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
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
3 hours
All ages
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
-
Daily9:00 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
Like what you see?
Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.
Get startedLike what you see?
Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.
Get startedHusavík Experiences
Show more Husavík experiences
GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths Experience
Located just to the north of Húsavik, GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths offers one of Iceland's most scenic hot pool experiences from its dramatic perch next to the Húsavíkurviti...

Ásbyrgi Canyon in Northern Iceland
The Ásbyrgi Canyon, a glacial canyon formed after the last Ice Age, is about a 1-hour drive from the Northern Iceland town of Húsavík. This massive landmark sits along Route 85,...

Goðafoss Waterfall of the Gods
Set between the towns of Akureyri and Húsavík in Northern Iceland is Goðafoss Waterfall, known as the "Waterfall of the Gods" for its impressive size and unique history. The...

Húsavík Whale Watching
Near the town of Húsavík, you'll find the world-famous Skjálfandi Bay, known to be one of the best areas in the country to spot whales. Unlike in other regions where you must...

Seaside Horseback Riding near Húsavík
Enjoy the scenery of coastal Húsavík in a unique way: atop Iceland's famed horses. As you ride along the sea, you'll enjoy a fantastic view over the Bay of Skjálfandi, known as...
Akureyri Experiences
Show more Akureyri experiences
Dog Sledding near Akureyri
Northern Iceland is one of the best places to enjoy a thrilling and scenic experience common in the Nordic countries: dogsledding. With a pack of eight or so loyal pups leading...

Goðafoss Waterfall of the Gods
Set between the towns of Akureyri and Húsavík in Northern Iceland is Goðafoss Waterfall, known as the "Waterfall of the Gods" for its impressive size and unique history. The...

Snowshoe Hike in Eyjafjordur
The city of Akureyri sits in Northern Iceland at the base of the Eyjafjordur fjord, a 43-mile (70-km) fjord surrounded by mountains and known for its scenery and abundant...

Explore Lake Mývatn & Dettifoss
Enjoy exploring the beautiful lake region of Lake Mývatn, a massive volcanic pool, and Iceland's fourth-largest body of water. You'll find the lake in Northern Iceland about an...
Lake Mývatn Experiences
Show more Lake Mývatn experiences
Vök Baths Experience
Head just north of Egilsstaðir to experience the soothing waters of Iceland's only floating infinity pools. Located on the shores of Lake Urriðavatn, the Vök Baths offer a...

Mývatn Nature Baths
Although Iceland's Blue Lagoon draws the crowds for its milky, blue hue, the popular thermal spa has a rival in the north: Mývatn Nature Baths. Set near Lake Mývatn and about a...

Dog Sledding near Akureyri
Northern Iceland is one of the best places to enjoy a thrilling and scenic experience common in the Nordic countries: dogsledding. With a pack of eight or so loyal pups leading...

Explore Lake Mývatn & Dettifoss
Enjoy exploring the beautiful lake region of Lake Mývatn, a massive volcanic pool, and Iceland's fourth-largest body of water. You'll find the lake in Northern Iceland about an...
Iceland Experiences
Show more Iceland experiences
Puffin Tour Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Just off the coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula near the town of Grundarfjörður is the small island of Melrakkaey, complete with towering sea cliffs of basalt columns. These...

Hike Geldingadalir Volcano
Hiking on an active volcano is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that attract many travelers to Iceland's Geldingadalir Volcano. Set just south of the capital on the...

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Standing at 200 feet (60 m) is the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland's most famous and visited cascades. Just off the Ring Road, you can see Seljalandsfoss in less than...

Hiking Kaldbakur Mountain in the Westfjords
In terms of hiking the mountains of Iceland, the locals may consider the route up Mt. Kaldbakur, the highest point in the Westfjords, as relatively easy. This declaration is...

Canyons & Glaciers near Vík
Along the southern portion of Iceland's famed Ring Road is the humble coastal town of Vík, an excellent starting point for exploring some of the country's canyons and glaciers....
Best of Akureyri
Best of Akureyri
The Best of the North: 2-3 Days around Akureyri and Lake Myvatn
The North of Iceland may be the country’s best-kept secret. While crowds of tourists populate the South and Golden Circle, visitors to Akureyri and Lake Myvatn can enjoy the...

Best Things to Do in Northern Iceland
Northern Iceland is a special region offering unique experiences not experienced by those who only visit the country's southern and western portions. In the north, you'll find...

Top Winter Experiences in Iceland
Winter in Iceland offers many unique activities that you can't always experience in other seasons. Make the most out of the limited daylight with wintry adventures, such as...


5-Day Tour of the North: Akureyri, Lake Myvatn, Waterfalls, and Geothermal Hotspots
For a unique Iceland experience, avoid the crowds of the south completely. This trip has it all: volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs, nature baths, whale watching, fjords and...


Luxury Winter Exploration of Iceland's North & West - 10 Days
This 10-day Icelandic itinerary combines an adventurous winter road trip with scenic guided tours and plenty of time to switch off in luxurious hotels and natural spas. Grab the...
Trip Planning Essentials

How Kimkim Trips Works in Iceland
Travelers love Iceland for its wild landscapes, Reykjavik's cultural charms, and the seasonal magic of the Northern Lights. Work with a kimkim travel specialist to experience it...


Ultimate Iceland Itineraries: 5, 7, 10 & 14 Days
When it comes to planning the perfect Iceland itinerary, we have you covered. Our researchers scouted the island, our Iceland experts chipped in, and then we asked travelers...

Iceland Travel Agents
Kimkim has selected the best Iceland travel agents so you'll have a worry-free trip