000 people go on boat trip tours. The estimated numbers divided by each region are listed below:

• North Region: 100,000 tourists go on the water to look for whales
• South Region: 50,000 tourists
• West Region: 75,000 tourists
• East Region:  25,000 tourists

What are the different types of boats in Iceland?

Iceland harbors use many different types of boats for their tours. Some of the popular choices are listed below.

• Zodiac boats: These small inflatable boats are maneuverable, speedy, and capable of going ashore.
• Fishing Boat: These boats come in different shapes and sizes but are made at high speed, so you can get out to deep waters and find fish to catch.

What are the other Activities for Iceland Tours?

People who travel to Iceland come for many different attractions. Some other activities you can sign up for in Iceland include:

• Bird Watching: Many people focus on the animals in the water, but many beautiful species of birds can be observed from a ship’s deck as well.
• Fishing: These fishing tours are great activities because some allow you to cook your catch and eat it with a meal.
• Relaxing ferry rides: Some ferry rides across Iceland can be several hours. These rides allow you to slow down and absorb the salty sea air.
• Whale Watching: Many people come to Iceland just to get as close as possible to sperm and blue whales.
• Island Tour : There are several islands off the coasts of Iceland that can be toured as a part of a boat tour.
• Boat Cafe: Some of the luxurious boat tours serve food and beer at a cafe during the trip that is worth the tour by itself.

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Northern Lights by Boat

Children 7-15 years: 6,495 ISK

Children 0-6 years: FREE

The original Northern Lights by Boat tour in Iceland!

Hunting the northern lights from the ocean is an amazing experience; sailing away from the coastline of Reykjavik and seeing the aurora borealis out on the North-Atlantic ocean with beautiful mountains and the city in the background is something you won’t forget!

Tour description

We sail out from the Old Harbour in Reykjavik and in only 15-20 minutes we will be in a prime location away from the city lights, perfect for viewing the auroras! The guide will share with you facts on the science behind the magical phenomenon of the Northern Lights, and tell you about their stories & myths from different cultures around the world. The tour takes about 2-3 hours depending on how early/late the lights might appear.

We recommend putting on our  free overalls on-board (overalls also available in children’s sizes!) that will keep you nice and warm out on the deck, listening to what the guide has to say about the lovely colours dancing in the sky.

Throughout the tour we show our very own original  Northern Lights video , full of interesting facts and folklore! If you are cold you can grab a drink at the bar and cozy up inside watching the video or just simply enjoy the view of the city lights in the distance with your friends/family.

Special Tours Iceland app with 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish and simplified Chinese) available for Android and Apple. It is available for all clients to download before or during the tour, with both text and audio information. The app is as close to an audio guided wildlife adventure as possible.

Useful tip:  We always have a crew member taking pictures throughout the night so instead of taking a long time figuring out the right settings for your camera, enjoy the moment and check our daily diary to see the photos! (If you are eager to learn we can also assist you in getting the settings right)

What's included

• Guided boat tour
• Warm overalls (overalls also available in children’s sizes!)
• Wireless internet on board
• Café/Bar & Souvenir shop
• Our very own Northern Lights video
• WCs on board!

Tour details

Information

If you dont see the northern lights you get a FREE ticket to try again!

*22:00 From 15th March - 15th April

Additional information

These tours are subject to correct weather conditions and sightings cannot be guaranteed. We reserve the right to cancel the tour due to unfavorable weather conditions if need be. Take a look at our terms & conditions for further information.

If the northern lights boat tour is cancelled, but aurora conditions are favorable, we offer a replacement northern lights tour by bus, plus a chance to join the boat tour the next available day (even if you see the lights on the bus).

If the tour does not operate at all (boat or bus) during your stay due to unfavorable weather conditions, you can exchange your ticket/voucher with one of the following options*:

• A Whale Watching Tour
• The chance to join a night of fun at the Whales of Iceland Exhibition (while keeping your boat ticket!)
• Or a full refund. (*All options have a value greater than or equal to the cost of your northern lights by boat ticket).

