Sunny Days & Perfect Conditions

August blessed us with great weather and plenty of sunny days, making it one of the best months for whale watching in Reykjavík. Calm seas and clear skies created ideal conditions for unforgettable tours at sea, where nature and wildlife came together in spectacular harmony.

Endless Days, Endless Adventures

July is the heart of Icelandic summer. With nearly 24 hours of daylight, Reykjavík comes alive with festivals, long evenings, and incredible opportunities to explore the sea. This year brought a lot of sunny, beautiful days and even a very hot Icelandic summer, creating perfect conditions for unforgettable whale watching tours under the glow of the midnight sun.

Long Days, Epic Views
June brings the midnight sun to Iceland, bathing Reykjavík and Faxaflói Bay in almost 24 hours of daylight. With golden hour stretching late into the evening. It’s the perfect time to head out on a whale watching or puffin tour and capture breathtaking photos in magical light.

Summer in Full Swing
The ocean teems with life in June. Puffins are fully settled into their nesting grounds, and whale activity is near its peak. It’s the ideal month for combining a nature-filled sea tour with Reykjavík’s vibrant summer atmosphere.

Why May Is a Magical Month in Iceland?

Nature awakens: Spring blossoms across Reykjanes and Faxaflói Bay—perfect backdrops for your sea adventures.
Extended daylight: By late May, Reykjavík enjoys nearly 20 hours of daylight—ideal for early or late tour slots and capturing stunning photos.

Whale Watching in Iceland in May, 96–100% Sightings & Puffin Season Begins
Amazing success rate: In May, our whale watching tours have a 96–100% success rate, meaning you’re very likely to see whales like humpbacks, minkes, or dolphins during your trip.

That’s why summer is the perfect time for an unforgettable boat tour to see whales and puffins in their natural Icelandic habitat.

An Unforgettable Spring Adventure in Iceland

A whale watching and puffin tour is a truly special spring experience in Iceland. As you sail through the calm waters of Faxaflói Bay, the ocean comes alive with whales breaching and dolphins playing nearby. In the skies and along the cliffs, puffins return to nest, adding bursts of color and charm to the landscape. Surrounded by fresh sea air and stunning views, you’ll enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the sea—and the thrill of spotting Iceland’s most iconic wildlife in their natural home.

Whale Watching and the Northern Lights: April Adventures with Reykjavik Sailors

As April arrives in Iceland, it’s the perfect time to experience two of the country’s most incredible natural wonders—whale watching and the Northern Lights. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, Reykjavik Sailors offers the ideal tours to explore Iceland’s majestic wildlife and spectacular auroras. In this blog, we’ll guide you through what to expect from whale watching in Iceland and the conclusion of the Northern Lights season this April.

Whale Watching in Iceland: A Must-Do Experience

Iceland is one of the best destinations in the world for whale watching. Minke whales, humpback whales, and orcas make their way to Icelandic waters, providing an awe-inspiring display for visitors.

At Reykjavik Sailors, we offer thrilling whale watching tours that take you to the heart of the action. Our expert guides will take you to some of the most popular whale-watching locations near Reykjavik, where you can enjoy an unforgettable encounter with these incredible animals.

What You Can Expect from Whale Watching Tours in April

April is a fantastic month to visit Iceland for whale watching, as the weather is gradually improving, and the seas are calm. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time whale watcher, our Reykjavik Sailors tours are suitable for everyone. On a typical tour, you’ll have the opportunity to spot:

Minke Whales: Known for their sleek bodies and acrobatic displays, Minke whales are a common sight around Iceland.

Humpback Whales: Famous for their large size and beautiful tail flukes, humpback whales are a highlight for many visitors.

Orcas (Killer Whales): For the lucky few, there’s a chance to spot the powerful and majestic orcas in Iceland’s waters.

Our whale-watching tours are designed to provide an intimate and educational experience, ensuring you have the best chance to witness these incredible creatures up close while learning about their behavior, migration patterns, and role in the ecosystem.

The Northern Lights Season: Ending Soon but Not Gone Forever!

The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, is one of the most magical phenomena you can experience in Iceland, and it’s on many travelers’ bucket lists. However, as the days grow longer and the nights shorter, the Northern Lights season in Iceland comes to a close around mid-April. But don’t worry—if you miss out on the aurora in April, you can always return in the fall!

Looking Ahead: Northern Lights Return in September

If your visit to Iceland falls after mid-April, don’t worry—you can always plan for the Northern Lights season to return in September. As the nights grow longer and the skies darken, Iceland once again becomes the perfect place to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Make sure to check our website for upcoming tours and availability to catch this natural spectacle later in the year.

Plan Your Adventure with Reykjavik Sailors

At Reykjavik Sailors, we’re passionate about showing you the best of Iceland’s natural beauty, whether it’s through a thrilling whale watching experience or a once-in-a-lifetime Northern Lights tour. Our knowledgeable guides, comfortable boats, and eco-friendly tours ensure that you have a safe, unforgettable experience every time.

Don’t miss out on the incredible wildlife of Iceland this April! Book your whale watching tour with Reykjavik Sailors and get ready for a fantastic adventure. And if you’re hoping to witness the Northern Lights, be sure to plan your trip for later in the year when the season picks up again in September.

Why Is a Boat Cruise the Best Way to See the Northern Lights?
While it’s possible to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from land, a boat offers a completely different perspective. Moreover, being away from the city lights creates darker skies, which enhance the beauty of the aurora. This peaceful setting on the open water provides the ideal conditions for witnessing a spectacular light show.

