Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour — An Honest Look

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland’s northeastern coast, chances are whale watching is on your list—and for good reason. While many tours offer a more traditional, larger boat experience, this speedboat tour from Húsavík promises a more up-close, thrilling adventure in the bay. It’s not just about the wildlife; it’s about the feeling of being part of the ocean’s rhythm, zipping along in a smaller, faster vessel.

What we love about this tour is how it balances excitement with educational insights. You get to cover more ground than a standard boat tour, increasing your chances of spotting whales, dolphins, and even puffins. Plus, the knowledgeable guides bring the wildlife to life with stories and facts that make the experience richer. That said, it’s worth noting that this tour is most suitable for those comfortable with speed and cooler weather—think water-resistant overalls, hats, and gloves.

A possible consideration is the seasonality—puffin sightings are only between mid-April and August. Outside those months, the tour shifts focus solely to whale watching, which might change your expectations if puffins are a priority. This experience suits travelers who love a fast-paced, interactive adventure and want to maximize their chances of wildlife encounters in a short amount of time.

If that sounds like your kind of trip, keep reading. We’re sharing a detailed breakdown based on reviews, itinerary, and what you can really expect on this 2-hour ocean escapade.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Small group size (max 12 passengers) means more space and better views.
• Speedboat (RIB) allows you to cover larger areas and get closer to whales and other marine life.
• Seasonality matters—puffin sightings are only from mid-April to August.
• Experienced guides and captains enhance safety and provide valuable insights.
• Water-resistant overalls and safety gear ensure comfort, but bring hats and gloves for extra warmth.
• Pricing offers good value for the personalized, adrenaline-filled experience.

Why You Might Want to Try This Tour

This tour has a lot going for it if you’re after a dynamic, fast-paced wildlife adventure. The speedboat itself is a big selling point—faster than traditional boats, allowing you to chase down whales or reach Puffin Island more swiftly. Reviews frequently mention how much fun it is to feel the wind and see the landscape whiz by, making it more than just a wildlife tour—it’s an experience.

It’s also an excellent choice for those who love learning on the go. The guides are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm, sharing insights about whales, dolphins, puffins, and the local environment. The ability to get up close with marine creatures, especially with the water-resistant overalls, means you’re less worried about the weather and more focused on the sights.

For families, this might be suitable if children are over 8 years old and comfortable with speedboats. The small group size makes for a more intimate experience, avoiding the sometimes crowded feeling of larger tours. But do remember, it’s a quick trip—so if you’re after a leisurely, slow-paced experience, this might not be the best fit.

What the Itinerary Looks Like

The tour kicks off from Húsavík’s Hafnarstétt 11, where everyone gathers for a safety briefing. Once aboard, the adventure begins with a ride across Skjálfandi Bay, a known hotspot for whale sightings. The real thrill starts here—your guide and captain will navigate the waters, searching for whales, dolphins, and other marine life.

One of the highlights is the stop at Lundey (Puffin Island), during the spring and summer months. This is your chance to see puffins in their natural habitat, with a guided tour and photo opportunities. If you’re lucky, you might even witness puffins flying overhead or bobbing in the water.

The second major stop is in Skjálfandi Bay, where you’ll have plenty of time for scenic views and wildlife spotting. Expect to see whale species such as humpbacks, minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins—more than 10 types visit the area annually. The boat cruise here is designed to maximize your chances of sightings—your guide’s knowledge paired with the boat’s speed increases the likelihood of a close encounter.

Throughout the trip, there are several photo stops and opportunities for learning about marine life, making it an engaging experience rather than just a sightseeing cruise. After approximately two hours, the boat returns to the starting point, leaving you with memories of a fast, fun, and educational adventure.

The Experience Onboard

Onboard, safety and comfort are clearly prioritized. The water-resistant overalls are praised for keeping travelers warm and dry, especially given the chilly Icelandic waters. The guides are noted for their enthusiasm and knowledge, sharing stories about the whales, puffins, and local geology (like the fossil layers on Tjörnes Peninsula). Several reviews mention feeling very safe, thanks to the skilled captain and crew.

One reviewer described their experience as “well worth paying a bit extra for a speedboat,” emphasizing how quickly the boat could chase whales once spotted. The speed of the RIB was a major factor in getting close to the animals, which many users found to be a huge plus. Another remarked that “the boat was so much fun and gave us an up-close experience,” highlighting how the design of the vessel enhances the overall thrill.

