Humpback whale breaching in Skjálfandi Bay, Iceland.
Whale tail near the boat Moby Dick during a whale spotting cruise in Iceland.
Whale watching tourists on the Moby Dick boat in Icelandic waters.
Minke whale surfacing near a boat in Skjálfandi Bay, Iceland, with a person taking a photo.
Whale tail fluke diving into the water during a whale watching tour in Húsavík, Iceland.
Hector's dolphins swimming in Skjálfandi Bay, Iceland.
Vinur boat docked for whale spotting cruise in Iceland.

Husavik: Small-Family Run, Locally Owned, Sustainable Whale Watching, Reykjavik

Reykjavik
Guided Tours
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Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

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Experience sustainable whale watching in Húsavík, Iceland's renowned capital for observing whales and dolphins. This three-hour tour is family-run and locally owned, offering a genuine glimpse into the natural habitat of these magnificent creatures from Reykjavik. Your adventure begins at Friends of Moby Dick ticket office where you'll meet your guide before setting sail on either Vinur or Moby Dick boats.

Húsavík in Iceland is renowned as the whale-watching capital where you can start a small-family run tour for an intimate experience.

Navigate through Skjálfandi Bay with qualified guides who not only track whales and dolphins but also share intriguing facts about seabirds in their natural environment.

Select either the traditional Icelandic oak boat, Moby Dick, or choose the eco-friendly electric vessel Vinur based on seasonal availability for your tour.

Onboard comfort is ensured by providing warm overalls to keep you cozy during colder sea conditions throughout the cruise.

Enhance your visit with a trip to the nearby Whale Museum and benefit from a 20% discount on entrance tickets when combined with this whale-watching adventure.

Participate in a sustainable, carbon-neutral tour that emphasizes ethical wildlife viewing while maintaining low-impact sailing practices.

Access to windproof and waterproof flotation suits

Use of highly qualified guides for your tour

Entry with safety gear such as life jackets included

Ticket offers a discount: 20% off on Whale Museum entrance

Eating and Drinking Costs

Humpback whale breaching in Skjálfandi Bay, Iceland.

Humpback whale breaching in Skjálfandi Bay, Iceland.

Your Experience in Iceland's Whale Watching Capital

In Husavik, Europe’s renowned whale watching hub, start a 3-hour adventure to spot whales and dolphins amidst their natural surroundings. This sustainable tour is expertly guided by family-run operations.

Getting Started at Moby Dick Museum

Your journey begins at the Friends of Moby Dick ticket office in Reykjavik. Here, you'll meet your qualified guide for a safety briefing before receiving windproof overalls. Board either Vinur or Moby Dick based on availability and season.

What to Expect from Your Húsavík Whale Watching Tour

The tour offers an exciting opportunity to observe various whale species, including humpback, blue, minke, and sperm whales, along with white-beaked dolphins. This family-friendly experience emphasizes safety and sustainability.

Features of the Husavik Experience

  • Guided by experts: Your guide will share fascinating insights about marine life found in Skjálfandi Bay.
  • Sustainable practices are at the core, adhering to a strict code that minimizes impact on wildlife and supports local conservation efforts.
  • Choose your preferred vessel: Opt for Vinur from March to December or Moby Dick between July and September based on comfort preferences.
  • Families are welcome with no age restrictions, as flotation suits, life jackets, and safety gear are provided for all participants.
  • Receive a special offer: A 20% discount is available at the Húsavik Whale Museum upon presenting your booking confirmation.
Whale tail near the boat Moby Dick during a whale spotting cruise in Iceland.

Whale tail near the boat Moby Dick during a whale spotting cruise in Iceland.

Whale watching tourists on the Moby Dick boat in Icelandic waters.

Whale watching tourists on the Moby Dick boat in Icelandic waters.

Minke whale surfacing near a boat in Skjálfandi Bay, Iceland, with a person taking a photo.

Minke whale surfacing near a boat in Skjálfandi Bay, Iceland, with a person taking a photo.

  • Dress in warm layers, including a hat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes; temperatures drop further out on sea despite provided safety overalls.
  • Sunglasses or ski goggles with strong UV protection are recommended due to glare from the water surface.
  • Secure your camera or phone with a strap for safekeeping during the tour.

Bring light snacks and water, as no food or beverages will be served on board.

Prohibited Items

  • Oversized luggage such as large bags and suitcases are not permitted; bring only essentials for the trip.
  • Pets are generally prohibited unless they are registered service animals.
  • No smoking is allowed on board at any time.
  • Drones are strictly forbidden during the tour.

Single-use plastics must be avoided; all waste should be taken back to shore for disposal.

Accessibility Details

  • This experience does not accommodate wheelchairs.

No infant seats are available on board, requiring infants to sit on a parent's lap during the tour.

Additional Information

  • The whale watching tour is conducted using two different boats depending on the season: Vinur from March to December and Moby Dick in July through September. The former offers heated indoor areas with multiple decks, while the latter provides a spacious open deck.
  • Infants must be seated on their parent’s lap as no infant seats are provided onboard.
  • Sightings of whales or dolphins cannot be guaranteed; if none are seen during your tour, you may rejoin another one based on availability (no refunds offered).

You can store large bags and luggage at the office before boarding.

Whale tail fluke diving into the water during a whale watching tour in Húsavík, Iceland.

Whale tail fluke diving into the water during a whale watching tour in Húsavík, Iceland.

Hector's dolphins swimming in Skjálfandi Bay, Iceland.

Hector's dolphins swimming in Skjálfandi Bay, Iceland.

Book your tour in advance during peak season to ensure availability and avoid disappointment.

Come prepared with warm clothing layers such as a hat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes for comfort on the boat.

Activate your 20% discount pass at the Whale Museum before visiting to streamline entry.

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FAQs

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed onboard; bring only essentials. Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals. Smoking is strictly prohibited on the boat. Drones are not allowed during the tour. Single-use plastics are not permitted; all waste must be taken back to shore.
The tour operates on two different boats depending on the season. Vinur, a ferry-style vessel with heated indoor areas and multiple outdoor viewing decks, runs from March to December. Moby Dick, a traditional Icelandic oak boat with a spacious open deck, operates during July, August, and September. Infants must sit on a parent’s lap during the tour, as infant seats are not provided. Whale and dolphin sightings cannot be guaranteed; if none are spotted, you may rejoin another tour subject to availability (no refunds). Large bags and luggage can be stored at the office before boarding.
This experience is not wheelchair accessible. Infant seats are not available onboard.
Wear warm layers, including a hat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes; it gets colder at sea even with safety overalls provided. Carry sunglasses or ski goggles with strong UV protection due to sea glare. Bring a camera or phone with a secure strap for safety. Pack light snacks and water, as no food or drink service is available onboard.

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