Fjord Whale Watching: Our Top 11

1.Westfjords Whale Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 173 reviews · 3 hours · from $115Our pick

Join Sjóferðir ehf. in Ísafjörður for a three-hour whale watching trip through the Westfjords. Guide Tom, a marine biologist, explains whale behavior and helps identify individual humpbacks. You may also see minke whales, dolphins, orcas, puffins, and rugged fjord scenery. The boat has indoor seating and a toilet, but warm, waterproof clothing is essential.

“Amazing experience. It’s a beautiful sunny day. Spots a group of whales. I felt nauseous when the boat was floating on the water for whale watching.”

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2.Kenai Fjords Orca Quest Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 137 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $165Top rated

Join Major Marine Tours at 12:30 p.m. for a four-hour cruise from Seward into Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. Your captain follows recent orca sightings rather than a fixed route. Expect wildlife narration, onboard binoculars, coffee and tea, and a hydrophone that lets you hear orca calls underwater.

“This was amazing and we got to see 2 pods of Orcas with their babies, seals, Otters, Bald Eagles it was really amazing but bring a coat.”

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3.Westfjords Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 104 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $113Best value

Join Sjóferðir in Ísafjörður for about three hours on the waters of Ísafjarðardjúp. Guides such as Tom and Chloe share clear, lively facts about humpback whales while the captain seeks feeding groups without chasing them. Expect wide fjord views, seabirds, possible minke whales, dolphins, and orcas, plus close whale encounters when conditions allow.

“Amazing whale experience, they were so close to ship. Make sure to dress warm and waterproof! Rough seas, take seasickness tables prior and hold on tight.”

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4.Altafjord Whale Watching in a Heated Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 80 reviews · 4 hours · from $262

From Alta Harbor, Valerie and the captain take you into Altafjord for four hours of whale watching aboard Sea Runner, a warm, compact boat with indoor seating, a toilet, WiFi, and outdoor railings. Between November and January, herring draw orcas and humpbacks into the fjord. Sightings are wild and never guaranteed, so bring layers and patience.

“The day was amazing. Valerie was incredible and so friendly and really an asset to the business. We saw heaps of humpbacks and orcas. Be aware that it can get really choppy so if prone to seasickness, take preventative medicine. Overall we had a fantastic day. Highly recommended.”

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5.Alta Fjord Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 26 reviews · 4 hours · from $262

Join a captain-led, four-hour cruise from Alta’s Fiskerihavna into Alta Fjord. In a group of no more than eight, you may spot sperm whales, orcas, porpoises, hourglass dolphins, and seals. Warm coveralls, boots, wool socks, mittens, headwear, coffee, tea, and biscuits are provided.

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6.RIB boat express: Whales, Eyjafjord and Akureyri

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $192

Join a specially trained captain and crew for a two-hour RIB ride from Akureyri into Eyjafjord. You may see humpback, minke, or North Atlantic bottlenose whales while wearing supplied overalls, goggles, gloves, and a life vest. Guide David has earned praise for his whale knowledge and lively delivery.

“Knowledgable and enthusiastic guide made the experience memorable. Saw a minke and several hump back whales.”

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7.3.5 Hour Fjord & Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 8 reviews · 3h 30m · from $231

Join a 3.5-hour MS Åhav cruise from Alta for a chance to see humpback whales and orcas feeding in winter fjords. Manon and the boat crew guide you toward sightings while you watch from large windows or open decks. Transport, coffee, tea, and snacks are included.

“it was fantastic great thst we saw the whales the boat crew were very knowledgeable about where the whales were”

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8.Alta Fjord Whale Watching on a Heated Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $252

Set out from Alta Harbor aboard the heated Sea Runner to search for orcas and humpback whales following herring through Alta Fjord. Valerie and the crew share local insight, provide binoculars, coffee, tea, and snacks, and point out fjord landmarks. The 3 to 4 hour trip suits families, but sightings are never guaranteed.

“Valerie kept us informed about recent sightings of whales beforehand.We found her very friendly,professional and knowledgeable about the whales and the area.She provided us with hot drinks and snacks too.All in all we would highly recommend this tour.”

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9.3.5-Hour Arctic Magic with Fjord and Whale Watching Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $296

From central Alta, your guide takes you by bus to the harbor, then onto Altafjord for a 3.5-hour Arctic cruise. Watch for whales and other wildlife while taking in open fjord views. The English-language trip costs $296.36 per person, holds up to 48 people, and returns to the starting point.

“The staff were so friendly, they really made us feel welcome and safe on the bus and on the boat”

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10.Alta Fjord: Whale Safari Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $264

Set out from Fiskerihavna in Alta at 9:00 am for a four-hour whale safari in a group of up to eight. Search the fjord for orcas and other whales following herring, capelin, and mackerel. Warm coveralls, life jackets, hot drinks, and snacks are included, with shore viewing possible if weather changes the boat plan.

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11.8hr Kenai Fjords Whale Watching Tour w/ 1hr Fishing 16 Passengers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $459

Start at 7:00 a.m. from 1210 4th Ave in Seward for an eight-hour whale-watching trip with one hour of fishing. You travel with up to 16 passengers, coffee and tea are included, and the crew keeps the mood friendly and helpful. Bring lunch and bottled water, and plan ahead because the $459 fare is non-refundable.

“A very wonderful time. We highly recommend it. Take advantage of it if you can possibly squeeze it in.”

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