Awards, Certifications, Membership and Authorisation
As a pioneer in whale watching in Iceland, North Sailing has received multiple awards both domestically and internationally. North Sailing takes great pride in having received these prestigious awards and is always striving to do better.
Awards and Certifications
- 1996 – Environmental Award from the Icelandic Tourist Board, which plays an extensive role in the Icelandic tourism industry and is an independent authority under the Ministry of Industries and Innovation.
- 1996 – Silver Otter Award from the British Guild of Travel Writers which is the UK’s premier association of media professionals who focus on travels.
- 2003 – Scandinavian Travel Award.
- 2007 – The Innovation Award from The Icelandic Travel Industry Association, which is the mutual venue of Icelandic companies operating in the field of travel and tourism. Its purpose is to promote and protect the common interest of the membership and to work towards improved proficiency of both staff and management.
- 2010 – The Icelandic Web Awards Best sales and marketing web for company counting 50 employees or less.
- 2014 – The Landstólpi Award from the Icelandic Regional Development Institute, for the development of whale watching in Húsavík.
- 2015 – Environmental Award from the Icelandic Tourist Board
- 2015 – World Responsible Tourism Silver Awards for the best innovation for Carbon Reduction.
- 2015 – Markaðsstofa Norðurlands. Company of the year.
- 2016 – One of Iceland´s Strongest Companies 2012-2016
- 2016 – World Travel & Tourism Council. Tourism For Tomorrow Finalist 2016
- 2021 – Certified Responsible Whale Watching Operator by the World Cetacean Alliance
Membership, authorisations and licenses
- Icelandic Tourist Board.
- The Icelandic Maritime Administration.
- Lloyd’s Register of Shipping.
- SAF – Icelandic Travel Industry Association
- Member of Visit North Iceland
- Member of Visit Húsavík
Our whale watching vessels undergo strict inspections in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Icelandic Maritime Administration. All crew members attend regular courses and training in maritime safety and life-saving at the Maritime Safety and Survival Training Centre which is a member of the International Association for Safety and Survival Training.
Passengers and crew on our whale watching tours are insured by VÍS insurance.