100% Whale Watching

Such an amazing experience! Very well organised…small boat with ability to move around. Warm oversuit provided and delicious hot chocolate and homemade cinnamon cookies. Although windy and cold, the sun shone and the water was relatively calm. We were able to see porpoises, a minky whale and 5 humpback whales!! The guide was very knowledgeable and the captain guided us to the whales slowly and quietly. So glad we were able to take this trip and feel privileged to have seen whales in their natural habitat 🖤🩵💙🩶

tour operator lends you some warm clothes to pass the cold weather aboard the boat. the captain always look for the best spot to watch whales and circle around for 2 hrs

The captain did a great job of enthusiastically pointing out and pursuing whale sightings. We saw so many humpback whales! Would have been great to see other types as well but I wasn’t sure we would see any so we were happy!

This was an amazing experience! We all got to wear flotation warm suits and I didn't get sea sick either because that day the sea was calm and the boat captain took the journey slow. We saw 6 humpback whales! Got to see one breaching and lots of blow-hole and flippers too. It was incredible! Totally recommend this to anyone!

Convenient & many whale/porpoise spotting! Great experience, loved the crew. The hot chocolate & cinnamon buns were delicious!

A well-organized whale watching tour through a beautiful fjord to see various humpback whales. The surroundings were extremely beautiful and the tour was well organized and run by friendly staff. The only two drawbacks were that it was hard to hear the guide's explanations during the tour when standing on the top deck (which could be resolved by a better sound/speaker system) and there are potentially better places to see more wildlife and whales. That said, I would still fully recommend doing a whale watching tour with Whale Watching Hauganes. You can also check out Beach Baths Hauganes before/after your tour.

The company provides you with full coveralls and takes you out into the fjord on a small ship (not a RIB). On our trip, we got to see 7 whales!

Excellent as far as whale watching! We’ve done a variety of whale watching trips in different places we’ve traveled and never have we seen as many whales (and very close to the boat). The only caveat is that we were visiting on a cruise ship docked in Akureyri and this was at a different harbor located 25 minutes by taxi from our port. Cost of taxi was $160 USD each way. The tour company offers transfers on some of their tours but not the 11:00 one we were booked on so we paid $160 to get there and the very nice lady made arrangements to have us driven back by her husband at no charge. Kudos for them saving us the cost of the return taxi ride!

We were lucky enough to spot humpback whales as well as harbor porpoises multiple times, sometimes just a few meters from the boat. A truly unforgettable moment. Our guide was passionate and gave clear, easy-to-follow explanations in English. You could really feel her enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the local marine wildlife. A perfect experience from start to finish — highly recommend!

We were arriving via a cruise ship in Siglufjordur and we had issues getting transportion to the meeting point (this was not the fault of the tour Operator). The communication was easy and they refunded the tour due to the logistical issues.

Let me start by saying I have been on many whale watching excursions in California and Maui, Hi. The guides on those trips were great at explaining whale behavior and biology. Our guide told a few general things then pointed out where the whale was coming up for air. Yes, “the whale.” A humpback was spotted as we left the dock, and we spent nearly an hour slowly following the same whale. Furthermore, when it would surface, boats world accelerate to get closer; this is a behavior that disturbs these animals and is not allowed in US waters. As whales are hunted in Iceland, disturbing them may not be as much of a concern. There was, what I felt, a half-hearted cruise across the fjord to try to find other whales without success. They also took us near an island where they said Puffins had nested but had probably already left for the year. I found this to be nothing more than a possible photo opportunity, nothing more. It was a profound disappointment.

All the staff were amazing. We had a very knowledgeable young lass on board . We got to experience a very young dolphin being pushed up to catch his breath the staff on board believed this baby was just a couple of hours old . We also saw 1 hump back Whale. Hot chocolate and cinnamon cookies were good too.

Very nice and pleasant trip to Watch different kinds of whales. We were lucky and spotted several. Also coffee and cookies provided

My wife and I spontaneously decided to book this and it did not disappoint. We met Bob the humpback whale and enjoyed the views, the snacks and coffee/hot chocolate and the timing!

We have gone on several excursions with Whale Watching Hauganes with our tour groups and have always been successful in finding whales. Last week we had one of our best days on the water. We saw 6 different whales, including two females, each with a calf. The naturalist, Julia, is always very informative and entertaining. We have another excursion booked in a couple weeks with our next tour group and look forward to returning to Iceland's oldest whale watching company!

We’ve been to many whale watching tours around the world. This is the best. Julia is very knowledgeable. The hot chocolate and cookies are delicious.

It was wonderfull!!! They lent us warm clothes, very friendly, hot chocolate and good explanation. Good Job!!

