North Sailing Sales Manual

Whale Watching from Húsavík & Árskógssandur

Whale Watching North Iceland

North Sailing offers oak boat whale watching tours from Húsavík and Árskógssandur in North Iceland.

North Sailing also offers RIB boat whale watching tours from Húsavík in collaboration with Húsavík Adventures.

With our diverse fleet of oak boats, sailboats, hybridelectric boats and RIB boats we can offer tailor-made and private whale watching tours for any group looking for a unique and personal experience at sea.

Árskógssandur

New 2026

Midnight Sun Whale Watching

20:00 DEPARTURE

Evening departures

June, July and early August

From 1 June until 10 August we offer special departures for a chance to witness whales under the beautiful evening light in Skjálfandi Bay.

New and Special 2026

East Greenland Extended

Our all-time favourite Scoresby Sound expedition with five extra days, including crossing back to Húsavík, Iceland. 7 September 2026

Solar Eclipse Special

Witness the 2026 total solar eclipse in East Greenland – once-in-a-lifetime voyage aboard our wooden schooners. 10 August 2026

Húsavík 2026

Daily Departures

The best time of day to see whales?

Great news! Any time of day is good to go whale watching. After three decades, we have discovered that there is no specific time of day when whales are more active than others. Whether you are an early bird or a sunset lover, your chance of seeing whales is just as good.

How likely is it to see whales?

Every tour in wild nature is unique, and the element of surprise makes it exciting! But with a noteworthy 97% overall sightings for the last 30 years, the chances are definitely in your favour!

Free cancellation

Up to 24 hours before

Free for children

6 years and younger

Refreshments on all tours

On all trips, we offer delicious hot chocolate and cinnamon buns — perfect for wrapping up a successful tour at sea!

We’ll keep you warm!

We provide everyone with warm overalls and raincoats if needed. However, we still recommend bringing warm clothes, hats, and gloves.

We recommend booking in advance Toilets on board No need to worry, there are toilets on board all of our

Total flexibility

To update your booking

Book now – pay later

Pay online or upon arrival

We were lucky to spot feeding humpback whales, a group of dolphins, and on the way home we even had the privilege of encountering a mother humpback whale and her calf. An unforgettable experience!

Húsavík Original Whale Watching

A truly memorable whale watching exploration, recommended by thousands of travellers.

Researchers on board

University of Iceland’s Research Centre in Húsavík studies whales and marine life in cooperation with North Sailing, so you might see researchers working on board. Don’t hesitate to ask them about their work if you wish to learn more.

Keep your eyes open

Let’s see if you can spot a whale before the crew does! When searching for whales, the crew relies on their vision, binoculars and their experience in reading nature.

The Original Húsavík Whale Watching on a Traditional Icelandic Oak Boat

Discover the magnificent nature of Skjálfandi Bay, where you can see whales and sea birds in their natural habitat. Explore their world while on board a traditional Icelandic oak boat with our professional and highly qualified crew. Can you imagine a nicer day at sea?

13.990 ISK FREE 0–6 years

6.990 ISK 7–15 years

Amazing experience in a wonderful scenery! Eco-friendly sailing with the Andvari boat and a very nice crew. We saw some humpback whales close and it was fantastic! Extraordinary experience and beautiful emotions in Húsavík!

Silent Whale Watching

Glide silently alongside the whales on an electric boat. A tranquil whale watching experience.

“You

“I

Eco-Friendly Whale

Watching on an Electric Boat

Andvari, our electric and silent boat, is among the most animal and environmentally friendly whale watching vessels in the world! While quietly sailing around Skjálfandi Bay, you get a unique opportunity to observe the whales with minimal disturbance.

can hear the whales breathe!”

highly recommend taking the silent electric boat. You also help the environment and have a much richer experience.”

Whales and Puffins

The perfect combination. A whale watching excursion with a stop by the peaceful Puffin Island.

Whale Watching with a Visit to the Friendly Puffins

How could your whale watching tour possibly get better? Of course by sailing around Puffin Island, the home of thousands of puffins! In this magical wildlife adventure, whale and puffin watching are combined. In addition to seeing whales in their natural habitat, you get to see the funny little puffins nesting, flying around and diving for food.

“Seeing both whales and puffins was truly an amazing experience that I will never forget.”

Húsavík Midnight Sun Whale Watching

Experience whales beneath the glowing midnight sun — a magical North Iceland adventure.

