Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

Skjálfandi Bay is famous for big marine life, and the fun starts fast when you’re in a small RIB boat that can zip to sightings. I also like the format where the guide who talks about whales and birds rides separately from the driver, so you get real attention when questions pop up.

Two more things I like: the boat keeps group sizes tight at up to 12, which means better viewing from almost every seat, and you get warm water-resistant overalls plus a life vest so you’re not fighting the cold. The main thing to plan for is that the name says Big Whales and Puffins, but puffins depend on season, and weather can make the ride wet and bumpy.

Key points before you go

• Skjálfandi Bay search power: a speedy RIB helps the crew cover distance quickly and reposition when a whale shows
• Up-close views without huge crowds: max 12 passengers means less jockeying for the best sightlines
• Guide and driver split roles: the guide handles whale and bird spotting talk while the driver focuses on the ride
• Lundey Puffin Island is seasonal: puffins run roughly April 15 to August 20, otherwise it’s big-whale focused
• Tjörnes peninsula fossil layers: you’ll pass through an area known for ancient fossil records
• Responsible watching is built in: they slow down, approach carefully, and may shut off the engine to let whales choose their path

Skjálfandi Bay on a small RIB: what makes this whale trip different

If you’re choosing among whale tours in Iceland, the boat style matters. Big ships can work, but you often feel like you’re watching through a crowd and a rail. Here, the ride is in a RIB with seating for up to 12 people, so the whole experience feels more like an active search.

What that means for you is simple: when a whale exhales and spouts, the crew can move efficiently, and you can stay positioned for a real look. In tight spots, the smaller boat layout reduces the usual problem of everyone standing at once.

There’s also a big “human factor.” In this setup, you get a dedicated guide plus a captain. From what I’ve picked up from past trips on this route, that usually turns into smoother spotting conversations, and it’s why guides like Austin and Alessandra show up in people’s memories. The captain stays focused on navigation and wave handling, while the guide does the whale and bird interpretation.

Price and value: what you’re paying for

At about $203 per person, it’s not a budget activity. But you are paying for a combination of things that add up quickly in Iceland.

First, you’re paying for the boat and its speed. A RIB is built to move fast and reposition often, and that matters because whale sightings can be fleeting. Second, you’re paying for small-group time. Up to 12 people is a real value difference versus larger vessels where you might feel far back or blocked.

Third, the gear is part of the deal. You’ll wear warm water-resistant overalls and a life vest, and you can get a raincoat if needed. That’s not just comfort. Cold, wet conditions can ruin your concentration and your camera shots. Here, the setup is designed so you can focus on spotting.

Finally, the crew effort matters. Even on a great day, wildlife watching is never a guarantee. People do keep coming back to the crew’s ability to time their search based on local conditions, and you’ll feel that difference most when the sightings come quickly.

Gear and comfort: the overalls do the heavy lifting

You’ll start with warm, water-resistant overalls and a life vest. The overalls are key because they’re designed for Icelandic wind and spray, not just “light chill.” Life jackets are compulsory in Iceland, so you’ll get that piece too.

What I recommend you bring is the stuff that the tour does not include: gloves and a hat. Gloves matter more than most people expect. The bay can be cold, and even if you’re dressed in layers, your hands are usually the first to lose feeling. People frequently mention getting wet and feeling the splash, so gloves help you handle it without rushing inside your sleeves.

A practical note: some riders say they got wet. That’s normal with a fast boat and changing waves. Plan to feel damp, not shocked by it. If you pack like it’s a working day outside, you’ll enjoy the ride more.

The route in plain terms: from Husavík to Skjálfandi Bay

Meet at Husavík Adventures on Garðarsbraut (640 Húsavík). From there, you head out on the water toward Skjálfandi Bay. This is the “search engine” for the trip, and it’s where your best chances come together.

Skjálfandi has a reputation for frequent visits by multiple whale species and other marine mammals. You may see humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises. More than 10 different species visit the bay each year, so the crew isn’t chasing just one animal type.

Because this is a RIB, you’ll cover distance and reposition when signals show up. When it works, the tour feels energetic, not passive. And because the boat size is small, you can actually track what the guide is pointing out, instead of losing it to motion and a wall of people.

Whale spotting style: why the captain and guide combo works

The tour is designed around close-up possibilities, but it also follows a responsible approach. You’ll see the crew shift tactics as they find whales.

The general pattern is:

• They look for signs and use the boat’s speed to move through the search zone efficiently.
• When they get closer, they slow down.
• In a caution zone, the captain reduces speed further and may even turn off the propeller, letting curious whales come to you at their own pace.

That last part matters. It’s one thing to get close, and another to get close without stressing the animals. Riders who care about wildlife respect often call this out as a highlight, because it makes the experience feel less like a chase and more like a careful meeting.

You’ll also notice how much attention the guide pays to context. Guides such as Austin and Alessandra are singled out for giving lots of information about the whales and birds and for helping you understand what you’re seeing in real time. If you like learning during the ride, this format is a win.

Stop for Lundey puffins: the big seasonal decision

Here’s the deal you need to understand upfront. Puffins only show up on this tour during the season, which runs roughly April 15 to August 20. Outside that window, the tour is Big Whales exclusive.

When puffins are in play, the itinerary includes Lundey, often called Puffin Island. This stop can be a bird show, with thousands of puffins flying, diving, and hanging out on the water. Even when they are not extremely close to the boat, you can still enjoy the motion, the timing, and the sheer number of birds in the area.

If you’re booking outside puffin season, don’t expect Lundey to be the centerpiece. Plan your trip around whale watching, not puffin spotting. This is one of the most common sources of disappointment with any whale-and-bird name, so it’s worth matching your expectations to the dates.

Tjörnes peninsula: fossils and a quick science break

Between whale hunting stretches, you’ll pass through the Tjörnes peninsula area. This region is known for fossil layers, including an ancient record often described as about two million years old.

Why you should care: it adds a different kind of Iceland flavor. You get more than just marine life. You also get a glimpse of why this coast matters to scientists and history buffs who like geology, not just sightseeing.

You shouldn’t expect a museum stop. It’s more of an in-the-moment “look and learn” moment while you’re out there moving.

The ride reality check: cold, wet, and bumpy can happen

Even with great gear, the conditions at sea can be rough. A few passengers specifically call out cold, wet spray, and bumpy waves, especially when leaving and returning to the dock.

So my advice is boring but important: dress for work outdoors, not for a photo shoot. Wear layers that dry reasonably. Bring gloves and a hat. If you forget them, you’ll spend the ride thinking about your fingers instead of spotting whales.

The flip side is that rough weather doesn’t automatically mean bad sightings. People have had “bad weather, great whale watching” days and still come back thrilled. The crew’s job is to search smart and keep you safe and comfortable enough to see what’s out there.

Timing: 2 hours on the water is just about right

This tour runs about 2 hours. It’s long enough to feel like a real adventure, and short enough that you don’t burn out from cold and motion.

Also, it’s not tied to one fixed time. You can choose from multiple departures, which helps if you’re building a day around other Húsavík activities.

One more practical point: book the earliest or best-fitting slot, but keep the weather factor in mind. There are times when tours get canceled late due to sea conditions. If you are on a tight schedule, consider pairing this with activities that are flexible, so you’re not stuck if the sea shuts it down.

Who should book this tour, and who might want a different option

This is a great fit if you want:

• Close viewing without the crush of a large ship
• A boat that moves quickly when whales surface
• A guide who provides live commentary and answers questions while the captain drives
• A small group experience that feels less chaotic

It’s also a strong choice for first-time whale watchers, because seeing a whale is still more likely with a guided search plus a RIB’s ability to reposition fast.

It might be less ideal if you:

• Hate cold and wet situations and don’t want to layer
• Are expecting puffins every day no matter your dates
• Need everyone in your party to sit together with zero possible adjustments, because small boats sometimes have to redistribute weight for stability in changing sea conditions

Kids are welcome if they meet the minimum age rules (at least 8 years old, or 130 cm tall). The small-group format usually helps families feel less lost.

The bottom line: should you book Big Whales and Puffins by RIB?

I’d book this tour if you’re aiming for the best mix of close marine life, small-group attention, and a guided experience that actually explains what you’re seeing. The RIB style and the crew setup are built for spotting, and the overalls plus life vest help you stay in it long enough to enjoy the show.

Book with one caution: check your travel dates against puffin season. If you’re traveling outside roughly April 15 to August 20, treat it as a whale-only trip in practice, even though the tour name includes Puffins.

If you want an Iceland memory you’ll talk about for years, this is the kind of outing where the combo of speed, small boat comfort, and responsible viewing really delivers.

FAQ

How long is the Big Whales and Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík?

The tour runs about 2 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

The meeting point is Husavík Adventures, Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík, Iceland. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people are on the boat?

The RIB boat seats up to 12 passengers, and the tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What species might I see in Skjálfandi Bay?

In Skjálfandi Bay, whales and marine mammals that can be accommodated in the area include humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises.

When can I expect puffins on this tour?

Puffin season is approximately April 15 to August 20. Outside that window, the tours are Big Whales exclusive.

What gear is included?

You get warm water-resistant overalls and a life vest, and you should also use a raincoat if needed. Live commentary and driver/guide service are included too.

Do I need to bring gloves or a hat?

Yes. Gloves and hats are not included, and the bay can be cold.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What is the minimum age for this tour?

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum age onboard is 8 years old or 130 cm in height.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.