Akureyri: Whale Watching Tour & Forest Lagoon Entrance

Exploring Akureyri’s Whale Watching & Forest Lagoon Tour: A Balanced Look

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland’s Northeast, chances are you’ll come across this combo tour offering whale watching in Eyjafjörður and a relaxing soak at the Forest Lagoon. While we haven’t taken this exact trip ourselves, the reviews and details paint a clear picture of what to expect. It’s a promising choice for those who want a taste of Icelandic marine life paired with a soothing forested spa experience.

What we love about this tour is its combination of wildlife adventure and peaceful relaxation—two experiences that are hard to find together elsewhere. Plus, the live guide adds a layer of local insight that makes the journey more engaging. On the flip side, a few travelers noted that seeing whales close-up isn’t guaranteed, which is worth keeping in mind if whale sightings are your top priority.

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy a bit of everything—marine wildlife, scenic landscapes, and a cozy spa session—without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a full, authentic day around Akureyri that balances activity with comfort, this tour deserves your consideration.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities to see humpback whales, dolphins, and seabirds in Eyjafjörður.
• Scenic Beauty: Breathtaking views of Iceland’s longest fjord and surrounding nature.
• Relaxation: The Forest Lagoon offers a tranquil setting with views and natural surroundings.
• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable live guides enhance the understanding of marine life and local nature.
• Flexibility: You’re booked for the Forest Lagoon at 5 PM but can adjust the timing with advance notice.
• Value: For $159, you get a well-rounded experience with multiple elements and included amenities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

Your adventure begins at the Special Tours Ticket Office on Oddeyrarbót 1 in Akureyri. The tour is organized with a focus on convenience—you’re picked up and returned to the same spot, simplifying logistics. The tour costs $159 per person, which, given the included activities, offers reasonable value for a full day of sightseeing and relaxation. Keep in mind, transfers are not included, so if you’re staying outside Akureyri, plan your transport accordingly.

The Whale Watching Trip

Boarding the boat at the harbor, you’ll set sail into Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in Iceland. The vessel is described as comfortable, and included in your package are warm overalls—a thoughtful touch, considering Iceland’s chilly sea breeze. These are available in children’s sizes too, making it family-friendly.

Expect to spend a good chunk of time on the water, with the crew actively searching for whales, dolphins, and seabirds. The live guided tour ensures you’re not just watching but also learning about the marine life and the ecosystem. As one reviewer noted, despite occasional difficulties in getting very close to the whales, the well-organized nature of the tour makes for an enjoyable experience.

Whale Sightings and Expectations

Getting a glimpse of whales is never guaranteed, especially in the wild. One traveler mentioned, “We couldn’t see whales as close as we had hoped,” but appreciated the professionalism of the organization. Another guest was fortunate to see whales, but also pointed out that these are two separate excursions—the whale trip and the Forest Lagoon visit—so timing and patience matter.

In any case, the boat trip offers the chance to see humpback whales and dolphins, with seabirds also keeping you company. Even if the whales stay elusive, the scenic voyage along Iceland’s rugged coastline and the informative guides make it worthwhile.

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The Forest Lagoon Experience

After the boat trip, you’ll head to the Forest Lagoon, which is automatically booked for 5 PM. This spa is more than just a hot tub; it offers spectacular views over Eyjafjörður and is set amidst birch and pine trees, creating a truly natural setting. This tranquil spot is designed for relaxation, with the energy of Vaðlaskógur forest adding to the calming atmosphere.

The lagoon is perfect for unwinding after your boat trip, with heated waters and the surrounding scenery offering a peaceful retreat. The experience emphasizes views, tranquility, and the calming energy of nature, making it an ideal way to wind down. If needed, you can contact the operator to adjust your lagoon time, adding flexibility to your day.

Included and Additional Costs

The tour includes the whale watching trip, Forest Lagoon entrance, warm overalls, live guide, and a snack bar on board. Free Wi-Fi and heated indoor seating provide comfort during the trip. However, transfers are not included, and hot drinks and refreshments at the lagoon are available for purchase. These details make it clear that while the core experience is comprehensive, travelers should plan ahead for additional costs or transport arrangements outside Akureyri.

Practical Considerations

The tour runs over five days, with starting times varying—check availability before booking. It’s suitable for most ages, as the tour includes children’s sizes in the warm overalls. Pets are not allowed, which is typical for boat and spa environments.

From a logistical perspective, being aware that the whale watching and lagoon visits are separate excursions is important. You might find that whale sightings aren’t guaranteed—a common challenge in wildlife tours—but the scenic journey and the chance to learn from guides add substantial value.

Authentic Traveler Perspectives

One guest described their experience as “great,” noting that although whales weren’t close-up, the organization and guides made the trip enjoyable. Another appreciated the easy logistics—”It’s very easy because every 20 minutes there is a free round trip bus from Akureyri to the Forest Lagoon,” highlighting the convenience.

These insights show that while whale viewing can be unpredictable, the overall experience is still positive thanks to the scenery, guide expertise, and the relaxing lagoon.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers eager to combine wildlife watching with relaxation. If you enjoy scenic boat trips and are okay with the possibility of not always seeing whales up close, this offers a great balance. It’s also suitable for families, given the inclusion of children’s sizes and the gentle pace.

However, if whale sightings are your sole priority, you might want to research other options, as this tour acknowledges that sightings cannot be guaranteed. Still, the combination of nature, wildlife, and a peaceful spa makes this experience appealing for those looking to enjoy a well-rounded day around Akureyri.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For $159, this tour packs a lot—an active boat ride with chances of wildlife sightings, coupled with a serene visit to the Forest Lagoon. The guides are knowledgeable, adding educational value and local insights that deepen the experience. The views are stunning, and the amenities included make the trip comfortable.

If you’re seeking a bit of everything, particularly for your first time in Akureyri or Iceland’s northeast, this tour offers great value and authentic moments. The flexibility in scheduling and the focus on natural scenery and wildlife make it a solid choice.

That said, keep your expectations realistic about whale sightings. The experience as a whole—combining marine adventure with forest tranquility—is more than just spotting whales; it’s about enjoying the landscape and the company of knowledgeable guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transfers are not included. You’ll meet at the Special Tours Ticket Office in Akureyri, and if you’re outside the city, plan your own transport.

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $159 per person, which covers the boat trip, lagoon entrance, warm overalls, guide, and onboard snack bar.

Can I change the time for the Forest Lagoon?
Yes, you can contact the tour provider to adjust your lagoon visit if needed, as it’s booked for 5 PM by default.

What if I don’t see whales?
Wildlife sightings depend on nature, so it’s possible you might not see whales up close. Reviews mention that the trip is well-organized regardless of sightings.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, children are included through the provision of children’s sizes in warm overalls, and the experience is family-friendly.

How long does each part of the tour last?
The combined experience generally spans a full day, with the boat trip and lagoon visit scheduled to give time for each activity, though exact durations may vary.

Is the boat trip comfortable?
Yes, the vessel is described as comfortable, and the warm overalls help keep you cozy during the ocean cruise.

What amenities are available during the tour?
There is free Wi-Fi, heated indoor seating, and a snack bar on the boat. Refreshments at the lagoon are available for purchase.

Is this tour suitable for all weather conditions?
While Icelandic weather can be unpredictable, the tour is planned to operate in most conditions. The warm overalls and indoor seating help travelers stay comfortable despite the weather.

In short, this Akureyri combo tour offers a well-balanced taste of Iceland’s marine life and serene landscapes, making it a flexible and value-packed choice. Whether you’re an avid wildlife enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful day amid stunning scenery, it’s worth considering for your Iceland itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: