Iceland Travel Guide logo Iceland Travel GuideLOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY IN ICELAND My trip Talk to a local

Goðafoss Waterfall & Whale Watching from Akureyri

About 7 hoursGroup: Small group to Goðafoss, shared boat for whale watchingEasyStarts at Akureyri harbourAge 2+April to September
Visitor in a red jacket above Goðafoss waterfallWhale tail in Eyjafjörður with snowy mountains behindGoðafoss and its turquoise pool from abovePassengers watching a whale from the boat
Humpback whale breaching

Two of North Iceland's best sights in one day from Akureyri. A small-group bus takes you to Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods, and after lunch in town you head out on Eyjafjörður fjord to look for humpback whales. It works well for cruise passengers, as both parts start at the harbour.

Drive to GoðafossGoðafoss waterfallWhale watching in EyjafjörðurBack at the harbour
  • Goðafoss waterfall
  • Whale watching in Eyjafjörður
  • Humpback whales
  • Akureyri harbour

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.
1Meet at Akureyri harbourThe bus part starts from the car park on the corner of Laufásgata and Gránufélagsgata, just outside the Akureyri cruise terminal.

The bus part starts from the car park on the corner of Laufásgata and Gránufélagsgata, just outside the Akureyri cruise terminal. Arrive 15 minutes before the time on your ticket.

2Drive to GoðafossDrive to GoðafossThe drive east from Akureyri to Goðafoss takes about 40 minutes.
Drive to GoðafossDrive to GoðafossDrive to Goðafoss

The drive east from Akureyri to Goðafoss takes about 40 minutes. Your guide tells you about the area, its farms and its folklore on the way.

Read our Goðafoss guide →
3Visitor in a red jacket above Goðafoss waterfallGoðafoss waterfallGoðafoss is about 30 metres wide and 12 metres high, set in a horseshoe of lava rock on the Skjálfandafljót river.
Visitor in a red jacket above Goðafoss waterfallVisitor sitting at the edge of Goðafoss

Goðafoss is about 30 metres wide and 12 metres high, set in a horseshoe of lava rock on the Skjálfandafljót river. The story goes that in the year 1000, when Iceland became Christian, the lawspeaker Þorgeir threw his statues of the old Norse gods into the falls. You have free time to walk to the viewpoints on the east bank.

4Back to AkureyriThe bus takes you back to the harbour.

The bus takes you back to the harbour. There is time for lunch before the boat leaves. Food is not included.

5Whale tail in Eyjafjörður with snowy mountains behindWhale watching in EyjafjörðurThe whale watching boat leaves from the ticket office on Oddeyrarbót pier, a 5 to 8 minute walk from the bus stop.
Whale tail in Eyjafjörður with snowy mountains behindPassengers watching a whale from the boatHumpback whale breaching

The whale watching boat leaves from the ticket office on Oddeyrarbót pier, a 5 to 8 minute walk from the bus stop. Eyjafjörður is Iceland's longest fjord, and humpback whales feed here through the summer. You spend about 2.5 to 3.5 hours at sea, with warm overalls, a heated indoor saloon and commentary in English.

6Passengers watching a whale from the boatBack at the harbourThe boat returns to Akureyri harbour, a short walk from the cruise terminal.

About the Goðafoss and whale watching tour

Goðafoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, and Eyjafjörður is one of the best places in the country to see humpback whales. This tour combines both in about seven hours, starting and ending at Akureyri harbour.

The first part is a guided bus tour in a small group to Goðafoss. The second part is a whale watching trip on a larger, shared boat with an indoor saloon. They are two separate trips, so you meet at two places close to each other in the harbour.

Whales are wild animals and sightings can never be promised, but humpbacks are seen on most summer trips in Eyjafjörður.

Included

  • Guided small-group bus tour to Goðafoss
  • Professional guide
  • Wi-Fi on the bus
  • Whale watching trip of 2.5 to 3.5 hours
  • Warm overalls and blankets on the boat
  • Commentary in English on the boat
  • Heated indoor saloon with large windows

Not included

  • Food and drinks (snacks can be bought on the boat)

What to bring

  • Warm, wind- and waterproof clothing
  • A wool or fleece jumper for the boat
  • Hat and gloves
  • Sturdy shoes for uneven ground at the waterfall

Good to know

  • Duration: about 7 hours
  • Minimum age 2. Child prices for ages 2 to 6 and 7 to 11, youth 12 to 15
  • Arrive 15 minutes before the time on your ticket
  • The whale watching boat leaves from Oddeyrarbót pier, a short walk from the bus stop
  • Thermal overalls can be borrowed on the boat
  • Meeting point: Car park on the corner of Laufásgata and Gránufélagsgata, just outside Akureyri Harbour Cruise Terminal
  • Open the meeting point in Google Maps

Questions people ask

Is this tour suitable for cruise passengers?

Yes. Both parts start at Akureyri harbour, close to the cruise terminal. Check that your ship's time in port covers the full seven hours.

Will we see whales?

Sightings cannot be promised, but humpback whales are seen on most summer trips in Eyjafjörður.

How long is the walk at Goðafoss?

A few minutes from the car park to the main viewpoint on easy paths. The ground near the edge is uneven.

Is lunch included?

No. There is time to eat in Akureyri between the waterfall and the boat.

Reviews

A local reads every review before it is shown.
No reviews of this tour yet. If you have taken it, other travellers would like to hear how it went.
From26,990 ISKPer person

You may also like

Goðafoss & Lake MyvatnGoðafoss & Lake MyvatnFrom 21,990 ISKWhale Watching AkureyriWhale Watching AkureyriFrom 14,500 ISKSolheimajokull Glacier HikeSolheimajokull Glacier HikeFrom 14,635 ISK
More tours like this:Whale watching in IcelandSightseeing tours in IcelandNorth Iceland toursAll categories →
Our guides to places on this tour:AkureyriGoðafoss
From26,990 ISK