If you join the tour (boat or bus) and there are no sightings you will get another ticket to join us on the next available day . This ticket is valid indefinitely – so if you don’t have another chance this time around we welcome you back when you visit Iceland again!

Please note that the starting point for this tour is the Special Tours Ticket Office, located at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík.

You will be asked to show a valid form of ID upon arrival for check-in.

Please note: Pick-up starts 60 minutes before the departure of the tour.

Important information

We always try our best to give our passengers the best possible chance to see the Northern Lights – however, it is important to know that we can never guarantee sightings as this is a hunt for a natural phenomenon.

We use the weather forecast to find out the cloud cover on the night & the strength of the lights. We will always sail out when there is a chance of visibility as we do not want our passengers missing out on a chance to see the auroras.

We kindly ask you to be positive, embrace your patience and keep your fingers crossed!

Dress tip:  Dress according to Icelandic weather and don’t forget your hats & gloves. Our staff always does their best to keep the boat decks clear of ice/snow – but we do recommend wearing good shoes on the tour as the weather can change quickly.

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Geirsgata 11 Reykjavik's Old Harbour

101 Reykjavik

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Iceland Boat Tours

Behold europe's largest ice cap on a glacier boat tour in iceland., popular boat tours, when do boat tours take place, where do boat tours take place, whale watching tours, types of boat.

Take a boat tour in Iceland and get a different perspective. We offer whale watching in Reykjavik and North Iceland, kayaking tours, glacier lagoon tours and more. Ship ahoy!

Northern Lights by Boat from Reykjavik

Dalvik Whale Watching Tour

Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik

Jökulsárlón Zodiac Boat Ride & Glacier Hike

Fjallsárlón Zodiac Boat Tour & Glacier Hike

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Puffin Watching from Reykjavik

Whale Watching Rib Boat Tour

Whale Watching Rib Boat Tour from Reykjavik

Westman Islands Rib Boat Tour

Viking Sushi Boat Tour in Stykkisholmur

Our Iceland boat tours take place throughout the year, although there are some limitations on when specific tours are available. The time of year that you choose may also affect what you see. For example, you’re more likely to see orcas in winter and early summer, while humpbacks tend to be more common from early summer to the beginning of winter.

Look at each tour page for more information on what you’ll see during your tour and the best time to visit, depending on whether you’re on the lookout for glaciers or whales!

Reykjavik  

Reykjavik’s waters teem with fascinating marine life throughout the year, making it an ideal spot for  whale watching . Our tours depart from Old Reykjavik Harbor and usually don’t have to travel much further than 15 miles to find humpbacks, minke whales, and possibly other species. 

Many of our tours also stop at the small islands located just off the Reykjavik coast, which are home to a multitude of incredible seabirds like  puffins  and arctic terns. You can also see  the Northern Lights dance above Reykjavik  while out at sea or  go kayaking in a peaceful fjord.  

South Iceland

No trip to Iceland would be complete without a visit to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, but why stand on the shore, when you can explore it in an  amphibian boat tour  or get thrillingly close to the huge icebergs in a  Zodiac boat tour ? Adventurous souls should check out this adrenaline-pumping  jetboat ride in the Gullfoss Canyon . While families or those looking for a peaceful day out should look at this easy  kayaking tour in Stokkseyri . 

North Iceland  

Our boat tours in northern Iceland take place in the Eyjafjordur fjord, renowned for being one of the best whale-watching destinations in all of Iceland. Try out this tried and true  Dalvik whale-watching tour ! Check off two bucket list experiences in just one day with this  whale-watching and Northern Lights combo . Or cross the Arctic Circle and see some adorable puffins during this  Grimsey Island adventure.

West Iceland and the Westfjords

We offer a bundle of different boat rides in West Iceland, allowing you to see this unique and untouched landscape in all of its heavenly glory. Head to the picturesque village of Olafsvik, for  the chance to see orcas and other types of whales frolic up out of the deep on   Olafsvik Whale Watching tour .  Enjoy some delicious  Viking sushi and see some lovable puffins on this family-friendly  Viking sushi tour .

