Whale Watching Experience by Traditional Boat, Husavík

Cruise the waters of Skjálfandi Bay with an expert whale watching guide to spot marine giants and seabirds.

Overview

Set sail from Húsavík aboard a traditional oak fishing boat for a three-hour whale watching adventure in Skjálfandi Bay. Guided by an expert with a 97% whale sighting success rate, you'll learn about the bay's unique ecosystem while spotting minke and humpback whales or pods of playful dolphins. Keep an eye out for birdlife, including the colorful residents of "Puffin Island," and take a break on deck for a warming treat of hot chocolate and cinnamon buns. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, this scenic outing offers a thrilling glimpse into Iceland's natural world.

Highlights

  • Experience an eco-friendly cruise on a traditional Icelandic-built boat
  • Learn why Húsavik is known as "Iceland's whale watching capital"
  • Search the waves for minke, humpback, and blue whales
  • Warm up with a break for hot chocolate and cinnamon buns
  • Enjoy sightings of diverse birdlife like guillemots, arctic terns, and puffins

Know before you go

Duration
3 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Small group

What you'll do

This adventure starts when you step aboard a traditional oak fishing vessel and cast off from the picturesque town of Húsavík for a three-hour exploration of Skjálfandi Bay. The deep waters and rich plankton forests of this sheltered body of water make it a haven for marine wildlife; minke whales are the most common sightings, but humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises are also spotted frequently. From time to time, rare species like blue and sei whales are also seen. 

As you cruise the bay, your expert whale watching guide will share fascinating insight into the area's ecosystem as they lead you to the best locations depending on the season and the weather—with a 97% success rate of whale sightings over the last three decades, the odds are good that you'll witness some of these marine giants. The area is also a haven for birdlife, and your guide will point out species like guillemots, kittiwakes, terns, and razorbills, as well as the adorable flightless denizens of "Puffin Island." 

In between wildlife spotting, enjoy the sea air and scenic views from aboard the Icelandic-built wooden boat, helmed by an experienced crew. They'll make sure you're outfitted with warm overalls and raincoats if the weather turns chilly and will treat you to hot chocolate and cinnamon buns on deck before you return to port.

Start times

  • Daily
    9:00 am, 1:00 pm, 4:30 pm

What's included

  • Expert whale watching guide
  • Warm overalls and raincoats if needed
  • Hot chocolate and cinnamon buns

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Like what you see?

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