Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

Whales feel close here, fast. This Húsavík speedboat tour runs out of Skjálfandi Bay on a small RIB with an expert guide, so when whales show up, you’re not stuck waiting like you would on a big ship. I love how the boat can cover a lot of water in a short time, which turns whale-watching into active searching.

My other favorite part is the practical setup: you get warm water-resistant overalls and a guide who explains what you’re seeing, from humpbacks to seabirds. The only real drawback to plan for is simple weather reality: the ride can be cold, wet, and a bit bouncy, and the tour isn’t suitable for everyone (pregnancy, weak heart, and back issues are specifically flagged).

Key things to know before you go

• Small group RIB rides (about 12 passengers or fewer) mean better sightlines on both sides of the boat.
• Skjálfandi Bay is a whale hotspot, with more than 10 species showing up in the area each year.
• Lundey Island puffins are seasonal (about Apr 15–Aug 20); outside that window it’s big whales only.
• Warm overalls are included and required by Icelandic law, and you’ll likely still want good gloves and a hat.
• Guides bring the marine-wildlife story, with names you may hear like Austin, Ignacio, Inaki, and Martin from past departures.

Húsavík RIB Speedboat: fast chasing that still feels responsible

This tour is built around one idea: when whales surface, time matters. On a small RIB, the captain can zip across Skjálfandi Bay to reposition quickly, which is a big advantage over slower boats when you’re trying to catch feeding, breaches, or that first satisfying spout.

You’ll also notice the tone is not wild-chaos. Guides and captains focus on staying safe and close without treating whales like attractions. In the best moments, you’re not just looking at a speck far away—you’re getting real perspective on how whales move through the water column and where they surface after dives.

Skjálfandi Bay: why this area is so productive

Skjálfandi Bay is one of the reasons people base themselves in Húsavík. The tour info highlights that more than 10 different species visit the area each year, and the species list includes humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises.

That matters for your expectations. You’re not going out hoping for one miracle animal. Instead, you’re in a place where multiple marine species are commonly around, so even if your first sightings aren’t what you dreamed, you often get a sequence of “wait—look at that” moments.

Lundey Island for puffins: what changes in spring and summer

If your trip lines up with puffin season, Lundey Island (Puffin Island) becomes the other star of the show. The tour runs puffin trips roughly Apr 15 to Aug 20, and during that window you’ll visit Lundey with a photo stop plus guided viewing.

Here’s the practical part: puffins are active, and you’ll likely see them in the air and around the island area. Many departures add a lot of energy here—people often come away talking about the sheer number of puffins—so bring a camera-ready mindset. If you’re visiting outside the season, the tour is marked as big whales exclusive, and you should skip counting on puffins.

The Tjörnes Peninsula fossils: a geologist’s sidebar to whale watching

Between the bay runs and island time, you’ll also pass along the Tjörnes peninsula, known for fossil layers with an especially ancient one described as about two million years old. You might not spend hours on this detail, but it adds a layer that makes the whole day feel more than just animals on water.

For me, that’s part of the value of doing a guided outing in Iceland’s north. You’re not only chasing wildlife—you’re also getting context for how old the coastline and marine history really are. It turns the scenery into something with a long timeline, not just a backdrop.

A 2-hour itinerary that actually keeps moving

This trip is short on purpose. You’re out for about two hours total, which means less time waiting and more time scanning. You start at Hafnarstétt 11, then there’s a safety briefing before you head out.

A typical flow looks like this:

• A boat ride from the Húsavík area into Skjálfandi Bay
• Time focused on whale and marine life viewing, including dolphins and other sightings as conditions allow
• A visit to Lundey Island if you’re in puffin season, including a photo stop and guided viewing
• Back toward Hafnarstétt 11 when the session ends

The upside is clear: you get a lot of scanning energy in a compact window. The tradeoff is also clear: you’re not on the water all day, so if you’re the type who wants a slow, lingering cruise, this may feel a bit “quick in, quick out.”

Inside the boat: staying warm, staying upright

The tour includes warm water-resistant overalls (required by Icelandic law) plus life vests, and a raincoat if you need one. That’s a big deal in north Iceland, where cold wind can cut through any “normal” outer layer fast.

A few practical tips from what people report:

• Wear layers under the provided suit, since you’ll likely feel the cold through the windchill even with good outer gear.
• Bring a hat and gloves. Even when suits are provided, hands can be the first thing to freeze.
• Comfortable shoes matter because you’re getting in and out, moving around at the start and stop, and staying balanced.
• If you’re usually prone to motion sickness, know that some people specifically report feeling better than they expected on an open RIB with lots of fresh air.

The ride can be choppy at times, and you’ll feel the speed. That’s not a marketing problem; it’s the actual point of the RIB. Just dress like you’re going to get wet, because you probably will.

