You don't need to cross an ocean to see whales. Europe has some of the best whale watching in the world, from humpbacks feeding in Iceland's fjords to sperm whales off the volcanic Azores and orcas following the herring in Arctic Norway. Here is where to go whale watching in Europe, when to go, and how to choose an ethical tour.
The Best Places for Whale Watching in Europe
Húsavík, Iceland
Húsavík on Iceland's north coast calls itself the whale-watching capital of Europe. Humpback whales and white-beaked dolphins are seen on most summer trips in Skjálfandi Bay, and minke whales and occasionally blue whales visit too.
- Best time: roughly April to October, with peak sightings in June to August.
- Boats: Traditional oak fishing boats, quieter electric boats, and fast RIBs.
Stay connected: Iceland eSIM
Reykjavík, Iceland
Tours leave year-round from Reykjavík's Old Harbour into Faxaflói Bay. Minke whales, humpbacks, and dolphins are the most common sightings. It is the easiest option if you are short on time, and in winter you can combine it with a northern lights trip. See where to see the northern lights in Europe.
The Azores, Portugal
The nine volcanic islands of the Azores, in the middle of the Atlantic, are one of the best places in the world to see whales. More than 20 species have been recorded, including resident sperm whales and migrating blue, fin, and sei whales in spring. Pico and São Miguel are the main bases. Local lookouts called vigias spot whales from the cliffs and radio the boats.
- Best time: all year for sperm whales; April to June for migrating baleen whales.
Madeira, Portugal
Madeira offers year-round sightings of short-finned pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and spotted dolphins, with sperm whales and baleen whales passing at certain times of year. Tours leave from Funchal and Calheta.
Tromsø and Skjervøy, Norway
In winter, huge numbers of herring gather in the fjords of northern Norway, followed by orcas and humpback whales. Boat trips from Tromsø and the island of Skjervøy offer the chance to see them against snowy mountains, and sometimes under the northern lights.
- Best time: roughly November to January, depending on where the herring are.
Stay connected: Norway eSIM
Andenes, Norway
At the tip of the Vesterålen islands, the deep sea canyon close to shore attracts sperm whales almost year-round, with summer the most popular time.
Other places to see whales and dolphins in Europe
- Strait of Gibraltar, Spain: Orcas, pilot whales, and dolphins from Tarifa.
- The Hebrides, Scotland: Minke whales, dolphins, and basking sharks in summer.
- West Cork, Ireland: Fin and humpback whales in late summer and autumn.
- The Canary Islands, Spain: Resident pilot whales and dolphins off Tenerife and La Gomera.
How to Choose an Ethical Whale-Watching Tour
- Choose operators that follow local codes of conduct, keep their distance, and limit time near the animals.
- Look for certifications or partnerships with marine research and conservation groups.
- Avoid tours that chase, surround, or feed animals, or promise swimming with whales where it isn't regulated.
- Prefer smaller groups and quieter boats.
- Ask what happens if no whales are seen. Many operators offer a free second trip.
Tips for Whale Watching
- Dress warmly, even in summer. It is cold and windy at sea, especially in Iceland and Norway.
- Take seasickness tablets before you go if you are prone to it.
- Bring binoculars and a zoom lens, and keep your phone in a waterproof pouch.
- Book in the morning, when the sea is often calmer.
- Stay connected. The egoViet Europe eSIM covers Iceland, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, and the UK, so you can check tour updates and weather.
FAQs: Whale Watching in Europe
Where is the best whale watching in Europe?
Húsavík in Iceland, the Azores, and northern Norway around Tromsø and Andenes are among the best places in Europe to see whales.
When is the best time for whale watching in Iceland?
June to August has the highest chance of sightings, especially in Húsavík. Tours from Reykjavík run all year.
Can you see orcas in Europe?
Yes. Northern Norway in winter is one of the best places in the world to see orcas, and they are also seen in the Strait of Gibraltar.
Can you see whales in the Azores all year?
Sperm whales live around the Azores all year. Spring brings migrating blue, fin, and sei whales.