Húsavík: Whale-Watching Cruise and Puffins Guided Tour

If you’re heading to Iceland and love the idea of seeing whales in their natural habitat, a whale-watching cruise from Húsavík should top your list. For around $111 per person, you get approximately 3.5 hours of boat-based wildlife spotting, a cozy ride on a traditional oak boat, and some delightful surprises like hot chocolate and cinnamon buns. It’s a chance to breathe in the salty sea air and get close to the creatures that make Skjálfandi Bay so special.

What we really enjoy about this experience is the personal touch of knowledgeable guides—they’re passionate about sharing their marine expertise—and the authentic Icelandic boat that adds a rustic charm to the adventure. Plus, the chance to see whales, dolphins, and puffins in one trip is a big bonus.

One thing to keep in mind is the weather, which can influence the trip—bad weather might mean a cancellation or a less smooth ride. It’s wise to dress warmly in layers, including a hat and gloves, since even in summer, the wind out on the bay can be chilly.

This tour is perfect for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone eager to witness Iceland’s marine life in an eco-friendly setting. If you’re hoping to see big whales or colorful puffins, this trip offers a well-balanced mix of adventure and education that’s suitable for all ages.

Key Points

• Authentic experience aboard a traditional Icelandic oak boat
• Expert guides offering live commentary and insights
• Wildlife sightings include whales, dolphins, and puffins
• Comfort included with warm overalls and light refreshments
• Weather-dependent: good weather improves chances of sightings
• Inclusive: hot chocolate and cinnamon buns are a lovely touch

If you’re dreaming of seeing whales swimming gracefully in the wild, this tour offers more than just a pretty boat ride. It’s about connecting with nature, learning from experienced guides, and enjoying Iceland’s rugged coastline. Here, we’ll walk you through what to expect, why it’s worth your time, and how to make the most of it.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What’s on the Agenda?

The tour begins at the North Sailing ticket office in Húsavík, a small but charming fishing town known as Iceland’s whale-watching capital. From here, you’ll board a traditional oak boat—a vessel that’s eco-friendly and full of character. The boat’s size tends to be moderate, allowing for good visibility and a cozy atmosphere.

Once underway, your guide will provide live commentary in English, sharing stories about the bay’s marine life and answering questions along the way. The first highlight is the chance to see whales, including humpback and blue whales, which are often found in Skjálfandi Bay. Some reviews mention especially lucky days where multiple whale species—sometimes even blue whales—are spotted, sometimes engaging in playful belly spins.

As you cruise, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, porpoises, and various sea birds. Puffins, in particular, are a major draw—home to Puffin Island, where thousands of these charming birds nest. While some travelers note that close-up puffin sightings can be tricky because the birds get scared and dive underwater, the views from afar are still impressive, especially with binoculars.

The boat makes a stop at Puffin Island, or at least nearby, allowing you to admire the colorful colonies from a respectful distance. As one reviewer said, “The puffins are harder to catch in a photo because they get scared and get under water. But there were a lot of them flying around.”

The journey concludes with hot chocolate and freshly baked cinnamon buns, a cozy treat that helps warm you up after the brisk ride. The entire trip lasts about 3.5 hours, which feels just right—long enough to see plenty of wildlife, but not so long that it becomes tiresome.

The Value: Why It’s Worth the Price

At $111 per person, this tour offers a solid value considering the quality of the experience. The live commentary from guides with marine biology backgrounds, like Jess and Chris mentioned in reviews, adds a layer of educational richness that makes every sighting more meaningful. The warm overalls provided help mitigate the chill, so even if your clothing isn’t perfect, you’ll stay comfortable enough to enjoy yourself.

The hot chocolate and cinnamon buns are often praised as a thoughtful, Icelandic touch—something that elevates the experience beyond just wildlife spotting. Many reviewers comment on how the guides’ passion and expertise greatly enhance the trip, making it more than just a boat ride but a genuine learning experience.

The Downsides and Considerations

Weather plays a significant role in this tour—if the conditions are rough or unsafe, the trip might be canceled, with options to reschedule or receive a full refund. As one reviewer pointed out, bad weather can impact the viewing experience and the comfort of the ride.

Plus, some travelers might find puffin sightings to be distant, which can feel a little underwhelming if you’re expecting close-up photos. Be prepared for the possibility of some motion on the boat, especially if seas are choppy, and wear sturdy, close-toed shoes.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for families with kids, who will enjoy the boat ride and seeing wildlife in a safe environment. It’s also perfect for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts eager to learn from guides with marine science expertise. If you’re looking for a relaxing yet adventurous way to spend a few hours outside, this tour fits the bill nicely.

It’s especially suitable if your goal is to see whales and puffins in their natural habitat without the hassle of larger, more commercialized tours. And, because it’s wheelchair accessible, it’s inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

If you’re visiting Húsavík and want an authentic, well-run wildlife experience, this tour ticks many boxes. You’ll enjoy the scenic boat ride aboard a traditional vessel, with the chance to see majestic whales in the wild, and colorful puffins on Puffin Island. The guides’ knowledgeable, passionate commentary makes every sighting more engaging, and the hot chocolate finale adds a cozy touch.

The experience offers great value for money—the combination of wildlife sightings, expert guides, and authentic Icelandic charm makes it a rewarding choice. It’s best suited for families, solo travelers, or couples curious about marine life, or anyone who appreciates a leisurely, nature-focused adventure.

Just remember to dress warmly, be flexible with weather conditions, and set realistic expectations about puffin photography. If you’re after a memorable, educational experience with plenty of opportunities to see whales and seabirds, this tour could be one of the highlights of your Iceland trip.

How long does the tour last?
The whale-watching cruise lasts approximately 3.5 hours, giving ample time to enjoy wildlife sightings and the scenic boat ride.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is at the North Sailing ticket office in Húsavík.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for the whole family and is considered a family-friendly wildlife adventure.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, including a hat and gloves. The tour provides warm overalls, but good footwear is up to you—close-toed shoes are necessary.

What animals might I see?
Expect to see whales (humpback, blue, and sometimes others), dolphins, and puffins. Other sea birds and marine mammals may also be spotted.

Is the tour accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible; just contact the operator before booking.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions are unfavorable, the tour may be canceled, and you’ll be offered a reschedule or full refund.

Can I see puffins up close?
Puffins are visible from a distance; getting very close might be difficult as they tend to dive underwater when approached.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot, especially during peak seasons, as tours can fill up quickly.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket covers the cruise, live guide commentary, warm overalls, and light refreshments like hot chocolate and cinnamon buns.

Embark on this memorable whale and puffin adventure in Húsavík and you’ll likely find yourself enchanted by Iceland’s marine world, guided by experts, and warmed up with some cozy treats. It’s a fantastic way to connect with nature in one of Europe’s prime wildlife spots.