We operate whale watching tours from various locations across Iceland. Whales are commonly spotted in each area, and you’re likely to see at least one species of whale during the tour. However, Iceland’s whales are wild, meaning that we cannot totally guarantee that you will see them during your exact outing.

Our captains are local experts who will do everything that they can to ensure that you do see whales. They use prevailing local knowledge, gather up-to-date information, and monitor current weather conditions in order to provide you the best chance of seeing whales. Most of our whale-watching tours have a success rate above 90%, virtually guaranteeing that you will see something. The success rate for each tour is clearly displayed in the tour description.

The Safety of the Wildlife

Extreme Iceland is passionately committed to showing Iceland’s incredible marine life in its natural habitat. We take the safety and well-being of the creatures that we are watching very seriously and we will never seek to put a wild creature in any discomfort. 

Our expert captains will take you as close as possible to the whales and other species without invading their personal space. We believe that this gives you a more authentic experience while also affording future generations the opportunity to observe wild animals in their natural environments. 

Best Time to See Whales in Iceland

Whales visit Iceland’s waters throughout the year, although different species appear more frequently at particular times. Below is a rough guide to the best time to see specific whales in Iceland. 

Orcas/Killer Whales (November – June)   – Orcas visit Iceland's waters throughout the year, however, sightings are more frequent in the winter and early summer. Orca watching is especially fun in the winter because you can see them hunt herring. 

Humpbacks (April – October)   – Humpbacks tend to be spotted during the summer months, though they’re increasingly being spotted well into the winter. 

Blue Whales (April – October)   – Blue whale sightings are rare because they usually prefer deeper waters. However, there is a slight chance of seeing the largest creature to ever exist during the summer months. 

Fin Whales (April – October)   – Fin whale sightings are also rare, but they’re more common during the summer than they are in the winter. 

Minke Whales (Year – Round)   – Minke whales are spotted in Iceland’s waters throughout the year. 

The boat that we use has the potential to enhance or diminish your enjoyment of the tour. We carefully select the type of boats that we use so that you get the most out of your time on Iceland’s waters. Below is a brief description of each boat that we use and the advantages of using them.

A rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RIB) is a lightweight, seaworthy boat, known for its high performance, speed, and maneuverability. They’re also one of the safest boats available because the inflatable ring around it acts like a life jacket, rendering them all but unsinkable. RIB boats are perfectly designed for things such as whale watching and bird watching because their low-slung design allows them to get up close and personal with the animals. 

A Zodiac is a type of inflatable boat that combines rigidity, comfort, and safety with maneuverability and speed. They're ideal for water-based sightseeing because they're small size and agile allowing, them to get close to land, icebergs and whatever else you want to see. Our Zodiac Boat Tours in Iceland are one of the best ways to explore Jokulsarlon. 

A jet boat is a hydro-powered boat that propels itself forward by firing water out of a nozzle at the rear of the boat. This creates an exciting, white-knuckle ride that is perfect for exploring rivers and lakes. Jetboats have no rotating external parts meaning that they do not damage marine life in any way. 

Amphibian Boat

Amphibian boats are equally adept on land as they are at sea, making them perfect for exploring places that have interesting attractions on both. 

The kayak is a narrow, pointed boat, which is pushed forward using a double-bladed oar. They are agile and small, allowing them to get up close and cozy with anything and everything. 

Traditional Boats

Traditional Icelandic boats are powered by some combination of a sail and a motor. They’re all seaworthy and often began life as fishing vessels. This allows them to go further out to sea and reach lesser-seen, amazing marine life that visits Iceland’s waters. 

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Northern Lights by Boat

Minimum Age

Tour Highlights

• Northern lights hunt
• Guided boat tour

What’s included

Stunning 14 Hour Tour from Reykjavik to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon with Boat Ride

Description

Grab a front-row seat on this unique day tour along the South Coast with a boat ride around the beautiful Jökulsárón glacial lagoon. Now, you too can get an up-close look at icebergs breaking from Breiðarmerkurjökull glacier, on a trip perfect for all travelling sightseers. 

Your trip will begin early in the morning, as you have a lot of ground to cover. You'll travel along Iceland's South Coast, seeing waterfalls and mountains as you go. You'll make a stop at iconic Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls before you pass two magnificent glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull.

