Húsavík Whale Watching Tour, family owned and operated

If you’re dreaming of seeing whales in their natural habitat while exploring the stunning waters around Húsavík, this family-run whale watching tour might just be what you’re looking for. Offering a warm, personalized experience, it’s highly praised for knowledgeable guides, friendly service, and the chance to catch a glimpse of some incredible marine creatures.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are its small-group feel, which promotes a more intimate experience, and the emphasis on respecting the whales’ space. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that, like any outdoor water activity, weather conditions can impact your chances of spotting whales. Still, this tour is well-suited for those who want a more tailored, genuine adventure rather than a crowded or commercialized experience.

If you love marine wildlife, enjoy scenic boat rides, and are comfortable with some unpredictability that comes with nature excursions, you’ll likely find this tour a great fit. It’s especially appealing if you value the expertise of guides and want a more personal approach to whale watching in Iceland.

Key Points

• Highly Rated and Recommended: With a perfect 5.0/5 rating based on 84 reviews, most travelers felt this tour delivered on expectations.
• Expert Guides and Respectful Viewing: Guides are knowledgeable and passionate, with a focus on safe, respectful wildlife observation.
• Family-Friendly and Small Group: Tour size is limited (up to 40 travelers), creating a more personal and comfortable environment.
• Good Value for Money: At around $95 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive experience with included gear and discounts at the local Whale Museum.
• Flexible and Weather-Dependent: Tours are weather-dependent; cancellations are free if poor weather prevents whale sightings.
• Wildlife and Scenery: Besides whales, expect seabirds like puffins (May to mid-August) and beautiful Icelandic coastlines.

An In-Depth Look at the Whale Watching Experience

If you’re considering this tour, it’s helpful to understand what you’re signing up for. The primary focus is on whale sightings in Skjálfandi Bay, a hotspot for diverse cetacean species. The waters are home to Humpback, Minke, Blue, Fin, and Killer whales, with the possibility of seeing white-beaked dolphins too. Many reviewers, like Pooja and Stavros, describe their experiences seeing multiple whales—sometimes up to eight in one trip—and getting close enough to observe their behaviors. One guest even mentioned a whale breaching fully out of the water, which is a true highlight.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

The tour generally lasts about three hours, heading west toward the Kinnarfjöll mountain range. The boat, named Moby Dick, provides a comfortable platform for wildlife viewing. You’ll start from the meeting point at Friends of Moby Dick in Húsavík, where friendly staff will help you gear up with warm overalls and life jackets, ensuring comfort even if the weather gets chilly or windy.

Once underway, guides will share insights about the area, marine life, and the whales, often answering questions and providing interesting facts along the way. The boat’s small size (max 40 travelers) encourages a more intimate experience—no feeling like just a number here. Several reviews praised the guides’ knowledge, with some noting guides like Mada as especially passionate and informative.

The Scenic Waters and Wildlife Encounters

Most trips head west toward the Kinnarfjöll mountains, where the chance to see whales is highest. The waters are usually calm, but as Zippy G warned, it can get rocky, so taking travel sickness tablets might be a good idea if you’re prone to seasickness. The crew is prepared with life jackets and protective overalls, which are especially handy for staying warm and dry.

Expect to see a variety of whale species, with Humpbacks being common, and occasional sightings of Blue or Fin whales. The reviews consistently mention how close the whales get—some guests report seeing whales for extended periods, with one whale breaching multiple times, a truly breathtaking moment. The guides are careful to balance wildlife viewing with respect for the animals’ space, ensuring this remains a responsible activity.

The Experience Beyond Whales

Apart from marine mammals, you might catch sight of seabirds like Atlantic puffins (seasonally from May to August). The scenery itself is worth the trip—craggy coastlines, rolling mountains, and the open ocean create a beautiful backdrop for your wildlife encounters. Some guests appreciated the added value of exploring the Icelandic coastline and the chance to see puffins and sea birds in their natural environment.

The Value and Comfort

For roughly $95 per person, this tour offers a lot—including the boat ride, all gear, and even a discount at the local Whale Museum when you show your boarding pass. Many reviews highlighted the friendliness of the staff and the quality of the equipment, like the clean flotation suits, which add to the comfort.

While food and drinks aren’t included, you can bring your own snacks and beverages. The tour’s duration and small-group format make it a relaxing, manageable outing—perfect if you want to avoid long, exhausting excursions.

Why This Tour Could Be a Great Choice

This whale watching experience stands out for its personalized approach and passionate guides. Travelers like Pooja and Michael appreciated the knowledgeable guides and intimate boat size, which makes it easier to see the whales and ask questions. The high ratings across reviews indicate that most guests walk away feeling they’ve truly had a special encounter.

The emphasis on respecting the animals and the detailed explanations provided by guides like Mada show a genuine commitment to responsible wildlife tourism. Several guests noted how much they learned during the trip, which adds educational value beyond the thrill of seeing whales.

On top of that, the value for money seems solid, especially considering the included equipment and museum discount. If you’re flexible with timing and weather, this tour offers a reliable, enjoyable way to experience Iceland’s marine life up close.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re after a personalized, well-reviewed whale watching trip with knowledgeable guides, this experience ticks those boxes. It’s great for travelers who want a comfortable, respectful encounter with marine wildlife without feeling like they’re on a crowded, commercial tour. The small boat and family-run atmosphere suit those who value authentic experiences and good customer service.

It’s also suitable for those who enjoy scenic boat rides and are prepared for the possibility of some rocking or weather variability. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast eager to learn about whales and marine birds, this tour offers plenty of opportunities to ask questions and observe natural behaviors.

While it’s not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the overall gentle pace and focus on wildlife might appeal to families with older children interested in nature.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people who get seasick?
The waters can be rocky, so if you’re prone to seasickness, taking travel sickness tablets beforehand is a good idea. The crew provides protective overalls to help keep you warm and dry.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately three hours, which allows enough time for whale sightings and enjoying the scenery without overstaying.

What species of whales can I expect to see?
Commonly Humpback and Minke whales, with occasional sightings of Blue, Fin, and Killer whales. White-beaked dolphins are also possible.

Are food and drinks included?
No, but you can bring your own snacks and beverages to enjoy during the trip.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 38 days ahead, as the tour tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak season.

What’s included in the ticket price?
All fees and taxes, warm protective overalls, life jackets, and a discount at the Whale Museum when you show your boarding pass.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, and don’t forget waterproof clothing or overalls, which are provided. Sturdy shoes are also recommended.

Does the tour operate in all weather conditions?
Most likely not—bad weather can lead to cancellations, which are fully refunded or rescheduled.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

This whale watching tour in Húsavík offers a combination of reliable professionalism, genuine wildlife encounters, and scenic beauty. It’s perfect for travelers who value expertise and a respectful approach to nature, making it a memorable highlight of any Iceland trip.