Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

Whales can appear beside the boat in seconds. That is the main appeal of this Húsavík speedboat trip: a small 12-seat RIB can cover far more water than a standard whale-watching vessel, then move quickly when a whale surfaces. I like the small group size and the chance to visit Lundey, or Puffin Island, during the warmer months. I also like that the crew provides insulated overalls, since Skjálfandi Bay can feel cold even on a bright Icelandic day.

The main thing to consider is the ride itself. A RIB is fast and exciting, but the open boat can be bumpy, wet, and hard on anyone with back or heart problems. Whales are wild animals, too, so you may see several humpbacks, dolphins, and puffins, or you may spend more time searching the bay.

The essential details at a glance

• Small RIB, maximum 12 passengers: You get open views from both sides of the boat, without a crowd pushing for the rail.
• Puffin Island from April 15 to August 20: Outside puffin season, the trip focuses only on whale watching.
• Two hours on Skjálfandi Bay: The boat is built to cover a wide area and respond quickly when wildlife is spotted.
• Common sightings: Humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and occasionally other species.
• Warm overalls included: You must wear the water-resistant suit, but you still need your own hat and gloves.
• Minimum age and height: You must be at least 8 years old or 130 centimeters tall.

Starting across from Húsavík Church

You meet at Húsavík Adventures’ ticket office on Hafnarstétt 11, 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 easy to find in town.

Arriving early matters. You need time to check in, collect your water-resistant overall, and listen to the safety briefing. Comfortable shoes, warm layers, a hat, and gloves are the right basic kit. Raincoats are available if needed, and life vests are supplied.

The overalls are not a minor extra. They help block wind and spray during the fast ride, but they do not make you invulnerable to Icelandic weather. Several people found the boat cold and wet, especially on their hands, so pack proper gloves rather than relying on the suit alone. Spare caps and gloves have sometimes been available, but you should not count on that.

The crew has also handled a wide range of body sizes, with suits reported up to 8XL. If you have a weak heart, back trouble, epilepsy, or mobility concerns, contact the local operator before booking. The boat has a minimum age of 8, or a minimum height of 130 centimeters. Children just under that height need approval in advance.

Why a 12-seat RIB changes the whale watch

A rigid inflatable boat gives this excursion its character. You sit close to the water in an open-air boat, with the wind, spray, and engine noise part of the experience. It is not the quiet, steady ride you get on a large vessel, but you gain speed and a much better sense of movement.

The boat can cover a large part of Skjálfandi Bay in two hours. That matters because whales do not wait near one fixed viewing platform. When a fin, blow, or tail appears in the distance, the captain can move toward the area quickly. Several outings produced close looks at humpbacks, while others found dolphins, minke whales, or even a blue whale.

The boat carries no more than 12 passengers. That is one of the strongest reasons to pay more than you might for a larger group trip. You can look over either side, and the captain can position the boat so people do not have to fight for a view. A small group also makes it easier to hear the guide’s explanations.

The speed has a downside. The ride can be choppy, and the boat’s motion may not suit you if you have a weak back or are pregnant. Seasickness medicine is not included, so bring your own if you normally need it. One useful feature of the open-air setup is that some people who feel ill inside larger boats find the fresh air easier, but that is not a promise.

Puffin Island and the summer bird spectacle

If you visit between about April 15 and August 20, the trip usually includes Lundey, known locally as Puffin Island. The island is a major draw in its own right, not just a quick stop before the whales.

Puffins gather around the island, on the water, in the air, and along the cliffs. The scene can feel almost busy with birds, especially in the height of summer. You may also see Arctic terns and other seabirds in the area. The RIB gives you a close, low viewpoint, which is useful for watching birds on the water and following them as they fly around the boat.

The visit is mainly a photo stop and wildlife-viewing section rather than a landing. You stay on the boat, look toward the island, and listen to the guide explain the local marine life. Bring a camera, but keep it secure. Spray, wind, and sudden boat movement are real possibilities.

Timing is important here. If you visit after August 20, you should not book this trip expecting puffins. The excursion becomes a big-whale tour instead. That can still be worthwhile, but the name Puffin Island will no longer describe the full experience.

Searching Skjálfandi Bay for big whales

After the bird stop, the focus shifts to the open water of Skjálfandi Bay. More than 10 whale and dolphin species are known to visit the bay during the year. Humpback whales are the most frequently praised sighting in the available trip accounts, but the possible list includes minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, porpoises, and other marine life.

Humpbacks are especially memorable because you can often watch the full rhythm of their feeding. A whale may surface several times, show its back, lift its tail, or slap the water. Some outings saw two or three humpbacks, while others reported four, six, or even eight. A few lucky groups saw a mother and calf together, and one May trip found a group of at least five humpbacks.

You may also get dolphins moving near the RIB. Their smaller size and quick movement make them a different kind of sight from the slower whales. On some trips, passengers saw a minke whale, a seal, a walrus, or a blue whale. These sightings are possible highlights, not guaranteed targets.

That distinction matters. A whale-watching trip cannot control where the animals go. One outing saw only a single whale, while another found several humpbacks close to the boat. The crew can search widely and react fast, but a successful trip should be measured by the quality of the wild encounter, not by a fixed number of animals.

The guide adds real value here. Several guides, including Austin, Ignacio, Inaki, Iñaki, Zina, Alessandra, and Martin, have been praised for clear explanations and a calm, friendly manner. Some crew members have marine biology backgrounds, and guides have identified individual humpbacks by their markings. That turns the outing into more than a fast ride with cameras pointed at the horizon.

Tjörnes Peninsula adds a geological angle

The route also gives you views of the Tjörnes Peninsula. It is known for fossil layers, with the oldest mentioned layers reaching back about two million years. The peninsula provides a useful reminder that Skjálfandi Bay is not only about whales and puffins.

You may spend much of your attention watching the water, but the cliffs and coastline help explain why this area is scientifically important. The guide can connect the geology with the marine environment, giving you something to notice during quieter stretches when no whale is visible.

The scenery is one reason the trip can still feel worthwhile during a slow wildlife period. You are not simply waiting in an empty sea. You are moving around a dramatic Icelandic bay, with islands, seabirds, and the Tjörnes coast forming the setting.

What the two-hour schedule feels like

Two hours is a sensible length for this kind of excursion. It gives the captain enough time to search a broad area, but it does not keep you exposed to cold and spray for half a day. The schedule includes departure from Húsavík, the trip toward Lundey in puffin season, wildlife searching in the bay, and the return to Hafnarstétt 11.

The pace can shift quickly. You may spend a quiet few minutes scanning the surface, then accelerate when the crew spots a blow. That change from patience to speed is part of the fun, but it can also make the ride feel active rather than relaxed.

The crew’s approach to whales is another important point. Close viewing does not mean chasing animals without limits. Several accounts praised the captains and guides for moving near whales while giving them space and avoiding excessive disturbance. The best encounters were not just close; they allowed passengers to watch natural behavior for several minutes.

Weather can affect the day. Departures may be cancelled because of bad weather, too few passengers, or other operational reasons. If that happens, you are offered another departure or a full refund. The minimum group size is four people.

Is the $198 price fair?

At $198 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the bay. You are paying for a fast, small-group boat, warm protective gear, a captain, and a guide who can explain the animals and local setting.

I think the price makes the most sense if you value time and access. The RIB can move quickly to a whale sighting, and the 12-person limit gives you a better chance of seeing from either side of the boat. You also get two separate attractions in season: puffin colonies at Lundey and whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a slow, sheltered cruise or a guaranteed puffin visit outside summer. The boat is more exposed than a large vessel, and wildlife is never certain. If your budget is tight, compare the cost with other Húsavík whale trips before booking. If your priority is a close, energetic outing with fewer people, the extra cost is easier to justify.

The high overall rating of 4.8 from 979 ratings fits the experience’s strongest features: excellent crew, small numbers, exciting speed, and frequent close whale sightings. Still, you should pay for the type of trip, not for a promised animal count.

Who should book this Húsavík tour?

I would choose this tour for adults, older children, photographers, and anyone who prefers an active outing to a quiet cruise. It suits you especially well if you want puffins and whales in one trip during the April to August season.

You should think twice if you have back or heart problems, are pregnant, or dislike cold, spray, and fast boat movement. Children must meet the age or height requirement, and anyone with a medical concern should speak with the operator before departure.

For the best chance of comfort, wear warm layers under the provided suit and bring gloves that stay warm when damp. Keep your camera ready, but do not let the search for a perfect photograph distract you from watching the animals.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want a small, fast, wildlife-focused trip and accept that the sea sets the schedule. The combination of a 12-seat RIB, experienced guides, Lundey in puffin season, and broad coverage of Skjálfandi Bay gives you a strong chance at memorable sightings.

Skip it if you need a smooth sheltered boat, cannot manage a bumpy ride, or are visiting outside puffin season mainly for the birds. For everyone else, especially those hoping to see humpbacks up close without joining a large crowd, this is one of the more exciting ways to explore Húsavík’s famous bay.

FAQ

How long is the Húsavík speedboat tour?

The tour lasts two hours, including the boat ride around Skjálfandi Bay and the return to Húsavík.

Where does the tour begin?

Meet at Húsavík Adventures’ ticket office at Hafnarstétt 11, 30 minutes before departure. The office is across the road from Húsavík’s famous church.

How many people fit on the RIB?

The guided RIB has a maximum capacity of 12 passengers.

Are puffins seen on every departure?

Puffins are part of the trip during the usual season from April 15 to August 20. Outside that period, the excursion operates as a big-whale tour only.

What whale species might I see?

Possible species include humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises. More than 10 marine species are known to visit Skjálfandi Bay during the year.

Is warm clothing provided?

Warm water-resistant overalls and life vests are included. A raincoat is available if needed, but you must bring your own hat and gloves.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 8 years, or 130 centimeters in height. If a child is slightly under 130 centimeters, contact the local operator for approval.

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

The tour is not suitable for people with back problems, heart problems, or pregnancy. If you have another health or mobility concern, contact the local operator before booking.

Are seasickness pills included?

No. Seasickness pills are not included, so bring your own if you need them.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

The local operator can cancel because of bad weather, too few passengers, or other reasons. You will be notified and offered an alternative departure or a full refund.