Iceland · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

15 Boat Trips in Iceland, Compared

58 tours  ·  from $60 a head

Weather in Iceland changes by the hour, so it pays to know exactly what you are buying. These 15 boat trips come with prices, durations and what other travellers said about them.

Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise - Watching wildlife without rushing it
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Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

1.Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 9,838 reviews · 3 hours · from $87Our pick

Sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour into Faxaflói Bay for a roughly three-hour search for humpback and minke whales, porpoises, dolphins and other wildlife. English-speaking guides help spot animals and explain their behavior. You’ll have indoor and outdoor viewing areas, a heated cabin, toilets and onboard WiFi. Guides named Maria and Lucky have led some trips, but staff may vary.

“Great trip out, great guide who provided lots of information about whales and we were able to see 2 whales whilst on the trip which was amazing 🤩”

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Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht - A boat made for comfort, not just the view
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Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

2.Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,911 reviews · 3 hours · from $107

Leave Reykjavík’s Old Harbor aboard the Amelia Rose for a three-hour search around Faxaflói Bay and the city’s coast. An English-speaking guide helps you spot humpback and minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises, while three decks offer different views. Warm blankets, WiFi, and a cozy lounge make it easier to wait comfortably, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“Amazing, we saw so many whales, far exceeded our expectations.”

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Reykjavik: Northern Lights Yacht Tour - Choosing a deck, or heading inside
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Reykjavik: Northern Lights Yacht Tour

3.Northern Lights Yacht Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,253 reviews · 2 hours · from $93

Sail for two hours from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, past small islands and along the coast, then away from city lights to watch for the aurora. You can move between three panoramic decks and the indoor lounge, where drinks are available to buy. An English-speaking guide explains what to look for, and the crew provides blankets and seasickness tablets.

“Absolutely loved this trip. Arranged a pick up from our hotel which arrived promptly and got us to the harbour in good time. Very pleasant driver. Check in for the trip was quick and in no time we were on the yacht. We were really impressed and said that even if we didn’t see the Northern Lights, we were so glad we had come as it looked to be a fabulous trip. We found a comfy spot to sit inside but near enough to get outside quickly if there were any signs of the lights appearing. Very soon our guide Maria told us that the lights were starting to appear…”

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Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour - Guides make a short trip feel fuller
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Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour

4.Puffin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,052 reviews · 1 hour · from $64

Cruise from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour to Lundey and Akurey in Faxaflói Bay, where puffins nest among other seabirds. The one-hour trip runs aboard the wooden boat Skúlaskeið, nicknamed Old Skuli, with an English-speaking guide and binoculars available. Guides such as Patrick, Joe, and Rebekka have brought the birds to life with stories and humor.

“Really helpful guide and captain, the whole trip was extremely smooth. Would’ve liked it if the boat could get a little closer to the puffins, but otherwise everything was top-notch.”

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Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise - Spotting whales, dolphins and seabirds
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Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

5.Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 707 reviews · 3 hours · from $106

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor for three hours in Faxafloi Bay aboard MY Harpa or MY Amelia Rose. A guide helps you spot whales, dolphins and seabirds, while the yacht offers indoor seating, outdoor decks, blankets and Wi-Fi. Puffins are possible from mid-May to mid-August. Sightings vary, but a return trip is included if you see no wildlife.

“We had the most incredible trip! We were so lucky to see several humpbacks, minke whales and the endangered fin whale as well as lots of puffins! It was an absolute dream come true. Our guide, Lucky, was incredibly knowledgable and passionate. Thank you so much for having us 🙏”

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Whale Watching Cruise on a Yacht in Reykjavik - Looking for Whales in Faxaflói Bay
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Whale Watching Cruise on a Yacht in Reykjavik

6.Whale Watching Cruise on a Yacht in Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 684 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $102

Set sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour for about three hours among Faxaflói Bay’s islands and along the city coast. An English-speaking guide helps you look for minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises, while pointing out Reykjavik sights from the water. If you do not see whales, you can return on another cruise for free.

