Whale Watching in Hólmavík
Whale Watching in Hólmavík
Duration:
2+ hours
Guidance:
English
Season:
May – September (sometimes extending into October)
Location:
Departure point: Hafnarbraut 14, 510 Hólmavík.
Pricing per person:
Adult ticket (16 +): 13,500 ISK
Youth (7 to 15 years): 6,750 ISK
Child (under 7 years): Free of charge
Youth (7 to 15 years): 6,750 ISK
Child (under 7 years): Free of charge
Clothing:
Warm clothing is essential, the Westfjords are cold even in summer All tours are subject to weather conditions and minimum booking numbers.
Daily departures - 2026:
01. May to 14. June: 11:00
15. June to 31. August: 10:00 and 14:00
01. Sept. to 30. Sept: 11:00
Terms and conditions:
Bookings and Cancellations:
| Duration | 2+ hours |
| Guidance | English |
| Season | May – September (sometimes extending into October). |
| Pricing per person | Adult ticket (16 +): 13,500 ISK Youth (7 to 15 years): 6,750 ISK Child (under 7 years): Free of charge |
| Clothing | Warm clothing is essential, the Westfjords can be cold even in summer All tours are subject to weather conditions and minimum booking numbers. |
| Location | Departure point: Hafnarbraut 14, 510 Hólmavík. |
| Daily departures | 01. May to 31. May: 11:00 01. June to 15. July: 11:00 16. July to 31. August: !0:00 and 14:00 01. Sept. to 30. Sept: 11:00 |
Calm Waters · Feeding Grounds · Whales Without Waves
Step aboard from the quiet harbour of Hólmavík and sail into Steingrímsfjörður, one of Iceland’s most reliable and intimate whale‑watching locations. Sheltered by the surrounding mountains, this fjord offers exceptionally calm seas—an ideal setting for families, first‑time sailors, and anyone who prefers smooth, comfortable conditions.
Where the Whales Come to Feed
Hólmavík sits beside rich feeding grounds where humpback whales regularly gather just minutes from shore. Because the whales are so close, our tours spend less time sailing and more time with the animals themselves. It’s not unusual to find yourself as the only boat in the fjord, surrounded by humpbacks tail‑slapping, blowing, and feeding in the stillness of the Westfjords.
A Personal, Uncrowded Experience
Our tours are deliberately small and unhurried, offering a level of closeness and quiet that is rare in Icelandic whale watching. With short sailing distances and calm waters, the experience feels more like entering the whales’ world than watching from afar.
Minimal risk of seasickness
Set inside the stunning Steingrímsfjörður (Steingrimsfjordur), our tours are naturally shielded from the heavy, rolling swells of the open Atlantic. While the fjord still has its own playful waves, they are much friendlier than the open ocean. Best of all, you won't need to endure a long, rocky trek to find the whales—they often feed right inside the fjord. This combination of shorter travel times and milder waters means a much lower risk of seasickness, keeping you steady on your feet and ready to meet our benevolent giants.
What You Can Expect
- Minimal seasickness thanks to sheltered fjord conditions
- More whale time with feeding humpbacks close to shore
- Shorter sailing distances for a more environmentally friendly tour
- A personal, uncrowded atmosphere far from the big‑boat crowds
- A strong sighting record, with humpbacks seen on most departures
- Sighting guarantee — if no whales appear, you’re welcome to rebook for free
Summer, Autumn, and the Magic Between
Summer brings humpback whales, minke whales, and playful white‑beaked dolphins into the fjord. As autumn arrives, the low Arctic sun paints the mountains gold while multiple humpbacks feed together in some of the most dramatic light of the year.
Whale Watching at Its Most Authentic
With rare weather cancellations and some of the calmest waters in Iceland, Hólmavík offers whale watching as it should be—close, quiet, and deeply connected to nature.
A chance to meet the local puffin population
If your timing is right between June and late August, you might just get an extra treat on your tour: an encounter with our local puffins. These charismatic little birds nest on Grímsey island, right at the mouth of the fjord. When they aren't tending to their nests, they often swoop into the fjord’s sheltered waters to fish. While wildlife never gives a guarantee, keeping a sharp eye on the waves could reward you with a close-up look at these iconic feathered locals.
Join us in Hólmavík, where the fjord is calm, the whales are near, and every tour feels like a moment shared with the wild.
Important Information
If no whales or dolphins are sighted during your tour, you will receive a reschedule ticket valid for another day during the same season. Please refer to our terms and conditions for full details.
Please note:
- Sightings are never guaranteed. We are dealing with nature
- Some periods of the season offer more reliable sightings than others
- Booking well in advance helps ensure tours operate
- Tours may be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance if minimum numbers are not met
- Late bookings are not recommended
- Flexibility in your schedule improves your chances of joining a tour
