A Journey That Started with a Dream – and a Oak Boat Named Viktor
Sixteen years ago, Arctic Sea Tours set sail on a journey that has brought thousands of guests face to face with the majestic whales of Eyjafjörður. It all began when Freyr and Silja, the founders, took their first whale watching tour aboard Viktor EA, a 15-ton oak boat built in Seyðisfjörður in 1971. With a sturdy 1976 engine and space for just 15 passengers, Viktor was more than just a boat — it was the heartbeat of a dream taking shape.
"Looking back, there’s a poetic connection between the years the boat and engine were made and where we are today — it feels like those parts of history were waiting for us to write the next chapter," says Freyr, CEO born 1976 and Silja born 1971 co-founders of Arctic Sea Tours.
From One Oak Boat to a Fleet of Four
Over the years, our passion has grown — and so has our fleet:
Draumur EA – Built in 1979, purchased in 2011. 22 tons. 42 passengers.
Máni EA – Built in 1977, purchased in 2013. 50 tons. 60 passengers. Newly refurbished.
Dögun EA – 13-meter RIB from 2017. Built in England. Fast, agile, 12 passengers. New engine 2025
Rökkur EA – Our newest addition 2024. Built in England. Fast, agile, 12 passengers.
The Numbers Tell the Story
What Our Guests Say
💬 “Best tour we’ve done in Iceland! Knowledgeable guides and breathtaking sightings.”
💬 “We saw multiple humpbacks up close. Felt completely safe and cared for.”
💬 “Returned for the 5th year — always unforgettable!”
💬 “The guides are incredibly passionate and informative. Felt like being with family.”
A Community Beyond the Fjord
We've had loyal guides join us with groups every year since 2009. Travel agency have been with for 12 years, another 10 years. Some guests come every year and join many tours each time. That kind of loyalty and trust means everything to us.
What’s Next?
We continue to operate from our reception at Hafnarbraut 22, with storage and maintenance at Sandskeið and our boats docked at Martröð.
Quote from Freyr, CEO
“Running Arctic Sea Tours is more than a business – it’s a way of life. It’s tough, weather-dependent, and demanding. But when the fjord is calm and a whale breaches nearby, there’s no better job in the world.”