Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

Húsavík gets real when you trade a big whale ship for a small RIB speedboat. You cover serious distance fast, then you can pivot the moment wildlife shows up. I also like that this tour aims for close, not reckless, with a guided approach that keeps you focused on what matters at sea.

My two favorite parts are the chance to see puffins on Lundey Island during the short April to August season, and the way the boat can sprint to a sighting so you get more time watching instead of drifting around. The one drawback to plan for is the cold and wet. Even with the provided gear, hands and feet can feel it, and the ride can be choppy when conditions are lively.

Because the tour is run from a small dock area in Húsavík and keeps the group tight, you should also think about comfort in rough water. If you are very sensitive to motion or you have a medical issue like a weak heart or mobility limits, this may not be the best fit for you.

Key takeaways before you go

• Small-group RIB riding (12 seats or fewer) means you get better sightlines when wildlife is surfaced
• Skjálfandi Bay wildlife is the point, with more than 10 species showing up in the area each year
• Puffins at Lundey Island only run April 15 to August 20, and outside that window it is big whales only
• Warm water-resistant overalls and a life vest are included, and the overalls are required by Icelandic law
• Guides mix safety with marine life ID, so you know what you are looking at, not just that you saw something
• Bring gloves and a hat. The bay can be pretty cold, and your fingers feel it first

Why Húsavík’s Skjálfandi Bay is a whale-watching sweet spot

Húsavík sits in northeastern Iceland, in a part of the North Atlantic that attracts whales and dolphins as the food chain cycles through. This tour is built around that reality. It does not treat whale watching like a passive activity. You get out early, cruise into the bay, and then you move to where wildlife is.

The area is known for sightings of species like humpback whales, minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins, plus porpoises. The key detail here is variety. Over the year, more than 10 different species are reported to show up in Skjálfandi. So even if you do not land on your absolute dream animal, you are still likely to see something.

RIB speedboats: the main reason this tour feels different

This is not a slow sightseeing cruise. The rigid inflatable boat (RIB) format is designed for quick repositioning. When a whale surfaces, time matters. With a faster boat, you can reach the next spot before the moment is over.

In practical terms, this means:

• You often get more “watching time” per sighting, not just a quick glimpse
• If conditions change, the captain can shift search areas efficiently
• Your photos have a better chance of turning out, because the boat can react quickly

The small group matters too. With a 12-seat or fewer setup, you do not spend the whole ride blocked by someone higher up or crowding the bow. You can actually take in what is happening on both sides of the boat.

Getting started at Hafnarstétt 11, and why the safety briefing matters

Your departure base is Hafnarstétt 11. Plan to arrive early and get your gear sorted before you step into the boat. The tour starts with a safety briefing, then you head out.

I like how this kind of tour starts with rules first. The sea is not a theme park. Even when you feel excited, the guide and captain keep the day grounded in safety. That focus shows up again and again in how people describe their experience, especially the way staff manage choppy water and help you feel secure in the open-air ride.

The first cruise: sail into Skjálfandi Bay

After pickup, you head out by boat to Skjálfandi Bay. This portion is not just “getting there.” It sets the rhythm. You are looking right away, and your guide frames the day so you know what to watch for.

Skjálfandi is also where you start building the wildlife list for the day. With whales and dolphins in the region, you can expect the possibility of multiple species, not just one event.

One underrated benefit of this early segment is daylight scanning. Even if the first whale sighting is not immediate, you are already on the water with eyes trained for spouts, surfacing patterns, and movements that hint at where the next animal might appear.

Wildlife viewing in Skjálfandi Bay: what you might actually see

Once you are set into the bay, the focus stays on marine life. Based on what the tour is designed to do, you should think in terms of encounters rather than one guaranteed “one-and-done” whale moment.

What tends to be possible here:

• Humpback whales, including dramatic surfacing and breaches when conditions line up
• Minke whales (smaller than humpbacks, so spotting and patience help)
• White-beaked dolphins and other dolphins
• Porpoises, depending on where the food is active
• Seals, which you might spot while the boat is searching or when wildlife is near the surface

Because this is a guided experience, you are not just staring at water. Your guide helps you make sense of behavior and identify what you are seeing. In some departures, you may hear from guides who have a strong marine biology background. Names that have appeared in English-guided departures include Austin, Iñaki, Ignacio, Martin, Alessandra, and Zina. You cannot count on a specific guide, but you can count on the emphasis being on interpretation and safety.

Lundey Island and puffins: the seasonal highlight

Lundey Island, often called Puffin Island, is the big bird moment in late spring and summer. If you are traveling inside the puffin window, this is where the tour feels like more than a whale chase.

Puffin season runs about April 15 to August 20. Outside that time, the tour is big whales only. So before you book, match your travel dates to your target. If puffins are a must for your trip, the calendar matters as much as the itinerary.

What to expect on Lundey:

• A visit that includes a photo stop and a guided island portion
• Lots of puffin viewing, typically with birds active around the island
• Scenic views on the way, because the island is part of the visual payoff, not just a stop on a route

One more thing: puffins can be everywhere at once. The excitement is real, but it is also easy to miss details if you just whip your phone around. I like doing this simple routine: pause, look for movement near the waterline and cliff faces, then take a photo once you have found a subject and can track it.

