Whale Watching Season in Iceland: Complete FAQ
Whale watching in Iceland is one of the country’s most beloved tourist activities. Why? Because Iceland is visited by a host of Cetacea including killer whales, blue whales, humpback whales and a variety of dolphins. One of the best places in the world to whale watch, Iceland excursions are an experience not to be missed.
But what time of year should you go whale watching in Iceland? This FAQ covers all you need to know about the whale watching season in Iceland.
When to See Whales in Iceland
Whale watching in Iceland is available year-round, but the summer months of June, July & August are considered the peak whale watching season in Iceland with the largest number of sightings. Any visit between April to October has a high chance of success.
What Time Should You Go Whale Watching in Iceland?
The activity of whales around Iceland depends on the season and the availability of food, not the time. Tour operators will often offer tours at intervals of 10 am, 12 pm and 2 pm during peak whale watching season in Iceland. There is no evidence to suggest any of these times will increase your chance of sightings, and we instead suggest you pick the time that works best with both your schedule and the forecast.
What Seasonal Weather Impacts Whale Watching?
Generally speaking, there is no extreme weather in Iceland during the summer months. The only disruption you’ll experience is wind and rain, but this impacts comfort not safety or your ability to get out on the water. And it certainly doesn’t affect the whales! You needn’t worry about the weather when thinking about the best time of year to go whale watching in Iceland. Just be sure to take travel sickness medication if you’re worried about feeling seasick, as rougher weather usually means a bumpier ride.
How Likely are You to See Whales in Iceland During Peak Season?
Whale watching tour operators give you good odds of seeing whales if you visit during the peak months of April through to October. Most websites suggest a success rate of anywhere between 95-99%. If you don’t see whales on your trip, the majority of whale watching operators in Iceland will offer you a free trip on another date, such is their confidence that you will see whales.
What Happens if You Visit Out of Season?
Whales and dolphins are endemic to Iceland, which means the whale watching season in Iceland is technically all year. However, many animals do migrate from the waters during the off-season as there is less food available. If you visit out of season, you have a good chance of seeing dolphin and harbour porpoise, with humpbacks and minke whales also regularly putting in an appearance. No, it won’t be the same as visiting during the peak whale watching season in Iceland, but there are still animals to see. The biggest risk in the off-season is the weather, with many tours cancelled due to rough seas.
How Many Whales Are There in Iceland?
Figures available are estimates, but the numbers are extremely positive and exciting for whale watchers. During the whale watching season in Iceland, the country is home to:
14,000 humpback whales
5,000 killer whales
1,000 blue whales
40,000 minke whales
30,000 white-beaked dolphin
35,000 pilot whales
40,000 beaked whales
And then there are even more species of whale, dolphin and porpoise. Really, if you didn’t believe us when we said this was one of the best places on the planet to go whale watching, do you believe us now?
How Long Will the Whale Watching Trip Take During Peak Season?
Whether you go in high or low season, you pay for a set length of an excursion. This is usually between 2 to 3 hours. If you’re very successful early on, you may be brought back before the full time has elapsed if this is agreed upon by passengers. In low season, the chances are you’ll make the full use of all your time. Either way, it’s best to plan for the full length of the trip advertised by your tour. Whale watching trips here tend to be shorter than in other locations, as the animals are found close to the shore, making them easier to find and observe than in other countries where you may need to travel a good distance to reach them.
