Top 9 Sailing Tours in Iceland

1.Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

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

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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2.Northern Lights Yacht Tour

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

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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3.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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4.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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5.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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6.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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7.Northern Lights Motor Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 133 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $99

Leave Reykjavík Old Harbor on a motor yacht for a 2.5-hour search for the northern lights in Faxaflói Bay. Your crew guides you past Harpa, the Sun Voyager and Viðey, sharing aurora facts and local stories as conditions allow. Choose a seat inside or on deck, and use the blankets provided when the sea air turns cold.

“A truly fantastic experience! Einar is an expert guide, super friendly and gave us the inside history on Iceland. Weather wasn’t ideal for a boat trip so Einar drove us to a spot where we saw the most amazing show of the Northern Lights! Best experience of our holiday!”

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8.Northern Lights Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 35 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $100

Set out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour for a 2-to-3-hour yacht cruise past Harpa, Viðey Island, and the coast of Faxaflói Bay. The crew watches for aurora and can help you set up your phone or camera. There is Wi-Fi, a bar and café, and a free additional trip if the lights do not appear. Captain Einar is associated with the company, but crew assignments can vary.

“this was a great choice. far fewer people than we saw on the larger boats. a much more chill experience, i imagine. we got a great view of the lights - they were spectacular.”

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9.New Year’s Eve Northern Lights Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 12 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $140

Spend 1.5 hours aboard a motor yacht off Reykjavík on New Year’s Eve. The cruise passes Viðey Island and its Imagine Peace monument while searching for northern lights, then moves closer to shore for the city’s midnight fireworks. Champagne is included. Guides speak English and Icelandic.

“Fireworks & random whale sighting was exciting however staff were not trying hard to hunt for Northern lights on a clear sky even though we had lots of time prior to midnight champagne & fireworks. Staff were nice but engaging.”

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