Whales and Puffins Tour from Husavik

Húsavík has a special kind of magic.

This Whales and Puffins tour blends puffin colony viewing with classic Skjálfandi Bay whale watching, so you’re not stuck on one single wildlife moment. You sail close to Puffin Island during breeding season, where about 100,000 puffins may be present, then you head out to routes where humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises are commonly seen.

I especially like the fact that warm overalls and light refreshments are included, so you can stay comfortable instead of fighting the wind. I also like how the timing is built around real wildlife behavior—puffins are the focus first, and then the boat moves toward whale country.

One consideration: wildlife sightings vary. Some days you’ll get jaw-dropping proximity to the action, and other days you’ll see fewer puffins or only brief whale surfacing, because that’s how animals work at sea.

Quick hits before you go

• Season switch after mid-August: puffins leave around mid August, so the combined trip stops after about August 15.
• High wildlife variety in one outing: puffins first, then whales and dolphins in Skjálfandi Bay.
• Comfort is handled for you: warm overalls plus light refreshments.
• Smart route planning matters: the boat aims for proven watching areas in Skjálfandi Bay.
• Not a massive crowd: maximum 75 travelers, so you’re not elbow-to-elbow on deck.

Why puffins and whales in Skjálfandi Bay works so well

Húsavík is known for whale watching, but this tour adds a second, very different wildlife highlight: puffins on their island colony. That combo changes the whole feel of the trip. The morning (or first stretch) has that tight, busy energy of birds on land, and then you switch back to the open-water rhythm of scanning for spouts and fins.

Skjálfandi Bay is the key piece. It’s the water where whales and other marine life are often active, and where you can realistically keep searching without your day turning into endless drifting. The tour’s structure reflects that. You’re not just chasing randomness—you start with puffins, then you move to traditional whale watching areas in the same region.

And yes, you might see animals all around the boat. In past outings, people have reported big whale days (including totals like nine or ten whales in a short span), along with dolphins and puffins in the same afternoon. That mix is exactly why this format has such strong ratings.

Timing matters: puffin season ends around mid-August

Here’s the practical planning detail that really matters: puffins leave Iceland around mid August to spend the winter in the open ocean. That’s why this specific Whales and Puffins combo is not offered after about August 15. After that, you’ll typically see a regular whale watching trip instead.

Puffins return at the end of April for breeding season. So if you’re traveling in shoulder season, double-check what’s running on your exact dates. If you want the island puffin portion, aim for the window where puffins are actually present on their breeding grounds.

This timing also helps you mentally set expectations. When puffins are gone, the tour focus shifts, and your “bird island” moment won’t happen the same way.

From North Sailing to Puffin Island: what the first half feels like

Your day starts at North Sailing in Húsavík (North Sailing – Húsavík Whale Watching on Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík). The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not dealing with complicated transfers at the end of the sail.

The first major act is the puffin portion. The boat takes you close to Puffin Island so you can see one of Iceland’s biggest puffin colonies during breeding season—around 100,000 puffins can be there. That number is wild, but the real value is what it means for your viewing: you’re not just hoping to spot a couple birds. You’re in the right place at the right time.

Now for the reality check. Puffins are tiny, fast, and busy, and your exact viewing angle depends on how the boat positions itself and what the birds are doing at that moment. Some people love the up-close feeling; other outings may be a bit farther from the island action than you pictured. If you’re bringing a camera and want crisp detail, you’ll still have to work with distance and motion—so plan for observation first, photos second.

Sailing whale routes: the species you can hope for

After the puffin colony viewing, the boat heads into traditional whale watching areas in Skjálfandi Bay. This is where the tour turns into classic Iceland wildlife searching: scanning the horizon, watching for spouts, and getting ready for sudden bursts of activity.

The most commonly listed whale and dolphin possibilities in this bay include:

• Humpback whales
• Minke whales
• White-beaked dolphins
• Porpoises

And in the beginning of summer, you might also see blue whales and fin whales. That seasonal note is useful. If you’re traveling earlier in the year, your odds for specific species can change.

One more honest point: whale watching isn’t a guaranteed punch-list. In some trips, people stay with whales for a long time period near the boat. In others, whales may only show a portion of the body for a second or two. That doesn’t mean the crew did anything wrong. It means the animals moved.

