Cruises in Iceland

Boat trips in Iceland mean the north coast and Skjálfandi bay, one of the few places in the world where whales come close enough inshore for a sailing to fit into three hours. All seven programmes in the catalogue leave from here: from Húsavík and from Árskógssandur, half an hour from Akureyri.

The choice comes down to the vessel. The classic option is a converted wooden schooner, three hours at 109 dollars, with an open deck and a stove below. The sailboat covers the same three hours at 122: under sail the engine is cut, and you can hear the whales breathe. The zero-emission electric boat costs 135 and runs almost silently — which noticeably changes how close the animals let you come.

The longest sailing is three and a half hours at 139 dollars, calling at a seabird islet. Departures run April to October; in winter the timetable thins out. Insulated overalls are handed out on board: out in the open water the temperature stays near zero even in summer. GetExperience lists 7 boat programmes in Iceland, from 109 to 139 dollars; if weather cancels a sailing, it is moved or refunded. Dates and seats are picked in the calendar, with online card payment.