Arctic Sea Tours has been named Tourism Company of the Year 2026 in North Iceland.
We are proud and grateful to receive this recognition from Visit North Iceland.
The award recognises our commitment to safety and quality, investment in guest comfort, year-round whale watching, and the personal stories we share about the whales we have followed for many years.
Visit North Iceland Testimony
Company of the Year
The "Company of the Year" award is presented to a business that has moved beyond its early, formative stages and established a strong market position. The company has focused on consistent growth, product development, and innovation, and is headquartered in North Iceland.
This year, the award goes to Arctic Sea Tours, based in Dalvík. The company has offered whale-watching tours since 2009, continuously developing its services and diversifying its tour offerings—all while prioritizing safety and quality. Today, it operates two traditional oak boats and two RIB boats; the latest addition, *Rökkur*, joined the fleet in the spring of 2024. Furthermore, the company was the first in Iceland to introduce shock-mitigating passenger seats on its RIB boats—a feature that reduces impact from wave motion and serves as a prime example of the ambition that has driven the development of Arctic Sea Tours.
Arctic Sea Tours has prioritized year-round whale-watching, thereby contributing to the strengthening of winter tourism in North Iceland. Offering recreational activities throughout more months of the year bolsters the region as a destination and creates opportunities for other local businesses and services. This focus plays a significant role in the development of tourism in North Iceland.
An interest in and knowledge of the marine ecosystem are also reflected in the company’s social media presence. They share stories of individual whales—whales the crew knows by name and has followed for years. Their return to the fjord is celebrated, while news of their passing is met with sorrow. This personal approach testifies to the bond formed with the marine environment through years of work, and offers insight into the genuine passion that drives the company’s operations.
Arctic Sea Tours Founders Speech
Founded by Freyr Antonsson and Silja Pálsdóttir in 2009, Arctic Sea Tours began with Viktor, a small oak boat licensed for fifteen passengers. Today, we operate two oak boats and two RIB boats, welcoming visitors from around the world to Eyjafjörður.
Our purpose remains close to home: to care for our guests, share our knowledge and love of the fjord, and treat whales and their ocean home with respect.
Our greatest thanks go to our team, past and present. Your care, knowledge, flexibility and dedication make these experiences possible. This recognition belongs to you too.
To our family, our guests, our long-standing and newer partners, and the community of Dalvík: thank you for your trust and support. Every returning guest and every partner who chooses us again gives us another reason to keep improving.
Thank you to Visit North Iceland for this honour. Congratulations also to fellow award recipients Elín S. Sigurðardóttir and Daníel Hansen for their contributions to tourism in North Iceland.
We look forward to many more journeys together.
Join Us in Dalvík
Arctic Sea Tours operates whale watching tours from Dalvík in North Iceland, offering access to the rich waters of Eyjafjörður.
Whether visiting in winter, spring, summer, or autumn, each season offers its own unique perspective on the whales and marine life of the fjord.
If you are planning a trip to North Iceland, we would be delighted to welcome you on board.
