Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

The best part of this Húsavík outing is the 12-seat RIB boat, which can cover a lot of water and move quickly when whales appear. In Skjálfandi Bay, you may see humpbacks, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, porpoises, seals, and, on very lucky days, blue whales or even a walrus.

I like the small group, where everyone gets a clear view, and I like the guides’ mix of wildlife facts and safety advice. Guides such as Austin, Iñaki, and Ignacio have been singled out for their energy and care. The main drawback is the ride itself: the bay can be cold, wet, and choppy, so this is not a gentle cruise and may not suit people with back or heart problems.

Key points at a glance

• Fast RIB access: The boat can cover a wide area and reach a whale sighting much faster than a larger vessel.
• Small group size: With 12 passengers or fewer, you do not need to fight for a rail-side view.
• Puffins in season: Lundey, also called Puffin Island, is included from about April 15 through August 20.
• Good cold-weather protection: Water-resistant overalls, rain protection when needed, and life vests are supplied.
• Wildlife variety: The bay attracts more than 10 whale and marine species during the year.
• A lively two hours: You get speed, sea air, birds, and whales without committing half a day to the water.

Why the RIB changes whale watching in Húsavík

Húsavík sits beside Skjálfandi Bay, one of Iceland’s best-known whale-watching areas. The bay attracts humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, porpoises, and several other species. The activity lasts two hours, which gives you enough time to search a broad area without turning the outing into an all-day event.

The RIB makes a real difference. When a whale surfaces at a distance, the captain can get you toward the sighting quickly. Several outings have produced close views of humpbacks, with some passengers seeing the same whale surface again and again. A few lucky trips have included a blue whale, several humpbacks together, or a mother and calf.

You should keep expectations sensible. These are wild animals, not a scheduled stage show. One trip might bring several humpbacks and dolphins, while another may offer fewer sightings. The crew can search hard and choose another part of the bay, but nobody can promise a breach or a whale beside the boat.

The speed is part of the fun even before the wildlife appears. The boat zips across the bay, and the open-air setup gives you a direct feel for the wind and sea. That also means you notice the weather more than you would on a larger, enclosed boat.

Lundey Island and the puffin season

From April 15 to August 20, the route includes Lundey, known locally as Puffin Island. This is the place to focus on if seeing puffins is high on your Iceland wish list. You can expect birds on the water, flying around the boat, and gathered on the island’s cliffs.

The sheer number can be striking. Reports from the summer season include hundreds or even thousands of puffins, with birds crossing the sky and bobbing near the RIB. The boat pauses for photographs and a closer look, though it does not land on the island.

Puffin timing matters. If you book outside the April 15 to August 20 period, the tour becomes a whale-watching trip only. That is not a bad thing, especially because whales visit the bay throughout the year, but you should not expect a puffin stop in winter or early spring.

The island visit also adds variety to the two-hour route. Instead of spending the whole trip scanning open water, you get a clear wildlife target early in the outing. Bring a camera, but keep your hat secure. The boat’s speed and the Icelandic wind are a poor match for loose clothing.

Searching Skjálfandi Bay for whales and dolphins

After the safety briefing, the boat heads into Skjálfandi Bay. Your guide explains what to watch for, how whales surface, and how the crew approaches marine life without pushing too close. The captain handles the boat while the guide keeps watch and explains the behavior you are seeing.

Humpback whales are the main prize on many trips. They may appear as a back rolling through the water, a tail rising before a longer underwater pause, or a sudden breach. The exact view depends on the animal, the sea, and your position when it surfaces.

Minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises are also possible. Dolphins can be especially entertaining when they move near the boat, while minke whales may be harder to spot because they surface quickly. A seal has also appeared on some outings, and a walrus has made a very rare appearance.

A strong feature here is the crew’s ability to identify individual humpbacks by markings or other traits. Guides with marine biology backgrounds have explained feeding behavior, seabirds, and local ecology in a way that adds meaning to each sighting. You are not simply pointed toward a fin. You get help understanding what the animal is doing.

The approach is another important point. The boat can get close enough for memorable views, but the crew aims to avoid interrupting the whales. That balance matters. A fast boat is useful, but speed should serve the wildlife experience, not turn it into a chase.

What the two-hour route feels like

You meet at the Húsavík Adventures ticket office 30 minutes before departure. The office shares a building with North Sailing and sits across from Húsavík’s well-known church, making it fairly easy to locate in town.

After checking in, you receive the required water-resistant overall and a life vest. Rain protection is available if needed. The overalls are not a minor extra in this climate. Several people have found them effective, and sizes up to 8XL have been available, which is useful if you worry about fit.

The safety briefing takes place in Húsavík before the boat heads out. Then comes the fast run toward the bay and, during puffin season, Lundey Island. The remaining time is spent searching for whales and other marine life, with photo stops and explanations along the way.

The RIB has room for no more than 12 passengers. That makes the experience feel more personal than a large sightseeing vessel, and it reduces the chance that someone blocks your view. You can still expect movement and spray, especially when the bay is rough.

The two-hour length works well for most people. It is long enough to reach the main wildlife areas, yet short enough to fit into a busy North Iceland schedule. If sightings are slow, though, you may wish for more time. The crew can only do so much within the fixed duration.

