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A whale watching tour from Húsavík, the town known as Iceland's whale watching capital. The 3-hour trip goes out on a traditional oak boat, with hot chocolate and cinnamon cookies waiting when you're back.
Húsavík calls itself the whale watching capital of Iceland, and Skjálfandi Bay backs that up: over three decades the operator here has reported an average sighting rate of over 97%. This is the original version of the tour, run on a traditional Icelandic oak boat rather than a fast RIB, so the pace is gentler and there's more deck space to move around.
The bay regularly sees humpback whales, minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins, along with harbour porpoises and seabirds. The trip runs about 3 hours, giving plenty of time to reach the feeding grounds and wait for activity, rather than rushing in and out.
It runs daily from 1 March to 30 November. Warm overalls and raincoats are available if you need them, and the day finishes with hot chocolate and cinnamon cookies back at the harbour, a nice way to warm up after time on deck.
Yes, a traditional Icelandic oak vessel with viewing decks, rather than a fast RIB boat.
Skjálfandi Bay has a strong sighting record, but as with any wildlife trip, nothing can be guaranteed.
Yes, overalls and raincoats are available on board if you need them.
It runs daily from 1 March to 30 November.
Great tour - our whole family loved it and we saw many whales even in March. The boat ride was very friendly and Husavik and the fjords and sea are simply beautiful. The boat is also beautiful itself and it was so fun to see the whales swim around us.
Jonas · March 2026An incredible experience! Seeing whales in their natural environment was truly magical. The guides were knowledgeable and enthusiastic, making the tour both fun and educational. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Husavik.
Beatriz · August 2025We absolutely loved this whale watching tour in Husavik. Everyone in our family had a fantastic time, our kids and my parents - it was a great experience that we will remember forever.
Marilee · June 2025Had the perfect tour in amazing weather in Husavik. 20 degrees and sun. It was simply magical to be out on the sea and see the whales swim across the ocean with magnificent surroundings of the nearby mountains. An experience I will never forget.
Will · May 2025Husavik is definitely the place to go for whale watching! We saw several whales throughout the tour, and our guide shared interesting facts about each species. The crew was great at helping us spot the whales and capturing the moment. This tour exceeded my expectations!
TimWe saw so many whales! The boat was comfortable, and the crew was fantastic. Húsavík is definitely the best place for whale watching.
Alex P. · October 2024I had the pleasure of joining the Húsavík Whale Watching Tour in June, and it was an incredible experience. Known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, Húsavík did not disappoint. Our knowledgeable guide provided fascinating insights into the marine life and local history as we sailed through the stunning Skjálfandi Bay. We were fortunate to witness multiple humpback whales breaching and playing in the water, which was a truly magical sight. The boat was comfortable, and the crew was professional and friendly. This tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Iceland and wanting to experience the majestic beauty of whales in their natural habitat. Highly recommended!
Bryan · June 2024Unforgettable experience! From the moment we set foot on the boat until the very end, everything was exceptional.First and foremost, the professionalism and expertise of the crew were remarkable. They were knowledgeable about the local marine life and went above and beyond to ensure we had an educational and enjoyable trip. Their passion for the whales and the environment was evident, as they shared fascinating insights and stories throughout the journey. The boat itself was well-maintained, comfortable, and equipped with all the necessary amenities.
The guides skillfully navigated to areas known for high whale activity, and we were fortunate enough to encounter several species.
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