From Húsavík: Traditional Whale Watching Tour

Nestled along the northern coast of Iceland, the charming town of Húsavík offers a unique opportunity to witness the majestic marine life of the North Atlantic. The Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Gentle Giants Whale Watching invites adventurers to embark on a 3-hour journey aboard a classic Icelandic oak boat, where they’ll have the chance to encounter humpback whales, blue whales, and playful dolphins. With an experienced guide and warm safety gear, this accessible tour promises an unforgettable encounter with the region’s abundant wildlife. But what makes this experience truly captivating goes beyond the sights – it’s the chance to take in the rich history and traditions that have shaped this coastal community.

Key Points

• Traditional Icelandic oak boat tour departing from Gentle Giants – Húsavík Whale Watching center in Húsavík.
• 3-hour duration with high chances of spotting whales, including humpback and blue whales, as well as dolphins.
• Specialized guide provides live commentary and insights about the local wildlife and ecosystem of Skjálfandi Bay.
• Warm safety overalls and rain jackets provided; tour is wheelchair accessible with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Authentic maritime experience reflecting the rich heritage of the region, with a voucher for a free tour if no whales or dolphins are seen.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík is a traditional Icelandic activity that allows visitors to experience the rich marine life of Skjálfandi Bay.

Priced from $86.84 per person, the 3-hour tour departs from the Gentle Giants – Húsavík Whale Watching center. Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The 3-hour whale watching tour from Húsavík, Iceland costs $86.84 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour is conducted aboard a traditional Icelandic oak boat, with live commentary from a specialized guide and safety briefing provided.

Warm safety overalls and rain jackets are available, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Tour Experience

Aboard a traditional Icelandic oak boat, guests embark on the Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík.

The tour explores the Skjálfandi Bay, known for its diverse marine life including humpback and blue whales. A specialized guide provides live commentary, sharing insights about the wildlife and the region.

Warm safety overalls and rain jackets are available, ensuring guests’ comfort in the ever-changing Icelandic weather. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all.

With high chances of viewing whales and dolphins, the experience promises an unforgettable encounter with the captivating creatures of the North Atlantic.

Boat and Bay

Guests embark on the tour’s traditional Icelandic oak boat to explore the renowned Skjálfandi Bay.

Guests embark on the tour’s traditional Icelandic oak boat to explore the renowned Skjálfandi Bay.

This classic vessel provides an authentic experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich maritime heritage of the region.

The bay is known for its diverse wildlife, including:

1. Humpback whales, renowned for their acrobatic displays.

2. Blue whales, the largest animals on Earth.

3. Curious dolphins, often seen swimming alongside the boat.

The specialized guide provides informative commentary, sharing insights into the bay’s ecosystems and the behaviors of the magnificent creatures that call it home.

Guided Experience

A specialized guide accompanies the whale watching tour, providing live commentary and a safety briefing to participants.

With their deep knowledge of the local wildlife and environment, the guide shares insights about the whales and dolphins that may be spotted. Passengers can ask questions and learn more about the unique marine ecosystem of Skjálfandi Bay.

The guide ensures the tour runs smoothly and safely, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the whale watching experience.

Warm safety overalls and rain jackets are available, so guests can stay comfortable regardless of the weather conditions.

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Clothing and Accessibility

To ensure passengers are prepared for the elements, warm safety overalls and rain jackets are available.

The tour’s accessibility features include:

1. Wheelchair accessibility, allowing everyone to join the experience.

2. Specialized equipment, such as life jackets, designed for easy access and comfort.

3. Advance communication with the operator, ensuring accommodations are made for any special needs.

The tour’s focus on inclusivity and attention to detail ensures a comfortable and memorable whale watching adventure for all participants, regardless of their physical abilities.

Wildlife Viewing

The primary draw of this whale watching tour is the opportunity to spot various marine mammal species within the rich waters of Skjálfandi Bay.

Guests have high chances of sighting humpback whales, known for their acrobatic breaching and tail slapping. Other whale species, including the mighty blue whale, may also make an appearance.

Dolphins are often included in the wildlife viewing as well. If no whales or dolphins are seen, the operator provides a voucher for a free tour, ensuring customers’ satisfaction even if nature doesn’t fully cooperate on the day.

Customer Reviews

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the whale watching tour, awarding it an impressive 4.5-star rating based on 1,689 reviews.

Highlights include:

1. Ainhoa from the UK, who saw 5 humpback whales despite snowy conditions.

2. Tabitha from the US, who’d a good experience but faced rough seas and saw 2 humpback whales.

3. Nicoletta from Italy, who described the experience as "amazing" with "breathtaking whale sightings."

The tour’s specialized guides were praised with a 4.7/5 rating, and the transportation received a 4.5/5 score.

Customers also found the tour to be a good value for money, rating it 4.3/5.

Important Information

Although warm and waterproof clothing is recommended, comfortable shoes are also advised for this whale watching tour.

Comfortable shoes are also advised for this whale watching tour, in addition to warm and waterproof clothing.

The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions, and cancellations may occur. In case of cancellations, the operator provides options for rescheduling or issuing full refunds.

Participants should meet at the Gentle Giants ticket center in central Húsavík, identifiable by the blue flags. Guests should arrive at the meeting point ahead of the scheduled departure time.

This traditional Icelandic whale watching tour offers an immersive experience in the Skjálfandi Bay, known for its diverse marine life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Are the Whales Tracked and Located During the Tour?

The specialized guides use their keen observation skills and local knowledge to track and locate whales during the tour. They scan the waters, follow whale spotting patterns, and communicate with other boats to pinpoint the best areas for whale viewing.

Is It Possible to Take a Tour in the Evening or at Night?

The tours operate during daylight hours and do not offer evening or night options. Whale watching is best conducted when there is sufficient light to spot the whales, so the tours are scheduled accordingly.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Children to Participate?

The tour does not have a minimum age requirement for children. However, it’s recommended that young children be able to sit still and quiet for the 3-hour duration of the tour.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography or Videography During the Tour?

Guests are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the tour. However, the operator requests that guests avoid using bright flashes or other equipment that may disturb the whales and other wildlife.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Passengers are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the boat. However, the operator recommends enjoying the complimentary hot drinks and snacks provided to enhance the overall whale watching experience.

The Sum Up

The Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík offers a unique opportunity to witness the majestic marine life of the North Atlantic. With a specialized guide, warm safety gear, and a free tour voucher if no whales are sighted, this 3-hour adventure aboard a classic Icelandic boat is an accessible and unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Whether you spot humpback whales, blue whales, or playful dolphins, this tour promises breathtaking encounters with the region’s diverse wildlife.

You can check availability for your dates here: