Arctic Sea Tours Whale Watching
Arctic Sea Tours Whale Watching
4.5
Boat ToursFishing Charters & ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife ToursSpeed Boats Tours
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About
Arctic Sea Tours is located in Dalvik in the North of Iceland, not far from Akureyri. Dalvik is a charming fishing village on the Tröllaskagi Peninsula, an area that is known for its excellent whale watching conditions. The tours take place in the Eyjafjörður fjord, where you can find various types of whales including humpback whales, minke whales and the majestic blue whale as well as other fascinating wildlife like dolphins & various bird species. On average we have a 98% sightings success on our tours, making it the best in the country. Our rib boat express tour adds an adrenaline pumping experience, as we go faster and even further allowing us to cover more area in hopes of seeing more wildlife! Join us for a fun & exciting whale watching adventure!
Dalvik, Iceland
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
474 reviews
Excellent
402
Very good
46
Average
7
Poor
10
Terrible
9
Myriam
Ghent, Belgium27 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
After a friendly welcome in which we were given comfortable warm overalls, we boarded the rib boat. The guide was very good in spotting the whales and the dolphins, where the fast comfortable rib boat brought us very quickly very close to these animals: amazing to be able to see them up so close (even regularly right next to the boat) – just awesome!
The sunset at sea itself was so movingly beautiful and that it didn't get dark was also an experience in itself.
Back to land, we were welcomed again by the friendly owner to share our experiences.
The sunset at sea itself was so movingly beautiful and that it didn't get dark was also an experience in itself.
Back to land, we were welcomed again by the friendly owner to share our experiences.
Written 1 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Going4gold
45 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We joined a ‘Classic Whale Watching Tour’ on a wet but very still day. The waters were very calm. Almost immediately after leaving the harbour area we were able to get some good sightings of puffins, fulmars and other sea birds. We quite quickly also spotted some Minke whales. What a thrill! We then moved on further out to sea, taking in the incredible views, before seeing some porpoise. We were then so fortunate to see a very graceful Humpback whale, surfacing for air and then diving, before resurfacing a few minutes later. We were able to follow the whale around, keeping a respectful distance, watching it’s movements. What an incredible experience it was! As the boat turned around and milled about, we did also see some whale activity on the horizon further out to sea, of what looked like a breaching humpback. It was a perfect day. The crew were all very professional. The guide was very pleasant, knowledgeable and invited questions. I would highly recommend.
Written 23 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iryna B
2 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
Bought tickets online, received the confirmation very soon. Organisation was exceptional. We booked an 1.5 tour on a speedboat. It was great, we saw whales from a 10-15 m distance. This experience is indescribable! The stuff is very polite and friendly, explains everything. The boat was comfortable, the overalls were provided.
I would recommend everyone to include whale watching in their program while traveling through Iceland!
I would recommend everyone to include whale watching in their program while traveling through Iceland!
Written 16 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily H
Martinsville, IN8 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
I wish this tour would have been cancelled due to bad weather. The wind was bad making the waves in the bay very tall, therefore the boat was rocking continuously to the point of being unsafe. Numerous people were vomiting due to seasickness, I myself was on the verge of puking but managed to keep it in somehow. Several times passengers including myself were violently thrown to the ground as there was nothing for them to hold on to. I was upset that elderly passengers and children were allowed on board and endured the abuse of this boat ride as they could have been severely injured. It was 3 hours of this. There was no safety briefing and we were not given life vests. I was completely traumatized from this ride upon return and honestly surprised we returned with all passengers on board. I give two stars instead of one only because we did see a couple of whales but everyone on board was clearly miserable and/or scared.
Written 26 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Guide61267659925
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Couples
Two days before the tour, the company contacted us first, saying the tour had been canceled. Based on that, we booked another tour, changed our travel route from Dalvik to Husavik, and even booked a hotel. Then, the company emailed us again, saying the tour was now available. But since we had already rearranged all our travel plans, we couldn’t attend and requested a refund. Since then, we haven’t heard anything from them. This is the worst company, truly awful. They took my money and disappeared.
Written 4 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
duckrabbit76
Birmingham, UK25 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
The trip was one of the highlights of my life. Seeing three humpback whales in the wild was thrilling. The family who run the company were fabulous. You can tell they really care. On the way back we caught fish which was filleted and grilled on arrival. Delicious. I cannot recommend this company enough. I did lots of research and opted for them instead of going to Husavic and I'm really glad I did (though I'm sure tours are great there too!).
Thank you Arctic Sea Tours. We did this for my wife's 50th birthday and she cried when she saw the whales!
Thank you Arctic Sea Tours. We did this for my wife's 50th birthday and she cried when she saw the whales!
Written 30 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kieran O
County Mayo, Ireland1 contribution
Jun 2017 • Couples
We had a wonderful experience here. It was a clear day and we were treated really well. Two humpbacks right by the boat, hot chocolate and biscuits on board,caught lots of cod which they bbq'd back on shore. A lovely young family running a great business. I cant speak for other companies but this one is super. If you're up north, this is the tour to take.
