Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

The best part of this Húsavík outing is the 12-seat RIB boat, which can move quickly across Skjálfandi Bay when a whale appears. You get a much smaller group than on a standard whale-watching ship, plus open-air views from both sides of the boat. I especially like the chance to visit Lundey, or Puffin Island, and the fact that the guide can talk about animal behavior as you watch it.

I also like the practical warmth provided by the water-resistant overall suit and the personal attention from guides such as Austin, Ignacio, and Inaki. The trade-off is clear: a fast RIB ride can be bumpy, cold, and wet, so this is not the right choice for anyone with serious back or heart problems, pregnant visitors, or children under eight.

Key points at a glance

• A small 12-person boat: You avoid the crowded viewing decks common on larger whale-watching ships.
• Fast access to wildlife: The RIB can cover a lot of water and reach a distant whale quickly.
• Puffins from April 15 to August 20: Lundey offers a seasonal stop with large numbers of seabirds.
• More than whales: Look for white-beaked dolphins, porpoises, minke whales, humpbacks, and the occasional blue whale or seal.
• Warm suit included: Water-resistant overalls and life vests are supplied, but you still need a hat, gloves, and warm layers.
• A lively but demanding ride: The speed and open air make the trip exciting, though rough conditions can be uncomfortable.

Why the RIB boat changes whale watching

Húsavík is one of Iceland’s best-known whale-watching ports, and Skjálfandi Bay attracts more than 10 whale and dolphin species during the year. A large ship gives you a steady ride and more room to move around. This RIB gives you speed and a smaller group.

That difference matters when wildlife is spread across a wide bay. If a whale surfaces in the distance, the captain can travel toward it quickly instead of waiting for a large vessel to turn. Several trips have included close views of humpback whales, and some have found dolphins traveling near the boat.

The boat carries no more than 12 passengers. That means you are not fighting a crowd for a place at the rail, and the guide can usually speak to the whole group without a loudspeaker. You can also shift your attention from one side to the other as the captain positions the boat.

The ride itself is part of the appeal. The RIB moves at speed between sightings, and the open design gives you a strong sense of the wind, spray, and scale of the bay. I would not call it a gentle cruise. If you want a calm, sheltered outing, choose a larger boat instead.

Getting ready at Hafnarstétt 11

The meeting point is the Húsavík Adventures ticket office at Hafnarstétt 11, across the road from Húsavík’s famous church. The office shares its building with North Sailing, so allow time to find the correct desk and arrive 30 minutes before departure.

You will receive a safety briefing in Húsavík before heading to the boat. The operator supplies a warm, water-resistant overall suit, a raincoat if needed, and a life vest. The overalls are compulsory on this type of Icelandic boat, and they are useful protection against spray as well as cold air.

Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing underneath the suit. Gloves and a hat are not included, and cold hands can make an otherwise wonderful trip feel much less enjoyable. A few people have needed spare caps or gloves, but you should not count on that. Bring your own warm pair.

Seasickness pills are also not included. The open air and fast movement helped some people who normally feel sick on boats, but that is not a guarantee. If you are prone to motion sickness, plan ahead.

Lundey, or Puffin Island, from April to August

During puffin season, the boat heads toward Lundey, commonly called Puffin Island. The season runs roughly from April 15 through August 20. Outside those dates, this becomes a big-whale trip without the puffin stop.

Lundey is the most distinctive part of the summer version. You may see puffins sitting on the water, flying around the island, or gathering on the cliffs. The sheer number can be striking, with birds filling the air and water around the boat.

The RIB allows you to approach the island without the size and crowd of a larger vessel. Your guide provides information while the captain positions the boat for views and photographs. The stop is not a landing, so think of it as a scenic boat visit and wildlife watch rather than an island excursion on foot.

The timing matters. If puffins are your main reason for booking, choose a departure between April 15 and August 20. The operator cannot promise a particular number of birds, but the island is known for its large colony. Outside the season, you will have more time focused on whales and other marine life.

Puffins are not the only birds in the area. Trips have also included Arctic terns, and the bay can be busy with seabirds around feeding whales. Bring a camera, but keep your eyes up. The most memorable moment may happen several meters away and last only a few seconds.

Skjálfandi Bay and its whale species

After the island visit, the main search takes place across Skjálfandi Bay. The area is visited by humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises, among other species. Blue whales have also been seen on some outings, though you should treat that as good fortune rather than an expected result.

Humpbacks are the most frequently noted sighting in the available trip accounts. People have seen single whales, groups feeding together, and mothers with calves. A humpback may surface several times in one area, slap a fin, show its tail, or breach. None of this follows a schedule, which is part of the excitement and part of the uncertainty.

The RIB works well for this kind of search. It can cover a large distance during the two-hour outing, then slow down near animals. A skilled captain also matters. The boat needs to get close enough for a good view without cutting across the animals or forcing them to change course.

Guides including Austin, Ignacio, Inaki, Martin, and others have been praised for explaining whale behavior, seabirds, and safety in an engaging way. One guide identified individual humpbacks from their markings. Another departure included a captain and crew with marine biology backgrounds, which added useful context to what the group was seeing.

You should expect the guide to balance excitement with respect. Close does not mean careless. The best approach gives you a clear view while allowing the whales to continue feeding or traveling without pressure.

What the two-hour itinerary feels like

The full trip lasts about two hours, including the boat cruise, wildlife search, scenic views, and return to Hafnarstétt 11. The exact pattern changes with weather and animal activity, but the experience generally moves through four stages.

First comes the briefing and gear-up period. You put on the supplied suit and life vest, hear the safety instructions, and board with the rest of the group. The 12-seat limit keeps this process fairly personal.

Next, the RIB travels out from Húsavík toward the bay. This is the fast part of the ride, with views toward the Tjörnes Peninsula and the surrounding coast. The peninsula is known for fossil layers, including some dating back two million years, so the guide may use the route to add a little geological context.

Then comes the wildlife search. The captain scans the bay while the guide watches for blows, fins, tails, and bird activity. If a whale appears far away, the boat can make up ground quickly. Once near the animals, the ride becomes slower and more focused.

Finally, the boat returns to Húsavík. A two-hour trip is long enough to give the crew time to search but short enough that you are not committed to a full-day outing in cold, changeable weather. One consideration is that two hours can feel brief if animals are scarce. The crew will work hard, but whales in the wild do not perform on demand.

The Tjörnes Peninsula adds more than scenery

The trip is not only about looking for a whale fin. As you move around the bay, you get views of the Tjörnes Peninsula and the coast of northeastern Iceland. The peninsula’s fossil layers offer a useful reminder that this area has a very long natural story beneath the water and cliffs.

That detail matters because it gives the ride a wider setting. You are not simply circling one point in the bay. You are moving through a place shaped by marine life, volcanic geology, seabirds, and changing weather.

The views are best treated as part of the experience rather than a separate sightseeing stop. If the sea is rough or wildlife is active, the guide’s attention will focus on safety and animals. On a quieter stretch, the peninsula and shoreline help fill the time.

Cold, spray, and the reality of a speedboat

The supplied overall suit is a major advantage, but it does not make this an indoor experience. You are still outside on a cold North Atlantic bay, and several people have found the ride wet and chilly. Wear layers under the suit, and protect your hands and head.

The ride can be choppy. Some people find the open air better for motion sickness than a closed cabin, while others may find the bumps tiring. The minimum height is 130 centimeters, and the minimum age is eight. Children under eight cannot join.

This trip is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back or heart problems. Epilepsy and mobility concerns also require discussion with the local operator before booking. If you have a health issue that might affect boarding, sitting, or handling a rough ride, contact the provider in advance.

The crew has helped passengers who became seasick and has adjusted support when someone needed extra care. Still, the captain must keep the boat moving and the tour operating, so this is not a good outing if you need a very stable or sheltered environment.

Is $198 a fair price?

At $198 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the bay. You are paying for a small group, a fast RIB, warm protective gear, a captain, and a live English-speaking guide.

The value comes from access rather than luxury. The boat can reach wildlife quickly, and 12 people or fewer means you have a much better chance of seeing the action than you might on a packed deck. If the boat finds several humpbacks, dolphins, or puffins, the price can feel justified.

The cost is harder to defend if your priority is simply being on the water for as long as possible. A larger boat may offer a calmer ride and, depending on the available options, a different price. This RIB is best for you if speed, small groups, and close viewing matter more than a relaxed cruise.

The company’s score of 4.8 from 979 ratings, with 91 percent of ratings at the highest level, points to a consistently strong operation. It does not remove the natural risk of a quiet wildlife day. You are paying for a well-run search, not a guaranteed whale performance.

Who will enjoy this Húsavík tour most?

I would choose this outing for an active couple, a family with children eight and older who meet the height requirement, or anyone who wants a more energetic alternative to a large whale-watching ship. It also suits photographers who value quick movement between sightings and unobstructed views.

It is especially appealing in summer if puffins are high on your list. The combination of Lundey, humpbacks, dolphins, and Arctic terns can make the two hours feel packed with wildlife.

You should think twice if you dislike speed, cold, spray, or bumpy water. The boat is comfortable for a RIB, but comfort here means a good suit, sensible seating, and a capable crew. It does not mean a smooth ride.

The tour runs in English. It requires at least four passengers to depart, and bad weather or other operating concerns can lead to cancellation, with an alternative departure or full refund offered. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later if that option is available for your booking.

Should you book the Big Whales and Puffin Island RIB tour?

Book it if you want a small, fast, wildlife-focused outing and you are comfortable with Iceland’s cold water and changeable conditions. The strongest reasons are the 12-person limit, the ability to reach distant whales quickly, and the seasonal visit to Lundey.

I would choose a summer departure for the full puffin-and-whale combination. Outside the puffin season, it still makes sense if humpbacks, dolphins, and the speedboat ride are your main goals.

Skip it in favor of a larger boat if you need a calmer, more sheltered ride or have health concerns that make bouncing and cold air a problem. For everyone else, bring serious gloves, dress in layers, and give yourself the best chance of a memorable encounter by accepting one simple truth: the crew can find wildlife, but nature gets the final say.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Meet at the Húsavík Adventures ticket office at Hafnarstétt 11, across the road from Húsavík’s famous church. Arrive 30 minutes before departure.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts two hours and returns to Hafnarstétt 11 in Húsavík.

When can I see puffins?

Puffin season runs from approximately April 15 through August 20. Outside that period, the tour focuses on big-whale watching.

How many people fit on the boat?

The guided tour uses a 12-seat rigid inflatable boat, with no more than 12 passengers on board.

What clothing and equipment are included?

The operator provides warm water-resistant overalls, a raincoat if needed, and a life vest. You need to bring warm clothing, comfortable shoes, a hat, and gloves.

What is the minimum age and height?

The minimum age is eight years, or 130 centimeters in height. If a child is slightly below 130 centimeters, contact the local provider before booking.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The local partner may cancel because of bad weather, too few passengers, or other reasons. You will be notified in advance and offered another departure or a full refund.