Exploring the vast Skjálfandi Bay from the comfort of a high-powered RIB speedboat is an exhilarating way to spot whales, porpoises, and puffins during their breeding season. With expert guides providing live commentary, visitors can enjoy the stunning natural surroundings and capture breathtaking photographs. This 2-2.5 hour tour from Húsavík, Iceland, offers a thrilling adventure for those aged 8 and above, though certain restrictions apply. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply seeking an adrenaline-filled experience, this tour promises to leave you with unforgettable memories. But there’s more to discover about this unique opportunity to witness the beauty of Iceland’s marine life.
Key Points
- A 2-2.5 hour high-powered RIB speedboat tour from Húsavík, Iceland, offering panoramic views of Skjálfandi Bay and opportunities to see whales, porpoises, and puffins (in season).
- Professional guides provide live commentary and help spot a range of marine wildlife, including Minke whales, Humpback whales, White-beaked dolphins, and Harbor porpoises.
- Warm safety overalls are provided, and transportation to and from the meeting point at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center is included.
- The tour is not recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant women, and there are minimum age and height requirements.
- Puffins can be seen on the tour during their breeding season from mid-April to mid-August, with different stages of their lifecycle observed throughout the season.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Overview of the Tour
This 2-2.5 hour whale and puffin tour from Húsavík, Iceland on a RIB speedboat allows visitors to cover an expansive territory in the high-powered craft, with panoramic views of Skjálfandi Bay.
Expert nature guides help spot whales and porpoises throughout the journey.
During the breeding season from mid-April to mid-August, the tour also visits ‘Puffin Island‘ to see these colorful seabirds up close.
With warm safety overalls provided, along with live commentary on board, this tour offers an immersive and exhilarating way to experience the natural wonders of northern Iceland.
Inclusion and What to Expect
The tour includes a professional guide who provides live commentary on board. Warm safety overalls are provided to keep visitors comfortable throughout the excursion. Transportation to and from the meeting point is also included.
| What’s Included | Details |
|---|---|
| Guide | Professional guide provides live commentary |
| Safety Gear | Warm overalls to keep you comfortable |
| Transportation | Pickup and drop-off at meeting point |
| Nature Sightings | Whales, porpoises, and puffins (in season) |
| Photography | Ample opportunities to capture stunning views |
The high-powered RIB speedboat covers an expansive territory, offering breathtaking views of Skjálfandi Bay and the chance to spot whales, porpoises, and puffins (during the breeding season). With the expert guidance of the nature-loving crew, this tour provides an unforgettable adventure.
Meeting Point and Pickup
Travelers meet at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center, Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík, Iceland, and should arrive at least 40 minutes before the scheduled departure.
This gives them time to check-in, get fitted for warm safety overalls, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so it’s convenient for both the start and finish.
Guests can expect professional guides who’ll provide live commentary throughout the 2-2.5 hour RIB boat tour, sharing their expertise about the whales, porpoises, and puffins they spot in the expansive Skjálfandi Bay.
This high-powered speedboat tour covers a vast territory, offering unmatched views of the stunning Icelandic landscape.
Confirmation and Availability
Guests receive confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability.
The tours are also subject to a minimum number of passengers required, which could lead to cancellations if the threshold isn’t met.
This whale and puffin tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant women, as the RIB speedboat can be quite fast and thrilling.
The minimum age for participants is 8 years, and they must be at least 130 cm tall. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
No refunds will be provided if whales or dolphins aren’t sighted during the tour.
Restrictions and Requirements
Age and height restrictions apply for this whale and puffin tour, with a minimum age of 8 years and a minimum height of 130 cm.
Guests with back problems or who are pregnant should avoid this thrilling RIB boat experience.
Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the tour.
This tour isn’t recommended for:
- Travelers with back problems
- Pregnant women
- Children under 8 years old
- Guests under 130 cm in height
Participants must be prepared to follow all safety guidelines and instructions from the expert guides.
With these requirements in mind, the whale and puffin tour promises an exhilarating and unforgettable adventure in the stunning Icelandic landscape.