Whale watching that prioritizes closeness without crowding

This is where the RIB makes a difference. People often talk about how quickly the crew can reposition when a whale surfaces, which can lead to truly close, satisfying views rather than distant “good luck” sightings.

In many past departures, humpback whales show up. Some trips report multiple humpbacks in a single outing, and there are also sightings of dolphins and other marine life depending on conditions. One of the strongest themes in the feedback is the sense of “we’re right on it”—when whales break the surface, the boat reacts fast.

At the same time, the tour keeps a respectful approach. You should come ready for nature’s reality: whales are wild. Some days produce more sightings and more dramatic behavior, and some days are quieter. Your best strategy is to stay focused and flexible instead of locking onto a single species or behavior.

Guides and captains: small-team expertise on the water

The tour is guided in English, and you’ll have both a guide on board and a captain running the boat. Past departures highlight guides like Austin, Ignacio, Inaki, and Martin, and you may also hear names connected with captaining such as Sofie and Roby.

The most useful thing these guides do is connect behavior to what you’re seeing. You’re not just told facts in a vacuum—you learn what to look for, like how whales surface, how seabirds act around feeding areas, and how safety rules keep everyone steady when the boat changes speed.

There’s also a safety emphasis that shows up again and again in feedback. When the boat is moving quickly over rougher water, good briefings and calm instructions matter. If you’re nervous about boats, this part can make the whole experience feel smoother.

Price check: is $198 worth it for 2 hours?

Let’s be honest. $198 per person is not a bargain. But for Húsavík, you’re paying for three things that are hard to replicate elsewhere:

• A small RIB ride that can relocate quickly to chase sightings
• Included cold-weather gear (overalls and life vests)
• A guided wildlife narration with a captain and onboard guide, not a barebones cruise

So the value question becomes: do you want whale watching with speed and proximity, or do you want a cheaper, slower option? If you care about getting closer to surfacing whales and maximizing your odds of multiple sightings in a short window, the price can make sense.

If you’re purely budget-focused and you don’t mind a more distant view, you might decide differently. But if whale watching is a main reason you came to Iceland’s north, this is the kind of tour where the format itself is the premium.

What to bring (and what to avoid forgetting)

You’ll be happier if you treat this like a cold-water outing, not a sightseeing stroll.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Warm clothing for layering under the suit
• A hat and gloves (they’re specifically recommended)
• Any personal items you need for comfort in cold wind

Be aware:

• Seasickness pills are not included, so if you use them, pack them.
• The tour provides warm overalls and life vests, but your hands and head still need attention.

One more smart idea: pack for wet conditions. Even with water-resistant gear, you’ll likely get spray, and your clothing can stay cold if it’s not set up for layers.

Who should book this tour (and who should skip it)

This trip is a strong fit if you:

• Want an active, fast-moving style of whale watching
• Enjoy getting up close to marine wildlife
• Are traveling in a small group vibe (about 12 or fewer on board)
• Visit during the puffin season window if you want both whales and Lundey Island birds

It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 8 years or under 130 cm tall
• Pregnant women
• People with weak heart, back problems, epilepsy, or mobility issues (the tour notes assistance can be arranged in some cases, but it’s not a universal fit)

If you’re on the fence because you’re worried about comfort, remember that the main discomfort is cold and wet—so plan your clothing carefully and treat the suit as part of a layering system.

Should you book the Húsavík Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour?

I’d book it if whale watching is a top priority and you want the format that helps you catch surfacing whales quickly. The speed of the RIB, the small group feel, and the fact that you get guided interpretation plus required warm gear make it a practical way to see a lot in two hours.

I’d think twice if cold, rougher water movement, or boat motion is a dealbreaker for you. The ride is part of the experience, so if you hate wind and spray, you may find it unpleasant even with the overalls.

If your calendar falls between about Apr 15 and Aug 20, you also get the added payoff of Lundey Island puffins—that combination is exactly what makes Húsavík special.

FAQ

How long is the Húsavík whale and puffin speedboat tour?

The duration is about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start?

Meet at Hafnarstétt 11 at the Húsavík Adventures ticket office. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before departure.

When can I see puffins on this tour?

Puffin season is approximately Apr 15 to Aug 20. Outside that time, the tour is big whales only.

What’s included in the price?

You get a guided tour on a 12-seat RIB, warm water-resistant overalls, a life vest, and a raincoat if needed.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and warm clothing, plus a hat and gloves. The bay can be cold.

Is the tour suitable for kids?

The minimum age is 8 years old, or 130 cm in height. If your child is slightly under 130 cm, you should contact the provider ahead of time for approval.

What if weather conditions are bad?

The local partner can cancel departures due to bad weather or other reasons like minimum passenger numbers, and you’ll be notified in advance with an alternative departure time or a full refund.