From there, you will visit the Skaftafell National Park by Vatnajökull glacier, nestling under Iceland's tallest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur. You'll be treated to some amazing landscapes on your journey, but your last stop is the very highlight of the tour: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. 

Created by the glacial melt from Breiðarmerkurjökull, the lagoon is Iceland's deepest lake and filled with incredible icebergs. These bergs range greatly in size and colour; some are small and of the purest white, others have been heavily oxygenated, creating a deep and tantalising blue colour. 

Exploring Jökulsárlón by boat is the only real way to get to know the area; not only can you avoid the angry arctic terns that rest at the lagoon’s coast, but you can get right into the middle of the lagoon, experiencing the area from a personal and rare perspective.

You will be within touching distance from the icebergs and you can watch in awe as they shift, move and sink in the crystal clear glacial water, rubbing against one another to create a deep and satisfying rumble. You will also be privy to the seals playing happily together in the water.

After your boat tour, it is possible to walk a short distance to the ocean, where one can often spot the icebergs that have drifted out of the lagoon. This is a truly fantastical vista of black sand, rightfully named the Diamond Beach.

Don’t miss your opportunity to see the wonders of Iceland's South Coast and the icebergs of Jökulsárlón from a unique perspective. Check availability by choosing a date.

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Aurora Tourism in Iceland: You Can Seek, but You May Not Find

The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights — especially this year, which is a peak time for solar activity. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found.

In Reykjavík, Iceland, aurora borealis tourism is a booming business. Hopeful tourists board buses to head out into the night in search of the northern lights. Credit... Sigga Ella for The New York Times

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By Amelia Nierenberg

Amelia Nierenberg spent four nights searching for the northern lights in Iceland.

• March 25, 2024

From the outside, it may seem like the northern lights dance across Iceland’s skies each night. On Icelandair ads, planes fly across shimmering curtains in the sky. On social media, travelers gaze at the green bands above them . The lights are even on some recycling bins in Reykjavík, the capital: “Keep Iceland Clean.”

In the past decade or so, an aurora borealis industrial complex has boomed in Iceland. Many rent a car and go out on their own, but there are northern lights big bus tours and northern lights minibus tours and northern lights Super Jeep tours . There are private guides and boat cruises . There’s an observatory base camp . There’s even a museum .

But the lights can be elusive.

“Tourists sometimes expect, like, ‘At what time do you turn them on?’” said Björn Saevar Einarsson, a forecaster at Iceland’s meteorological office , chuckling. “Like we have a switch in the back room.”

This year, the letdowns are especially intense.

The northern lights, which are also called the aurora borealis, are most visible when there are solar flares, which are big eruptions on the sun that send charged particles toward Earth. This year, the sun is approaching the peak of its 11-year cycle of activity , which some assume means that the displays could peak, too.

But the enhanced solar activity doesn’t necessarily mean the northern lights will be brighter or more frequent, scientists wearily explain. Instead, they mostly mean that the lights can be seen farther south than usual: In recent months, they have been visible in Arizona , Missouri and southern England .

That doesn’t mean much for Iceland.

In fact, Icelanders and scientists said, this winter is nothing special. Sometimes, the lights are there. Sometimes, they aren’t. Just like always.

Hunting the lights

But nothing special, with the northern lights, is still very special. And so tourists keep coming .

Last month, I joined the fray. For four nights, I looked for telltale sky shimmers in and around Reykjavík.

I booked my tickets riding high — this was the best year yet, right? But as I learned more, and as my flight neared, my hopes ebbed. Scientists and tour leaders gently told me that the skies were cloudy and the solar activity seemed quiet.

“Just to let you know the forecast doesn’t look too good” Inga Dís Richter, the chief commercial officer at Icelandia , a tourism agency, wrote in an email two days before I planned to take a minibus trip with Reykjavik Excursions , one of its tour operators.

“But,” she added, “this can change.”

To find the lights, guides and travelers often rely on aurora forecasts, which overlay cloud cover and solar activity. They check them constantly, like a bride with an outdoor wedding in mid-April.

