What time of day are whales most active in Iceland?

When it comes to the best time of day to see whales (morning, afternoon, or evening), there is no definitive answer. One leading operator in North Iceland says that 'afternoon and evening tours are usually less busy, and you get a chance to see whales in a spectacular sunset'.



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Many tourists often regard the early morning hours, typically between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. as the best time to whale watching in Iceland. During this period, the ocean is relatively calm, and the weather conditions are usually more favorable, allowing for better visibility.

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There is no time of the day when we are more likely to see the whales. They come and go and the situation in the bay can change very fast. Sometimes we see many whales, sometimes few. Nature is unpredictable and no two tours are exactly the same – every trip is a new adventure.

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Visit during the peak season months of April to October and you'll have a chance of seeing whales on a whale watching tour in Iceland of about 99%.

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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.

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So you're ready to set out on a Iceland whale watching trip, but you don't know when to go. The best time for whale watching in Iceland and Greenland is from April to late September-early October, with the summer months of June, July and August recognized as the peak whale watching season.

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There are two main locations for spotting whales in Icelandic waters: Reykjavík, the capital located in the south east, and Húsavík, in North Iceland. Different types of tours are available and you may spot different species of whales too depending on the area.

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Most travelers head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula for its spectacular natural sights, but few know about the marine life here. Avid whale watchers will be surprised to know that this is the best spot in Iceland to spot orcas, or killer whales.

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North Iceland In fact, the town of Húsavik, on Skjálfandi Bay, is often named as the best place to see whales and other marine mammals in all of Europe. Whales are in these waters throughout the year. So, whenever you come, you're very likely to glimpse an animal or two yourself.

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Top ways to experience Whales of Iceland and nearby attractions. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 90% of travelers recommend this experience.

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Time: Approximately 2.5 – 3 hours. Usually a whale watching tour takes anywhere between 2.5 to 3 hours in order to navigate the ocean in search of different whale species.

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More Whale Watching Destinations in the US
  • Malibu CA (Grey Feb-Apr)
  • Myrtle Beach SC (Humpback, Pygmy Sperm, Right, Nov-Apr)
  • Newport Beach CA (Blue May-Nov, Finback, Gray Dec-Apr, Humback, Minke, Year-Round)
  • Waianae, Oahu HI (Dec-May)
  • Provincetown MA (Humpback, Fin, Minke, Pilot, Sei, Right, May-Oct)


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What to wear:
  • Warm layers (it is significantly cooler on the water than on land)
  • Good outdoor jacket and pants.
  • A sun or winter hat (depending on the season)
  • Sturdy shoes.
  • Gloves (especially in the winter season)


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