Hauganes: Whale Watching North Iceland

Contents hide

1 Hauganes: Whale Watching North Iceland — A Detailed Look

Hauganes: Whale Watching North Iceland — A Detailed Look

If you’re dreaming of seeing whales in the wild while soaking in the rugged beauty of North Iceland, the Hauganes Whale Watching tour might just be your perfect match. With a solid reputation as the oldest whale-watching operator in Iceland, this experience promises not only the chance to spot a variety of whales and porpoises but also a cozy, well-organized outing with knowledgeable guides.

What we really like about this tour is its focus on comfort and respect for nature. The warm cinnamon buns and hot chocolate served during the trip add a touch of Icelandic hospitality, making what could be a chilly adventure into a warm, memorable experience. Plus, the high success rate—whales are spotted in 99% of departures—means your chances of a close encounter are quite good.

That said, it’s worth noting that this tour isn’t suitable for everyone, especially those prone to motion sickness, since even the most stable boats can cause discomfort on the water. It’s also a relatively short experience, so if you’re craving an all-day ocean adventure, you might want to look for more extensive options. This tour suits travelers who appreciate intimacy, comfort, and authenticity, and who want a high likelihood of whale sightings without a long day at sea.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Experienced Guides: The tour is run by the oldest whale-watching company in Iceland, with seasoned local guides who know these waters well.
High Success Rate: Whales are spotted in 99% of departures, so your chances of a memorable encounter are excellent.
Comfort & Hospitality: Warm overalls, blankets, hot drinks, and cinnamon buns make the trip cozy, even in cooler weather.
Short & Focused: At 2.5 hours, it balances time at sea with other activities, making it ideal for travelers with tight schedules.
Respectful Approach: The guides emphasize minimal disturbance to whales, sailing at steady speeds and maintaining a respectful distance.
Authentic Experience: The departure from the charming village of Hauganes offers stunning views and a peaceful setting.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Iceland.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point & Location

The tour begins at Hafnargata 2 in Hauganes, a small fishing village with a welcoming harbor and a scenic backdrop. This location is perfect because it’s close to the main feeding grounds for whales in Eyjafjörður Fjord. The village itself provides a picturesque setting—think colorful houses, rugged coastlines, and peaceful waters—making the pre- and post-ride moments just as enjoyable as the cruise.

The Boats & Comfort

The boats used are renovated oak fishing vessels that have been serving whale watchers for over 30 years. These vessels are optimized for whale-watching, offering a stable platform that minimizes motion sickness—though it’s still something to consider if you are sensitive. During the trip, you’ll be given warm overalls to combat the chill, and blankets are available to keep you cozy as the boat gently moves through the waters.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Itinerary & What You’ll See

The tour kicks off with a 30-minute sightseeing cruise around the fjord. This prelude is your chance to soak in North Iceland’s breathtaking scenery—craggy coastlines, distant mountains, and panoramic views that make the journey visually rewarding even before the whales appear. The guides are locals, so they enrich the experience with stories and insights about the region’s marine life and environment.

Next, the main event: whale watching in the fjord. The guides sail at a steady, respectful pace towards the whales’ habitat, ensuring that the animals are not disturbed. When the whales are spotted—often humpbacks, porpoises, or other species—the guides take care to observe quietly, giving you a chance to see these gentle giants surfacing up close.

The cruising time around the whales is optimized to maximize viewing opportunities and minimize wasted sailing time. This means more whale encounters and less time just ticking off the miles at sea. When whales surface near the boat, it’s common to see them just a few feet away—an experience that’s both thrilling and humbling.

Here's some more things to do in Iceland

Food & Atmosphere

Throughout the voyage, you’ll enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, and soft cinnamon buns. These treats are homemade and add a distinctly Icelandic touch to the trip. Many reviews mention how these small comforts make the experience even more enjoyable, especially in cooler weather.

Return & Post-Trip

The tour wraps up with a return to Hauganes, giving you time to reflect on what you’ve seen and perhaps plan your next Icelandic adventure. The entire experience lasts about 2.5 hours, making it accessible even for those with limited time.

Value & Pricing

At $77 per person, this tour offers a strong value, considering the high success rate, professional guides, and added comforts like warm clothing and hot drinks. Compared to longer or less organized tours, Hauganes provides a focused experience that balances quality and affordability. If whale sightings are a priority—something most travelers cherish—it’s a worthwhile investment.

Why It Works for Travelers

This tour is especially appealing to those who want a genuine, respectful encounter with Iceland’s marine life, without spending an entire day at sea. It’s perfect for families, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting an intimate experience with a high chance of whale sightings. The setting in Hauganes, a quiet village, also suits travelers who enjoy peaceful, scenic surroundings and a slower pace.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you’re a traveler looking for a well-organized, authentic whale-watching experience with friendly local guides, this tour hits the spot. It’s ideal if you appreciate comfortable, small-group outings and value seeing whales in their natural environment. It’s also great for those who want to combine their trip with some sightseeing in North Iceland’s beautiful landscapes.

On the flip side, those prone to motion sickness should consider this carefully, as even the most stable boats can cause discomfort. Also, if you’re hoping for a lengthy ocean adventure, this 2.5-hour trip might feel a bit brief.

Final Thoughts

This Hauganes whale-watching tour balances professionalism, comfort, and authentic wildlife encounters. You’ll be in good hands with the experienced guides who know the waters and respect the animals. The mix of breathtaking scenery, close-up whale sightings, and warm refreshments creates a memorable experience without feeling rushed or overly commercial.

The modest price makes it accessible for most travelers, and the high success rate means you’re very likely to come away with stories of whales surfacing just beside your boat. It’s a wonderful way to connect with Iceland’s marine environment in a respectful and relaxed manner.

If you’re interested in wildlife, natural beauty, and a touch of local hospitality, this tour deserves a spot on your North Iceland itinerary.

FAQs

What is the starting point for the tour?
The tour departs from Hafnargata 2 in Hauganes, located in a charming fishing village with a welcoming harbor.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 2.5 hours, including sightseeing and whale watching.

Are drinks and snacks provided?
Yes, during the cruise, you’ll enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, and homemade cinnamon buns included in the price.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour is generally family-friendly for those who can handle the boat ride. However, those sensitive to motion sickness should be cautious.

What about clothing?
Warm overalls are provided, and blankets are available on board, but bringing layered clothing is advisable, especially in cooler weather.

Are whales guaranteed to be seen?
While sightings depend on weather and whale activity, the company reports whales in 99% of departures, giving you a very good chance.

Is transportation included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan to arrive at the meeting point independently.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

What species of whales might I see?
Most commonly, humpback whales are spotted, along with porpoises and other marine creatures in the fjord.

In essence, Hauganes Whale Watching provides a well-rounded, respectful, and memorable glimpse into Iceland’s vibrant marine life, all within a cozy and scenic setting. It’s an experience that combines the thrill of seeing whales with the comfort of local hospitality—perfect for those seeking an authentic, value-packed adventure in North Iceland.