Cold-weather clothing is part of the planning

You receive a warm water-resistant overall, but you still need to dress properly underneath. Wear warm layers, comfortable shoes, a hat, and gloves. Your hands can become cold while holding onto the boat or trying to take photographs, so good gloves are one of the most useful things you can pack.

The crew supplies rain protection when needed and provides life vests. You do not receive gloves, hats, or seasickness pills. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring medication with you, although the open air and fast movement have helped some people who normally struggle on boats.

The suit does not turn this into a dry, warm ride. You may still feel cold around your face and hands, and spray is possible. In rougher conditions, the ride can be bumpy. A back problem, heart problem, epilepsy, pregnancy, or mobility issue requires serious thought, and the operator should be contacted in advance if you need assistance.

Children must be at least eight years old or 130 centimeters tall. If a child is just under the height limit, contact the local provider before booking. Children who meet the requirement still need to be comfortable with a fast, open boat.

The guides and crew add real value

The quality of the guide matters on any wildlife trip, and this one has earned strong praise for its crew. Austin has been described as friendly, energetic, and able to explain whales, seabirds, and ocean safety in several languages. Iñaki and Ignacio have also been noted for their enthusiasm and clear explanations.

Captain Sofie has worked with passengers to judge conditions carefully, including for someone with back pain. Other captains, including Roby, have been praised for safe handling and quick reactions when whales surfaced. The strongest impression is not just that the crew can find animals, but that they pay attention to passenger comfort and the animals’ space.

The tour runs in English. You may find guides with other language skills, but English is the stated tour language. The crew’s marine biology background on some departures can make a big difference if you want more than a simple sighting count.

Is $198 a fair price?

At $198 per person, this is not the cheapest way to go whale watching in Húsavík. You are paying for a small group, a fast RIB, warm protective gear, a captain, and a guide. The value depends on what you want from the outing.

I think the price makes sense if you care about getting across the bay quickly and avoiding a crowded vessel. A larger boat may offer more indoor shelter and a steadier ride, but the RIB can reach a new sighting in seconds and gives everyone a better chance at an unobstructed view.

The price is harder to justify if you mainly want a relaxed cruise or a guaranteed puffin visit. Wildlife remains unpredictable, and rough weather can limit the experience. You are buying a well-equipped search for marine life, not a guaranteed number of whales.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The operator may cancel because of bad weather, too few passengers, or another operational problem. The minimum is four people, and an alternative departure or full refund is offered if the trip is canceled.

Who should book this Húsavík tour?

I would choose this tour if you want an active wildlife outing and have only a short time in Húsavík. It suits photographers, families with older children, and anyone who values a small group and quick movement across the water.

It is especially appealing from late spring through summer, when you can combine puffins with whales, dolphins, and the scenery around Tjörnes Peninsula. The peninsula is known for fossil layers, including some about two million years old, so the route offers more than open-water wildlife.

I would choose a larger boat instead if you need a smoother, more sheltered ride or do not enjoy wind and spray. I would also think twice if you have a serious back or heart condition, are pregnant, or are uncomfortable in a boat that can move sharply in choppy water.

Should you book the Big Whales and Puffin Island tour?

Book it if the idea of racing across Skjálfandi Bay in a small boat sounds exciting and you want a strong chance of seeing whales without spending half a day at sea. The combination of speed, a 12-person limit, good protective clothing, and enthusiastic guides makes this a strong choice for an active Húsavík day.

Book between April 15 and August 20 if puffins matter to you. Outside that period, choose it for whales alone. Pack serious layers, gloves, and a hat, and remember that nature controls the final result. If you can accept that uncertainty, the RIB gives you one of the liveliest ways to search the bay.

FAQ

How long is the Húsavík speedboat tour?

The tour lasts two hours, including the boat ride through Skjálfandi Bay, wildlife viewing, and the seasonal visit to Lundey Island.

Where does the tour begin?

You meet at Hafnarstétt 11, at the Húsavík Adventures ticket office. The office shares a building with North Sailing and is across the road from Húsavík’s famous church.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at the ticket office 30 minutes before departure for check-in, clothing, and the safety briefing.

Is Puffin Island visited all year?

No. Lundey, or Puffin Island, is visited from about April 15 through August 20. Outside those dates, the outing focuses on big whale watching.

How many people fit on the RIB?

The guided RIB carries no more than 12 passengers, creating a small-group experience with fewer blocked views.

What marine life might I see?

Possible sightings include humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, porpoises, seals, and more than 10 species that visit Skjálfandi Bay during the year. Blue whales and walruses are possible but much less common.

What clothing is provided?

The tour includes warm water-resistant overalls, rain protection if needed, and life vests. You must bring your own warm clothing, comfortable shoes, hat, and gloves.

Are children allowed on the boat?

Children must be at least eight years old or 130 centimeters tall. Contact the local provider if a child is slightly below the height requirement.

Is the tour suitable for people with back or heart problems?

The activity is not suitable for people with back problems, heart problems, or pregnancy. If you have another health or mobility concern, contact the local provider before booking.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

The operator may cancel because of bad weather, too few passengers, or other reasons. You will be offered another departure or a full refund.