Húsavík: Whale-Watching Cruise and Puffins Guided Tour

The big draw here is the chance to see humpback whales and dolphins from a traditional Icelandic oak boat in Skjálfandi Bay. Some outings have produced blue whales, northern bottlenose whales, minke whales, porpoises, and even belly-spinning behavior from a blue whale. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but Húsavík gives you a serious chance.

I like the warm full-body overalls, which matter more than you may expect, and the thoughtful finish of hot chocolate and a cinnamon bun on the way back. The main drawback is the puffin stop: birds may be plentiful, but Puffin Island is viewed from a distance. Rough water, cold wind, and a long wait before the first whale are also part of the deal.

Key points to know before you book

• Whales are the main event: Humpbacks, minke whales, blue whales, dolphins, porpoises, and other species have all been seen.
• Puffins stay at a distance: You may see many birds around the island, but the boat cannot bring you close to the colony.
• The oak boat has real character: It offers a traditional sailing setting, though it can be harder to move around when a whale appears.
• Warm overalls are provided: You still need a hat, gloves, warm layers, and closed-toe shoes.
• Allow three to three and a half hours: Sightings may come late, so patience is part of the experience.
• You get a wildlife guarantee: If no whales appear, North Sailing offers another whale-watching trip free of charge.

Setting out from Húsavík on an old oak boat

You meet at the North Sailing ticket office in Húsavík. The town is one of Iceland’s best-known bases for whale watching, and the trip heads into Skjálfandi Bay, an open body of water where several whale species feed during the warmer months.

The boat is a traditional Icelandic oak vessel rather than a sleek modern catamaran. That gives the outing a strong sense of place. You feel the boat move beneath you, see the timber around the deck, and get a slower, more old-fashioned way to travel across the bay.

That character comes with a tradeoff. An oak boat may be harder to reposition quickly when a whale surfaces, and one passenger found the viewing and commentary less easy from the rear and side areas. If you hear a whale has appeared, move to a spot with a clear view if you can do so safely.

The booking information gives the activity a three-hour duration, while the main tour description and many departures run about three and a half hours. I would plan on the longer figure, especially if wildlife is found late in the outing. The crew has sometimes extended the trip to follow unusual sightings, including a rare blue whale.

The first hour: sea air, birds, and patient searching

The early part of the cruise may be quiet. You could spend a long stretch scanning the water with no obvious sign of a whale. That is normal for a wildlife trip, but it can test your patience, especially in cold weather.

The guide fills these gaps with information about whales, dolphins, puffins, and sea birds. Past guides have included marine biologists, and names such as Jess and Chris have been praised for clear explanations and enthusiasm. The quality of the commentary can vary by guide, but the strongest outings combine practical spotting help with facts about marine behavior and the bay.

This is not a show where animals perform on cue. A whale may show only its back, fin, or tail before disappearing. You might see a blow in the distance and then wait several minutes for the animal to return. Some passengers have seen whales close to the bow for an extended period, while others have watched from farther away.

I recommend keeping your attention on the water even when the boat is quiet. Dolphins and porpoises can appear without much warning, and sea birds often provide the first sign that you are in an active feeding area.

Puffin Island, and why the birds seem far away

The cruise includes a stop or slow pass near Puffin Island, home to thousands of puffins during the nesting season. From the boat, you may see birds flying around the island, sitting on the water, or moving near their nesting area.

The important thing to understand is distance. The boat does not pull right up to the colony. That protects the birds, but it also means puffins can be hard to photograph. A rolling boat makes binoculars less useful, and the birds may drop beneath the water when the boat approaches.

I like the bird stop as part of a wider wildlife trip, but I would not book this outing mainly for close puffin views. If puffins are your top priority, you may prefer a land-based colony elsewhere in Iceland. This cruise is better for combining a chance to see puffins with a serious whale search.

The timing also matters. Puffins leave their nesting areas after the season, so the bird portion is seasonal in a way the whale search is not. North Sailing has adjusted the price when the puffins had already left the island, which is a fair approach. Still, check current conditions if puffins are central to your plans.

The whale search in Skjálfandi Bay

The best part of the trip is the search itself. The captain moves through areas where whales have been spotted, while the guide watches for blows, backs, fins, and changes in the water.

Humpback whales are the species most often associated with memorable sightings here. You may see one feeding, surfacing beside the boat, or traveling with another humpback. Two humpbacks have been seen moving almost in step with the boat, and another outing followed a humpback for about an hour while keeping a respectful distance.

Minke whales are smaller and can be more difficult to track, but seeing one adds variety. Dolphins and porpoises can travel in groups, making them lively counterpoints to the slower rhythm of the whales. Blue whales are rare, but past trips have encountered them, including one that rolled or moved its belly above the water.

I appreciate the crew’s reported approach to wildlife. The aim is not to chase an animal aggressively for a dramatic photograph. The captain tries to keep a good viewing position while giving the whale room. That means you must accept that the animal decides what you see.

Sightings may happen in the final hour. One outing produced almost no action for the first two hours, then found whales repeatedly near the end. This is why I would avoid booking the cruise immediately before an important afternoon connection. Give yourself time to enjoy the full search rather than watching the clock.

Guides, commentary, and what you will learn

The live commentary is in English. It is one of the tour’s more useful features because it gives structure to the quiet stretches and helps you understand what you are seeing.