When Can You See the Northern Lights in Iceland?
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is from September to April, with winter months offering the clearest skies. Cold nights, in particular, increase your chances of seeing this amazing display. Additionally, the crisp air adds to the magical atmosphere of the experience. 

Therefore, winter is the perfect time for an unforgettable boat cruise to witness the Aurora.

An Incredible Winter Adventure in Iceland
A Northern Lights boat cruise is a one-of-a-kind winter activity in Iceland. As you glide through the North Atlantic waters, the sky above you comes alive with vibrant colors. You’ll be wrapped in warmth, enjoying a hot drink, while green, purple, and blue ribbons swirl overhead. As a result, the magic of the aurora becomes even more captivating when experienced out on the open sea.

A 100% Sightings Success Rate
This winter has been nothing short of extraordinary! Throughout January, our winter whale watching tours maintained a remarkable 100% sightings success rate. Every tour provided guests with the opportunity to see incredible marine life up close, ensuring a thrilling and memorable experience. Each day at 1 PM, we set sail from Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital, embarking on a 3 to 3.5-hour adventure to witness the wonders of the sea.

As a result of this consistent success, our whale watching in Iceland tours have become a must-do for anyone visiting Reykjavik. The combination of guaranteed sightings and the stunning Icelandic landscapes makes this tour an unforgettable winter experience. Moreover, guests not only got to see humpback whales but also seals, often lounging on icy rocks or curiously peeking from the water.

Humpback Whales and Other Marine Life
The real highlight of our whale watching tours in January was the incredible humpback whales. These majestic creatures graced us with their presence, breaching dramatically out of the water, leaving everyone on board in awe. They have been particularly active this season, providing plenty of opportunities to witness their power and grace.

In addition to humpback whales, guests were frequently treated to sightings of seals. These playful creatures, often spotted lounging on icy rocks or swimming curiously around the boats, added an extra layer of excitement to the tours. Seeing such a variety of marine life in its natural habitat made this winter whale watching experience even more remarkable.

Why Winter Whale Watching in Iceland is a Must-Do
Whale watching in Reykjavik during winter is a unique adventure. The cold ocean breeze, snow-covered landscapes, and marine life create a magical atmosphere. Whether you seek adventure or peace, this tour offers something for everyone. You’ll have the chance to spot humpback whales, seals, and more. It’s a perfect way to experience Iceland’s natural beauty.

Book Your Winter Whale Watching Adventure Today
Don’t miss this chance! Winter whale watching in Iceland is a must-do. Book your tour now and enjoy an unforgettable experience. Get up close to Iceland’s majestic marine wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.

100% Sightings on Our Winter Whale Watching Tours
This winter has been absolutely amazing! In January, we achieved a 100% sightings rate on every tour. As a result, every guest enjoyed incredible marine encounters. Every day at 1 PM, we set sail from Reykjavik for a 3 to 3.5-hour excursion. During this time, guests eagerly await the opportunity to see magnificent marine life.

Moreover, our winter whale watching tours are essential for anyone visiting Reykjavik. With guaranteed sightings and expert guides, these tours offer an unforgettable experience. In addition, seals were frequently spotted swimming or lounging on the rocks, adding to the excitement of the tour.

Humpback Whales & Other Marine Life
Humpback whales were the stars of the show. These magnificent creatures were very active throughout the month. They often breached the water, showcasing their size and power. Furthermore, seals were spotted regularly, either resting on icy rocks or peeking out from the water. Their playful behavior delighted guests, enhancing the tour experience.

2024 brought us more than just humpback whales
Faxaflói Bay’s diverse marine life provided our guests with thrilling and unique sightings. Each whale watching tour offered surprises, from playful dolphins to elusive porpoises. The variety of species made this year especially memorable, offering something for every marine life enthusiast.

Rare Marine Life Sightings in Faxaflói Bay
Throughout the year, passengers enjoyed a range of encounters with some of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures. Here’s a look at the most notable:

Harbour Porpoises: These shy creatures made their appearance on 19% of our tours. Their quick, darting movements always caught passengers off guard, providing a moment of excitement. Despite their natural shyness, spotting a harbour porpoise was a special treat for everyone lucky enough to see one.

Minke Whales: Known for their sleekness and agility, minke whales were spotted on 43% of our trips. Their curiosity often led them to approach our boats, offering guests a rare chance to get close. This behavior made each encounter feel unique, adding to the magic of the experience.

White-Beaked Dolphins: These playful dolphins joined us on 32% of our journeys. Typically seen in large, coordinated groups, they delighted passengers with synchronized leaps and acrobatic displays. Seeing them ride the waves alongside our boats was an unforgettable highlight of the season.

Humpback Whales: Undoubtedly the highlight of the year, humpback whales were the stars of our tours, appearing on 77% of our trips. Their breathtaking breaches and feeding behaviors left everyone in awe. It’s no surprise that humpback whales made Faxaflói Bay one of the top spots for whale watching in the world.

Why 2024 Was Special for Whale Watching Enthusiasts
While humpback whales were the season’s true stars, Faxaflói Bay’s waters were full of surprises. From elusive harbour porpoises to the playful white-beaked dolphins, every tour offered a new adventure. The combination of these incredible sightings made 2024 a standout year for marine life enthusiasts.

Looking Forward to More Whale Watching Adventures
As we reflect on the year’s highlights, we can’t wait for more. The variety of marine life in Faxaflói Bay promises even more exciting experiences in the future. Each whale watching adventure holds the potential for rare encounters, and we look forward to sharing them with our guests in the coming seasons.