Husavik: Whale Watching and Puffin Boat Tour
Husavik: Whale Watching and Puffin Boat Tour
Duration: 3.5 hours (approx.)
3.5 hours (approx.)
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Spot whales and puffins in their natural habitat on a scenic cruise from Húsavík, guided by local wildlife experts.
Sail on a traditional oak boat to Puffin Island, home to over 100,000 puffins. They arrive here each summer to breed, nest, and raise their chicks along its rocky shores.
Hot chocolate and cinnamon buns served onboard make for an irresistible treat in Iceland’s crisp weather.
Warm overalls and raincoats will be provided if needed, so you can focus on the adventure, rain or shine.
The crew shares fascinating insights about local birds and whales, making the experience both fun and educational for all ages.
3.5-hour whale and puffin watching tour
Visit to Puffin Island
Whale watching near Husavík
Expert whale watching guide
Hot chocolate and cinnamon buns
Warm overalls and raincoats if needed
Hotel pickup
Humpback whale breaching near a tour boat during a whale watching cruise in Iceland.
Spot puffins and whales on a 3.5-hour cruise from Húsavík, guided by local experts with hot chocolate and cinnamon buns included.
Getting started
Check in at the harbor in Húsavík, where your crew will welcome you and provide warm overalls or raincoats if needed. After a brief introduction to the day’s route and safety, board the traditional wooden boat and set sail for Puffin Island.
Boarding point: North Sailing ticket office
What to expect
This half-day tour covers two key wildlife areas in North Iceland: Puffin Island, where over 100,000 puffins nest each summer, and Skjálfandi Bay, one of the region’s most reliable whale-watching spots. Puffin Island offers consistent sightings during breeding season, while the bay’s nutrient-rich waters attract various whale species for feeding.
Highlights
-
Puffin Island: Circle this bustling breeding ground, home to a large colony of Atlantic puffins from mid-April to late August. Over 60% of the world’s puffins breed in Iceland.
-
Whale watching: Scan the bay for humpback, minke, and other whales, guided by experts who share insights into local marine life and behavior.
-
Birdlife observation: Spot a variety of seabirds nesting and diving around the island, with the crew pointing out notable species.
-
Did you know? - Puffins can carry up to 10–20 fish in their beaks at once. Their tongues hold each fish in place while they keep catching more, making them some of the most efficient hunters in North Iceland’s waters.
Whale breaching during a whale watching tour in Husavik, Iceland.
Humpback whale tail near tour boat on whale watching cruise.
Humpback whale breaching near a tour boat during a whale watching cruise in Iceland.
Whale breaching during a whale watching tour in Husavik, Iceland.
Humpback whale tail near tour boat on whale watching cruise.
Puffins on grassy cliff during whale watching and puffin tour cruise.
What to bring
-
Warm clothing is recommended as weather conditions at sea can be unpredictable.
-
Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at check-in.
-
Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are advised for sun protection.
-
Camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.
What’s not allowed
-
Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted on board.
-
Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
-
Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the tour.
-
Smoking is not permitted on the vessel.
Accessibility
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
Additional information
-
The tour operates daily from April to August and lasts approximately 3.5 hours.
-
Puffins are present from mid-April to the end of August, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
-
Warm overalls and raincoats are provided if needed.
-
Hot chocolate and cinnamon buns are served on board.
-
Children aged 0–6 join for free but must be included in your booking.
-
The tour departs from Húsavík, Iceland. Please arrive at the meeting point at least 20 minutes before departure.
-
The experience may be subject to weather and sea conditions; in case of cancellation, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
-
In case you end up not seeing any whales, you'll be offered another whale-watching tour free of charge.
Puffin Island near Husavik with grassy cliffs and surrounding ocean.
Puffins on grassy cliff during whale watching and puffin tour.
Puffins on grassy cliff during whale watching and puffin tour cruise.
Puffin Island near Husavik with grassy cliffs and surrounding ocean.
Puffins on grassy cliff during whale watching and puffin tour.
Customer Reviews
Discover what our customers are saying about their experiences
Loading reviews...
By proceeding with any booking via Staybook, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to all the .
You might also like ...
Explore more experiences in Reykjavik.