Some of the forecasts are free, like the aurora forecast run by Iceland’s meteorological office or Iceland at Night , which includes space weather. (Some are not — Aurora Forecast , which costs $12.99 a year, sends alerts.) Many people also turn to Facebook pages , where enthusiasts hungrily swap sightings.

Luck, though, is everything.

“There’s only one thing less predictable with the northern lights, and that’s the Arctic weather,” said John Mason, a global expert on the northern lights. “An aurora forecast is barely worth the paper that it’s written on.”

The guides work hard to explain the science, and set expectations. Most companies offer a free rebooking option if the lights do not show.

On my first night of aurora stalking, despite Ms. Richter’s warnings, I joined an expectant group on the Reykjavík Excursions minibus. For $88, I got a seat on the 19-person bus, which left the city’s central bus station at 9:30 p.m.

Over the next three to four hours, we would drive through the Icelandic night together. I’d either see something astonishing with these strangers — the sky, banded with light — or shiver with them shoulder-to-shoulder, awkward in the cold.

As we pulled onto the road, Gudjon Gunnarsson, the guide, set the mood early. “We are going hunting for the lights,” he said, emphasizing the word “hunting,” “similar to going out fishing in a lake.”

He drove for about 45 minutes, letting Reykjavík’s glow fade behind us. The city has about 140,000 people, and no real skyscrapers, so there’s limited light pollution. Although the northern lights can appear over the city, it’s best to see them in total darkness.

Then he paused and consulted with another guide.

“It is too cloudy here,” he told his flock. “So we will keep driving.”

But as we kept driving, clouds turned to a dense fog, so thick that the moon all but disappeared.

Mr. Gunnarsson turned off the main highway about an hour after we left Reykjavík. He parked in a parking lot. Or maybe it was a side street? The darkness was so deep that I could only make out the moonlight on the ocean, and only then after my eyes adjusted.

We disembarked and stood dutifully beside him, staring up at the sky. Then, one woman pointed toward Reykjavík. Were those the lights? (No. That was light pollution.)

Christof Reinhard, 65, who owns a medical laser company and was visiting with his family from Paris, mused that our search was a little bit like a safari. Sure, the desert is amazing, but it’s much better with lions. Or, maybe, was this more like a whale watch?

“Instead of a boat,” he said, “you have a bus.”

Mr. Gunnarsson watched the group stomp their feet and bend into the wind. Fifteen minutes. Then, half an hour. The clouds hung thick above. “There’s nothing happening here, as you can see,” he finally said to relieved chuckles. “It’s one of those nights where you just have to give up.”

Tourists can get mad, Mr. Gunnarsson and other guides said. It’s rare, but it does happen.

“It’s the trip that has our worst reviews,” said Eric Larimer, the digital marketing manager for Gray Line Iceland , a day tour and airport transport company.

A wake-up call for the aurora

For some, the joy is in the search, even if there is no find. A few focus on astronomy, often opting to stay at Hotel Rangá , which is just off the main ring road (Route 1) near Iceland’s south coast.

The hotel looks unassuming — low-slung and wooden — but it’s one of the most famous in Iceland. (The Kardashians stayed there . So did the Real Housewives of Orange County .) A standard room costs more than $300, depending on the season.

But Rangá doesn’t just cater to celebrities. It also draws astronomy buffs, enticed by its “aurora wake-up call” service and its observatory, which has state-of-the-art telescopes.

“One thing is to sell them,” said Fridrik Pálsson, the hotel’s owner, speaking of the northern lights. “Another thing is to deliver them.”

About 20 years ago, before the northern lights industry took off, he delegated the night security guard to monitor the sky. The guard pokes his head out every few minutes to look for the telltale flicker. If he sees the lights, he alerts the guests.

The service aims to address one of the main issues with hunting for the northern lights: They are usually only visible on winter nights, when it is very cold, very windy and very late.

“To be a good northern lights observer, you need the constitution of an insomniac polar bear,” Dr. Mason said.

My room phone, alas, stayed silent. But I did dream about the lights — great Wonka colors swirling, strangely, behind the Chrysler Building.

