Experience whale watching with a high chance of spotting humpback whales from the charming village of Árskógssandur, just a 30-minute ride from Akureyri. This picturesque location is renowned for its stunning scenery and is home to Iceland’s first microbrewery and the famous Beer Baths. Sign up for the Stuck in Iceland newsletter to secure a discount code that gives you 15% off on a whale-watching tour from Árskógssandur when you book online.
Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive discount codes that will give you savings on 150 Iceland tours and travel services.
Subscribe to the Stuck in Iceland newsletterReceive exclusive promo codes for tours, car rental, camper van rental, and outdoor clothing rental. Get occasional updates about new content. I will never give your data to a third party without consent.
Thank you
Jon Heidar, Editor of Stuck in Iceland Travel Magazine
Whale watching with North Sailing
In addition to renowned whale-watching tours in Húsavík, North Sailing has been operating whale-watching excursions in Eyjafjörður for many years. In a strategic move before the 2022 season, they relocated their base from Hjalteyri to Árskógssandur to provide even better whale-watching experiences.
To explain a bit more: over the years, they have discovered a magical whale-watching triangle between Árskógssandur, Hrísey, and Grenivík. This area is rich in krill and small fish, which are the primary diet of humpback whales. As a result, humpback whales are frequently sighted in these waters, making it an ideal location for unforgettable whale-watching adventures.
Explore Árskógssandur
After a day filled with amazing whale sightings, you can relax in the unique Kaldi Beer Baths, jump in the outdoor wooden hot tub or sauna, and try local dishes in the beautiful seaside-view bistro Ströndin. This complex is home to Kaldi – Iceland’s first microbrewery offering beer tasting. Enjoy all of this while admiring the breathtaking Icelandic landscape!
Visit Hrísey Island
If you spend some days in the area, you can also visit the beautiful island of Hrísey, a true natural pearl in Eyjafjörður. The island can easily access the ferry Sævar, which departs from Árskógssandur harbor daily and takes just a 15-minute journey. Hrísey is recommended for its vibrant birdlife, several marked trails, stunning views, warm hospitality of the locals, and interesting history.
Join the friendly crew of North Sailing
To find North Sailing in Árskógssandur, look for green flags. You will easily find the ticket office located within Hotel Kaldi at the harbor in Árskógssandur. There, you will meet the friendly crew of North Sailing that will take you out for an unforgettable whale adventure onboard their beautifully restored traditional wooden boats.
