Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

If you’re looking for a whale-watching adventure that gets you right into the action without the crowds, this RIB boat tour from Húsavík is hard to beat. At just around 2 hours, it offers a compact yet immersive experience for about $162 per person—though many travelers book it 53 days in advance. Led by knowledgeable guides and captains like Alex and Austin, you’ll explore Skjálfandi Bay, a prime habitat for whales, dolphins, and puffins.

What makes this tour stand out is the small group size—limited to just 12 passengers—allowing you to enjoy plenty of space and clear views. Plus, you’re provided with warm, waterproof gear, making the chilly Arctic conditions more manageable. Two things we particularly love: the intimate setting that maximizes wildlife sightings, and the expert guidance that genuinely enhances your understanding of these majestic creatures.

A potential consideration is the weather, as the North Atlantic can be unpredictable. The tour is weather-dependent, and if the conditions turn rough or the whales stay elusive, you might need patience or a backup plan. This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who want up-close wildlife encounters and don’t mind getting a little wet or chilly.

Key Points

• Small-group intimacy: No crowded decks here—just 12 guests at most, for better views and a more personal experience.
• Expert guides and captains: From Alex to Austin, you’ll be in the hands of seasoned professionals who know where and how to find whales.
• Close encounters: The speed and agility of the RIB boat allow for rapid navigation, increasing chances to see whales, puffins, and dolphins at close range.
• Included gear: Warm, water-resistant suits and life jackets are provided, making the cold ocean less intimidating.
• Flexible scheduling: Multiple departure times mean you can pick what works best for your itinerary.
• Wildlife diversity: Over 10 species visit Skjálfandi annually, including humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, porpoises, and puffins (in season).

An In-Depth Look at the Big Whales & Puffins RIB Tour

When contemplating a whale-watching trip, many travelers find that large boat tours can often feel like a cattle call—standing shoulder to shoulder, fighting for the best vantage point, with limited mobility. This RIB tour from Húsavík flips that idea on its head by limiting the group size to just 12 passengers, ensuring that each person can truly enjoy the adventure without feeling crowded.

The itinerary begins in Husavík, where you’ll meet your crew at Husavik Adventures, located at Garðarsbraut. After a quick safety briefing, you’ll don your included warm water-resistant overall, a lifesaver considering Iceland’s unpredictable weather and the chill of the North Atlantic. The boat’s speedy RIB (rigid inflatable boat) is designed for agility, allowing your captain—like Robbie or Austin—to cover significant distances in a short time, an important advantage when trying to locate elusive whales.

Your first stop is Skjálfandi Bay, renowned for its rich marine life. Here, the guides focus on finding whales. Many reviews commend the guides for their keen eyes and expert knowledge—one even mentioned that the guide named the whales they saw, underscoring their familiarity with local wildlife. The movement of the boat and sharp eyes of the crew increase your chances of witnessing whales in action—tail slaps, breaches, or spy-hopping—sometimes just meters away.

You’ll also visit Lundey (Puffin Island) during the season (roughly mid-April to mid-August). Here, puffins are abundant and fun to observe, especially from the deck of a small boat that can get close without disturbing these adorable birds. Outside puffin season, the tour focuses solely on whales, but the scenic coastal views and fossil layers on the Tjörnes peninsula add to the experience.

What You Can Expect During the Tour

The two-hour trip is a perfect length for this kind of adventure. It’s enough time to venture far from the shore and increase wildlife encounters, but not so long that it becomes tiring or weather-dependent. The speed and maneuverability of the RIB mean you can chase after whales that surface briefly and make quick escapes.

As one reviewer put it, “the boat driver and guide were fabulous,” and many tour participants mention how close they managed to get to the whales—including Humpbacks, Minke whales, and even White-beaked dolphins. Several comments highlight the thrill of witnessing tail slaps and breaches, with one person describing the whales as “showing off” for the group.

Puffin sightings are equally memorable, with many travelers describing spectacular close-up views of these charming seabirds. Given the limited number of passengers, there’s ample opportunity to take photos and ask questions—your guide is often separate from the driver, so their full attention is dedicated to enriching your understanding.

Gear and Comfort

Given Iceland’s often brisk weather, the gear is a real plus. The included waterproof overall suits and life jackets mean you can focus on the wildlife rather than worrying about staying dry and warm. Several reviews mention the importance of bringing hats and gloves, especially if the wind picks up. The suits are designed to be water-resistant, but layers underneath are recommended, especially on colder days.

The Wildlife Encounters

What makes this tour genuinely special are the wildlife sightings. Multiple reviewers describe encounters with up to 8 different whale species in a single trip, including Humpbacks, Minke whales, and even orcas, which are rare in the bay. The guides’ ability to locate whales—sometimes by “reading the waves” or knowing where they surface—is frequently praised.

One traveler recounted, “we saw 3 humpback whales, and one performed about 15 minutes of tail slapping” — a moment that sticks with many. The puffins on Lundey Island also provide a delightful diversion, especially for bird lovers, and are accessible in season.

The Experience and Value

For the price of around $162, you’re getting a well-organized, wildlife-rich experience with expert guides and a small-group setting. Many reviews mention that the guides and captains are both knowledgeable and enthusiastic, which enhances the trip immensely. The personal attention and ability to get close to whales make this tour feel more like a shared expedition than a typical tourist ride.

While weather can sometimes be a factor, the flexibility of the tour—with multiple times available and a weather cancellation policy—means you’ll likely get a good shot at seeing wildlife. The small-group format ensures you won’t miss out on photo opportunities or ask plenty of questions.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers eager to see whales and puffins in their natural environment. It suits those who appreciate small-group experiences, want more personalized attention, and aren’t bothered by the possibility of cold or choppy waters. Families with children aged 8 and above will enjoy the trip, provided they are comfortable with small boats and marine wildlife.

If you’re after close encounters and are willing to dress warmly, this tour offers incredible value. It’s perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, or anyone wanting a genuine, less crowded experience on Iceland’s northern coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 2 hours, giving you enough time to see whales and puffins without it feeling too rushed.

What is included?
The tour includes all taxes and fees, a local guide, and warm, water-resistant overall suits and life jackets.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, children must be at least 8 years old or 130 centimeters tall to participate.

Can I see puffins on this trip?
Yes, during puffin season (roughly April 15 to August 20), the tour visits Lundey Island, home to many puffins. Outside this period, puffin sightings are not guaranteed, and the tour focuses on whales.

What should I bring?
Bring hat and gloves, especially if it’s windy or cold. The suits provided help, but layers underneath are recommended.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, the trip requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

How many people are on the boat?
Maximum of 12 passengers, ensuring plenty of space and great views.

How do I book?
Most travelers book about two months in advance, especially in peak season, through the tour provider’s site or Viator.

Final Thoughts

This Big Whales & Puffins RIB Boat Tour from Húsavík offers a personalized, wildlife-rich experience that’s perfect for those hungry for close-up encounters with Iceland’s marine giants. The small group size and expert guides truly make a difference, transforming what could be a simple boat ride into a memorable adventure. The included gear, combined with the speedy, agile RIB boat, makes it easier to spot and get close to whales and puffins—something many reviews describe as “spectacular”.

While weather can be unpredictable, the flexibility and professionalism of Husavik Adventures ensure you’re well taken care of. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family, or a curious traveler, this tour promises authentic encounters and plenty of photo-worthy moments. It’s an experience that many rave about—and with good reason.

In essence, if you’re after a genuine Icelandic adventure that delivers nature in its most lively form, this trip is well worth considering. Just pack your warmth—and prepare for an unforgettable two hours at sea.