Puffin Breeding Season
One of the main highlights of this whale and puffin tour is the opportunity to visit ‘Puffin Island’ during the peak breeding season from mid-April to mid-August. This is the best time to spot the colorful Atlantic puffins as they return to their nesting sites on the island. The table below outlines the key facts about the puffin breeding season:
| Month | Puffin Activity |
|---|---|
| April | Puffins return to the island |
| May | Eggs are laid and incubated |
| June | Chicks hatch and are fed |
| July | Chicks start to fledge |
| August | Puffins depart the island |
Witnessing the puffins during this vibrant time of year is truly a highlight of the RIB boat tour.
Whale and Dolphin Sightings
On this high-powered RIB boat tour, expert guides help guests spot a range of whales and porpoises that inhabit the waters of Skjálfandi Bay. The expansive territory covered by the speedy craft increases the chances of sighting these magnificent marine mammals during the tour.
Some of the whales and dolphins commonly seen on this tour include:
Minke whales, the smallest of the baleen whales, known for their sleek, streamlined appearance.
Humpback whales, recognized by their distinctive humped backs and long, white pectoral fins.
White-beaked dolphins, an agile species that often bow-rides alongside the boat.
Harbor porpoises, the smallest cetaceans in the region, shy but occasionally spotted surfacing nearby.
Tour Cancellation Policy
The whale and puffin tour is subject to cancellation if the minimum number of passengers is not met. Refunds are not provided if no whales or dolphins are sighted during the tour. Travelers with back problems or who are pregnant are advised against participating in this tour.
| Tour Cancellation Policy | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Passengers | Refunds | Pregnant | Back Problems | Extra Cautions |
| Required | No | Not Recommended | Not Recommended | Thoroughly Review |
| Subject to Availability | ||||
| Cancellation Possible |
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?
The tour has no stated maximum group size. However, it requires a minimum number of passengers to operate, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The size may be limited by the capacity of the RIB boat.
Are There Any Accessibility Options for People With Disabilities?
The tour is not recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant women. Minimum height and age requirements also apply. However, the tour provider may be able to accommodate some accessibility needs with advance notice.
Can I Bring My Own Camera or Binoculars?
Passengers are welcome to bring their own camera and binoculars on the tour. The tour operator encourages bringing personal photography and viewing equipment to capture the wildlife and scenery during the excursion.
Do I Need to Bring Any Additional Gear or Supplies?
Travelers don’t need to bring any additional gear or supplies. The tour provider offers warm safety overalls to keep you comfortable. Just be sure to bring your camera and binoculars to capture the stunning views and wildlife sightings.
Are There Any Options for Private or Custom Tours?
Yes, private and custom tour options are available. Travelers can request tailored experiences to meet their specific interests and needs. These customized tours provide a more personalized whale and puffin viewing experience.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Whale Watching and Sea Angling Tour
- Akureyri: Zipline Tour
- Akureyri: Arctic Coastline & Whale Watching
- Akureyri: Northern Lights Tour in North Iceland
- Akureyri North Iceland Waterfalls and Nature Baths Small Group Tour
- Akureyri: Goðafoss, Laufas & The Christmas House Tour
- Goðafoss Express: Big Bus Shore Excursion From Akureyri
- Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour
- Akureyri: Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Waterfall Tour
- Husky Petting in Akureyri (private)
- Self-Drive: Complete Iceland Circle in 10 Days
- Akureyri: Hraundrangi Peak 10-Hour Private Climb
- Goðafoss Waterfall & Forest Lagoon From Akureyri Port
- From Akureyri: Lake Mývatn Guided Tour With Lunch
- Godafoss Express – Waterfall of the Gods, Lux Bus Round Trip
Recap
This whale and puffin tour from Húsavík, Iceland, is an exhilarating way to explore the stunning Skjálfandi Bay.
Travelers can expect to see whales, porpoises, and puffins during the breeding season, with opportunities for photography and commentary from expert guides.
The tour’s safety requirements and suitability make it an ideal adventure for those aged 8 and above, weather permitting.