Guided Boat Tours

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Iceland's icy waters with a whale watching tour departing from the picturesque town of Isafjordur. Set against a backdrop of towering snow-capped mountains and glistening fjords, this adventure promises a mesmerizing encounter with some of the ocean's most magnificent inhabitants.

Sjóferðir ehf is a proud member of IceWhale association which promotes a code of conduct for whale watching ensuring the best possible encounter, both for animal welfare and passenger enjoyment.Sjóferðir also works in conjunction with the UK based charity Whale Wise, a team of conservationists, scientists and educators, working to understand and improve the relationship between whales and humans.

As you board the sturdy vessel, you'll feel the anticipation building in the crisp Arctic air. The captain, seasoned in the art of tracking marine wildlife, will greet you warmly, sharing their passion for these majestic creatures and the surrounding environment.

Leaving the harbor behind, the boat glides smoothly across the glassy surface of the fjord, offering panoramic views of the rugged coastline. Keep your eyes peeled as seabirds wheel overhead, signaling the presence of marine life below. In 2023 we had a 100% chance of seeing humpback whales. If we are lucky maybe the occasional minke whale, orca or dolphin.

Returning to Isafjordur harbor, you carry with you memories that will last a lifetime, a testament to the unparalleled beauty and biodiversity of Iceland's wild waters. 

  
Due to the high number of people asking, we would like to clarify that there are toilets on all of our boats. 

  
**All passengers should arrive half an hour before the departure times.**

**Meeting point is the red harbour house with Sjoferdir´s sign on it.**

Whale Watching Ísafjörður 

Did you know that the sunsets are more amazing the farther north you travel?

Ever wanted to combine the amazing Icelandic midnight sun with whale watching?

Sjóferðir is offering two and a half hours midnight whale watching and If weather condition and boat traffic allow we will use our amazing hydrophone so you can listen to this amazing creatures if they are making sounds underwater.

 Midnight Whale watching / hydrophone

This 2 hour 15 minute boat ride takes you into the bay of Ísafjörður exploring wildlife and enjoying great mountain view. Along the way your guide will tell you about life in the Westfjords and about the amazing bird and marine life. Our goal is sailing to an abundant Puffin area, exploring puffins on the water, black guillemots and eiders. The tour also takes you through areas where it is very likely to see hump back whales, but we can not guarantee that. Please note that weather conditions as well as where the puffins are feeding are the factor that decides where we go exactly. we will head to a nearby fjord or close to Vigur island where puffins are abundant and the sea is often considerably calm. The destination largely depends on the weather and sea conditions. Remember to bring a camera, binocular is also very good for looking at the seals (if we go close to the islands) when the tide is low as they sit sunbathing on the rocks. Dress warm.

  
_**Kindly note that we need a minimum of 12 persons total for the tour to go ahead. We offer 100% refund if the tour does not go ahead due to minimum persons not being reached.**_

**All passengers should arrive half an hour before the departure times.**

**Meeting point is the red harbour house with Sjoferdir´s sign on it.**

Puffin Party 

Hornvík is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in Iceland. It is surrounded by two of the three largest bird cliffs in Europe and has a mystic remoteness and magnificent landscape. To get to Hornvík you must sail for 2-2,5 hours straight and sometimes the ride can be a bit bumpy. Before stepping onto dry land we stop for a moment to view the cliffs of Hælavíkurbjarg; a cliff that reaches vertically at an altitude of 258 meters. Stepping ashore on the other side of the bay, you hike up to one of the mountains to enjoy the best view possible of the day. The arctic foxes are nearby and might appear without notice. The tour takes about 10-12 hours and the stay in Hornvík is around 6-7 hours, spent walking and enjoying all the magnificent things that catch your eye. This hike is for people in moderate shape. The hiking distance is about 6 km on rough and on steep and slippery ground.

King and Queen of Cliffs - Hornstrandir Hike

If you are looking for an easy, calm day tour to the Hornstrandir area, this is the choice. We offer you a guided day tour of the abandoned village of Hesteyri. The village is only be reached by boat and the boat ride from Ísafjörður takes up to 70 minutes. Lying in one of the renowned Glacier Fjords (Jökulfirðir), the peaceful Hesteyri village has beautiful scenery and rich history. In the late 1940s, the people of the village made a common decision to move away, and in 1952 the village stood totally abandoned. Upon arrival the guide will take you for a walk around the village and you´ll get an insight into the history and a feeling of how it was to live almost on the edge of the earth. It is also a great way to enjoy the pure, colorful nature of the Hornstrandir area, popular with hikers. The walk ends in the old Doctor´s house where you´ll be served traditional Icelandic refreshments. If lucky you´ll get a chance to see seals, arctic foxes, or even a whale on this tour.

History at Hesteyri 

Due to the harshness of the environment, the Hornstrandir area was abandoned completely by the last of its inhabitants in the early 1950s. Since 1974 the flora and fauna have been protected and now arctic foxes, birds, seals, and plants have thrived undisturbed. This is the perfect full-day hike to enjoy all of what the area has to offer. You´ll leave by boat from Ísafjörður in the morning for Aðalvík. Continuing on foot to the abandoned settlement at Hesteyri. Once we reach Hesteyri warm drinks and pancakes will await us at the Doctors House Café. We will return from Hesteyri in the late afternoon and be back to Ísafjörður. 

This is a moderate hike for people in good shape. Hiking distance is about 11 km on rough ground and elevation is about 300 m.

A Day's hike in the Nature Reserve - Hornstrandir Hike (Aðalvík -  Hesteyri)

Due to the harsh nature and remoteness the Hornstrandir area was abandoned completely by the last of its inhabitants in the early 1950’s. Since 1974 the flora and fauna has been protected and now arctic foxes, birds, seals and plants have thrived undisturbed. On this hike the guide leads you through the singular history of the area and the unspoiled nature. The boat leaves Ísafjörður in the morning for the abandoned village of Hesteyri. Continuing on foot between the creeks and bays to another abandoned settlement at Sæból in Aðalvík. This is a hike for people in a moderate or good shape. Hiking distance is about 12 km on rough ground and elevation is of about 300 meters.

The Prime Hiking Destination - Hornstrandir hike (Hesteyri - Aðalvík)

Boat Tours

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Skarfur Elvar Otkelsson <seo@icefloe.travel>