Whale Watching under the Midnight Sun on a Traditional Oak Boat

Enjoy an unforgettable evening at sea as you explore Skjálfandi Bay beneath the soft glow of the midnight sun. During June, July and early August, the golden light creates a unique atmosphere while whales and seabirds thrive in calm conditions. Sail with our experienced crew and witness nature’s beauty at its most serene.

Árskógssandur Whale Watching

Join us for an unforgettable whale watching adventure from the charming village of Árskógssandur, only a 30-minute drive from Akureyri.

Árskógssandur It was a wonderful experience. We saw a lot of whales. Also, the crew was very nice and helpful. I truly recommend the whale watching Árskógssandur.

“The trip itself was fabulous! The crew was lovely, and we got to see a few humpback whales and a minke whale in the distance. It was awe-inspiring to be out on the Fjord and the hot cocoa they gave us in the cool wind hit the spot. I definitely recommend it for families, friends, and couples!”

Welcome to Árskógssandur

The picturesque village of Árskógssandur is located on the western shore of Eyjafjörður, only a 30-minute drive north of Akureyri. With breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the tranquil waters of the fjord, Árskógssandur is the perfect place for a pleasant visit with seaside adventures.

Classic Whale Watching from Árskógssandur village

Step aboard our traditional wooden vessel and sail around the scenic Eyjafjörður for a chance to watch whales and dolphins in their natural surroundings. Our friendly crew will share knowledge about the area and these amazing creatures throughout the tour.

2,5

Daily departures from Árskógssandur 2026

Húsavík Whales & Horses

Experience the combination of the popular Húsavík Original Whale Watching and horseback riding tour with Saltvík horse centre, situated just south of Húsavík.

Horseback riding and Whale Watching

Meet the fascinating animals of Iceland both at sea and on land with this combo day tour. This tour is the perfect pick for anyone with a passion for nature and wildlife! Daily departures available from 19 April to 31 October. For combo departures outside of the daily schedule or for larger groups, please get in touch: sales@northsailing.is

Whales and Sails

Experience the best of Iceland’s fantastic wildlife and traditional sailing culture!

Built on Tradition

of

Authentic Whale Watching on a Traditional Sailboat

Sail through Skjálfandi Bay on a traditional Icelandic schooner and observe an abundance of marine wildlife. Learn traditional sailing techniques from our friendly crew and participate in hoisting the sails. Let our schooners inspire you as you take in the stunning surroundings on this authentic whale watching adventure from Húsavík!

Whales, Sails & Science

Participate in ocean research, micro-plastic analysis and gain a deeper insight into the life of whales.

The marine biologists on board were great storytellers and carried out scientific research during the tour.

Join the Mission! 15% of your ticket price goes to Ocean Missions, a non-profit organisation in Húsavík focused on ocean conservation, research, and education. After the tour, visit their exhibition room for a guided walkthrough and learn more about their inspiring projects.

Educational Whale Watching with a Positive Impact

Together with Ocean Missions we want to inspire people to take direct action towards ocean conservation by combining science, education and adventures on board our traditional sailing boats. Join us on this meaningful citizen-science whale watching tour and make a positive impact on the sustainable future of our oceans.

Available for private charter or group bookings upon request.

See more info

3,5 HOURS

Schooner Hildur

Private Tour Whale Watching

Sail the elegant Schooner Hildur on a private whale watching journey in North Iceland.

Create unforgettable memories on your own exclusive sailing adventure

Set sail on your own private adventure aboard the beautiful schooner Hildur. Enjoy exclusive whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay or Eyjafjörður fjord — perfect for couples, families, or small groups seeking a more personal experience. Whether you prefer a short sailing tour or an overnight journey, Hildur offers the perfect blend of comfort, tradition, and tranquility at sea.

AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Tailor-Made Tours

Private Tour Whale Watching

Experience the magnificent whales and wildlife of North Iceland aboard a traditional oak boat.

Create the perfect wildlife adventure on board our traditional oak boats

Step aboard one of North Sailing’s beautifully restored oak boats for a private whale watching experience like no other. Enjoy the timeless charm and craftsmanship of these traditional vessels as you explore the rich waters of Skjálfandi Bay or Eyjafjörður fjord. Perfect for families, groups, or special occasions, a private tour on our classic oak boats offers an authentic and intimate way to experience Iceland’s nature, wildlife, and maritime heritage.

AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Sailing Expeditions

Week-long Sailing Expedition

Greenland Expedition

Encounter the arctic landscape and wildlife in one of the most remote places in the world.

Sail and Explore the Natural Wonders of Scoresby Sound in East Greenland

Sail in the largest and one of the most remote fjords on Earth, surrounded by untouched natural phenomena such as glaciers, icebergs and ice crusts. Far from being your everyday experience, the picturesque sceneries are unparalleled. Whether in Red Island’s Iceberg city, the mountainous Øfjord, overlooking amazing archipelagos near Bear Island or scouting for wildlife in Harefjord, Greenland’s spectacular landscape leaves everyone speechless.

“A wooden sailing ship, wonderful cooking, beautiful views and excellent crew. The strong presence by nature, a polar bear, arctic hare, grouse and muskox, flowers and other vegetation. The unreal view of icebergs nearby and the light at dusk and dawn gave the trip a very strong impression. Thanks for a wonderful trip and truly a lifechanging experience! ”

Expeditions enquiries: expeditions@northsailing.is

13-Day Sailing Expedition

East Greenland Extended

Our all-time favourite Scoresby Sound expedition with five extra days, including crossing back to Húsavík, Iceland.

Dates for 2026

Discover the Hidden Wonders of Scoresby Sound on this extended expedition

Embark on this extraordinary expedition into the vast landscapes of Scoresby Sound, the most extensive fjord system in the world. With more time to explore, we travel at a slow pace to fully appreciate all the elements and visit unforgettable places as we sail the magnificent fjords of Scoresby Sound, discovering the hidden gems of this Arctic paradise.

“ Scoresby Sound was as magical as I had hoped, and with the amazing changing weather, we had encounters with muskox, polar bears, and seals. This trip was truly one for the books! I’m leaving with so many stories to share. A big thanks to the crew who made it all possible! ”

7 September 2026 Expeditions enquiries: expeditions@northsailing.is

10-17 August 2026

Solar Eclipse Greenland

Witness the 2026 total solar eclipse in East Greenland –a once-in-a-lifetime voyage aboard schooner Opal.

Dates for 2026 10 August 2026

Witness the wonders of Greenland and the magic of a total eclipse in the Arctic

Join North Sailing for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in one of the most remote and breathtaking corners of the world. On 12 August 2026, the skies above East Greenland will darken as the moon passes in front of the sun, creating a spectacular total solar eclipse. You’ll be there to witness it in perfect conditions – far from light pollution, surrounded by the icy wilderness of Scoresby Sound, aboard our hybridelectric sailboat Opal.

AND

3-Day Sailing Expedition

Sailing the Edge of the Arctic

Cross the Arctic Circle during Summer Solstice onboard the award-winning sailboat Ópal.

Summer

Solstice

at the Arctic Circle on board Schooner Ópal

Set sails into the remote wilderness of the Arctic Coast of Iceland. Rugged and untouched nature, otherworldly landscapes. Slow down and discover the authentic North; Viking settlements, arctic wildlife and the original coastal culture.

We travel from Húsavík harbour to explore the remote Islands and majestic coastline at the Edge of the Arctic. Our experienced crew will guide you along to discover the hidden treasures and historical settlements of the north. All meals onboard cooked by our very own arctic chef - inspired by local traditions and ingredients. The journey is full of exploration and experiences.

UPON REQUEST - SEE MORE AT NORTHSAILING.IS

“Our trip to the ‘Edge of the Arctic’ was a fantastic experience, never have I been so close to dolphins, whales and birds. So, being at the edge of the arctic is also being right in the centre of wildlife.”

enquiries: expeditions@northsailing.is

Tailor-Made Tours on Ópal

Adventures on Schooner Ópal

The hybrid-electric wooden sailboat Ópal, the flagship of North Sailing, is a unique platform for meaningful and inspiring adventures.

Step aboard the authentic Schooner Ópal for an adventure of a lifetime!

With an on-deck wooden hot tub, great facilities and a cosy salon with a fireplace below deck, sailing on Ópal is always an amazing adventure. It’s a unique way of travelling with friends and like-minded people, creating unforgettable experiences with a positive impact. Ópal is available for tailor-made tours and expeditions, charters, meetings, concerts, and other special events.

AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST - SEE MORE AT SCHOONEROPAL.IS

Sailing on the adventurous Ópal is an experience that leaves no one untouched. Bringing together the best of both worlds, Ópal has an authentic charm and feel while driven by an award-winning hybrid-electric engine.

Expeditions enquiries: expeditions@northsailing.is

Tailor-Made

Sailing Adventures

With our fantastic fleet of authentic wooden sailboats and highly experienced crew we can create every arctic adventure you can dream of.

Get in touch and let’s explore together! expeditions@northsailing.is

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