The Tjörnes Peninsula fossil layers: a quick science moment you can picture

On the way to and from the island area, you pass the Tjörnes peninsula. This is not only pretty coastline. It is known for fossil layers, including an especially ancient layer estimated at about two million years old.

You might not become a geology expert in one boat ride, but the value here is that the guide gives the backdrop for why the coast looks the way it does and what it represents. It adds weight to the scenery, and it is a nice change of pace from staring for spouts.

Gear and clothing: how to stay warm when the bay turns cold

This tour gives you warm water-resistant overalls, and Icelandic law requires you to wear them. You will also get a life vest. If you need extra rain cover, you may be offered a raincoat.

Even so, I treat this tour as cold-weather training. The bay can be pretty cold, and gloves and hats are your first line of defense. The tour does not include gloves or hats, so bring both.

Practical packing tips that match real conditions:

• Wear comfortable shoes you can stand in, and that you do not mind getting damp
• Dress in warm layers under the overalls, because the overalls are warm but they are not magic
• Bring gloves. Hands lose heat fast in salty wind
• Add a hat that stays put in wind

There is also a sizing detail that can matter for comfort. One account noted that suits are available up to 8XL, so you should not assume you are stuck with one size fit.

If you have back issues, note that the tour is listed as not suitable for people with back problems. If you are on the edge, contact the local provider beforehand and ask what they can do.

The ride itself: how the 2 hours usually feels

The tour is about 2 hours from start to finish. That sounds short. That is kind of the point. The RIB format keeps the time efficient.

During that time you:

• Start with a safety briefing
• Cruise out over Skjálfandi Bay
• Head to Lundey Island for the puffin portion and photo stop in season
• Spend time back in Skjálfandi for dolphin watching and whale watching
• Return to Hafnarstétt 11

Because everything is packed into a small window, the experience can feel fast-paced. In a good way. You are not stuck waiting. When wildlife shows up, you move quickly to see it.

One small comfort note: some people get seasick on boats, yet still feel okay here. The open air and the way the boat runs can help. Still, if you are prone to motion sickness, you should bring your own prevention. Seasickness pills are not included.

Price and value: is $198 for 2 hours a good deal

At $198 per person, this is not a cheap Iceland add-on. You are paying for three things: speed, small-group format, and guided spotting.

Here is how to judge value fairly:

• Speed costs money. A RIB that can react instantly to a whale sighting is doing more fuel-intensive work than a larger ship.
• Small groups are a quality upgrade. With only about 12 seats, you spend more time seeing, less time searching for a place to stand.
• Guidance adds value. If you want to understand behavior, not just take random photos, a guide makes the difference.

If your goal is a quick, high-impact wildlife hit, the price can feel reasonable. If you want a long leisurely cruise where you can settle in for the ride, there may be better value elsewhere. But for the “spot fast and watch close” style, this one is priced like it knows what it is doing.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip

This tour is a strong match for you if:

• Puffins are high on your list and your dates fall between April 15 and August 20
• You want a close encounter style with dolphins and whales while staying within a guided safety framework
• You like small-group experiences where you do not lose views to crowds
• You want a mix of wildlife and a little real-world context, like the Tjörnes fossil layers

It may not be the right choice if:

• You are pregnant, because the tour is listed as not suitable for pregnant women
• You have back problems or a weak heart, since the tour is listed as not suitable for those conditions
• You need a minimum height or age accommodation. The minimum age is 8 years old or 130 centimeters. If a child is slightly under 130 cm, you must contact the provider for approval.

How to make your day go smoothly (without overthinking it)

I keep it simple when I do wildlife tours in Iceland. Bring your warm stuff, show up early enough to be ready, and accept that animals set the schedule.

A few smart moves:

• Arrive about 30 minutes before departure at the ticket office at Hafnarstétt 11
• Bring a hat and gloves, even if you think you can tough it out. Your hands will protest
• Have a plan for damp gear. After the tour, you will likely be wet
• Keep your expectations flexible on whale numbers. The route is designed for fast pursuit, but you are still in the wild

Should you book the Húsavík big whales and puffin island speedboat tour?

If you are looking for the best shot at close whale watching from Húsavík plus puffins on Lundey Island in season, I think this tour is an easy yes. The RIB speedboat format and small group size are the backbone of the value. You trade long cruising for quick repositioning, and that generally makes sightings feel more real.

Book it if your dates align with puffin season and you are comfortable with cold, wind, and a more active boat ride. Skip it if your body cannot handle the conditions, or if puffins are your goal but your dates fall outside April 15 to August 20, because then it becomes big whales only.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether puffins are your top priority. I can help you decide if you should book for puffins or go straight for whales.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

You meet at Húsavík Adventures’s ticket office at Hafnarstétt 11. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before departure. The office shares a building with North Sailing, and it is across the road from the famous church in Húsavík.

How long is the speedboat tour?

The duration is 2 hours.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a guided trip in a 12-seat RIB, warm water-resistant overalls (required by law), a raincoat if needed, and life vests. There is also a live tour guide in English.

When can I see puffins on Lundey Island?

Puffin season runs roughly from April 15 to August 20. Outside that time window, the tour is big whales only.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The minimum age onboard is 8 years old, or 130 centimeters in height. If your child is slightly under 130 cm, contact the local activity provider for approval first.

What should I bring with me?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a hat, and gloves. Gloves and hats are not included, and seasickness pills are also not included.