Akureyri: Whale Watching Tour & Forest Lagoon Entrance

Traveling to Iceland’s northeast? Then this Akureyri combo tour offers a nice mix of marine wildlife and calming natural scenery. It’s a package that promises the thrill of spotting whales, plus a chance to unwind in a scenic thermal spa. Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

What makes this experience stand out? We love the chance to see humpback whales and dolphins, the stunning views of Eyjafjörður, and the unique setting of Forest Lagoon surrounded by birch and pine trees. That said, a possible downside is the separate booking process for the lagoon, which might require some planning. This tour is ideal for travelers wanting a balanced combination of adventure and relaxation — especially if you’re curious about Iceland’s marine life and scenic landscapes.

Good To Know

• Wildlife Encounters: Great opportunity to see whales and seabirds in their natural environment.
• Scenic Setting: The views of Eyjafjörður are breathtaking and add to the overall experience.
• Comfort & Convenience: Warm overalls and heated indoor seating make the trip comfortable.
• Flexible Scheduling: You can adjust the Forest Lagoon timing to suit your day.
• Value for Money: Combines two popular activities at a reasonable price.
• Authentic Guide Experience: Knowledgeable guides enhance the tour with insights and local stories.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

The adventure begins at the Special Tours Ticket Office on Oddeyrarbót 1 in Akureyri, where your journey is set in motion. The tour’s core is the whale watching trip, which lasts roughly 3 hours. The boat departs from the harbor, and this is where the magic of Iceland’s marine life unfolds.

Throughout the cruise, you’ll be accompanied by a live guided tour led by knowledgeable crew members. Expect to see humpback whales, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds. The marine environment here is vibrant, and the crew’s expertise is evident, often sharing interesting facts about the whales’ behaviors and local ecology.

One of the highlights, according to reviews, is the stunning scenery of Eyjafjörður. Travelers often note the “beautiful views” and the “peaceful” atmosphere that makes whale watching such a memorable experience. The boat provides warm overalls (including for children), which means even in Iceland’s chill, you stay warm and cozy.

What You Can Expect on the Water

• Wildlife sighting chances: While seeing whales isn’t guaranteed, many visitors have reported spotting humpbacks and dolphins during their trip. As one reviewer said, “we were lucky enough to see whales,” though sometimes the whales are a bit shy or further away.
• Seabird encounters: Expect to see various seabirds circling the boat — a bonus that adds to the authentic marine atmosphere.
• Comfortable amenities: The boat offers free WiFi, heated indoor seating, and a snack bar. These features ensure you’re comfortable during the voyage, even if the weather outside turns brisk.

The Transition to Relaxation: Forest Lagoon

After the excitement at sea, you’re automatically booked for a visit to the Forest Lagoon at 5 PM. The lagoon’s location overlooking Eyjafjörður gives it an extra special feel, with views that are both calming and inspiring. The surrounding birch and pine trees add to the peaceful vibe, making it a perfect spot to unwind after the cruise.

The lagoon offers a unique blend of natural scenery and thermal comfort, which travelers describe as both tranquil and energizing. As one reviewer shared, “You can really feel the energy of Vaðlaskógur,” which surrounds the baths.

While your lagoon session is pre-booked at 5 PM, the schedule is flexible — you can contact the tour operator to change the timing if needed. Every 20 minutes, there’s a free shuttle bus from Akureyri to Forest Lagoon, so it’s straightforward to plan your transitions without stress.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included:

• The whale watching trip with a live guide
• Forest Lagoon entrance
• Warm overalls (including children’s sizes)
• A snack bar on the boat
• Free WiFi and indoor heated seating

Not included:

• Transport to and from the meeting point (so consider arranging your own transfer)
• Hot drinks and refreshments at the lagoon are available to purchase, adding a little extra if you want a warm beverage

What About the Cost?

Priced at $159 per person, this combo offers reasonable value. When you factor in the whale watching, which is often considered a must-do in Iceland, plus the relaxing time at Forest Lagoon, you’re getting a diversified experience.

One reviewer pointed out the well-organized nature of the trip despite whales sometimes being elusive. The separate booking process for the lagoon could be a minor inconvenience, but given the free shuttle every 20 minutes, it’s a manageable addition to your day.

Authentic Traveler Insights

From the reviews, we learn that guides are highly praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude. One reviewer mentioned that the excursion was “well organised,” and another appreciated the ease of catching the lagoon shuttle.

Even if whales aren’t seen close-up, the trip remains enjoyable for the stunning scenery and professional service. Some travelers note that the whale sightings depended on luck, which is typical for wildlife adventures. Still, the experience of being on the water in Iceland’s fjord, with attentive guides explaining what to look for, makes it worthwhile.

The Overall Value

In terms of cost-effectiveness, this tour combines two highly popular activities — whale watching and a visit to a thermal lagoon — into one booking. It’s especially appealing for travelers who want a well-rounded day without the hassle of multiple reservations.

The included amenities, like warm overalls and WiFi, enhance the experience, ensuring comfort and convenience. The flexibility to adjust the lagoon timing and the availability of shuttle buses add to the practicality.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers looking for a balanced blend of adventure and relaxation. It’s ideal for nature lovers eager to spot whales but also wanting a peaceful retreat afterward. Families with children will appreciate the warm overalls and indoor seating, making it accessible even in colder weather.

Those staying in Akureyri or nearby will find this tour convenient and engaging. It’s perfect for anyone interested in Iceland’s marine wildlife, scenic fjords, and thermal baths without extensive planning. If you value knowledgeable guides and authentic scenery, this tour ticks those boxes.

Final Thoughts

The Akureyri Whale Watching & Forest Lagoon tour offers a memorable glimpse into Iceland’s natural beauty and wildlife. Though the chance of whale sightings depends on luck, the expert guides and stunning surroundings ensure a worthwhile experience. The combination of marine adventure and tranquil spa time balances excitement with relaxation, making it suitable for a variety of travelers.

At $159, the tour delivers on value — especially given the comfort features like warm overalls, free WiFi, and indoor seating. It’s a fantastic way to make the most of a day in northern Iceland, whether you’re on a short trip or seeking a peaceful escape from busy sightseeing.

To sum it up, this tour is best for those who want to see whales, enjoy scenic views, and unwind in a cozy thermal lagoon. If you’re after a well-organized, authentic experience with friendly guides and breathtaking scenery, you’ll find plenty to love here.

FAQ

Do I need to book the Forest Lagoon separately?
Yes, your lagoon visit is pre-booked at 5 PM but can be adjusted by contacting the operator. There’s also a free shuttle every 20 minutes from Akureyri.

Are there any age restrictions?
Children are accommodated with included warm overalls, making it family-friendly. The tour is suitable for all ages, provided they can handle boat trips.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing is recommended, but you’ll be provided with warm overalls to stay comfortable during the boat ride.

How long is the whale watching trip?
The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, giving plenty of time to catch sight of whales and seabirds.

What if I don’t see whales?
Wildlife sightings depend on luck, but many guests have reported seeing humpbacks and dolphins. The guides are knowledgeable about local marine life, which adds to the experience even if whales aren’t spotted.

Is it easy to get to the Forest Lagoon from Akureyri?
Yes, thanks to the free shuttle every 20 minutes, you can easily reach the lagoon without pre-booking transportation.

Can I change the lagoon timing?
Yes, just contact the tour provider to adjust your scheduled visit.

Are hot drinks available at the lagoon?
Not included, but hot drinks are available for purchase at the lagoon.

What language is the tour guided in?
The live guide speaks English, ensuring clear explanations and interesting stories.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely, the organized group setting and friendly guides make it easy to meet others and enjoy the experience.

By choosing this tour, you get a well-rounded day of adventure, authenticity, and relaxation — perfect for making your trip to Iceland truly memorable.

You can check if your dates are available here: