Whale Watching & Puffins in Iceland

Humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins and orcas offshore; puffins on the cliffs from May to August; and seals on the beaches. Here is where and when to go.

Whale watching runs year-round from Reykjavík and Akureyri, and from April to October in Húsavík.

Whale watching tours ↗
  • Whales & wildlife

Tap a marker for details, tours and places to stay.

Whale species recorded
20+
Puffin season
May–Aug
Húsavík peak
Apr–Oct
Typical boat trip
~3 h

Best places for whale watching

Húsavík in North Iceland has the highest sighting rates, especially from April to October, with humpback whales, minke whales and white-beaked dolphins and occasional blue whales. Eyjafjörður, the fjord of Akureyri, has humpbacks almost year-round and calmer water. From Reykjavík, tours run all year and are the most convenient, though sightings are less certain. Orcas are most likely around Snæfellsnes and the Westman Islands.

Choose a traditional oak boat for comfort or a RIB speedboat to get to the whales faster.

Book Húsavík whale watching ↗

Where to see puffins

Atlantic puffins arrive in Iceland in April and May and leave in mid-August. About half of the world's puffins nest here. The easiest colonies to visit are:

  • Westman Islands: a huge colony on Heimaey, reached by a 35–40 minute ferry from Landeyjahöfn.
  • Dyrhólaey: on the South Coast, a short detour from Route 1.
  • Borgarfjörður eystri: boardwalks right next to the burrows in the East Fjords.
  • Látrabjarg: Europe's biggest bird cliff, in the Westfjords.
  • Reykjavík: boat trips around Akurey and Lundey islands, about one hour.

One-hour puffin boat tours from Reykjavík Old Harbour run from about May to August.

Book a puffin tour ↗

Tips

  • Seasickness tablets help: the North Atlantic can be rough even on sunny days.
  • Most companies provide warm overalls. Bring a hat, gloves and binoculars.
  • Give birds space: stay on marked paths at cliff colonies and never approach burrows.

Plan your trip to Iceland

Tours & tickets

Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.

See tours ↗

Puffin tours

Boat and land tours to puffin colonies, May to August.

Puffin tours ↗

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Frequently asked questions

When is whale watching season in Iceland?

Whale watching runs year-round from Reykjavík and Akureyri. The peak season is April to October, when Húsavík has the best sighting rates.

When can you see puffins in Iceland?

Puffins nest in Iceland from about late April or May until mid-August. June and July are the most reliable months.

Is Húsavík or Reykjavík better for whale watching?

Húsavík has noticeably higher sighting rates and more humpbacks. Reykjavík is more convenient if you are not travelling to the north.

Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.