Safety and animal-watching style also come into play. Most experiences described focus on well-run guiding and a safe, organized search pattern. Still, if you’re the type who strongly dislikes boats chasing one animal and prefer a more passive “animals come to you” approach, keep your expectations flexible. At sea, the best viewing happens when you balance safety, animal welfare, and practical positioning.

On-board comfort: overalls, hot cocoa, and staying warm

You’ll get warm overalls—a big deal in North Iceland wind. A lot of the “comfort math” here comes down to this: you can wear your regular clothes under the overalls, and you don’t have to bring a full set of cold-weather gear just for one sail.

Light refreshments are included, and people often mention hot cocoa and cinnamon buns at the end. That matters more than you’d think. Whale watching can be mentally intense—you’re constantly scanning—and a warm drink and a snack helps you actually enjoy the later part of the trip instead of just surviving it.

Also, the boat experience is usually described as clean and comfortable. With a max of 75 people, it’s not a tiny private boat, but it’s also not a crowded circus.

If you’re bringing a DSLR or a larger camera, think about mist and spray. One helpful angle from real-world experience: calm water can still mean you’ll deal with some splashes. So bring a camera that you can protect comfortably, and consider packing a simple rain cover.

Price and value: what $130 buys you

At $130 per person for about 3.5 hours, you’re paying for a two-part wildlife experience in one go: puffins on land/near an island, then a whale-and-dolphin search on the water.

Here’s the value logic I’d use when deciding:

• Whale watching alone often costs similar money, but it’s one activity.
• Puffin viewing adds a whole separate wildlife event that happens early in the trip.
• You also get warm overalls and light refreshments, which reduce what you have to buy or carry yourself.

Because whale watching can be hit-or-miss by nature, the best way to judge this price is by the total bundle. When you get puffins plus whales plus dolphins in one outing, the per-hour cost suddenly feels very fair.

One more practical value note: this tour is commonly booked about 71 days in advance on average. If your dates are during peak puffin season, booking earlier generally helps you lock in the experience you want rather than scrambling for a different type of trip.

Who should book this, and who should switch to regular whale watching

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A single afternoon with two wildlife highlights
• A tour that makes it easy to stay warm, with overalls handled for you
• A chance at multiple marine species in one outing (whales plus dolphins, plus birds)

It’s also family-friendly in the sense that it’s run as a short, structured sail. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and service animals are allowed. The tour is offered in English, and in practice it may run with a multi-lingual guide depending on operations.

If you’re traveling after roughly August 15, plan for the seasonal reality: puffins won’t be the focus because they leave around mid-August. At that point, you should expect regular whale watching instead of the combined puffin + whale format.

Should you book this Whales and Puffins Tour from Húsavík?

I’d book it if your dates line up with puffin season and you want a two-for-one wildlife outing: puffins first, then whales and dolphins in Skjálfandi Bay. The included gear and warm drinks make it easier to enjoy the deck time rather than worrying about comfort. And with a maximum of 75 people, it stays in that sweet spot where you can still move around and watch without feeling like you’re trapped.

I’d pause and consider other options if:

• You’re going very late in the season and puffins might be gone on your date.
• You’re especially concerned about how close boats interact with whales. Whale behavior can force the boat to reposition often, and you may not always get the viewing style you personally prefer.
• You need guaranteed close-up views. Wildlife sightings vary, and sometimes whales only surface briefly.

If you want a single decision rule: match your travel dates to the puffin window, come prepared for variable sightings, and focus on enjoying a well-run wildlife day on the water. That’s where this tour earns its strong reputation.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at North Sailing – Húsavík Whale Watching, Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík, Iceland.

How long is the Whales and Puffins tour?

It runs for about 3 hours 30 minutes.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How long is the puffin season for this type of trip?

Puffins leave Iceland around mid-August. After about August 15, this tour type is no longer offered, and regular whale watching takes its place. Puffins return at the end of April.

What animals might I see during the trip?

You can see puffins on the island and, on the whale-watching portion, you may see humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, porpoises, and sometimes blue whales and fin whales earlier in the summer.

Are warm overalls and refreshments included?

Yes. Warm overalls are provided, and light refreshments are included.

Is there a limit on how many people go on the boat?

Yes. The maximum group size is 75 travelers.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

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