Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari and Puffin Island Tour

Húsavík, Iceland’s self-proclaimed "Whale Capital," beckons adventure-seekers with its captivating "Original Big Whale Safari and Puffin Island Tour." This RIB speedboat excursion promises close encounters with majestic humpback and blue whales, as well as thousands of puffins during the summer months. Priced at $152.26 per person, the intimate 2-hour guided cruise accommodates just 12 passengers, ensuring personalized attention from expert guides. With stunning views of Skjálfandi Bay as the backdrop, this thrilling expedition offers a unique glimpse into Iceland’s rich marine ecosystem.

Key Points

• A 2-hour guided RIB speedboat cruise in Húsavík, Iceland, offering opportunities to observe whales, including the elusive blue whale, and puffins on Puffin Island.
• The tour is priced at $152.26 per person and accommodates a maximum of 12 passengers for a personalized experience.
• Explore the picturesque town of Húsavík, situated on the shores of Skjálfandi Bay, known as the "Whale Capital" of Iceland.
• Witness humpback whales breaching the surface and observe the nesting seabirds on Puffin Island during the summer months.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 939 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable guides and the unique wildlife viewing experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Húsavík Whale Safari and Puffin Island Tour is a 2-hour activity located in Húsavík, Iceland – known as the "Whale Capital".

Húsavík, Iceland’s "Whale Capital", offers a 2-hour whale safari and puffin island tour.

Priced from $152.26 per person, the tour offers a guided RIB speedboat cruise with an expert guide to increase the chances of spotting whales and puffins. The tour visits Puffin Island during nesting season and observes various marine life, including blue whales and humpback whales.

With a maximum of 12 passengers, the tour provides a personal experience. Guests receive warm safety overalls and can enjoy round-trip transportation.

However, certain restrictions apply for children, pregnant women, and individuals with certain medical conditions.

Explore Húsavík, Iceland’s Whale Capital

Húsavík, a picturesque town on the northern coast of Iceland, is rightfully known as the "Whale Capital."

Situated on the shores of Skjálfandi Bay, this quaint fishing village offers unparalleled opportunities to witness the majestic marine mammals that call these waters home.

Whale watching tours depart from the town’s harbor, providing visitors with up-close encounters with blue whales, humpbacks, and other species.

During the summer months, Puffin Island, just a short boat ride away, becomes a nesting ground for these charming seabirds.

Exploring this region is a must for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike.

Guided Boat Tour on a RIB Speedboat

While departing from the town’s harbor, the Húsavík Whale Safari and Puffin Island Tour takes visitors on a guided boat cruise aboard a RIB speedboat.

Designed to provide an exhilarating wildlife experience, the boat’s speed and agility increase the chances of spotting whales and puffins. An expert guide shares live commentary, offering insights into the marine life and local environment.

The tour visits Puffin Island during the nesting season, allowing passengers to observe these charming seabirds. With a maximum of 12 passengers, the tour ensures a personal and immersive encounter with Iceland’s natural wonders.

Encounter Whales and Puffins

Aboard the nimble RIB speedboat, passengers eagerly anticipate encounters with the majestic whales and charming puffins that call the waters and islands of Skjálfandi Bay home.

The expert guide narrates the journey, sharing fascinating insights about the diverse marine life. Humpback whales breach the surface, their colossal forms eliciting gasps of wonder.

The expert guide narrates the journey, sharing insights about the diverse marine life as humpback whales breach the surface in colossal wonder.

On Puffin Island, thousands of the comical seabirds nest, their vibrant beaks and frantic flights captivating onlookers. With luck, the group may spot an elusive blue whale, the largest creature on Earth.

Throughout the adventure, the boundless beauty of Iceland’s untamed landscapes frames every mesmerizing moment.

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Scenic Views of Skjálfandi Bay

As the RIB speedboat glides across the serene waters of Skjálfandi Bay, passengers are treated to a breathtaking panorama.

Towering mountains rise majestically on the horizon, their snow-capped peaks reflecting the sunlight. The bay’s deep blue hues are punctuated by the occasional splash of a breaching whale or the graceful dance of seabirds.

The guide’s narration brings the landscape to life, sharing insights into the region’s geology and wildlife.

With the wind in their faces, participants feel a profound connection to the natural wonders that surround them, creating an unforgettable experience.

Included Amenities and Restrictions

The Húsavík Whale Safari and Puffin Island Tour includes round-trip transportation via a RIB speedboat, as well as specialized guides who provide live commentary throughout the experience.

The Húsavík Whale Safari and Puffin Island Tour offers round-trip transportation by RIB speedboat with live commentary from specialized guides.

Participants will receive warm safety overalls to stay comfortable during the cruise.

However, this tour isn’t suitable for everyone. Children under 8, pregnant women, individuals with back or heart problems, wheelchair users, and those under 4 ft 3 in (130 cm) aren’t permitted.

With a maximum of 12 passengers, the tour ensures a personal experience in the whale capital of Iceland.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Based on the 939 reviews, the Húsavík Whale Safari and Puffin Island Tour has earned an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5.

Travelers were especially pleased with the:

• Knowledgeable guides, rated 4.8/5

• Comfortable and reliable transportation, rated 4.9/5

• Close encounters with whales and other marine life

• Beautiful landscapes and seascapes of Skjálfandi Bay

While the value for money received a strong 4.4/5 rating, reviewers consistently praised the unique and unforgettable wildlife viewing experience provided by this tour.

Booking Information and Availability

How can travelers book the Húsavík Whale Safari and Puffin Island Tour?

The tour can be reserved online through the Gentle Giants – Húsavík Whale Watching website. Customers have the option to pay upfront or choose the "reserve now, pay later" option.

This tour offers free cancellation with a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance. Travelers can expect a maximum group size of 12 passengers, ensuring a personal and intimate experience.

The tour isn’t suitable for certain groups, such as children under 8 or those with physical limitations.

With high ratings and positive reviews, this tour is an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts visiting Húsavík, Iceland.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many People Can Fit on the RIB Speedboat?

The RIB speedboat has a maximum capacity of 12 passengers, providing a personal and intimate whale and puffin viewing experience for customers on the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment?

Passengers can bring their own camera equipment on the Puffin Island Tour. The tour provides a unique opportunity to capture stunning wildlife and scenery, so personal photography is encouraged as long as it doesn’t interfere with the tour experience.

Is There a Weight Limit for Participants?

There’s a weight limit of 264 lbs (120 kg) for participants on this tour. Those over the limit can’t join for safety reasons. Guests should check the restrictions when booking to ensure they meet the physical requirements.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration, which is set at 2 hours. The tour’s structure and itinerary are fixed, providing a focused whale and puffin viewing experience within the allotted timeframe.

What Happens in Case of Inclement Weather?

In case of inclement weather, the tour operator may cancel the trip for safety reasons. Customers will receive a full refund if the tour is canceled due to unfavorable conditions beyond the operator’s control.

The Sum Up

The Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari and Puffin Island Tour offers an exhilarating way to witness Iceland’s majestic marine life. Departing from the country’s whale capital, this RIB speedboat adventure provides guests with up-close encounters with humpback and blue whales, as well as thousands of nesting puffins. With expert guides, personalized attention, and stunning views of Skjálfandi Bay, this tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Iceland.

You can check availability for your dates here: