Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

Húsavík’s 12-seat RIB boat gives you a lively way to search Skjálfandi Bay for whales. The boat can move quickly between sightings, and guides such as Austin, Iñaki, Ignacio, and Sofie bring strong wildlife knowledge to the trip. In summer, Lundey, or Puffin Island, adds thousands of seabirds to the outing.

I like the small group, since everyone gets a clear view without fighting for a place along a crowded rail. I also like the careful approach to the whales: the crew can get near quickly, then give the animals room. The catch is the ride itself. It can be cold, wet, and choppy, and the speedboat is not suitable for children under eight, pregnant women, or people with certain back or heart problems.

Key points before you book

• Lundey is seasonal: Puffins are usually present from April 15 through August 20. Outside those dates, the trip focuses on whales and other marine life.
• The boat carries 12 passengers or fewer: That means open views and faster movement than a large whale-watching vessel.
• Expect an active ride: Water-resistant overalls and a life vest are supplied, but you still need warm clothes, a hat, and gloves.
• Skjálfandi Bay is wildlife-rich: Humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, porpoises, and more than 10 other species may visit the bay.
• The trip lasts two hours: The RIB covers a lot of water in that time, but wildlife is wild, so no sighting can be promised.
• The price is $198 per person: You are paying for a small boat, quick travel to sightings, specialist guiding, and a more energetic ride than a standard cruise.

Why the RIB changes the whale-watching experience

The central idea is simple: a fast boat can search more water in two hours. Skjálfandi Bay is broad, and whales may surface far from the harbor. When a guide spots activity, the RIB can move there quickly instead of making a slow turn and waiting for a large vessel to catch up.

That speed also makes the ride part of the attraction. You sit low in the boat, close to the water, with open air around you. On a calm day, it feels brisk and exciting. On a rougher day, the same speed means more bouncing and spray. I would not choose this tour if you want a quiet, gentle cruise.

The boat has space for no more than 12 passengers. That is a meaningful advantage, not just a marketing detail. You can shift your view as the boat turns, and the group is small enough for the guide to speak directly with you. Several trips have included close looks at humpbacks, with some passengers watching whales surface repeatedly near the boat.

The crew’s approach matters just as much as the boat. The aim is to reach the area where whales are feeding without interrupting them for long. A fast RIB can arrive quickly, then wait and watch rather than chase every movement. That gives you a better chance of seeing natural behavior, including repeated surfacing, tail displays, or feeding activity.

From Hafnarstétt 11 to the harbor

You meet at the Húsavík Adventures ticket office at Hafnarstétt 11, across the road from Húsavík’s famous church. The office shares a building with North Sailing, so allow 30 minutes before departure to find the desk, check in, and get ready.

The outfit is not optional. Icelandic rules require the water-resistant overall, and the company supplies it along with a life vest. A raincoat is available if needed. Wear comfortable shoes and warm layers underneath. The suit helps with spray and wind, but it does not make the North Atlantic warm.

Bring your own gloves and hat. This is the most repeated practical warning from the trip details. Your hands are exposed while you hold on or use a camera, and several people found that good gloves made a real difference. If you forget, the crew has sometimes been able to lend spare caps or gloves, but do not count on that.

The minimum age is eight, or 130 centimeters in height. A child slightly below 130 centimeters needs approval from the local operator before you arrive. The physical nature of the ride also matters. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back or heart problems, epilepsy, or mobility issues, although you can contact the operator about possible assistance if you have a health concern.

The ride across Skjálfandi Bay

Once the safety briefing is complete, the boat heads into Skjálfandi Bay. Your guide explains what to watch for and gives context about the animals and the surrounding coast. The captain handles the boat while the guide scans the water, though crew roles can vary by departure.

The bay is visited by more than 10 marine species during the year. Humpback whales are the main attraction, but you might also see minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, porpoises, seals, or, with unusual luck, a blue whale or walrus. The natural setting is part of the experience even when the animals are hard to find.

Humpbacks can be rewarding because they often surface several times in one area. You might see a blow first, then a back, then a tail as the whale returns below the surface. Some trips have had several humpbacks feeding together, while others have produced a single whale that stayed near the boat for repeated appearances.

Dolphins are another highlight. White-beaked dolphins may move quickly around the boat, and their speed makes the RIB especially fun. You need to keep watching, since a dolphin encounter can be brief and spread across both sides of the boat.

The guide’s explanations add real value here. Austin has been praised for clear, friendly commentary about whales, seabirds, and safety. Iñaki and Ignacio are also noted for their enthusiasm, while Sofie has combined captain duties with thoughtful advice about weather and passenger comfort. The team has included marine biologists, and one guide used a biology background to explain wildlife behavior in detail.

Do not expect a guaranteed show. Whales are free-ranging animals, and one trip may produce several humpbacks while another finds only one whale or none. The crew can search widely, and the RIB gives them useful range, but no boat can order a whale to surface. That uncertainty is part of the bargain with wildlife trips.

Lundey Island and its puffin crowds

Between April 15 and August 20, the route includes Lundey, commonly called Puffin Island. The island is known for its large puffin population, and summer trips can bring you near birds flying over the water, sitting on the sea, or gathering on the cliffs.

The sight is often busy in the best sense. Puffins can appear in large numbers, with birds moving through the air and bobbing around the boat. You may also see Arctic terns and other seabirds. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire stop looking through a screen. The most memorable detail is the sheer movement of birds around the island.

Lundey also gives the trip a useful change of pace. Whale watching requires long stretches of scanning open water. The island provides a fixed point, scenic views, and a chance to focus on seabirds while the guide explains the area.

The puffin stop is not available year-round. From late August through winter and early spring, the trip is a big-whale outing rather than a combined whale and puffin tour. If puffins are central to your plans, check the date carefully before booking. A trip in July offers the best chance of combining both headline sights.

The island is a photo stop, not a landing. You remain on the boat, viewing the birds from the water. That keeps the visit short and practical, but it also means your view depends on sea conditions and how close the boat can safely approach.

Tjörnes Peninsula and the changing coast

The route also gives you views toward the Tjörnes Peninsula. Its fossil layers include some of the oldest material in the area, dating back about two million years. You may not spend much time studying the geology, but the peninsula adds depth to the scenery beyond the animals.

This is one reason I like the tour even when whale activity is modest. You are not simply circling a patch of water. You are moving along a coast with birdlife, geological features, open bay views, and changing weather. The guide can connect what you see on the water with the older story recorded in the peninsula’s rocks.

That said, the boat’s speed and the two-hour limit mean this is not a geology tour. Treat Tjörnes as an informative scenic element rather than a full stop with a long explanation. The main focus remains whales, dolphins, and seasonal seabirds.

Staying warm on an exposed boat

The company supplies a warm, water-resistant overall, which is essential. Several people still found the trip cold and wet, especially when wind and spray picked up. Wear fleece or other warm layers under the suit, and protect your hands and head with your own hat and gloves.

The open-air design has a benefit: you have a clear view and fresh air around you. One person who sometimes gets motion sickness found the open boat and speed easier than expected. That will not be true for everyone, though, and seasickness tablets are not included.

The crew has helped passengers who felt unwell, including one case where a sick passenger received close attention while the rest of the trip continued. Still, the RIB’s movement is a serious consideration. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring your preferred medication and ask a medical professional if you have concerns.

The boat is comfortable for a small RIB, but comfortable does not mean spacious like a passenger ship. You should be ready to sit close to other people, hold on during faster sections, and accept that spray is possible. Your camera and phone need protection.

What $198 buys you

At $198 per person, this is not the cheapest way to look for whales in Húsavík. The value comes from the format. You get a two-hour guided trip, a boat limited to 12 passengers, rapid movement across the bay, warm overalls, a life vest, and a guide focused on marine life.

The small boat is especially useful if your priority is the best chance of reaching a distant sighting quickly. It also makes the experience feel more personal. A large vessel can offer more indoor shelter and steadier movement, but the RIB puts you closer to the water and usually gives you less competition for a clear view.

I would consider the price fair if you value speed, a small group, and a more active ride. It is less compelling if your main concern is comfort, shelter, or a guaranteed number of whales. Wildlife trips always carry some risk of a quiet outing, even with a skilled crew.

The company allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and offers reserve-now, pay-later booking. Weather can force a cancellation, as can too few participants. The minimum is four people, and the operator offers another departure or a full refund if it cancels.

How the guides shape the outing

The strongest part of this experience is the crew’s mix of energy and care. Austin has been singled out for clear explanations and an easy manner. Iñaki has brought strong enthusiasm to whale and bird sightings, while Ignacio has been praised for making the information lively. Other guides, including Zina, Alessandra, Martin, and Sofie, have also been described as attentive and engaging.

The exact guide changes, so do not book expecting one particular person. What you can reasonably expect is English guiding, wildlife interpretation, and a crew that pays attention to safety. Some guides can identify individual humpbacks by markings or body features, which adds a nice layer to repeated sightings.

The captain matters too. A responsive driver can get the boat into position quickly, then hold a respectful distance. The best trips balance excitement with restraint. You want a close look, but not at the cost of pushing animals away.

Who should choose this tour?

I would choose it for an adult or older child who wants an active wildlife trip and does not mind cold air, spray, and a fast ride. It also suits photographers who want a small group and a good chance of clear views from both sides of the boat.

Families should check the height and age rules closely. A child must be at least eight years old or 130 centimeters tall, and a smaller child needs prior approval. People with back, heart, mobility, or seizure concerns should contact the operator before booking, while pregnant women should choose another activity.

For the best mix of wildlife, book during puffin season, especially if Lundey is a major reason for going. Outside the season, you still have a strong whale and dolphin outing, but the seabird island is not part of the plan.

Should you book the Húsavík RIB tour?

Book this tour if you want speed, a small group, and close wildlife viewing more than a quiet cruise. The combination of humpbacks, dolphins, seasonal puffins, and a fast 12-seat RIB makes it one of Húsavík’s more active choices.

Skip it if you need a sheltered boat, dislike choppy water, or want a calm sightseeing trip. Pack serious warm layers, gloves, and a hat, and remember that no wildlife encounter is guaranteed. For the right passenger, the chance to watch a humpback surface near the boat, then race across the bay toward the next sighting, is worth the higher price.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

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, including the boat ride to Skjálfandi Bay, wildlife watching, the seasonal visit near Lundey, and the return to Húsavík.

How many people fit on the boat?

The guided RIB carries 12 passengers or fewer. The small capacity gives you more room for clear views than a large sightseeing vessel.

What whales and other animals might I see?

The bay may have humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, porpoises, seals, and other marine species. More than 10 species are known to visit Skjálfandi Bay each year, but sightings are not guaranteed.

When can I see puffins?

Puffin season is approximately April 15 through August 20. Outside that period, the tour operates as a big-whale trip without the Puffin Island visit.

Are warm clothes provided?

The company provides a warm, water-resistant overall, a life vest, and a raincoat if needed. You should still bring warm clothing, a hat, and gloves. Gloves and hats are not included.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is eight years, or 130 centimeters in height. Contact the local operator first if a child is slightly shorter than 130 centimeters.

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

The activity is not suitable for people with back or heart problems, pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or people under 130 centimeters. If you have a health concern, contact the local operator to ask about possible assistance.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, subject to the booking conditions.