We enjoyed the whale watching experience. It was a sunny, calm, cool day. We spotted one humpback whale and watched it surface and dive six or seven times. No stunts like breaching or fin slapping, but seeing the flukes disappear during diving was satisfying. The crew was knowledgeable and helpful.

A fantastic experience – friendly staff, a funny guide, and a skilled boat captain. It was like chasing something: first, spotting a fountain of water, sprinting towards it, and waiting for the whale's back, then for its characteristic dip with its tail above the water. And then a ride to the next fountain. In total, we managed to see four whales. The experience was so captivating that the two hours passed unnoticed. And the views from the boat were indescribable – this enormous fjord looked exceptionally majestic. I definitely recommend it👍

It was great! The boat captain was knowledgeable and provided a great atmosphere and experience. Easy to find location, on time and spotted the first whale within 5 minutes.

It was an amazing experience... We've been lucky with wonderful weather and first whale after 15min sailing... Owner friendly, captain funny and really amazing moment. Appreciated the coffee and cake ;) Definitely recommended

Everything was well organized: Really nice guide, good coffe, delicious cookies AND WHALES :-) it was a unique experience for our complete family to see those wild animals so close. Thank you!

Well organized. Funny Guide named Johan. We saw a whale. Homepage Cinnamon Rolls, Coffee & Hot Choc.

We’re so thankful to our captain who found 2 whales in WINTER and gave us plenty of time to watch them! We were observing the whales from a short distance and that was insane!! We saw them diving and rising tails for about 6 times! And while the whales were sleeping the captain played a lullaby-kind of music for them which was sooo cute! We were all treated with delicious home made cinnamon cookies and hot chocolate! I still see those cookies in my dreams :D The ship wasn’t too big and there were not too many people on the ship so everyone had a good view and plenty of space. We were all provided with special warm protective clothes and it felt comfortable on the boat even on February. It’s obvious that the captain truly loves his job and whales and is doing his best to make his guests happy during the tour :) I truly can’t imagine how a whale watching tour could be better. 18.02.26

Great experience watching for whales from the boat. We got lucky and saw 2 whales that morning. The company offered us all in one jackets as it was freezing as well as hot chocolate towards the end of the trip. Definitely recommended

Even though it was past the best season to see whales we managed to see 5 humpback whales. Loved this trip, staff were great and the cookies and hot chocolate were very welcome as it was cold.

The guide was very funny and told us lots of interesting facts about whales. The landscape was wonderful and the whales were so close to us.

Our tour group of 26 initially booked whale watching plus sea angling, but the weather kicked up a bit near the end so we skipped the fishing, which was fine with everyone. The staff was professional and inspired confidence as they helped each of us select the right sized "space suit." They offered tips such as taking off shoes to step in, and keeping phones in the zippered pocket. (They also reminded us several times to retrieve our phones after our return and before returning the suits.) In the parking lot, our whale spotter, Hilmar, cheerfully took a group photo before our adventure. Aboard, we were reminded to keep one hand "for the ship" on a rail. The sail out to the feeding area passed quickly, as we learned about the most common whale and dolphin species in the area and enjoyed fresh baked cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate. While we waited for an individual to surface, Hilmar confided that he often encourages the whales with a song, but it turned out that this wasn't just a joke. He had a lovely voice and invited us to join in! (I won't spoil the song by naming it, but it was perfect!) After the song, one whale swam straight toward our boat! In total, we had several looks at two individual humpbacks and some dolphins. One whale stayed up a long time near the boat, and both gave good tail views as they dove. Hilmar graced us with a sea chantey on the way back. You can't go wrong booking with Whale Watching Hauganes. Just remember to bring warm, waterproof gloves if you have them.

We were reluctant to book a whale tour in Iceland after our experience in south Africa (lots of sea sickness). However, we're so glad we changed our mind at the last minute. The journey was very smooth, did not feel any sea sickness (bare in mind I am 5months pregnant). Saw so many hampback whales !! Highly recommended.

Unforgettable experience! Very polite staff! They give you a lightweight dry suit but you need to wear some layers of your own clothes as well! We saw 5 whales! We went up from the stair for better view! Don’t forget after finishing to put your pin on the map inside! Also the sou souvenirs are a bit expensive but some are really unique

This trip was included as part of a overall tour of Iceland. We have been on other whale, watching excursions in the past. This was by far the worst. For starters the sea was a little rough, and the weather was less than perfect. This was not their fault, but it should’ve been taken a consideration when they were riding the boat out the whales. As soon as we left Port, they quickly headed towards the entrance to the bay. We were constantly being splashed with water. We were expecting this to some extent. The greatest problem happened when we actually encountered the whales. The captain insisted on always keeping the whales directly in front of the boat. That meant only the few people who are at the very front roughly 6 out of the 50 on board could ever see the whales. At one point a whale was spotted at 7 o’clock position. This actually gave some other people a chance to see the whale. The captain swung the boat around rapidly almost to the point that we felt the boat was going to capsize. This way again the same six people on the front could see the whale. My wife and I had a very, very small glimpse of one whale the entire trip. We could never get in position to where we could see a whale. I’m passed while watching experiences, there were a lot of fewer passengers and the captain made sure that the whale could be seen from multiple spots on the ship. This trip was both terrible and dangerous. We were just dreaming of when the whole thing would be over. It was so bad., we could not take a single picture. All we got out of this trip was very cold and wet.

It was such a great experience! We saw whales immediately, and throughout the entire experience. They provide suits for safety, but also kept us warm (we went early Sept). The hot chocolate, coffee, and cinnamon cookie were an appreciated little snack during the tour.

Very pleasant experience. We were running late due to rain and traffic, they waited for us. Thanks. Watch three whales.

What an amazing experience! We saw many whales including some up close. The crew was very helpful and friendly, gave us lots of interesting info about the whales, and answered all our questions. Highly recommended!

A little way (30 mins) from the regular Ring Road but a lovely village and area to explore, close to Akureyri. Exceeded all expectations, at one point we didn't know which of several individuals to watch. Humpbacks came within 5m of the boat and we even got to smell the humpback breath (good to do ... once is enough though!). Highly recommended.

The staff were very help and instructive. The boat is great, the tour guide has a great mix of speaking and letting you see yourself. Very hospitable. Crew provided full weather suits so we ended up leaving some outer layers in our car and were plenty warm enough. The captain and the guide were unabashedly enthusiastic. Highlight of our trip so far. We saw humpbacks and minkes.

We really enjoyed this whale watching trip. The boat was not too crowded, it was easy to find a spot to see the whales. We were given warm safety wear so it was not too cold. Hot cocoa and donuts were provided, I did not have any but others in my family enjoyed them. We saw lots of whales and the guide and Captain were very nice and knowledgeable. If you want to eat at the restaurant that is on the same pier afterwards, make a reservation as it was booked after our trip which started at 5:00. I would highly recommend this tour.

It was a great experience, although we only saw the whales from quite far. There was another boat of the same company that departed at the same time as the one I was in, and everyone on board had the impression that the other boat was going much closer to where the whales were. I guess it depends on the captain. It’s a very well organized and safe tour.

Classic whale watching in Traditional oak fishing boats . We sighted 6-7 Humpbacks and 3 Bottlenosed whales .

Went on this whale watching tour yesterday. It was first class and I highly recommend this tour and tour guide. It was a bit of a ride to the harbour and about 25 minute boat trip to the whale area. If you haven't seen a bunch of whales in one place this tour is a must.

We decided to book with Hauganes, for their long history in the business and we were right! The experience was awesome, beautiful boats, friendly staff, puntual, hot cocoa and the guide was amazing!!! We call him “Hilmar the whale whisperer”. We saw whales earlier in the trip and lots of puffins. During the trip we arrived to a place were there were many whales, diving and even we saw one jumping out of the water. We loved the trip and definitely recommend Hauganes Whale Watching 💯!

Great experience, friendly staff. We saw a lot of whales, we also got coffee and cinnamon cookies. It was really fun. Recommend.

My husband and I highly recommend this experience. We have been whale watching before so we debated doing this but we are so glad we chose to. It would be worth it just for the scenery out on the water in the fyord. Its just gorgeous and different from anything else we’ve experienced on the ring road. We did see humpback whales and the guides gave us information about them on the ride. The boat boat too crowded so we could easily see the whale. They give you very warm jumpsuits so we weren’t cold at all with just a sweatshirt and hat.you may want a jacket but it’s not necessary for summer. There is also an amazing casual bar and restaurant next door where we had some of the best food we’ve had in Iceland. Add this to your itinerary for sure!’

It was a great experience and we saw many whales. I highly recommend it and would definitely go again.

Book it! It was our first time whale watching so did not really expect to see the whales this close. The staff are friendly, you get a coffee and biscuits and the boat is not crowded, you are front row all the time. Excellent experience!

We had the best time on this whale watching tour, got to see five big whales. Their staffs are super friendly and helpful. Totally recommend this tour.

Amazing experience. Timing was great. The captain and guide provided the perfect mix of facts and information and peace to enjoy the whales. The suits were also very warm. Would recommend to anyone.

Great experience with friendly crew and in a beautiful location. We were able to see two types of whale. It was an amazing experience for our 5-year old son - one he will not forget!

Another great time in Hauganes. Unfortunately no whales despite searching a wide area, but there was so much more to enjoy - Northern Lights on my way to Hauganes . Incredible scenery with blue skies and snow covered mountains, plus unique cloud patterns. Unusual bird sightings (for me) I will be back again in June