Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

Whales are the stars, but the ride matters too. I like the 12-seat RIB, which can cover far more water than a large sightseeing boat, and I like the small group setup, where everyone gets a clear view. The chance to visit Lundey, or Puffin Island, from April 15 to August 20 adds a memorable bird-watching stop.

The main drawback is the North Atlantic itself: conditions can be cold, wet, and choppy. The warm suit helps, but you still need a hat, gloves, warm layers, and a stomach that can handle a fast boat.

Quick points about this Húsavík whale tour

• Small RIB, maximum 12 passengers: You get a better chance at an open view and less crowding around the boat’s sides.
• Whale watching across Skjálfandi Bay: Humpbacks, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises all visit these waters.
• Puffin Island is seasonal: Lundey is part of the tour from about April 15 through August 20.
• Warm flotation overalls are supplied: You must wear the water-resistant suit under Icelandic safety rules, and rain gear is available if needed.
• Fast response to whale sightings: The RIB can move quickly when a whale appears farther across the bay.
• Price: At $198 per person for two hours, this costs more than a basic boat trip, but the small group and speed can make the extra money worthwhile.

Why a RIB changes the Húsavík whale-watching experience

Húsavík sits beside Skjálfandi Bay, one of Iceland’s best-known whale-watching areas. More than 10 marine species visit the bay during the year, including humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises.

The important point is not simply the number of species. It is the size of the bay. Wildlife can surface in different places, and a slow boat may spend a lot of time reaching the action. This RIB can travel quickly between sightings, giving you a better chance of getting near a whale before it disappears into the distance.

That speed also makes the trip feel like an adventure in its own right. You are not sitting in a heated cabin waiting for nature to perform. You are outside, moving across the water, watching for blows and seabirds, with the coastline and open bay around you.

There is a tradeoff. A RIB offers excitement and reach, but it gives you less shelter than a larger vessel. The boat can feel choppy, particularly when the wind rises. If you want a calm, quiet ride, a big whale-watching ship may suit you better.

If you want a more active outing with quick movement and close views, I think the RIB is the stronger choice.

Starting at Hafnarstétt 11 in Húsavík

You meet at the Húsavík Adventures ticket office 30 minutes before departure. The office shares a building with North Sailing and sits across the road from Húsavík’s famous church, so the location is fairly easy to find.

Arriving early matters. You need time to check in, collect your overalls, and prepare for the boat. Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing before putting on the supplied gear. Bring your own hat and gloves, since those are not included.

The warm water-resistant overalls are compulsory onboard. They provide an important barrier against spray and cold air, but they are not a substitute for proper layers. Your hands and head remain exposed, which is why gloves are one of the most useful things you can pack.

The minimum age is 8 years, or 130 centimeters in height. Children slightly below that height require approval from the local operator. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back, heart, mobility, or seizure-related health concerns unless the operator has first discussed possible assistance with them.

Safety briefing before the boat leaves

The crew gives you a safety briefing in Húsavík before departure. You receive a life vest and instructions for the RIB, then head onto the bay with a captain and a live English-speaking guide.

The crew’s approach is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Guides such as Austin, Ignacio, Iñaki, Zina, Alessandra, and Martin have been praised for clear explanations, friendly service, and enthusiasm for marine life. Several guides have biological or marine science backgrounds, which adds useful context when a whale surfaces.

The captain matters too. A fast boat is only useful when handled well, and the captain needs to balance speed with safety and respect for the animals. The experience has earned a 91 percent perfect rating for transport, and repeated comments highlight careful driving and a secure feeling onboard.

If you have a weak heart, epilepsy, back trouble, or limited mobility, contact the local provider before booking. Do not assume the open RIB will suit you simply because a standard boat trip might.

Lundey, the island covered with puffins

During puffin season, the boat heads toward Lundey, known locally as Puffin Island. The puffin stop is a major reason to choose this particular trip between mid-April and August 20.

You might see puffins flying above the water, resting on the sea, or gathered around the island’s cliffs. In good conditions, the number of birds can be striking. Reports from summer trips describe hundreds or even thousands of puffins around the island, with birds filling the air and clustering along the rocks.

Lundey is not a landing stop. You see it from the RIB, with time for photographs, guided commentary, and views of the island and surrounding water. That is still enough to make the stop worthwhile, especially if this is your first close look at puffins in Iceland.

The timing is important. Outside the approximate April 15 to August 20 season, puffins are not part of the experience. The tour then focuses only on whales and other marine life. If puffins are high on your Iceland wish list, check the date carefully before you book.

The island also gives the trip a useful change of pace. You are not spending two hours scanning empty water. The bird stop offers a clear target early in the journey, while the guide can explain the local seabirds and the bay’s ecology.

Searching Skjálfandi Bay for whales and dolphins

The main whale-watching section lasts about two hours as part of the boat outing, with the route covering Skjálfandi Bay and views toward the Tjörnes peninsula. The guide and captain search for signs of activity, then move the RIB toward likely sightings.

Humpback whales are the most frequently celebrated sight on this trip. You might see a blow, a broad back, a raised tail, or repeated surfacing. Some trips have included several humpbacks, while others have produced close views of a single animal. One especially memorable possibility is seeing a mother and calf together, though wildlife sightings can never be promised.

Minke whales are also present in the bay. White-beaked dolphins and porpoises may appear near the boat, sometimes providing quick, lively encounters between whale sightings. A few fortunate outings have included blue whales or even a walrus, but those are unusual surprises rather than expected features.

The RIB’s advantage becomes clear when a whale surfaces far away. The captain can reposition the boat quickly, sometimes reaching the area within seconds rather than waiting for a larger vessel to cover the same distance. That does not guarantee a sighting, but it improves your odds of being in the right place at the right time.

A small boat also lets you watch animal behavior from multiple angles. With no more than 12 passengers, you are less likely to find yourself several rows behind someone else. You can usually turn toward either side of the boat as the guide points out a blow or movement.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. These are wild animals, not a scheduled show. You could see several whales close to the boat, or fewer animals than hoped. One useful quality of the guides is that they continue explaining the bay, birds, and whale behavior even when the animals are not performing.

The Tjörnes peninsula and its ancient fossils

The route includes views of the Tjörnes peninsula, a scenic part of the northern Icelandic coast known for fossil layers. The oldest layers contain fossils dating back about two million years.

You do not get a land-based fossil walk on this two-hour boat trip. Instead, the peninsula forms part of the coastal scenery and the guide’s interpretation. It gives you a reminder that this is more than a whale chase. The bay, seabirds, cliffs, and peninsula all belong to one connected natural setting.

Bring a camera, but keep it ready rather than buried in a bag. Whale sightings can last only a short time, and the boat may move quickly when something appears. A phone with a secure grip is easier to manage than a large camera that you cannot safely handle in spray and wind.

Warm clothing, cold hands, and the reality of the weather

The provided overalls are one of the practical reasons this trip works in Iceland’s colder months. They are warm and water resistant, and a raincoat is available if needed. The life vest is also included.

You still need to dress properly underneath. Wear warm layers, comfortable shoes, a hat, and gloves. The bay can feel cold even when Húsavík itself seems pleasant, and the open boat exposes you to wind and spray.

Gloves deserve special attention. Several people found their hands became very cold, and one person noted that high-quality gloves were essential. Seasickness medication is not supplied, so bring your own pills if you usually need them.

The open-air design may help some people who feel sick on enclosed boats, but the RIB’s movement can still be rough. If conditions are choppy, the ride may be exciting for one person and uncomfortable for another. You should be honest with yourself about that before paying the $198 price.

Is $198 good value for two hours?

At $198 per person, this is not the cheapest way to look for whales in Iceland. You are paying for a small group, a fast RIB, specialist guiding, safety equipment, and the ability to cover a large area in a short time.