The small group size means there’s plenty of space for everyone to see and hear the guide clearly. This intimacy fosters a more personal experience, with many appreciating the friendly, knowledgeable staff. The high ratings and glowing reviews reflect how well this setup works in practice.

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The Wildlife and Scenery You’ll Encounter

This tour’s biggest draw, of course, is the wildlife. With over 10 whale species visiting Skjálfandi Bay annually, your chances of seeing humpback whales, minke whales, or even rare Blue Whales are pretty good. Many reviewers have observed multiple whales during their trips, with some lucky enough to see a mother and her calf together, which is a truly special sight.

Dolphins, including white-beaked dolphins, are also common visitors, often swimming alongside the boat or leaping out of the water. Puffins, meanwhile, are the star attraction on Lundey Island in spring and summer. Travelers have described the puffin sightings as “spectacular,” with many capturing memorable photos of these adorable birds.

The bay itself offers stunning scenery, with views of the Tjörnes peninsula and its ancient fossil layers, some dating back two million years. The combination of vibrant wildlife, scenic geology, and the raw beauty of the ocean makes this tour a holistic Icelandic experience.

About the Price and What You’re Getting

At $159 per person, this tour is a solid investment for travelers seeking a personalized, adrenaline-filled wildlife experience. Compared to larger cruise options, the smaller group size and speedboat give you a chance to get closer to the animals and cover more ground.

Many reviews mention that the guides and crew go above and beyond to make the trip memorable. The inclusion of warm overalls, rain gear, and life vests means you won’t be caught unprepared, though bringing your own hat and gloves can boost comfort. The two-hour duration is just right to see a good amount of wildlife without feeling rushed—allowing you to savor the experience.

Considering the high praise for knowledgeable guides, safety, and the chance of close-up sightings, the price reflects a value for money that many travelers feel is worth it. It’s a small, high-energy tour that appeals to those who want to maximize their wildlife encounters in a short, fun trip.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy a fast-paced ride and are comfortable in open water. It’s perfect if you love wildlife viewing and want the option to see puffins in season. The small group setting may appeal to those who prefer a more intimate and less crowded tour.

If you’re traveling with children, they should be at least 8 years old and comfortable with the motion of the boat. Also, those with health issues like back or heart problems might want to consider their comfort level, as the boat moves quickly, and weather can be unpredictable.

Travelers who value expert guides and want to learn about Iceland’s marine life firsthand will find this trip especially rewarding. The combination of speed, scenery, and wildlife makes it a memorable highlight—just remember to dress warmly, be ready for a quick ride, and go with an open mind.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children should be at least 8 years old and comfortable in open water. Always check with the provider if your child is close to the height requirement (130cm) or has health concerns.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothes, hats, gloves, and comfortable shoes. The water-resistant overalls and raincoat are provided, but extra layers help keep you warm.

Can I see puffins outside of spring and summer?
No, puffin season runs from April 15 to August 20. Outside of these months, the tour focuses solely on whale watching.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, covering whale watching, scenic views, and puffin island visits when in season.

What whales can I expect to see?
Common sightings include Humpback, Minke, and White-beaked dolphins, among others—more than 10 species visit Skjálfandi Bay annually.

Is the tour eco-friendly?
While not explicitly stated, the focus on gentle wildlife observation and knowledgeable guides suggests a respectful approach to nature.

Is the boat comfortable?
The RIB is designed for speed and agility; most reviews mention feeling safe and comfortable thanks to the safety gear and water-resistant overalls.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The provider reserves the right to cancel or reschedule due to weather, and you’ll be notified in advance with options for an alternative or full refund.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, which offers flexibility if your plans are uncertain.

What if I get seasick?
Seasickness pills are not included, so it’s advisable to bring your own if you’re prone. The fast speed of the boat sometimes reduces seasickness, according to reviews.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an adventure-packed wildlife tour that offers speed, proximity, and stunning scenery, this Húsavík speedboat trip hits the spot. The combination of close whale encounters, puffin sightings in season, and the thrill of a fast boat makes it stand out from more traditional whale-watching cruises.

The knowledgeable guides and small group setting create a friendly, informative atmosphere that many travelers appreciate. While it’s not suited for everyone—especially those with health restrictions or a preference for a slower pace—it’s an excellent choice for adventure seekers and wildlife lovers looking to make the most of their short time in Iceland.

In the end, this tour delivers on excitement and education, packed into a two-hour adrenaline rush. Whether you want to tick off a major wildlife sighting or just experience the joy of zipping across the ocean in Iceland’s wild waters, this trip is well worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: