Whale Watching From Akureyri Port

Great trip! Saw three humpbacks, pretty close to us. They even provided cookies, coffee and hot chocolate.

Not the experience we hoped for. The excursion was sold to be at 49 travelers max. I counted at least 55 on the bottom (some more were at the back but I couldn’t move to see them) and 18 on top, the boat was terribly overcrowded and not what we paid for. It lurched from side to side when the driver spotted the whale and moved to intercept it. Poor communication with pick up and drop off, late a half hour both times. We did see one whale and followed it for two hours as it surfaced. I would look elsewhere for this tour, not worth the money.

The tour starting point was so confusing and we had to wait for multiple hours before and after for the shuttle to take us to the location. Boat was small and the tour did not even try to show us anything else other than one whale called Sophie and that's it. I think they can do better and I would definitely not go with them again.

It worked well at first - we found the rep quickly, were taken to a bus, waited a short while for it to fill, then were taken to Haugenes, kitted out with thermal suits & got on the boat. It was very rough but we saw a few whales. They gave us hot chocolate and cookies. We headed back quite early & got on the bus. Then we waited nearly an hour for the other boat to return, which meant we were late back to the port. We couldn’t understand why the other boat had so much longer - and they saw a blue whale. It would have been helpful if a saga rep had been there to explain what was happening.

The captain and guide were both great. They give you float suits that seem silly at first and then you learn to love them. It’s very windy and cold. Bring a hat and gloves. The ride is long (about 40 minutes) but it’s so beautiful, it goes by quickly. We saw many dolphins swimming with our boat. The whales were spectacular! We saw 2 humpbacks who were feeding near the surface, so they were visible multiple times. I would highly recommend this tour.

You are provided outer weatherproof cover-alls. Unfortunately, there is no guide provided at the pier - just an associate to check you in. The bus driver also does not give any information about the area. The boat does give a small talk although we could not hear any of it. The boat ride was fine. Lots of small waterfalls along the route. Nature is unpredictable- we did not see any whales.

Would highly recommend the bus travel to Hauganes. Very well organized and we saw whales. They knew exactly how to position the boat and made sure everyone saw the whales i would do it again.

The information leading upbto our excursion was rxcellent. Reassuring and helpful. We explored Icelandic culture and it’svextreme geology.

This is an excellent trip that takes you in a mini bus from the port to Haugenes to start your whale watching adventure. You are supplied with wet weather coveralls, which we definitely needed as it was windy, rainy and wet from spray on our trip. Do wrap up warm with a hat even in the summer months. For the first half hour the whales were elusive but our skipper and guide know these waters well and we were rewarded with some great views of whales close to the boat and further away. We saw humpbacks and a minke whale put on a great display. Trying to photograph them is quite hard with a boat and whales that are constantly moving so sit/stand and just enjoy the site of them. A great experience.

We saw whales so for us it was third time lucky, having tried elsewhere twice before. However, I think customers should be aware that whilst the ship has a lot of history unless you are lucky enough to stand in the bow it’s not a great ship for viewing. When whales were sighted other than the people in the bow everyone rushed to the necessary side of the ship if like me you’re short the view was not easy. Better to look for a sight seeing boat in my opinion. Add that to the fact the morning cruise was cancelled and everyone on the lunchtime cruise, a lot of people.

The whale watching experience was very good but not impressed with pick up arranged by Viator. The pick up instructions said to meet outside our cruise ship and look for rep wearing red. We were there at 12:00 as pick up was 12:30. We waited until 12:40 The person wasn't there and we were advised by another tour guide to go to the hut outside the other cruise ship that was in dock. When we got to the hut the lady apologised to us. The minibus had gone without picking us up. The minibus then came back to pick bus up. Also there was an American couple who nearly missed their cruise ship as the return drop off was late back to their ship,

We were very worried when nobody from Saga showed up to pick us up at our reservation time. We contacted Saga and they sent someone immediately to pick us up and solved our issue. Apparently our reservation did not show up in their system. We showed them our ticket and they made it happen. I highly recommend booking thru this company that understands customer service!

Personalised service from Ása, right from booking, to arranging to pick us up to explaining all we needed to know. She was very informative, gave us insight into Island life and history. We were well equipped with a suit before boarding and again the staff at the dock and on board were helpful and informative. The group size was approximately 20 in total. We were fortunate to see the whales close up after getting a tip from another boat to where 4 were feeding. Afterwards on the journey back, there was plenty of hot chocolate and home made cinnamon buns to be enjoyed. Would highly recommend Saga Travel

First you board a bus to the location of the whale watching boats. You are fitted with a full wind suit and the. Aboard the boat in a lake where the whales come in and out. It is not in open seas so the water is very calm. Did get to see some whales. Hot chocolate was a warm treat.

This whale-watching experience was the family favorite during our 10-day northern lights cruise. Being on the boat in the middle of an Icelandic fjord was amazing by itself, but we had multiple whale sightings that were so much fun! The hot chocolate and cookies were such a welcome treat, too! The staff took great care of us, and we definitely recommend this wonderful experience!

Trip went like clockwork, pick up on time too. Boat was nice and we were given waterproof clothes to wear. We saw whales so we were really pleased with that. The trip overall was great and we had a wonderful day. Viator even sorted out a refund for me because we were on a cruise and the ships WiFi was spotty making me book the wrong trip but I was helped very quickly by Viator and they sorted everything out for me, it was a relief for me. I wouldn’t hesitate to book with them again because of the excellent customer service, the ease of the trips and the quick response to questions, well done Viator.

Excellent trip managed to see a dozen hump back whales on the day Well organised Free drinks and snacks Flotation suits supplied Free pickup in minibus to location of boat

The trip was well worth it. Saw sooo many humpbacks and really close too although they bit may be due to luck and the season. Staff is friendly and impressionable and know what they're doing.

The boat was VERY full. This meant that it was difficult to see over all the people in order to see the whales.

We had an amazing time and above average whale watching experience! The cookies and warm drinks were appreciated!

Whale watching was the highlight of our entire trip. We saw multiple humpback whales. The guide was awesome. Would highly recommend!!!!!

Finding the meeting point was an easy walk from the cruise port (5 minutes) the boat was a little late due to a delayed of previous tour . But it was all worth it we were taken to 3 spots where the whales usually are and wow we got to see one up close!!!! Highly recommend this tour . Good prices and service

It was wonderful! We saw several whales, a puffin, and a few porpoise. The ship was not overcrowded either. Staff was terrific!

Highly recommended. The owner of the business ran the tour along with some other friendly people and is experienced and knowledgeable and truly enjoys his work.

It was a long bus ride to the whaling boat. We did briefly see a few whales… But mostly just spouts a glimpse of gray and one or two tales.

Successful tour with a sighting of two whales up close. It was dreamily beautiful. The organization was also excellent. Highly recommended.