I think the price is easier to justify if you value close wildlife viewing and do not want to spend the day on a large boat. A maximum of 12 passengers gives the trip a more personal feel, and the speed can save valuable time when whales appear elsewhere in the bay.

The value is also strongest during puffin season. You get two separate wildlife goals in one outing: Lundey’s seabirds and Skjálfandi Bay’s whales and dolphins. If you visit outside the puffin period, you are paying for a whale-focused trip only.

That is not a weakness, but it changes the calculation. Compare the cost with your own priorities. If you want the lowest price and a slower ride, check larger boats. If you want a small, lively group and the best possible response to distant sightings, the RIB can earn its premium.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later also make the booking less risky. The operator may cancel for poor weather, too few passengers, or other reasons. The stated minimum is four people, and you should receive an alternative departure or a full refund if the company cancels.

Who should book this speedboat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you:

• Want a close look at whales without joining a crowded vessel
• Enjoy fast boat rides and open-air adventure
• Are visiting between April 15 and August 20 and want puffins as well as whales
• Can handle cold, spray, and some boat movement
• Prefer a two-hour activity that fits neatly into a Húsavík day
• Want a guide who explains animal behavior, seabirds, and ocean safety

I would steer you toward another option if you are pregnant, under 8 years old, shorter than 130 centimeters, or have serious back or heart problems. A larger boat may also be a better fit if comfort and shelter matter more to you than speed.

The trip is also a good match for families with older children. One 14-year-old had a particularly strong outing, seeing puffins, humpbacks, and a minke whale. Younger children may not meet the height or age requirements, so check before planning around them.

What to bring for the best chance of enjoying it

Pack lightly, but pack wisely:

• Warm layers under the supplied overalls
• A snug hat
• Waterproof or insulated gloves
• Comfortable shoes
• Seasickness pills if you use them
• A phone or camera that you can hold securely

Do not count on the company to provide gloves or hats. Spare caps and gloves have sometimes been available, but that is not part of the listed equipment, so bring your own.

Keep your hands free enough to hold the safety rails when needed. The most exciting part of the tour can also be the least convenient time to manage loose bags, cameras, or clothing.

Should you book the Húsavík RIB tour?

I would book this tour if your ideal whale trip includes speed, a small group, and the chance to cover a lot of Skjálfandi Bay. The strongest reasons are the responsive RIB, the limited passenger count, and the guides’ clear passion for whales and birds.

Book during puffin season if Lundey matters to you. Outside that window, choose it for the whale watching alone and accept that nature may provide a quieter show.

At $198, this is best for you if a close, active wildlife outing is worth paying extra for. Dress properly, bring gloves, allow for rough water, and keep your expectations focused on a wild encounter rather than a guaranteed performance. With those points in mind, it is a strong choice for an adventurous Húsavík morning or afternoon.

FAQ

How long is the Húsavík Big Whales and Puffin Island tour?

The activity lasts about two hours. Starting and ending take place at Hafnarstétt 11 in Húsavík.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the Húsavík Adventures ticket office 30 minutes before departure. The office shares a building with North Sailing, across the road from Húsavík’s famous church.

Are puffins seen all year?

No. Puffin season is approximately April 15 through August 20. Outside that period, the tour operates as a big whale-watching trip without the Puffin Island visit.

What whale species might I see?

The bay is visited by humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises. More than 10 marine species visit Skjálfandi Bay each year, but sightings are not guaranteed.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes a guided ride in a 12-seat RIB, warm water-resistant overalls, raincoat use if needed, and a life vest.

Do I need to bring a hat and gloves?

Yes. Hats and gloves are not included. Warm clothing, a hat, gloves, and comfortable shoes are recommended.

What is the minimum age for the tour?

The minimum age is 8 years, or 130 centimeters in height. If a child is slightly under 130 centimeters, contact the local provider before booking.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The local provider may cancel because of bad weather, too few passengers, or other reasons. If that happens, you will be offered another departure or a full refund.