Akureyri: Whale Watching Tour & Forest Lagoon Entrance

Exploring Akureyri’s Whale Watching & Forest Lagoon Experience: A Practical Overview

If you’re eyeing a trip to Iceland’s scenic North, a combo tour of whale watching in Eyjaförður and relaxing at the Forest Lagoon might catch your interest. While I haven’t personally been on this exact tour, it’s a popular option for travelers wanting a taste of Iceland’s maritime wildlife and a cozy, forested spa experience.

What I appreciate about this particular offering is how it combines two distinct elements—adventure and relaxation—in one package. The chance to see whales, guided by knowledgeable staff, is genuinely exciting, especially if you’re into marine life. Plus, the Forest Lagoon’s unique setting—surrounded by birch and pine trees with views over Eyjafjörður—sounds like a peaceful spot to unwind after the sea.

That said, there are a couple of points to consider. The reviews suggest that whale sightings aren’t always guaranteed—some guests have seen whales, others haven’t. Also, since the tour involves two separate excursions, timing can be tight if you want to maximize your experience. It’s worth noting that this tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy both wildlife encounters and spa relaxation, and are okay with some unpredictability.

All in all, this tour could be a hit if you’re after a balanced day of nature, wildlife, and calm. It’s especially fitting for those who prefer organized trips with guides, but also appreciate the flexibility to adjust schedule and timing. Let’s take a detailed look at what makes this experience tick.

Key Points

• Two-in-one experience: Combines whale watching with a spa retreat at Forest Lagoon.
• Guided and informative: Your tour includes a live guide, making the experience more enriching.
• Nature and wildlife: Expect stunning views, seabirds, and hopefully whales in Eyjaförður.
• Flexible scheduling: The Forest Lagoon visit is automatically booked at 5 PM, but you can modify this.
• Pricing reflects value: At $159, it covers boat trip, lagoon entry, warm overalls, snacks, and WiFi—good value if you love both elements.
• Some unpredictability: Whale sightings aren’t guaranteed, and you might need to coordinate separately if you want to visit the lagoon at a different time.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour in Akureyri

Starting point and logistics

The tour begins at the Special Tours Ticket Office on Oddeyrarbót 1 in Akureyri. The meeting spot is straightforward, and the activity ends back there, keeping things simple for travelers. The fact that the tour is valid over five days means you have some flexibility in choosing your preferred starting time—just check availability.

Transportation to the boat and the lagoon isn’t included, so if you’re staying outside the town, plan for transfers. The group size isn’t specified, but tours like this typically run in small to medium groups, fostering a more personal experience.

Whale Watching: what to expect

On the boat, you’ll board a comfortable vessel suited for navigating Eyjaförður, Iceland’s longest fjord. The crew is described as knowledgeable and guides you through what you’re seeing, which adds a lot to the experience.

The main highlight is spotting whales, mainly humpbacks, along with dolphins and seabirds. The unpredictable nature of animal sightings means patience is key. As one traveler noted, “We were lucky enough to see whales, but these are 2 separate excursions. You end up with the whales in the same port and you have to be quick to get to the forest lagoon on your own.” This implies that if you’re on a tight schedule or hoping for a close-up whale encounter, be aware that sightings depend on nature and luck.

The boat ride includes a snack bar and WiFi, so you can relax and share your experience in real time. The inclusion of warm overalls, including children’s sizes, is a thoughtful touch that keeps everyone comfortable regardless of Iceland’s sometimes brisk weather.

The Forest Lagoon: relaxation and scenery

After the boat tour, you are automatically booked at the Forest Lagoon at 5 PM. This is a cozy, scenic spa located amidst birch and pine trees, with spectacular views over Eyjafjörður. The tranquil environment, complemented by the surrounding forest, sounds like a perfect way to wind down.

Guests can enjoy the view, the serenity, and the natural energy of Vaðlaskógur—the forest that surrounds the baths. The experience is designed to be peaceful, focusing on the calming influence of nature. For travelers wanting to customize their visit, it’s easy to contact the tour provider to adjust the lagoon time, which offers some flexibility.

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What’s included and what’s not

The package is quite comprehensive. It covers the whale watching trip, Forest Lagoon entrance, warm overalls, and a live guided tour. These inclusions provide good value—especially since the guide enhances the experience with local insights.

However, transfers are not included, so you need to arrange your transportation to and from Akureyri. The hot drinks and refreshments at the lagoon are available for purchase, but not included in the price, so budget accordingly if you plan to indulge.

The experience from reviews

The reviews shed light on what real travelers thought. One said, “Everything was great, we couldn’t see whales as close as we had hoped but the excursion was well organized,” which suggests that even if the wildlife viewing is hit or miss, the overall management of the trip is smooth.

Another mentioned, “We were lucky enough to see whales, but these are 2 separate excursions,” highlighting that the whale watching and Lagoon visits are separate but coordinated parts of this experience. The ease of transportation to the lagoon—every 20 minutes, a free round trip bus from Akureyri—means you won’t need to book a package for that, which offers flexibility.

Price and value

At $159 per person, this tour might seem a bit steep at first glance. However, considering it includes the boat trip, lagoon entry, warm clothing, and guided commentary, many will find it reasonable—especially if whale sightings are successful. For those less focused on just the wildlife and more on combining activities, the overall value holds up.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This experience appeals most to nature lovers and those interested in marine wildlife, especially if you’re keen to see whales in their natural habitat. It’s also a good fit for travelers who appreciate guided tours, as the live guide helps maximize what you learn and see.

If you’re someone who enjoys relaxing in scenic, tranquil environments after an active outing, the Forest Lagoon provides a peaceful retreat. However, if you’re traveling on a tight schedule or looking for guaranteed whale sightings, keep in mind that nature’s unpredictability means no promise of close encounters.

This tour is less ideal for travelers expecting a luxury experience—it’s more about authenticity, simplicity, and enjoying Iceland’s rugged beauty. Also, since pets aren’t allowed and the tour is primarily in English, it might not suit travelers with specific accessibility needs or language preferences.

Final thoughts: Is it worth it?

This Akureyri combo tour offers a solid introduction to Iceland’s north. You get to combine marine wildlife watching with the chance to unwind in a beautiful forest setting, all in a single day. The inclusions, like warm overalls, WiFi, and a guided tour, add to the overall experience.

While it’s true that whale sightings aren’t guaranteed, the knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery make the effort worthwhile. Plus, the flexibility with scheduling and the ease of transportation to the lagoon make it accessible for most travelers.

If you’re curious about Iceland’s waters, love the idea of a relaxing spa surrounded by woods, and enjoy organized tours that offer some backup plans, this could be a great choice. For those wanting a little adventure mixed with downtime, it’s a balanced option that captures the essence of Iceland’s natural charm.

FAQs

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve ahead of time, especially since you can keep your plans flexible by reserving without paying immediately.

Is the whale watching tour suitable for children?
Yes, warm overalls are provided for children, and the tour is generally family-friendly, but always check with the provider if you have very young children.

Can I change the Lagoon timing?
Yes, you can contact the tour provider to adjust your Forest Lagoon visit if needed, since it’s automatically scheduled at 5 PM but flexible.

What should I bring with me?
Dress warmly, as weather can be brisk, and bring a camera or phone for photos. WiFi is available on the boat for sharing your trip in real time.

Are transfers included?
No, transfers are not provided, so plan your transportation to and from Akureyri accordingly.

How long is the entire experience?
The tour duration isn’t specified exactly, but you should allocate sufficient time for both activities, considering the boat trip, lagoon visit, and potential waiting times.

What if I don’t see any whales?
While sightings depend on nature, the tour is well-organized, and guides do their best to maximize your chances. Even without whale sightings, the boat ride and scenery are enjoyable.

Is the Forest Lagoon a good place to relax?
Absolutely. Its scenic location, tranquil environment, and views over Eyjafjörður make it a peaceful spot to unwind after your boat trip.

Hopefully, this detailed look helps you decide whether this combo tour fits what you’re looking for in Iceland’s North. It’s a relaxed but exciting way to connect with nature, with enough flexibility to adapt to your preferences.

You can check availability for your dates here: