Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
A whale-watching adventure in Husavík offers an authentic, relaxed experience on a traditional Icelandic oak boat. Priced at $111 per person, this 3.5-hour guided tour combines the thrill of spotting whales, dolphins, and puffins with the cozy comfort of hot cocoa and cinnamon buns. The tour departs from the North Sailing ticket office in Husavík, a town renowned as Iceland’s whale-watching capital, making it a great choice for travelers eager to see marine wildlife in their natural environment.
The guided experience is suitable for families and nature lovers alike, thanks to its wheelchair accessibility and live commentary from knowledgeable guides. While the tour relies on favorable weather conditions for wildlife sightings, the company offers a full refund or reschedule if canceled due to bad weather. The included warm overalls help guests stay comfortable on the open water, emphasizing the tour’s practical approach to Icelandic maritime adventures.
Key Points
- Duration: 3.5 hours of wildlife viewing aboard a traditional oak boat
- Price: $111 per person, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance
- Wildlife: Whales, dolphins, puffins, and sea birds in Skjálfandi Bay
- Extras: Hot chocolate, cinnamon buns, and warm overalls included
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible and guided in English
- Meeting point: North Sailing ticket office in Husavík
Husavík as the Starting Point for Marine Wildlife Tours
Husavík, Iceland’s whale-watching hub, serves as the perfect launch point for this 3.5-hour wildlife cruise. Its strategic location on Skjálfandi Bay allows close proximity to a variety of marine animals. The tour begins at the North Sailing ticket office, which is conveniently situated in town, making it easy for travelers to meet their guides.
The town’s reputation as a whale-watching hotspot is reinforced by the local focus of this tour, which emphasizes sustainable, respectful observation of whales and puffins in their natural habitat. The traditional oak boat adds to the experience, providing a sense of Icelandic maritime heritage and ensuring a smooth, stable ride.
Hoping to spot marine life? We've covered these other whale watching options in Husavik
Exploring Skjálfandi Bay from a Classic Oak Boat
This tour sails across Skjálfandi Bay, a site celebrated for its rich marine life. The traditional Icelandic oak boat offers a cozy, stable platform for wildlife viewing. The vessel’s design helps ensure safety and comfort, even in colder weather.
During the cruise, the skipper and guides work together to position the boat optimally, following whales like humpbacks for extended periods—sometimes up to an hour. The live commentary provided by the guides enhances understanding of the animals’ behaviors and the bay’s ecosystem. The boat’s cleanliness and character are often highlighted in reviews, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.
The Magic of Puffin Island and the Puffin Colony
A major highlight is the chance to see Puffin Island, home to thousands of puffins. While puffins are known to be shy and harder to photograph up close, the tour offers many opportunities to observe these charming birds flying and nesting from a distance.
The puffins often get scared and shy away when approached directly, but the sight of their bustling colony from afar remains a memorable part of the experience. This stop provides a perfect contrast to the closer whale encounters, offering a broader view of the bay’s diverse wildlife.
The Chance to Spot Multiple Whale Species
The tour is particularly noted for sightings of blue whales, humpback whales, and porpoises. Several reviews mention the thrill of seeing whales like blue whales in their full splendor, sometimes doing belly spins or tail breaches. Seeing these large mammals up close is described as an almost surreal experience, made possible by the experienced guides and the crew’s respectful approach.
On good weather days, the whale sightings tend to be numerous and prolonged, with up to four humpbacks observed by some travelers. The guides’ passion and knowledge help ensure that each whale encounter feels special.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat to Expect During the Cruise
Guests should prepare for an authentic wildlife adventure that combines marine animal sightings with comfort and hospitality. The light refreshments, including hot chocolate and cinnamon buns, provide a warm boost after time spent on the water.
Guests are advised to dress warmly, with comfortable shoes, hats, and gloves recommended, especially during colder days or windy weather. The warm overalls provided help keep everyone cozy. The 3.5-hour duration is a balanced length, allowing ample time for wildlife spotting while remaining manageable for most travelers.
The Expertise and Charisma of Guides
Guides on this tour are praised for their knowledgeability and passion. Many reviews highlight their ability to explain marine behaviors clearly and share insightful stories about the animals and the bay’s ecosystem. The guides’ great communication skills and friendly demeanor enhance the overall experience, making it both educational and enjoyable.
Having a marine biologist as part of the team adds an extra layer of expertise, helping guests understand the significance of each sighting and the importance of conservation.
Practical Information and Booking Flexibility
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving travelers flexibility in case of sudden weather changes. The reserve now, pay later option allows booking without immediate payment, adding convenience for planning.
No hotel pickup is included, so guests should meet directly at the North Sailing ticket office. The tour is wheelchair accessible, with prior notice recommended for assistance. Guests should bring warm clothing, comfortable shoes, hats, and gloves to stay comfortable on the water.
The Experience That Combines Wildlife and Comfort
This whale and puffin tour from Husavík stands out for its balance of wildlife encounters and small comforts. The traditional oak boat, hot chocolate, and cinnamon buns create a warm, friendly environment. The knowledgeable guides and respectful approach to wildlife foster an atmosphere of appreciation and discovery.
While the chance to see puffins up close is limited due to their natural shyness, the abundance of whales and seabirds makes this a rewarding excursion. The flexibility of booking and good weather record further boost its appeal.
Final Thoughts on the Husavík Whale-Watching and Puffins Tour
This tour offers a cost-effective, authentic glimpse into Iceland’s rich marine life. The 3.5-hour cruise balances wildlife watching with comfort, making it appealing to families, nature enthusiasts, and first-time visitors.
The experienced guides and crew help maximize sightings, and the hot chocolate and cinnamon buns add a cozy touch to the adventure. The focusing on respectful wildlife observation sets this tour apart, ensuring a more sustainable approach to whale watching.
The main consideration is the weather dependence—bad weather can lead to cancellations or less wildlife activity. Still, the full refund or reschedule policy provides peace of mind for travelers planning this memorable activity.
Ready to Book?
Húsavík: Whale-Watching Cruise and Puffins Guided Tour
“Took longer tour to find whales and made sure we saw whales. Would have liked to see puffins closer. Great guides, and unexpected hot chocholate an…”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts 3.5 hours from meeting at the North Sailing ticket office.
How much does the tour cost?
It is priced at $111 per person, with options for free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect to see whales, including humpbacks and blue whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins around Puffin Island.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for the whole family and includes light refreshments and warm overalls for comfort.
Do I need to bring anything extra?
Guests should bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a hat, and gloves to stay warm during the cruise.
Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, guides are known for being knowledgable and passionate, providing clear explanations and interesting facts throughout the trip.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour is subject to favorable weather, and if canceled due to bad conditions, guests receive a full refund or can reschedule.
Can I book without paying upfront?
Yes, the reserve now, pay later option is available, allowing flexible planning.
Is wheelchair accessibility available?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible with prior notice.
What makes this tour different from others?
Its focus on sustainable wildlife observation, traditional oak boat, and the cozy hospitality with hot chocolate and cinnamon buns set it apart.
