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Húsavík Whale Watching & Puffins by RIB Boat

Name: Húsavík Whale Watching & Puffins by RIB Boat
Brand: Iceland Travel Guide
SKU: 82620
Price: 21990 ISK
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (1 reviews)

About 2 hoursGroup: Small boat, up to 12 passengersEasyBoatAge 8+Summer (May–Sep)

5.0(1 review)

Whale surfacing near the RIB boat in Skjálfandi Bay

A whale watching and puffin tour from Húsavík on a fast RIB boat. You stop first at Puffin Island to see the nesting birds, then head into Skjálfandi Bay to look for whales, with a small group of up to 12 on board.

Húsavík harbourPuffin IslandSkjálfandi Bay whale grounds

Fast RIB boat, faster and closer to the water than the bigger whale boats
Stop at Puffin Island to see nesting puffins
Search Skjálfandi Bay, one of Iceland's best whale watching areas
Small groups, up to 12 passengers

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.

1Meet at Húsavík harbourCheck in and get fitted for your safety overalls.

Puffin IslandA stop by the cliffs to see nesting puffins.

A stop by the cliffs to see nesting puffins. Thousands nest here in season, from mid-April to mid-August, and the RIB gets close enough for a good view and photos. Warm safety overalls and life jackets are provided.

Season · puffins present roughly mid-April to mid-August

Skjálfandi BayOut into deeper water to look for whales.

Out into deeper water, where a guide watches for whales as the boat moves through the bay. Humpback and minke whales are the most regular sightings. The RIB is fast and sits low on the water, so you are close to the animals. Minimum age is 8 and minimum height 130 cm.

Minimum age · 8 years, minimum height 130 cmFacilities · warm safety overalls and life jackets provided

4Return to HúsavíkBack to the harbour to end the tour.

About the Husavik whale watching RIB boat

Húsavík calls itself Iceland's whale watching capital, and this tour uses a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) rather than the larger converted fishing boats, so it is quicker and sits lower on the water. Groups are capped at 12 passengers, which keeps things personal.

The route usually starts at Puffin Island, where thousands of puffins nest on the cliffs in season, before heading further out into Skjálfandi Bay to look for whales. Species seen vary through the summer, with humpback and minke whales the most common, and blue whales an occasional highlight.

Because it is an open boat, conditions can be cold and wet even on a calm day, and mandatory safety overalls and life jackets are provided. The tour is not suitable for anyone with heart or back problems, or for pregnant women, since the ride can be bumpy at speed.

Included

Wildlife guide
Safety overalls and life jacket
Rain jacket as needed

Not included

Transport to Húsavík
Food and drinks

What to bring

Warm clothing under the overalls
Waterproof footwear
Camera in a protective bag (sea spray)

Good to know

Minimum age 8, minimum height 130 cm
Not suitable for anyone with heart or back problems, or for pregnant women
Runs roughly April to October; puffins present mid-April to mid-August
Meet on location at Húsavík harbour

Questions people ask

Is the RIB boat rougher than a regular whale watching boat?

Yes, it moves faster and sits lower, so it can feel bumpier, though the guide adjusts speed for conditions.

Will we see puffins and whales on the same trip?

The route usually includes both Puffin Island and the whale watching grounds in Skjálfandi Bay, in season.

What should I wear?

Warm layers under the safety overalls provided, plus waterproof shoes.

Is it suitable for young children?

There is a minimum age of 8 and a minimum height of 130 cm.

Reviews

Reviews from travellers who took this tour. A local reads every review before it is shown.

5.0Based on 1 review

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1 star0

Great trip and great service by Iceland Travel Guide

Our family had a fantastic time on the Húsavík Whale Watching & Puffin rib boat tour in Husavik. This charming town was the perfect addition to our trip, and the tour made it even more special. As we were a large group of 18, it was initially challenging to book a rib boat tour that could accommodate everyone. However, I contacted Iceland Travel Guide, and they promptly and efficiently arranged two RIB boats for our group. The tour itself was nothing short of amazing, and every member of our group thoroughly enjoyed it. If you are visiting North Iceland, I highly recommend this tour.

Alexia C. · March 2023

From21,990 ISKPer person