You don't have to leave town for this one. Special Tours runs whale watching straight out of Akureyri on the Lilja, so there's no hour-long drive to another harbour. Just a boat, the fjord, and a crew keeping an eye on the water.

Akureyri sits at the head of Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord, with mountains on both sides. It's a sheltered, scenic place to spend a couple of hours looking for whales.

What you'll do on this Akureyri whale watching tour

The tour lasts about two and a half hours. The main species you're hoping for are humpback whales and minke whales, and with luck you'll catch them surfacing, breaching or playing. They're wild animals, so nothing is promised, but the guides know the fjord and where to look.

Along the way, the crew explains the biology and behaviour of the whales and the wider marine ecosystem. Special Tours says its trips follow sustainable practices to keep their footprint on the fjord small.

On board the Lilja

The Lilja is a fast cruising ship built for a stable, comfortable ride. There's both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can stand on deck when something shows up and retreat inside when the wind picks up. All necessary safety equipment is provided.

• Professional guides and crew
• Warm overalls, including children's sizes
• Snack bar on board
• Free WiFi

Food and drink from the snack bar cost extra, and hotel transfers aren't included, so make your own way to the boat.

Who this tour suits

With warm overalls in children's sizes and an indoor cabin to hide in, this is an easy option for families and for anyone staying in Akureyri who wants whale watching without a drive.

Pro tip: bring a hat and gloves even with the overalls. Fjord wind is cold in any season, and your hands are the part holding the camera.