Many visitors to Iceland book a three-hour or even a full-day whale watching tour that leaves from Reykjavik or Húsavík (the whale watching capital of Iceland). These types of whale watching excursions are convenient but whales don't necessarily appear on demand according to a traveler's schedule.They're amazing! The waters of Iceland are a favorite migration area for multiple whale species, with some species even living there year-round. During the summer you have a 95–99% chance of spotting whales on our boat tours.The best time to see whales in Iceland is from April until September, when several species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) are frequently spotted. Tours report more success seeing the bigger whales during the summer months, as this is when they travel to Icelandic waters to feed.
What whales are near Iceland : The most commonly spotted Cetacea include humpback whales, minke whales, orcas, fin whales, sperm whales, and even the largest animal on the planet, the blue whales. Alongside the large whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and seals are commonly seen, and occasionally basking sharks.
Can you see orcas in Reykjavik
Reykjavík. If you are visiting the city and want to see the orca, you can book a boat trip from Reykjavík. The waters here are brimming with wildlife from seabirds to whales, and although not the most common, there is a chance that you could be seeing orcas in their natural habitat.
Are you guaranteed to see whales in Iceland : Minke whales
Typically coming to Iceland during the summer, many often stay long into the autumn and winter. While they're quite a shy species, there are estimated to be between 10,000 and 15,000 minke whales around the coasts of Iceland. That means you have a really good chance of seeing them.
How likely is it to see whales in Iceland There is between 95–99% chance of spotting whales on a whale watching tour in Iceland during the summer. Between April to mid-October is considered the high season for whale watching tours in Iceland, though they are, of course, available to see the year round.
Most baleen whales breed in warmer waters during the winter and come north for the summer, making April to October probably the best time to see them. That means that minke whales, humpbacks, and even blue, fin, and sei whales are all likely to be around Iceland during the summer.