Husavik, a charming coastal town in northern Iceland, is known as Europe’s whale watching capital for good reason. A traditional whale watching tour from this picturesque locale offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness the majestic marine giants that call the waters of Skjálfandi Bay home. Aboard a classic Icelandic oak boat, knowledgeable guides provide live commentary as participants search for the breathtaking humpback and blue whales that frequent the area. With wheelchair accessibility and warm safety gear provided, this inclusive experience ensures a comfortable journey. But the true magic lies in what these magnificent creatures might reveal about the wonders of the natural world.
This experience made our list of the 8 Best Whale Watching Experiences In Husavik.
Key Points
- Scenic 3-hour whale watching tour from Húsavík, the whale watching capital of Europe, priced at $85.64 per person.
- Guided cruise on a traditional Icelandic oak boat around Skjálfandi Bay to observe humpback and blue whales.
- Experienced guides provide live commentary and safety briefing with warm overalls and raincoats provided.
- Wheelchair accessible with opportunities to see diverse marine life in a natural setting.
- Flexible cancellation policy with full refund up to 24 hours in advance and voucher for future tour if no whales are sighted.
Tour Overview
The traditional whale watching tour from Húsavík, known as Europe’s whale watching capital, offers a 3-hour excursion for $85.64 per person.
Likely to sell out, the tour allows you to reserve now and pay later. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can plan with peace of mind.
The tour boards a traditional Icelandic oak boat for a guided cruise around Skjálfandi Bay, where you’ll look for humpback and blue whales. Experienced guides provide live commentary, and warm safety overalls and raincoats are provided.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and you’ll return to Húsavík harbor after the scenic wildlife viewing.
Ready for more marine magic? More whale watching we recommend in Husavik
Experience Details
Guests board a traditional Icelandic oak boat for a guided tour around Skjálfandi Bay, where they’ll look for various whale species including humpback and blue whales. The experienced guides provide live commentary throughout the 3-hour cruise, sharing their wealth of knowledge about the local marine life. For safety, a briefing is included, and warm safety overalls and raincoats are provided. The tour is also wheelchair accessible, so everyone can enjoy the scenic views and wildlife sightings.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Boat Type | Traditional Icelandic oak |
| Whale Species | Humpback, blue, and more |
| Safety | Briefing, overalls, and raincoats |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-friendly |
Itinerary Highlights
The tour starts at the Gentle Giants ticket center in central Húsavík, where guests embark on the scenic cruise around Skjálfandi Bay.
During the 3-hour journey, the traditional Icelandic oak boat offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Guests keep a keen eye out for various whale species, including humpback and blue whales, guided by the live commentary from experienced experts.
The tour provides a unique opportunity to observe the diverse marine life in its natural habitat.
After the cruise, guests return to Húsavík harbor, having had the chance to witness the wonders of Iceland’s renowned whale watching destination.
Important Information
To ensure a comfortable and safe experience, visitors should bring along comfortable shoes and warm, waterproof clothing.
Tour operations are subject to favorable weather conditions, with alternative options available in case of cancellations. While no refunds are provided if no whales or dolphins are seen, a voucher for a future tour is offered as compensation.
Key tips for an enjoyable tour:
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Dress warmly, as the coastal weather can be chilly, even in summer.
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Wear sturdy shoes to navigate the boat and docks safely.
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Pack a rain jacket or poncho to stay dry during the cruise.
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Bring any necessary medications, as the tour may last several hours.
Customer Reviews
Travelers have praised the overall 4.5-out-of-5 rating of this traditional whale watching tour, with high marks for the experienced guides, comfortable transportation, efficient service, and well-organized operations.
The guides received a 4.7/5 rating, highlighting their knowledge and ability to provide live commentary that enhanced the experience.
Customers also commended the 4.6/5 rating for transportation, noting the comfort of the traditional Icelandic oak boats.
The overall service and organization of the tour scored 4.6/5 and 4.7/5, respectively, demonstrating the company’s commitment to delivering a top-notch experience.
While some feedback mentioned the need for warmer clothing due to the cold weather, the majority of reviews emphasized the successful whale sightings and the overall enjoyment of the tour.
Whale Species Sightings
On this traditional whale watching tour, guests have the opportunity to spot a variety of whale species, including the majestic humpback and the impressive blue whale. The experienced guides will provide live commentary, sharing insights about the different whales and their behaviors as the boat navigates Skjálfandi Bay.
Whale enthusiasts can keep their eyes peeled for the following:
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Humpback whales, known for their acrobatic breaching and distinctive humped backs
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Blue whales, the largest mammals on Earth, reaching lengths up to 100 feet
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Minke whales, the smallest of the baleen whales, with a sleek, fast-moving appearance
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Orcas, or killer whales, the largest members of the dolphin family, recognizable by their distinct black and white coloration
Boat and Safety Gear
Guests board a traditional Icelandic oak boat for the whale watching tour, which provides a comfortable and authentic experience. The boat is designed to traverse the waters of Skjálfandi Bay safely and efficiently.
During the tour, guests receive a safety briefing and are provided with warm safety overalls and raincoats to protect them from the chilly ocean winds and potential rain. The experienced guides ensure the comfort and well-being of the passengers throughout the journey.
The boat is also wheelchair accessible, making the tour accessible to guests with mobility challenges. The boat and safety gear combine to create a secure and enjoyable whale watching experience.
Accessibility and Cancellation
The traditional whale watching tour in Húsavík is designed to accommodate guests with diverse needs, as the boat is wheelchair accessible upon prior arrangement with the operator.
Plus, the tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, providing travelers with a full refund if they cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance. This helps ensure a hassle-free experience for all participants:
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Reserve now and pay later option available
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
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Wheelchair access with advance notice
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Voucher provided if no whales or dolphins are seen
With these accessibility and cancellation features, the Húsavík whale watching tour caters to a wide range of travelers, offering a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Success Rate of Whale Sightings?
According to the reviews, the whale watching tours generally have a high success rate for spotting whales, though no refunds are provided if no whales are seen. Customers are offered a voucher for a future tour in such cases.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?
There is no minimum group size requirement for this whale watching tour. Participants can book tickets individually or in groups of any size, as the tours accommodate guests of various group sizes.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the whale watching tour. However, the tour operator recommends wearing appropriate warm and waterproof clothing to ensure a comfortable experience during the boat ride.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
There are generally no age restrictions for this whale watching tour. Children of all ages are welcome, though the tour operator recommends parents use discretion for very young children due to the potentially cold and wet conditions.
What Is the Refund Policy for Inclement Weather?
If the tour is cancelled due to inclement weather, there is a full refund available. Customers can also receive a voucher for a future tour if no whales or dolphins are spotted during the excursion.
Recap
Skjálfandi Bay’s whale watching tour from Húsavík offers a unique opportunity to witness the majesty of humpback and blue whales in their natural habitat.
With a comfortable and accessible oak boat, knowledgeable guides, and the flexibility of free cancellation, this tour ensures an unforgettable experience for whale enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
It’s no wonder Húsavík is known as Europe’s premier whale watching destination.
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