If you’re dreaming of catching a glimpse of whales in their natural habitat, a trip from Husavík is hard to beat. This 3-hour tour offers a chance to see some of the ocean’s giants—humpbacks, Minke whales, and even blue whales if you’re lucky—while cruising through the stunning waters of Skjálfandi Bay.
Whether you’re an avid wildlife enthusiast or just looking for a memorable experience, this excursion packs plenty of value into a manageable time frame.
What we really love about this tour is the combination of expert guides who share their passion and insights and the chance to witness marine life in an authentic, unobtrusive way. Plus, the scenic backdrop of Iceland’s coastline makes every moment special.
Fantastic experience. The crew were absolutely amazing. Very friendly, knowledgeable, and environmentally conscious. They know exactly which spots are whale watching hotspots and they ensure the nails, birds, mammals are viewed from a safe distance so they're not distressed. We saw a humpback doing backflips and side flips for almost 45 minutes.
From start to finish everyone was great Checking in was easy and the crew on board so helpful and super informative. We were able to see 6 different whales and follow a few along their journey and 2 sets of doubles which was really cool. We were kept informed of where they were sighted and details of what they were doing and how to tell them apart. Very cool
3 hour trip, they provide a warmth layer for us since it was cold and windy. Provided hot cocoa and a bun at the end. Highly recommend saw 6 whales.
On the flip side, it’s worth noting that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and weather can play a significant role—meaning a calm, clear day will give you the best shot at seeing whales.
This experience is ideal for travelers who value natural encounters, appreciate guides, and don’t mind dressing in layers for potentially chilly seas. It’s a solid pick whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends. Families with older children who can handle a boat ride are also well suited, but keep in mind the weather conditions might influence the comfort level.
Key Points
- Authentic wildlife encounters with whales, dolphins, and seabirds in their natural environment.
- Knowledgeable guides who share interesting facts and help enhance your experience.
- Scenic boat ride aboard a traditional oak vessel in Skjálfandi Bay.
- Weather-dependent: good weather significantly improves the chances of sightings.
- Hot cocoa and cinnamon buns add a cozy touch during the return.
- Includes a discount on the nearby Whale Museum, enriching your understanding of marine life.
What to Expect on the Tour
This 3-hour trip is designed to be straightforward, yet packed with potential for wildlife sightings and stunning scenery. You’ll meet at North Sailing in Husavík, where the crew will give you a brief safety overview and provide warm overalls to shield you from the elements. The boats are traditional oak, which adds a charming, rustic feel, though they are equipped for comfort and safety.
The journey begins with a cruise through Skjálfandi Bay, an area renowned for its rich marine biodiversity. Our experience shows that every trip is different—sometimes whales are very active, breaching and feeding at the surface, while other days might be a bit quieter.
The weather was perfect for watching this amazing whale feed. Our guide was friendly and informative with a sweet treat on the return ride.
Very great time, the guide obviously cared very much about whales! It was an incredible opportunity and I would definitely do it again.
Successful whale watching tour with great staff on board. Lots of interesting info bits thoughout the tour. Our original booking was cancelled due to bad weather, but rescheduling options were provided and organized quickly. Thanks!
Reviewers note that sightings of humpbacks, Minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins are common, with blue whales and fin whales possible in early summer.
Guides are passionate marine experts, eager to share their knowledge about the animals and the environment. They often provide interesting snippets about whale behavior, local marine ecology, and the importance of conservation efforts. Several reviews highlight how guides genuinely care about the whales and the experience, making the trip more than just a boat ride.
You can also read our reviews of more whale watching tours in Akureyri
The Experience and Sightings
One of the standout aspects of this tour is how it balances wildlife spotting with comfort. As a few reviews mention, the crew actively monitors the sea for signs of whales, and their expertise really shows. “Our guide was friendly and informative with a sweet treat on the return ride,” says one traveler, appreciating the small touches that make the experience memorable.
While wildlife sightings depend on luck and weather, many visitors have been fortunate. Reviewers have seen large groups of whales, including multiple breaching humpbacks, which is a sight hard to forget. “We saw different types of whales, puffins, and playful dolphins,” shared another pleased guest.
We saw different types of whales, puffins, and dolphins! Great experience and comfortable environment
The Husavik day was cancelled but transferred to Arksogssandur on another day. Got to see harbour porpoises and humpback breaching.
So cold!!! No joke, layer up. We saw one humpback that came to the surface 4 times. Guide was very knowledgeable and filled in the times between whale sightings with great local knowledge.
Seeing whales close up, sometimes just a few meters from the boat, creates a sense of connection with nature that’s difficult to replicate.
However, some reviews also highlight that visibility can be limited on certain days—less whale activity, rough seas, or poor weather can all impact the experience. One reviewer noted, “Limited whale visibility,” but still found the journey enjoyable due to the overall environment and the museum visit afterward.
Comfort and Practicalities
Dress warmly. Even in summer, the weather can turn chilly when you’re out at sea, especially if it’s windy or overcast. The tour provides full suits for warmth, but bringing your own layers—thermal underwear, waterproof clothing, and sturdy waterproof boots—is recommended.
Several reviews mention that the boat can feel slow-moving, and some travelers felt a bit seasick if the seas are rough or if they are sensitive to motion.
Really nice experience! We had luck we saw a lott of whales. Also very close by the boat. You get a suit on board for the cold. It was a very nice day
Nice ride. Limited whale visibility. Unique experience. Whale Museum in Husavik was amazing! Thank you.
Amazing boat trip to see whales! The boat is very comfortable and the give you a suite so you dont feel cold. U can see whales very close and the landscape is incredible. The team is very professional and kind. Lovely time 🙂
The boat is designed to comfortably hold up to 100 travelers, which means it’s quite a convivial environment without feeling crowded. The tour includes a few small perks, such as hot cocoa and cinnamon buns, which many travelers enjoy during the return trip—adding a cozy touch to the adventure.
Another highlight is the discount on the Whale Museum, which allows you to deepen your understanding of the marine environment and see exhibits related to whale species, conservation efforts, and local marine life.
The Value of the Tour
At $94 per person, this tour offers a solid balance of experience and cost. Many reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and enthusiasm, which greatly enhances the trip beyond just spotting whales. The opportunity to see multiple species, including dolphins and seabirds, adds extra layers of excitement.
In terms of value, consider that whale sightings are never guaranteed—this is the wild, after all. But the combination of scenic views, expert guidance, and comfort makes it a worthwhile outing. Plus, the chance to learn more about marine life at the Whale Museum extends the experience, making this not just a boat ride but an educational adventure.
The tour guide and service were great! Unfortunately, however, we only saw one whale. The weather wasn't great and the boat made us feel pretty sick and also did not have a lot of space, and it was very slow moving so it takes a while to get to the area where you might be able to see whales. I was clinging onto the railing the entire way back and got bruises. I don't think there is anything that the staff could have done better, they were great! Just know what you are signing up for.
For people who never seen these beautiful giantic creaturs, it's a must have trip : For me that was just only a nice time spend, for my girlfirend it was like one of the biggest adventures. The boat is funny on your arrival, crew gives you warm overall in order to protect, and tries to monitor seas in order to find more place to see whales, trying to approach or at least pass as close as possible. Recommended to join! :
Great experience! Punctual and precise in the preliminary stages of boating and in the explanations related to safety and sighting methods. Our guide, Laura, very good and able to accompany us with her directions all the time. Very nice and welcoming cabin crew and captain. During the whale watching we stopped at two different points and saw in both cases the whales. All very exciting. To give us some more excitement, the boat ride lasted beyond the established time and we had the opportunity to see, very closely, the last whale.Auto-translated
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This whale-watching experience is best suited for those who don’t mind a bit of unpredictability and enjoy being out on the water. If you’re excited to see whales and appreciate guides sharing insights, you’ll likely find this tour rewarding. It’s also ideal if you are prepared for Iceland’s sometimes chilly weather and are looking for a scenic, memorable adventure.
Families with older children who can handle a boat ride and are interested in wildlife will find this a worthwhile activity. However, if you’re prone to seasickness or very sensitive to cold, make sure to take precautions or consider weather conditions carefully.
Final Thoughts
This whale-watching tour from Husavík offers a genuine peek into the ocean’s wildlife, with the kind of natural beauty that keeps travelers coming back. The guides, combined with the chance to see whales, dolphins, and seabirds, create a meaningful, memorable experience. The cozy touches—hot cocoa, cinnamon buns, and the Whale Museum discount—add a lot of charm to an already worthwhile adventure.
While wildlife sightings can never be 100% guaranteed, the potential for close encounters and stunning scenery makes this outing a highlight for many visitors to Iceland. If you’re eager to connect with nature, enjoy scenic boat rides, and learn from passionate guides, this trip is definitely worth considering.
Whale Watching in Husavik
"Unpleasant experience…it’s a raining day. We have to put on our jumper overalls and raincoat in the boat, out in the open with shelter. The jum..."
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children can participate, but it’s best suited for older kids who can handle a boat ride and colder weather. Always consider the weather forecast and your child's comfort.
What’s included in the price?
The ticket covers the 3-hour boat trip, use of full suits for warmth, and a small treat of hot cocoa and cinnamon buns on the return.
How long in advance should I book?
On average, this tour is booked about 36 days ahead. Planning early is recommended, especially in peak seasons.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
How many people typically go on the tour?
Up to 100 travelers can join, which helps create a lively but not overcrowded atmosphere.
Will I see whales every time?
Sightings depend on weather and whale activity—they are wild animals, so sightings are not guaranteed, but guides are skilled at locating them.
What should I wear?
Bring warm clothes, waterproof layers, and sturdy boots. The tour provides some gear but dressing in layers is best for comfort.
Are the boats comfortable?
Yes, the traditional oak boats are designed for comfort and safety, with plenty of space for passengers and a friendly crew to ensure a pleasant trip.
If you're after an authentic chance to see whales in Iceland's stunning waters, this Husavík tour is a dependable choice—beyond the species, you'll leave with stories and memories to cherish.
