Direct and reliable whale watching awaits in the charming port of Húsavík, northern Iceland’s whale-watching capital. The standard 3-hour tours (from $89.47) provide everything needed: warm overalls, expert guides, and a sturdy viewing vessel. The family-run traditional oak boat tour stands out for its authentic touch and personal attention, while speed demons will appreciate the zippy 2-hour powerboat option for up-close encounters. I especially love the 3.5-hour combination tours that include Puffin Island – they offer the best value and wildlife variety. All operators maintain high safety standards and employ knowledgeable local guides who share fascinating insights about marine life. Let’s explore the top tour choices for your Húsavík adventure.
Key Points
- Premier whale watching tours in Húsavík offer 3-hour excursions on Skjálfandi Bay, with prices starting at $89.47 per person and high customer satisfaction.
- Guided whale watching and puffin tours provide a 3.5-hour adventure, including visits to Puffin Island and refreshments, with wheelchair accessibility and warm overalls.
- Family-run whale watching tours offer a 3-hour experience on a traditional oak boat, with prices ranging from $80.22 to $72.19 per person and free cancellation.
- Speedboat tours provide a 2-hour excursion to see humpback and minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises, with a focus on small group sizes for an optimal viewing experience.
- Traditional 3-hour whale watching tours on Icelandic oak boats from the Gentle Giants ticket center offer the opportunity to spot humpback and blue whales, as well as dolphins.
Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour With Guide
One of the premier whale watching tours in Húsavík is the 3-hour excursion that takes visitors out on the Skjálfandi Bay. Priced from $89.47 per person, the tour allows participants to observe whales, dolphins, and seabirds aboard a traditional oak boat.
The tour includes live commentary, light refreshments, and warm overalls, making it an accessible and comfortable experience for all. The tour departs from the North Sailing Húsavík Whale Watching office and is wheelchair accessible. Guests are advised to dress appropriately for the cold weather.
If no whales are sighted, the tour operator offers another tour free of charge. With an impressive 4.6/5 rating from over 2,100 reviews, the tour is praised for its knowledgeable and passionate guides, as well as the crew’s focus on safety and comfort.
Whether you’re seeking a memorable wildlife encounter or simply want to enjoy the scenic bay, this whale watching tour in Húsavík is an excellent choice.
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Húsavík: Whale-Watching Cruise and Puffins Guided Tour
Travelers seeking an immersive wildlife experience can embark on the captivating Whale-Watching Cruise and Puffins Guided Tour in Húsavík. This 3.5-hour adventure takes visitors on a traditional oak boat to observe whales, dolphins, and puffins in their natural habitat.
The tour includes a visit to Puffin Island, home to thousands of the charming seabirds. Along the way, guests can enjoy hot chocolate and cinnamon buns. The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Warm overalls are provided, and visitors should dress warmly and wear comfortable, close-toed shoes. The tour is subject to weather conditions, with alternative dates or full refunds available if canceled.
With an overall rating of 4.6/5 from 349 reviews, this tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and well-organized experience.
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Húsavík: Family-Run and Guided Whale Watching Tour
Although located in the northern town of Húsavík, the Family-Run and Guided Whale Watching Tour offers an immersive experience to discover whales in their natural habitat.
This 3-hour tour aboard a traditional oak boat is operated by a family-run company, providing an intimate and educational adventure. Guests have the chance to spot a variety of cetacean species, including humpback, minke, blue, fin, and killer whales, as well as white-beaked dolphins, seals, and puffins during the peak season.
The knowledgeable guides share their expertise and engage participants with captivating commentary. With prices ranging from $80.22 to $72.19 per person, the tour represents excellent value.
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy and reserve now, pay later option. In addition, a 20% discount is offered for the Whale Museum.
The tour’s high ratings, particularly for the guides’ performance, make it an appealing choice for those seeking an immersive whale-watching experience in Húsavík.
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Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour
Húsavík’s Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour offers adventurous travelers a thrilling 2-hour excursion to witness the diverse marine life of Skjálfandi Bay. Priced at $143.98 per person, this tour allows you to spot various whale species, including humpback and minke whales, as well as white-beaked dolphins and porpoises.
During puffin season (April 15 – August 20), you’ll have the chance to visit Lundey Island and observe the charming seabirds.
The tour departs from the Húsavík Adventures ticket office and features a safety briefing, a guided boat cruise, and scenic photo stops along the Tjörnes peninsula. The small group size, limited to 12 passengers, ensures an optimal viewing experience.
For your comfort, the tour provides warm water-resistant overalls, life vests, and other essential gear. However, the tour may not be suitable for certain health conditions, so be sure to review the restrictions beforehand.
Overwhelmingly positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.8/5, praise the friendly guides and well-maintained boats, making this speedboat tour a must-try for anyone visiting Húsavík.
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Húsavík: Big Whale Safari & Puffin Island Tour
For those seeking an exhilarating encounter with Iceland’s marine wildlife, the Big Whale Safari & Puffin Island Tour from Húsavík is a must-try adventure. This 2-hour boat cruise starts at Gentle Giants – Húsavík Whale Watching, where you’ll receive a safety briefing before embarking on a RIB speedboat.
Cruise through the stunning Skjálfandi Bay, where you’ll have increased chances of spotting humpback whales, blue whales, and harbor porpoises in their natural habitat. During the nesting season, you’ll also have the opportunity to observe the iconic puffins on Puffin Island.
The tour is priced at Kč 3,535 per person and includes round-trip transportation, a specialized guide, and warm safety overalls. With a 4.7/5 rating based on over 935 reviews, this tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and exceptional service.
Cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reservations can be made with no upfront payment, making it a flexible and convenient option for your Icelandic adventure.
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From Húsavík: Traditional Whale Watching Tour
Travelers seeking a more traditional Icelandic whale watching experience can embark on the 3-hour Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík.
Departing from the Gentle Giants ticket center in central Húsavík, this tour offers a chance to cruise the Skjálfandi Bay in a traditional Icelandic oak boat. During the tour, a knowledgeable guide provides live commentary on Iceland’s nature and wildlife.
The tour’s highlights include the opportunity to spot humpback and blue whales, as well as dolphins. Participants are provided with warm safety overalls and enjoy scenic views throughout the excursion.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, though guests should contact the operator in advance.
Priced from €80.00 per person, the Traditional Whale Watching Tour is subject to weather conditions. Customers are advised to check the weather before their tour and dress appropriately in warm, waterproof clothing.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 based on 1,686 reviews, this tour offers a memorable and authentic whale watching experience in Húsavík.
Read our full review: From Húsavík: Traditional Whale Watching Tour Review
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Recap
Húsavík is a prime destination for whale watching and puffin sightings. With a range of tour options, from family-run guides to speedboat adventures, visitors can tailor their experience to their preferences. Whether you’re seeking a traditional whale watching tour or an exciting Big Whale Safari, Húsavík offers unforgettable opportunities to witness the region’s incredible marine life up close.