On the strongest departures, the guide explains whale behavior, identification, and local biodiversity in a lively way. Marine biologist guides have been especially well received, and several guides have helped people spot whales that were easy to miss at first.

The level of personal storytelling may be limited. Some passengers wanted more background about Húsavík and the guides themselves, such as why they chose this work. If you want a long cultural introduction to the town, this is not that kind of tour. The focus is marine life.

You should also think about where you stand. Commentary can be harder to hear from the back or along the sides, particularly if the wind rises. Staying near the guide, when practical, will improve your chance of hearing the explanations and spotting the animal at the same time.

Cold, spray, and the practical side of the boat

I would take the clothing advice seriously. The bay can feel cold even on a sunny Icelandic day, and wind makes the temperature drop quickly once the boat is moving.

North Sailing provides warm overalls, and these have been a major help on wet and windy outings. They are full-body suits rather than a simple jacket, so they add useful protection against spray and cold air.

Bring your own:

• Warm layers
• Hat
• Gloves
• Comfortable, close-toed shoes

Shoes are not supplied, and open footwear is not allowed. Wear something secure and comfortable because you may spend much of the trip standing or shifting position to watch the water.

The sea can be rough. One passenger became seasick, and another described the ride as bumpy. If you are prone to motion sickness, ask a medical professional about suitable medication before the trip and eat lightly beforehand. The traditional boat is part of the charm, but it is not the steadiest possible platform.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, but you should contact North Sailing before arrival to discuss your needs. The provided information does not detail every boarding arrangement, so advance communication is sensible.

Hot chocolate and cinnamon buns on the way home

The warm drink and pastry arrive near the end of the cruise, usually as the boat heads back toward Húsavík. This is a small touch, but it earns its place in the experience. After several hours in the wind, hot chocolate feels practical rather than decorative.

The cinnamon bun also helps if the trip runs through lunchtime or if the cold has left you hungry. It is a light refreshment, not a meal, so eat beforehand if you need something substantial.

I like that the food comes after the wildlife search. It gives the return journey a relaxed finish and lets you talk through what you saw while warming up. On a rough day, it may be the moment when you fully forgive the weather.

Is $135 a fair price?

At $135 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. The value depends on what you want from a whale trip.

You are paying for a long outing, a traditional boat, a professional guide, warm overalls, the puffin stop, and the possibility of a wide range of species. You also receive a free repeat whale-watching tour if the trip produces no whales. That guarantee reduces some of the risk, especially if you have flexibility in your Iceland schedule.

The price makes more sense if you view this as a half-day wildlife outing rather than a short boat ride. Three to three and a half hours gives the crew time to search beyond the harbor and wait for late sightings. Several of the strongest experiences happened only after the boat had been out for a while.

The value is weaker if your only goal is close-up puffin photography. The birds may be far off, and you could find a better land-based viewpoint elsewhere. It is also not ideal if you dislike cold, rough water, or patient wildlife watching.

Who should book this cruise?

I think this suits families, couples, photographers, bird lovers, and anyone who wants a genuine chance to see whales in the wild. The guide keeps the trip educational, and the hot drink helps make the long outing comfortable for children and adults alike.

You should book it if you can accept uncertainty. You may see several humpbacks, dolphins, and a minke whale, or you may spend long periods watching empty water before a late sighting. The crew can search carefully, but no operator can control animal behavior or weather.

I would be more cautious if you are very sensitive to cold or seasickness. The supplied overalls help, but they do not remove the motion of the sea. I would also choose another activity if close puffin views are your main reason for going.

North Sailing allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The tour can be canceled for poor weather, in which case you receive another date or a full refund. Those terms are useful when Iceland’s weather forecast is uncertain.

Should you book the Húsavík whale and puffin cruise?

Yes, if you want a patient, wildlife-first outing with a traditional boat and a strong chance of seeing whales. The best reason to book is the possibility of a close humpback encounter, not the puffin photography.

I would reserve this tour early in your Húsavík stay if possible. That leaves room to take the free repeat trip if weather or wildlife does not cooperate. Bring serious cold-weather clothing, keep your expectations realistic, and allow the full three and a half hours. If you do, the mix of open water, seabirds, whales, and hot chocolate can become one of the most memorable parts of your Iceland trip.

FAQ

How long is the Húsavík whale and puffin tour?

The booking details list a three-hour duration, while the main tour description and many departures last about three and a half hours. Plan for the longer time so you are not rushed afterward.

What animals might I see?

You may see humpback whales, minke whales, blue whales, northern bottlenose whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and other sea birds. Sightings depend on weather and wildlife activity.

Are puffins seen close to the boat?

Usually, puffins are viewed from a distance around their island. You may see many birds, but the boat does not approach the colony closely.

Is whale watching guaranteed?

No wildlife sighting can be guaranteed. If no whales are seen, North Sailing offers another whale-watching tour free of charge.

What clothing should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, a hat, gloves, and comfortable close-toed shoes. Warm overalls are provided, but shoes are not.

Can the sea be rough?

Yes. Conditions can be cold and bumpy, and the motion may affect people prone to seasickness.

Is food included?

Light refreshments are included. The tour provides hot chocolate and a cinnamon bun near the end of the cruise.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible. Contact the operator before arrival to discuss your requirements.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You can choose another date or receive a full refund if the tour is canceled because of unfavorable weather.