Whale Trips from Dalvík and Hauganes

The fishing villages of Dalvík, Hauganes and Árskógssandur sit on the western shore of Eyjafjörður, about thirty to forty-five minutes' drive north of Akureyri. They are the other great departure points for whale trips in the fjord, and they appeal to travellers who want a more local, small-harbour feel. Boats here leave from working quays, the crews are often fishing families and the sea is a little closer to the open ocean, so the sailing time to the whales is often shorter than from Akureyri itself. Typical sightings include humpback whales, minke whales, harbour porpoises and white-beaked dolphins, and in summer a few trips head to nearby spots where puffins nest. Some departures add sea angling, where you can catch cod or haddock and sometimes cook the catch on the shore afterwards, which adds an authentic fishing-village touch to the outing.

The boat styles differ from operator to operator. Dalvík has classic whale watching boats with a cabin and open decks, and an express option for people with limited time. Hauganes and Árskógssandur are home to traditional oak ships, restored wooden fishing boats that feel closer to history than to a modern tour. Some of these ships sail for whales and others combine whales with sea angling and a visit to a small beach hot tub, a particularly Icelandic way to end a trip, so check each departure's details when you choose.

Getting there is easy by car along the coast road north from Akureyri, or with a transfer included in some Akureyri-based tours. A car also lets you explore Dalvík itself, which has a small harbour, a few cafes and the pretty valley of Svarfaðardalur nearby. The area is popular for hiking, e-mountain biking and winter ski touring, so a day here can be more than a boat trip, and the local swimming pool and cafes make good rainy-day backups.

Seasonal planning follows the pattern of the fjord. Summer brings the longest daylight and the most departures, spring and autumn are quieter, and winter trips are limited and weather dependent. The fjord's sheltered nature means that even on breezy days the water inside the mouth is often manageable, but the final stretch can be bumpier, so dress warmly and take motion-sickness advice seriously. Sunscreen and sunglasses are worth packing on bright summer days, as water reflects the glare.

Compare these departures with Akureyri harbour if you are torn. Choose Dalvík or Hauganes if you want a shorter journey to the whales, a more traditional boat or the chance to add fishing or puffins. Choose Akureyri if you want to walk to the pier from your hotel. Either way, finish with a bowl of fish soup or a fresh-fish lunch at one of the village cafes, and enjoy the quieter pace of the fjord's west shore.

The ride back along the coast, with the mountains of the Tröllaskagi peninsula rising behind, is a pleasure in its own right. Bring a flask of something hot, a spare layer and a charged camera, because the light over the fjord changes quickly and the best sightings often arrive when you have just put the phone away.