Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

The Húsavík Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour offers an exhilarating 2-hour adventure in Skjálfandi Bay, allowing nature enthusiasts to spot diverse marine life. Guests can enjoy a scenic cruise, viewing over 10 whale species, dolphins, and seasonal puffins, while visiting the picturesque Puffin Island. With safety as a priority, this tour promises stunning views and memorable wildlife encounters – but there’s more to discover about this unique Icelandic experience.

Key Points

• The 2-hour Húsavík Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour starts from $152.26 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

• The tour includes a scenic cruise in Skjálfandi Bay, with the opportunity to spot whales, dolphins, and seasonal puffins, as well as a visit to Puffin Island.

• The tour is conducted on a 12-seat rigid inflatable boat (RIB), and guests are provided with water-resistant overalls, life vests, gloves, and hats for safety and comfort.

• The minimum age requirement is 8 years or 130 cm in height, and the tour may be canceled due to bad weather or insufficient passengers (minimum of 4 required).

• The tour has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 559 reviews, with praise for the friendly and knowledgeable guides and the overall experience of spotting wildlife and capturing stunning photographs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Húsavík Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour offers a thrilling 2-hour excursion, priced from $152.26 per person.

Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

The tour departs from Husavík Adventures, where participants receive a safety briefing before embarking on a guided cruise to witness whales, dolphins, and puffins (seasonal) in Skjálfandi Bay and around Puffin Island.

The 12-seat rigid inflatable boat provides warm, water-resistant gear and an expert whale-watching guide on board, ensuring a safe and memorable experience for those aged 8 and above.

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting from Husavík Adventures, the tour begins with a safety briefing before guests embark on the guided boat cruise.

The activities include:

1. A scenic cruise around Skjálfandi Bay, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

2. Spotting wildlife such as whales, dolphins, and the famous puffins (seasonal).

3. Visiting the picturesque Puffin Island, also known as Lundey, to observe the colonies of these charming seabirds.

4. Opportunities to witness over 10 different whale species, including the majestic Humpback and Minke whales.

Throughout the 2-hour tour, guests can capture stunning photographs and enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery.

Equipment and Safety

A guided tour on a 12-seat rigid inflatable boat (RIB) provides the means for this adventurous speedboat excursion.

Guests are equipped with water-resistant overalls, life vests, gloves, and hats to keep them warm and secure during the journey.

The tour is led by an expert whale-watching guide, accompanied by a skilled captain, ensuring a safe and informative experience.

Seasickness pills are also available for those who may need them.

Safety measures are a top priority, with the boat designed to navigate the waters of Skjálfandi Bay and provide close-up views of the whales and puffins.

Participant Information

Who can participate in this speedboat tour? The minimum age requirement is 8 years or 130 cm in height.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for:

1. Children under 8 years old

2. Pregnant women

3. Individuals with back or heart problems

4. Those who may require special assistance – the local provider should be contacted for help with any health issues.

It’s important to note that the tour may be canceled due to bad weather or if there aren’t enough passengers (a minimum of 4 is required).

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Customer Feedback

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Húsavík Speedboat Tour, rating it an impressive 4.8 out of 5 based on 559 reviews.

Guests highlight the friendly and knowledgeable guides, who provide a safe and enjoyable experience. Many were thrilled to spot whales, dolphins, and puffins during the tour.

Some suggest allowing more time if whales are scarce, though most agree the scenic views and photo opportunities make the 2-hour tour well worth it.

Whale Watching in Húsavík

Húsavík, a quaint fishing town on Iceland’s northern coast, is renowned as one of the world’s premier whale-watching destinations.

The town’s sheltered Skjálfandi Bay is home to a diverse array of whale species, including humpback, minke, and even the elusive blue whale.

This speedboat tour allows visitors to:

1. Witness over 10 species of whales in their natural habitat.

2. Observe puffins and other seabirds on the nearby Puffin Island (Lundey).

3. Enjoy scenic views and photo opportunities throughout the 2-hour excursion.

4. Benefit from the expertise of a dedicated whale-watching guide and a safe, modern boat.

The Charm of Puffin Island

Puffin Island, a captivating haven for one of Iceland’s most beloved seabirds, captivates visitors with its unique charm.

Situated in Skjálfandi Bay, this small island serves as a breeding ground for thousands of puffins during the summer months. Guests aboard the speedboat tour have the chance to observe these charming birds in their natural habitat, watching as they dive into the water and return to their burrows.

With their vibrant beaks and comical movements, puffins are a delight to witness up close. The tour also provides stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, making it an unforgettable experience.

Getting to Húsavík and Booking the Tour

To reach the charming town of Húsavík, visitors can fly into Akureyri Airport, the largest airport in northern Iceland, which is situated just an hour’s drive away.

From there, they can either rent a car or take a shuttle bus to Húsavík.

Once in the town, booking the "Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour" is easy:

1. Visit the Húsavík Adventures office located in the harbor.

2. Check availability and reserve the tour, taking advantage of the "Reserve now & pay later" option if desired.

3. Arrive at the departure point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.

4. Get outfitted with the provided warm gear and set off on an unforgettable whale and puffin watching adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand as some may have restrictions or provide refreshments included in the ticket price.

Is There an Option to Buy Photos or Video From the Tour?

The tour provider offers an option to purchase photos and videos taken during the excursion. Guests can purchase these souvenirs directly from the crew after the tour to capture their memorable whale and puffin sightings.

How Long Does It Take to Get to the Whale Watching Area?

The tour travels to the whale watching area in Skjálfandi Bay, which takes around 15-20 minutes from the starting point at Húsavík Adventures. During this time, the guide provides a safety briefing and information about the wildlife you may encounter.

What Happens if the Weather Conditions Change During the Tour?

If the weather conditions change during the tour, the captain has the authority to cancel or modify the tour for safety reasons. Passengers will be informed and given the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

Can I Reschedule the Tour if I’m Unable to Attend on the Booked Date?

Yes, you can reschedule the tour if you’re unable to attend on the booked date. The tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, so you can easily change your reservation for a later time.

The Sum Up

The Húsavík Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour offers an unforgettable adventure in northern Iceland. Spotting an array of whales and puffins against the stunning backdrop of Skjálfandi Bay, this tour promises a thrilling and memorable experience. With expert guides, top-notch equipment, and exceptional customer satisfaction, it’s a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Húsavík. Don’t miss the chance to learn about the region’s captivating wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here: