cloudy

3°C

Ísafjörður

cloudy

3°C

Hornbjargsviti

Solar Eclipse and Whale Watching

A Boat Cruise into Ísafjarðardjúp: To View the Eclipse and Look for Whales

Imagine standing on the deck,  as the moon moves in front of the sun, creating a solar eclipse. The sky darkens, and the surroundings become still as the sun’s corona shines around the moon’s shadow. While witnessing this incredible event, you also have the chance to spot whales swimming nearby, their tails gracefully rising and falling. It’s a unique moment where the beauty of the cosmos and nature come together.

Contents of this tour

Tour overview

Description

Join us for an unforgettable experience as we set sail from Ísafjörður into the stunning Ísafjarðardjúp fjord system to witness a rare solar eclipse. Our expert captain will carefully choose the route to maximize your chances of viewing the eclipse, ensuring the best possible vantage point as the moon moves in front of the sun, creating a breathtaking celestial event. Watch as the sky darkens and the sun’s corona glows around the moon’s shadow—a truly awe-inspiring sight.

While you take in the eclipse, keep an eye on the waters below. The fjord is rich with marine life, and you may spot humpback and minke whales, along with dolphins and porpoises. The humpback whale often flashes its tail as it dives—an exciting sight to see while immersed in the celestial event. Puffins might also be visible as they float on the water, nesting on the nearby islands.

On rare occasions, orcas pass through the fjord, adding a unique thrill to this already extraordinary experience. Our experienced boat crew and knowledgeable guide will accompany you, sharing insights about the local wildlife and environment.

This tour offers a rare opportunity to witness both the beauty of the solar eclipse and the wonders of nature. While sightings are common, remember that these are wild animals, and we can’t guarantee whale sightings, nor can we control the cloud cover for the eclipse.

 


 

Important Details:

  • Meeting Point: Our Service Centre (white container), Ísafjörður Harbour
  • Departure Time: 16:00 PM (Please arrive 30 minutes before departure)
  • Minimum Age: 4 years
  • Group Size: Minimum 15 participants required, maximum 40 participants
  • Trip Difficulty: Easy
  • Duration: Approximately 3 hours, might take longer

Photos

Itinerary

The journey begins at our boat, located across from our gear storage at Mávagarður, where our guide, easily recognizable by the Borea logo, will be waiting to greet you. Once aboard, we’ll spend about three hours exploring the stunning Ísafjarðardjúp, searching for whales and seabirds while also finding the best location to view the solar eclipse. Our expert guide and captain will ensure we’re in the optimal spot to witness this incredible celestial event. Afterward, we’ll head back to our base in Ísafjörður, taking in the sights and sounds of the sea along the way.

What to bring

We do not supply overalls or extra clothing for this trip, so please come prepared for cold Icelandic weather with the following:
  • Warm outdoor clothing. While our boats, Sif and Íris, are fully equipped with warm interiors, the best spot for whale watching is outside. We recommend wearing layers to stay warm!
  • Waterproof jacket (and trousers, if you have them)
  • Hat and gloves.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen

And don’t forget your camera!

Note that safe shades/solar eclipse glasses will be provided by Borea.

FAQ

No, Borea does not supply any clothing on this tour.
Yes, the age limit is 4 years as Borea does not have life jackets for infants.
Whale sitings are very common in the area although this is a wild environment so we can never give guarantees.
No, we do not have wheelchair access on our boats. We can accommodate people with limited mobility if they are able to go up and down 2-3 steps.

Map

Book

Related Tours

Popular
Experience Hornstrandir’s wild beauty on a three-day hiking and luxury camping trip. Explore Hornbjarg’s cliffs, spot Arctic foxes, and enjoy rich birdlife and wild flora. The highlight is witnessing the solar eclipse from a stunning vantage point.
August 12, 2026
August 14, 2026
Popular
Experience the solar eclipse in one of Iceland’s most remote and breathtaking locations—Kvíar Lodge. Over three days, immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness, where the valley and coastline provide the perfect backdrop for this rare celestial event.
August 12, 2026
August 14, 2026