“We saw minke whales and dolphins! Great boat and tour. The guide was great and pointed out where to look”

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Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik - Reading the water for whales and dolphins
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Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik

7.Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 651 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $86

From Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, sail into Faxaflói Bay on either a 2.5-hour express trip or a 3.5-hour classic cruise. An English-speaking naturalist guide helps you look for humpback and minke whales, dolphins and porpoises. Thermal overalls, heated indoor seating and Wi-Fi are included; food and drinks cost extra.

“A lovely boat and great experience. Even though the weather was really foggy in late December got to see a humpback whale. The commentary was factual and great. A wonderful trip which I would certainly go on again”

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Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik - Puffins, plus the other birds around the island
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Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik

8.Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 636 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $63

From Reykjavik’s harbor, take a roughly one-hour cruise toward Akurey Island, where puffins nest from May through August. An English-speaking guide points out puffins and other seabirds, and binoculars are provided. The boat circles the island before pausing with its engines off. July is generally the strongest month for puffin numbers.

“On time, excellent captain and staff. Quite knowledgeable about puffins. Very personable. Convenient to get to from Hotel Borg.”

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Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik - Looking for lights, not guarantees
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Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik

9.Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 610 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $105

From Elding’s Reykjavik harbor, take an approximately two-hour evening cruise into Faxaflói Bay. Look back at Harpa and Hallgrímskirkja, then scan the northern sky with help from the English-speaking crew. Warm overalls, a heated cabin, Wi-Fi, toilets, and an onboard café make the outing more comfortable, but aurora sightings depend on nature.

“Don’t be too disappointed if you don’t see any lights. We were on the boat for one hour before we saw the most beautiful northern lights! Our guide was great too! Dress warm if you go in October. The northern lights are so majestic especially seeing them out in the ocean!”

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Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise - Listening to the Guide
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Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise

10.Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 488 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $108

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor for about three hours aboard the Harpa or Amelia Rose, watching Faxafloi Bay for whales, dolphins, and summer puffins. An English-speaking guide shares wildlife information, while blankets, indoor seating, a bar, and onboard Wi-Fi make the trip more comfortable. If you see no wildlife, you can take a second tour for free.

“Perfect afternoon we saw 3 humpback whales, lots of minke whales, pods of dolphins and porpoises. An excellent trip!”

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Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour - Puffins on Old Skúli
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Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour

11.Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 442 reviews · from $148

Meet at Reykjavík’s Old Harbor for two separate cruises: a puffin trip on shallow-draft Old Skúli, then whale watching aboard the spacious Andrea or a faster express boat. Guides explain the wildlife, binoculars and warm overalls are provided, and guides such as Patrick bring science and humor to the trip.

“Absolutely amazing! We saw a humpback whale right next to our boat and Rebecca was an amazing guide and very knowledgable about all the whales you can see in the bay.”

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From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise - Waiting on Deck, Staying Warm Inside
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From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise

12.Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 438 reviews · 2 hours · from $88

Leave Reykjavík’s Old Harbour for a two-hour aurora hunt on a boat with two observation decks, indoor seating, guides, and blankets. You’ll watch the city lights fade and scan the sky above the water and mountains. The lights are never guaranteed, but a free reschedule may be possible if they don’t appear.

“We saw an amazing display of the lights and I was so happy that we weren't crushed on a bus. I really appreciated being able to move around while we were sailing. Two hours was the perfect amount of time.”

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Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik - What the crew can and cannot do
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Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik

13.Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 428 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $94

Set out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour for an approximately two-hour northern lights cruise along the city’s coast and the islands of Faxaflói Bay. An English-speaking crew helps you watch the sky and look for marine wildlife. You’ll have a heated indoor cabin, an outdoor deck, onboard Wi-Fi, and a return ticket if the lights do not appear.

“While we didn’t see the northern lights on this trip, the crew were fantastic, pointing out constellations etc When we left they told us too come back as we hadn’t seen the lights … Fast forward 2 years and I emailed asking if the offer still applied. They replied quickly and we were able to go while on a return visit. We saw an amazing display and again the crew were fantastic.”

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Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by RIB Boat - Akurey and the summer puffin stop
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Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by RIB Boat

14.Whale Watching Tour by RIB Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 393 reviews · 2 hours · from $194

Head from Reykjavik’s harbor into Faxaflói Bay aboard a fast RIB with shock-absorbing seats, warm flotation suits, and an English-speaking guide. Look for whales and dolphins, and visit Akurey puffin island in summer. The two-hour trip also includes a ticket to the Whales of Iceland Museum.

“Awesome guide with a lot of knowledge about whales and marine life. The boat was a lot of fun too!”

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Reykjavik: Glacier Lagoon Boat Ride & South Coast Full Day Tour - Stjórnarfoss, a quieter pause on the way
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Reykjavik: Glacier Lagoon Boat Ride & South Coast Full Day Tour

15.Glacier Lagoon Boat Ride & South Coast Full Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 363 reviews · 14 hours (approx.) · from $259

Leave Reykjavík at 7:00 am for a roughly 14-hour South Coast trip to Jökulsárlón, with a 30-minute boat ride among the icebergs, Diamond Beach, Vík and waterfalls. A professional driver and guide handle the long route. Guides vary by departure; past tours have included Edu, Heidi, Thor and Pierre.

“Brilliant. It was a long day but very well managed with clear break stops and a good amount of time given at all attractions. The guide was knowledgeable and clear. Bus was comfortable and of course the Icelandic landscape and 'attractions' were beautiful. I would recommend the boat tour on the lagoon lake for a different way to see the floating ice. Our pickup was slightly late but the good thing was when I phoned the office the phone was answered and I was reassured and given an updated arrival time.”

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New in Cruises & Boat Tours

★ 4.5Private 6 Hour Airport or Cruise Tour with Transfer3 reviews
★ 5.01-Hour Small Group Sightseeing Boat Tour in VestmannaeyjarFrom $169127 reviews
★ 4.5Northern Lights Boat Cruise from ReykjavikFrom $7860 reviews
★ 4.0Northern Lights Yacht CruiseFrom $10035 reviews
★ 4.0Northern Lights Cruise from ReykjavikFrom $9354 reviews
★ 5.0New Years Fireworks by Boat from ReykjavikFrom $1669 reviews
★ 3.5New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise in ReykjavikFrom $18310 reviews
★ 4.5Small Group: Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik Cruise TerminalsFrom $16946 reviews
★ 4.0Kopar Fine Dining Dinner and Northern Lights Cruise from ReykjavikFrom $20449 reviews
★ 4.5Cruise Port Transfer to/from Keflavik AirportFrom $9031 reviews
★ 5.0Glacier Lagoon Private Tour with Private Zodiac boat ride on the Iceberg LagoonFrom $1,2674 reviews
★ 4.5South Iceland and Glacier Lagoon: Jökulsárlón with Boat TourFrom $26166 reviews
★ 4.5Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from ReykjavikFrom $19824 reviews
★ 4.0Iceland Super Saver: Puffin Cruise plus Whale-Watching Tour from ReykjavikFrom $156110 reviews
★ 4.5Iceland Super Saver: Northern Lights Cruise plus Whale-Watching Tour from ReykjavikFrom $18631 reviews

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Golden Circle ToursNorthern Lights ToursIceland Glacier HikesBlue Lagoon ToursReykjavik Whale WatchingReykjavik Walking Tours
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Leave Reykjavik for a day

Pick ice, fire, hot water or the city.

Day trips

Golden CircleSouth CoastSnæfellsnesJökulsárlónLandmannalaugar

Ice and fire

Glacier HikesIce CavesVolcano ToursLava TunnelsSnowmobiles

Water and warmth

Blue LagoonSky LagoonHot SpringsSilfra FissureWhale Watching

In town

Walking ToursFood WalksMuseum TicketsSightseeingSea Fishing