Perched along Iceland’s northern coast, Húsavík stands out as the country’s premier whale-watching hub. The town’s prime position on Skjálfandi Bay attracts multiple species of whales, making successful sightings nearly guaranteed. Traditional oak boats and modern RIB vessels run daily trips, with prices ranging from €87 for standard tours to €140 for premium experiences.
I especially love the classic wooden boat tours – they provide the most authentic experience, complete with hot chocolate and warm flotation suits. The high-speed RIB adventures are perfect for adventurous travelers who want to cover more ground and get closer to the whales. Both options include expert naturalist guides who share fascinating insights about marine life and local culture.
Let’s explore the top whale-watching tours in Húsavík.
Key Points
- Húsavík Whale Watching Tours offer multiple boat options, including traditional and speedboat formats, to view a variety of marine life in their natural habitat.
- Guides on the tours are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm, providing live commentary on the wildlife and ecology of the area.
- The tours are wheelchair accessible, with warm gear provided, and offer a personalized experience with smaller group sizes on some options.
- Positive reviews highlight the unforgettable experiences and value for money, with free traditional whale watching tours available if no sightings occur.
- Along With whale watching, Húsavík also offers fishing day tours that provide a cultural insight into Icelandic cuisine and fishing traditions.
Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour With Guide
Situated in the heart of Skjálfandi Bay, often referred to as the “whale watching capital of Iceland,” the Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide provides visitors with a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent marine creatures in their natural habitat.
The 3-hour tour, priced at €87.00 per person, allows guests to board a traditional oak boat and witness whales, dolphins, and seabirds up close.
The tour is led by knowledgeable and passionate guides, who offer live commentary throughout the experience. Guests can also enjoy light refreshments, including hot chocolate and cinnamon buns, as well as warm overalls provided by the crew.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and customers can take advantage of the “reserve now, pay later” option.
With an impressive 4.6/5 rating based on over 2,000 reviews, the Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the area.
Customers praise the guides’ expertise and the incredible whale sightings, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Read our full review: Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour With Guide Review
Book now: Check availability
Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour
What sets the Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour apart from other whale watching experiences in the region? For one, the tour offers the chance to spot over 10 species of marine life, including impressive humpback and minke whales, along with white-beaked dolphins and porpoises.
The speedboat format allows for faster and more maneuverable access to the best wildlife viewing spots in Skjálfandi Bay.
During puffin season, the tour also visits Lundey Island, offering a unique opportunity to see these charming seabirds up close. Along the way, guests can enjoy scenic photo stops at the Tjörnes peninsula.
With a maximum group size of 12, the tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience. Safety is also a top priority, with warm gear and a pre-departure briefing provided.
Highly rated by past participants for the knowledgeable guides and value for money, this Húsavík tour is a must for wildlife enthusiasts visiting Iceland.
Read our full review: Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Húsavík: Whale-Watching Cruise and Puffins Guided Tour
For those seeking a well-rounded whale watching experience in Húsavík, the Whale-Watching Cruise and Puffins Guided Tour is an excellent choice.
At 3.5 hours long, this tour allows visitors to spot whales, dolphins, puffins, and other seabirds in their natural habitat aboard a traditional oak boat.
Along the way, guests can enjoy hot chocolate and freshly baked cinnamon buns while a professional guide provides live commentary.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and warm overalls are provided.
With a price starting at $100.78 per person, the experience offers great value for money, as evidenced by the tour’s impressive 4.6/5 rating based on 349 reviews.
Whether you’re interested in the wildlife, the boat ride, or the included refreshments, this tour is sure to deliver an unforgettable Húsavík adventure.
Read our full review: Húsavík: Whale-Watching Cruise and Puffins Guided Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Húsavík: Family-Run and Guided Whale Watching Tour
Although Húsavík is renowned for its whale-watching experiences, the Family-Run and Guided Whale Watching Tour offers a more personalized and intimate adventure.
Operated by a local family-owned business, this 3-hour tour aboard a traditional oak boat provides the opportunity to discover whales in their natural habitat. Guests can spot a variety of species, including humpback, minke, blue, fin, and killer whales, as well as white-beaked dolphins, while enjoying scenic views of Húsavík’s coastline.
Knowledgeable guides share insightful information about the whales and their ecology, enhancing the overall experience. Plus, tour-takers receive a 20% discount at the Whale Museum upon presenting their boarding pass.
With an overall rating of 4.6/5 based on 525 reviews, this whale-watching tour is a must-do activity for visitors seeking an authentic and memorable encounter with Iceland’s marine life.
Read our full review: Húsavík: Family-Run and Guided Whale Watching Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Húsavík: Big Whale Safari & Puffin Island Tour
Beyond the popular whale-watching tours, Húsavík offers a captivating Big Whale Safari & Puffin Island Tour that allows visitors to enjoy the region’s remarkable marine life.
Priced from €140 per person, this 2-hour RIB speedboat experience departs from the Gentle Giants location and promises sightings of majestic blue and humpback whales in Skjálfandi Bay.
The tour also includes a visit to Puffin Island during the nesting season from April to August, where guests can observe the colorful, charismatic puffins up close.
With a maximum capacity of 12 passengers, the spacious RIB boat ensures a comfortable journey, complemented by the provision of warm safety overalls and rain jackets.
Knowledgeable guides provide live commentary throughout the tour, sharing insights into the area’s rich wildlife.
While whale sightings aren’t guaranteed, the tour operator offers a voucher for a traditional oak boat tour if no whales or dolphins are spotted.
With an impressive 4.7/5 rating from over 900 reviews, this tour is an exceptional way to explore Húsavík’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Húsavík: Big Whale Safari & Puffin Island Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
From Húsavík: Traditional Whale Watching Tour
One of the most popular tours in Húsavík is the traditional whale watching experience. Priced from $82.27 per person, this 3-hour tour departs from Gentle Giants – Húsavík Whale Watching.
Visitors can enjoy whale and dolphin watching, as well as marine life viewing, with a specialized guide providing live commentary on Iceland’s nature and wildlife.
The tour offers a high chance of seeing humpback and blue whales in their natural habitat. Participants are provided with warm safety overalls and rain jackets, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.
However, the tour is subject to favorable weather conditions, and cancellations may occur due to bad weather. If no whales or dolphins are seen, a voucher for a free traditional whale watching tour is offered.
Based on 1,686 reviews, the traditional whale watching tour in Húsavík has an overall rating of 4.5/5, with high praise for the guide, transportation, service, and organization.
Read our full review: From Húsavík: Traditional Whale Watching Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Iceland: Fishing Day Tour From Akureyri, Husavik or Myvatn
Another popular tour option in the Húsavík region is the Iceland: Fishing Day Tour, which departs from Akureyri, Húsavík, or Mývatn.
This full-day excursion offers participants the chance to experience authentic Icelandic fishing culture firsthand. Guests are taken to the best fishing spots in the area, where they’ll have the opportunity to try their hand at catching cod, halibut, and other local species.
The tour includes all necessary equipment, as well as instruction from experienced local guides. Afterward, participants can learn how to fillet and prepare their catch, gaining insight into traditional Icelandic culinary traditions.
The tour also includes a stop at a scenic location for a picnic lunch, allowing visitors to truly enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Whether you’re an avid angler or simply interested in experiencing Icelandic culture, the Iceland: Fishing Day Tour is a fantastic option for those visiting the Húsavík area.
Read our full review: Iceland: Fishing Day Tour From Akureyri, Husavik or Myvatn Review
Book now: Check availability
Sum Up
Húsavík offers an array of captivating whale watching tours that cater to various interests. From family-friendly experiences to high-speed adventures, visitors can witness the majestic marine life in the region. Whether you’re seeking a guided tour or an independent exploration, Húsavík provides ample opportunities to learn about the wonders of whale watching and puffin sightings. These tours are well-suited for both first-time and seasoned nature enthusiasts.