Kieran an Marjorie, Ireland
Kieran an Marjorie, Ireland
Written 5 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dskid
Overland Park, KS2,496 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
My first whale watching excursion was off the coast of Maine and we stayed out far beyond the normal time because there were humpbacks breeching all around us. I didn't appreciate how special that was at the time but after seeing whales around the world I know that it was very unusual. While we did see whales on this trip, there was nothing too exciting about it and that's pretty much the norm with such trips. We arrive around 8:30 for the 9 am tour. Check-in was very quick and easy (I'd purchased the tickets on-line prior to leaving the U.S.). We picked out our coveralls and elected to walk ahead to the boat. I'm glad we did because a big tour bus arrive shortly thereafter and I'm sure it would have been more of a hassle checking in and trying on coveralls in a crowd. We saw three humpbacks at different locations. Two were apparently sleeping on top and we were able to navigate around them. The third was surfacing about every four minutes. We never left the fjord. The weather was perfect and I took my coveralls off after about an hour. After being out for two hours we stopped and were able to fish for about 15 minutes. The group managed to catch 6-8 cod that the guide cleaned on the way back. Our guide's name was Freyr and he was excellent. He also served hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls on the way back and showed pictures of whales and fish on the way out. Once back Freyr grilled the cod and we all got to each a generous amount of it. I highly recommend this tour.
Thanks for reading. If you’ve found this helpful I’ll appreciate a thumbs up below.
Thanks for reading. If you’ve found this helpful I’ll appreciate a thumbs up below.
Written 4 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeniorTravelGirl1
Menomonie, Wisconsin, United States94 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
We chose this company for whale watching as we were based in Akureyri for a few days and the tourist information center recommended a couple of small, family run businesses just up the fjord from Akureyri. Rather than drive to the whale watching town of Husavik (which we had originally planned to do) we chose to check out this and another company. After seeing Dalvik and the boats Arctic Sea Tours uses we decided to take the tour. Our first day out we went out toward the ocean and did not see any whales despite the captain's best efforts to find them. After having hot chocolate and cookies we all had the chance to fish off the boat with much success. Back on land the owner's barbecued the fish and we all got a taste! Great service. Then we found out that we could come back at no charge for another try to see whales on the next tour in the afternoon. We took advantage of that offer and went out again on a larger boat since there were strong winds on the fjord. After a true adventure ride (the waves for high splashing over the sides of the boat!) we fished again and again barbecued our catch. The guide even gave us fish to take home since we caught so many! We signed up for another tour a day later (again no charge since we hadn't yet seen whales). The third time was a charm! Saw 2 hump back whales very close to the boat! The captain did a great job of keeping us close by so we all got to observe them and get plenty of photos. More hot chocolate and fishing and barbecue at the end of a wonderful trip. Can't say enough good about these folks who run this business. Highly recommend them. You won't be disappointed if you choose them. Oh yes, they are also a bit less expensive than the outfits in Husavik!
Written 11 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David C
6 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
We went in April and didn't see any whales. I know whale watching can be hit or miss, but apparently no whales had been seen in 2015 yet...crew were very friendly and professional though
Written 7 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The whale watching tour promoted protecting the whales as this is their business. I am aware that Iceland has not signed the international whale protection. However, monies from whale watching trips might convince Iceland to protect whales in its boarders.
Written 4 March 2019
What is the cost? Is the sighting of whales more successful here that in the south near Reykjavik?
Written 26 January 2018
Hi! Would have to agree with Cristina. The north is worth seeing for its wilderness in any event. As for the whales, we did some research beforehand and went up to Dalvik because it’s supposed to be the best spot for whale watching. We certainly weren’t disappointed. Enjoy!
Written 27 January 2018
How rough is the water out to see the whales? How big is the boat? (I'm worried about others on the trip getting seasick)
Written 23 March 2017
We do not go out in bad weather but the sea conditions do vary depending in wind and the direction of the wind. We are always inside the fjord watching whales. We have two boats one 15 meters long and other 20 meters. We can not guartantee people not getting sea sick because that does vary between individuals.
Written 23 March 2017
Best time of year for Whale watching
Written 1 October 2016
To actually see whales its my understanding , it great year round. we went in early September .We saw numerous pods of whales and got great pictures . the weather was cooperative that day as it was sunny and neither cold nor rainy. They give you jumpsuits to stay warm however I wouldn't want to go whale watching in cold rainy weather and blowing winds. Luckily the area is in the fjords and not out in open sea so there were no rough waters . there were no issues of sea sickness in our group due to the calm water and the speed of the boat.
Written 1 October 2016
Do they provide Dramamine if needed??
Written 5 September 2016
I don't believe so. We had very heavy waves on one trip out and none was offered but no one got sick either! We were on the fjord, not the open seas so it shouldn't be a problem for most people but advise you bring your own if you are worried about this.
Written 21 October 2016
Connaitre tout simplement les horaires, les possibilités de réservation, les prix et le nombre de personnes embarquées. Bref, des renseignements élémentaires et non des publicités plus ou moins bidon.
Written 26 April 2016
Hi. I would like to know what the facilities are on board of your ship? Do you have lifejackets? Thank you!
Written 12 April 2016
Hey guys and gals! Any little chance to see whales while on the way from Dalvik to Grimsey? At first sight, it seems like the Saefara passes through a whale-stuffed area. Thanks in advance.
Written 8 March 2016
ciao Marco, dipende dal tour e dal periodo dell'anno.
il tour base di avvistamento balene dura 3 ore e in agosto parte alle 9 e alle 13, mentre ad esempio a luglio parte anche alle 17 e alle 20:30, in ottobre solo alle 13, sul loro sito hanno tutte le informazioni dettagliate
Written 29 June 2015
Ciao,
mi sapreste dire a che ora partono i tours?
grazie mille
Written 21 June 2015
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