Whale Watching Tour From Ólafsvík
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Availability
April - September
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DURATION
2 - 3 ½ Hours
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Difficulty
Very Easy
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Pickup
No
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Minimum Age
None
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Price
ISK 12.500
Tour Highlights:
- Whale Watching from Snæfellsnes
- Orca Whales
- Sperm Whales
- Pilot Whales
Included:
- Guided tour in English and German
Whale Watching Ólafsvík Tour – See Orcas in Iceland
Join the Whale Watching Ólafsvík Tour for one of the best chances to see wild Orcas in Iceland. This adventure also brings frequent encounters with Sperm whales, Pilot whales, Humpback whales, and Minke whales. You will sail from the charming fishing village of Ólafsvík, located on the breathtaking Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and head into some of Iceland’s richest whale-watching waters.
The Experience
Your journey starts in Ólafsvík, where you meet your experienced captain and guide. Soon after departure, the boat sails into Breiðafjörður Bay. Along the way, the dramatic coastline, volcanic peaks, and glaciers of the peninsula create an unforgettable backdrop. This setting makes the tour both scenic and exciting.
Whale Species You May See
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers Iceland’s best chance to spot Orcas (Killer Whales) in the wild. Sightings peak between April and early July, although you can still encounter Orcas later in the summer. Male Sperm whales appear most often from April through June. Between July and autumn, large pods of Pilot whales sometimes numbering in the hundreds gather in these waters. Visitors also frequently see Humpback whales, Minke whales, and White-beaked dolphins, adding even more variety to the experience.
Why Choose This Tour?
The crew navigates with skill and respect, getting close to the whales without disturbing them. This approach ensures a safe and responsible encounter with these gentle giants. Once the boat returns, you can enjoy a delicious lunch in Ólafsvík before continuing your exploration of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
This tour combines adventure, stunning landscapes, and rare wildlife sightings. It is the perfect addition to any self-drive holiday in West Iceland and an unforgettable highlight for nature lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, this is a meet on location tour only. If you do not have a rental car it is possible to include this whale watching tour on a private tour of the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
The meeting point for this tour is at the harbor in Ólafsvík. By the harbor you’ll see a big blue bus with a whale on it, that is the meeting point.
It takes up to 3 hours to drive directly from Reykjavík to Ólafsvík. Please keep in mind that you need to be on location at least 15 minutes before the start of the tour.
Yes, a whale watching tour is a great activity that the whole family can enjoy. There is no age limit on this tour.
You should wear warm clothes as your first layer, and we recommend bringing a waterproof outer layer in case of rain. Keep in mind that it can get colder out at sea than it is on land. It is not recommended to wear sandals on this tour.
In winter, several layers of clothes are recommended along with gloves, a scarf, hat and winter shoes. You should also dress warmly in summer.
No, lunch and refreshments are not included in this tour.
No, smoking is not allowed on the boat.
As whales are wild animals it can be hard to predict when sightings are possible. Orcas can swim up to 120 km per day, so they can leave the area quickly if they so wish. They can also appear quickly is they want to do that!
December and March are usually good months for sightings in the winter time, and in the summertime, they are often spotted in April, May and June. However, this can always change.
As the Orcas are wild there is no way to predict if it’s more likely to see them in the morning or in the afternoon.
Reservations can be canceled 24 hours prior to departure without penalty. Cancellations received less than 24 hours prior to departure are non-refundable.
Cancellations must be submitted in writing to info@iat.is.
Please be mindful of possible time zone differences. Iceland is in the GMT time zone and cancellations must be submitted at least 24 hours before departure in Icelandic local time (GMT).
If you do need to cancel your tour, we recommend that you contact us as soon as possible.
The meeting point for this tour is at the harbor in Ólafsvík, on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. It takes about 2.5 hours to drive directly from Reykjavík to Ólafsvík in perfect conditions.
Please keep in mind that you need to be on location at least 15 minutes before the start of your tour.
