Whale watching in West Iceland is one of those experiences you remember for a lifetime – but only if you’re dressed for the North Atlantic and have the right gear with you. The weather here can change quickly, even in summer, so smart packing makes all the difference between shivering on deck and comfortably soaking in every tail slap and blow.
Staying with Ourhotels.is – whether at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords – puts you close to some of Iceland’s best whale watching areas. To help you make the most of your trip, here’s a practical guide on what to pack for whale watching in West Iceland.
Start with warm, layered clothing. Even on sunny days, it’s much colder out at sea than on land, and the wind can be strong. Think in layers: a breathable base layer (wool or technical fabric), a warm mid-layer (fleece or light down), and a windproof, waterproof outer layer. Guests at Hvítá Inn often use Borgarfjörður as a first stop on their West Iceland journey, and it’s a great place to test your layers on a short walk by the river before heading further west to your whale watching departure point.
A good waterproof jacket with a hood is essential. Many whale watching operators provide overalls, but having your own shell jacket and waterproof trousers means you’ll stay dry on the way to and from the harbor and if you want to explore coastal paths afterwards. From Stykkishólmur Inn, you’re just a short walk from the harbor, and being properly dressed lets you enjoy the sea breeze and views over Breiðafjörður Bay without rushing indoors to warm up.
Don’t forget accessories. A warm hat that covers your ears, a buff or scarf, and windproof gloves are must-haves, even in midsummer. The wind on deck can be biting, especially when the boat is moving. Pack thick socks (wool is best) and wear sturdy, closed shoes or light hiking boots with good grip – decks can be wet and slippery. If you’re staying at Ísafjörður Inn before a whale watching tour in the Westfjords, you’ll likely be walking around the harbor and town as well, so comfortable, weatherproof footwear will serve you all day.
Sun protection is easy to overlook in Iceland, but it’s important. The combination of bright skies, reflection off the sea, and long daylight hours can be surprisingly intense. Bring sunglasses with UV protection and a strap so they don’t fly off in the wind, plus a small bottle of sunscreen and lip balm with SPF. These items take up almost no space in your bag but make your time on deck much more comfortable.
A compact daypack is useful for keeping your essentials together: camera, extra layer, snacks, water bottle, and any medication. Many guests at Ourhotels.is like to prepare a small “whale watching kit” in their room the night before, so they can head straight to the harbor in the morning. At Stykkishólmur Inn and Ísafjörður Inn, you’re close enough to the sea that you can easily pop back to your room if you’ve forgotten something, but it’s still nicer to have everything ready.
For photography, bring a camera with a zoom lens or a smartphone with good zoom capabilities. The whales may come close, but often they surface a bit farther from the boat. A neck strap or wrist strap is highly recommended – the last thing you want is to worry about dropping your camera overboard just as a humpback breaches. Consider a small dry bag or waterproof pouch to protect your electronics from sea spray. If you’re staying at Hvítá Inn and planning a full West Iceland road trip, this same camera setup will be perfect for waterfalls, lava fields, and coastal views along the way.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, pack seasickness tablets or patches and take them before boarding, not after you start to feel unwell. Ginger tablets or candies can also help some people. Having a light snack before the tour and bringing a small bottle of water is a good idea. Many guests at Ourhotels.is like to enjoy breakfast at their inn, then keep it light and simple before heading out on the boat.
A few small extras can make your whale watching experience even better. Binoculars are great for spotting distant blows, seabirds, and the surrounding coastline. A reusable water bottle and a small, easy-to-eat snack (like nuts or an energy bar) fit easily in your daypack. If you’re visiting in the colder months or shoulder seasons, consider packing thin thermal leggings and an extra pair of gloves or glove liners – they don’t take much space and can be a lifesaver on a chilly day at sea.
When planning your itinerary, it’s convenient to base yourself at different Ourhotels.is locations as you explore West Iceland’s whale watching areas. Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður is ideal if you’re driving from Reykjavík and want to break up the journey with scenic stops and hot springs. Stykkishólmur Inn places you right by the harbor for tours into Breiðafjörður Bay, where you can combine whale watching with birdlife and island views. Ísafjörður Inn is perfectly located for exploring the dramatic Westfjords, where deep fjords and rich feeding grounds attract whales close to shore.
By packing thoughtfully – focusing on warmth, waterproof layers, sun protection, and a few key accessories – you’ll be ready to enjoy every moment on deck, from the first distant spout to the final tail disappearing beneath the waves. With comfortable bases at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, Ourhotels.is makes it easy to explore West Iceland’s best whale watching spots while returning each day to a warm, welcoming room and a good night’s rest.