Mr. Pálsson built the observatory, too. Even if the lights didn’t show up, he figured, the stars are still magnificent — and, for city dwellers, also rare. The hotel contracts astronomers to work the telescopes and explain the stars to guests.On my second night in Iceland, as twilight slipped below happy-hour skies, I crunched across the snow to the observatory with Saevar Helgi Bragason, an Icelandic science communicator who leads the astronomy program.

He bent into a toddler-size telescope, focusing it on the moon’s craters. They looked clearer than the hotel, just a short walk away. It was too early for the lights, he said. And that evening seemed too cloudy (on Earth) and too quiet (on the sun).

Mr. Bragason joked that the lights can get in his way — they create a mist over the stars he really wants to see. But tourists often come specifically to see them. And sometimes, he said, as they wait impatiently, they can miss the real wonder.

“You’re left with these beautiful skies above you,” he said. “Basically, literally, another universe opens up.”

Creating a lights season

Hotel Rangá was a pioneer in Iceland’s northern lights tourism industry: About two decades ago, people came to Iceland for the long summer days, and left as daylight slipped farther south.

“I found it rather stupid in the beginning,” admitted Mr. Pálsson, the owner of Rangá, speaking of northern lights tourism.

But spreading tourism throughout the year made sense. Partly, that was an environmental concern. The tourists would crowd the country’s extraordinary natural sites over just a few months. It was also economic. When the visitors left Iceland, tourism jobs would ebb with the sunlight.

So the northern lights, which are reliably visible from September to March, became the backbone of the country’s winter branding, said Sveinn Birkir Björnsson, the marketing and communications director at Business Iceland , which promotes the country.

“To be able to sell this product of cold and darkness, you have to have something to offer,” he said.

Now, even though June, July and August are the busiest months, tourism has evened out over the seasons. In 2023, there were about 1.1 million international visitors to Iceland during the aurora months, based on departures from Keflavík Airport, according to data from Iceland’s tourist board . From April to August, there were about 1.1 million, too.

About a decade earlier , when tourism overall to Iceland was lower, there were about 336,000 departures from the main airport in colder months, and about 446,000 in the spring and summer.

The winter travelers are drawn by the lights — and the hot springs, glaciers and icy waterfalls. It’s also cheaper than the summer season.

Some try to visit volcanoes , but the country recently warned tourists to avoid the lava flows — Iceland is living in an unusually active period of seismic activity . In January, lava flowed into a small town and last week a volcano erupted with just 40 minutes’ notice near the Blue Lagoon thermal springs, one of the country’s biggest attractions.

The final attempts

Near midnight on my last night, a Sunday, I drove to the Grótta Lighthouse , a popular spot on the outskirts of Reykjavík.

A few die-hard experts had warned me off — many tourists go there because it’s darker than most of Reykjavík, but then don’t think to turn off their headlights. It was also raining, greatly diminishing my chances of seeing the lights.

But I only had three hours before I had to leave to make my predawn flight. I felt a little desperate, a little dazed. I parked, and approached two people who were sitting in the rain on a wet wall, looking at the water in the darkness. I climbed over seaweed, and introduced myself. What would it mean to them, I asked, if the lights suddenly appeared?

“It’d be a little bit like the cherry on top,” said Catherine Norburn, 29, who was visiting from England.

She and her husband were set to fly out the next morning. They had not yet seen the lights.

“We don’t have high hopes,” said her husband, Reece Norburn, 29, “but it’s now or never.”

We didn’t see the lights. And I didn’t see them later, even after pulling off the highway halfway between Reykjavík and the airport at 3:30 a.m., half convinced by a shimmery cloud.

But I did spend more time looking up at the sky. And it’s a marvel.

In New York City, where I live, the night sky blooms orange-mauve. In Iceland, the nighttime darkness is just that — darkness. Clouds roll, breaking the deep blue. Stars actually shine. Northern lights or no northern lights, it was still cosmically beautiful.

Amelia Nierenberg writes the Asia Pacific Morning Briefing , a global newsletter. More about Amelia Nierenberg

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