Husavik: Small-Family Run, Locally Owned, Sustainable Whale Watching
Husavik: Small-Family Run, Locally Owned, Sustainable Whale Watching
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
3 hours (approx.)
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Join a small, family-run whale watching tour from Húsavík, Iceland’s whale-watching capital, for a more personal sailing experience.
Cruise Skjálfandi Bay with expert guides who track whales, dolphins, and seabirds in their natural habitat, and learn fascinating facts too.
Depending on the season, choose between the traditional Icelandic oak boat Moby Dick or the silent, eco-friendly electric boat Vinur.
Stay comfortable with warm overalls provided onboard, making the experience enjoyable even in colder sea conditions.
Combine your tour with the nearby Whale Museum and enjoy 20% discount on the entrance tickets.
Support a sustainable, carbon-neutral tour that prioritizes ethical wildlife viewing and low-impact sailing.
Windproof and waterproof flotation suits
Highly qualified guides
Safety equipment, including life jackets
20% off on Whale Museum entrance
Food and beverages
Humpback whale breaching in Skjálfandi Bay, Iceland.
Spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat on a 3-hour, family-run, sustainable guided tour from Húsavík.
Getting started
Arrive at the Friends of Moby Dick ticket office, for check-in and to meet your expert guide. After a brief introduction and safety overview, you'll receive windproof overalls and board your selected boat—Vinur or Moby Dick—based on your chosen departure time and season.
What to expect
Húsavík whale watching tour
Recognized as the whale watching capital of Europe, Húsavík offers the chance to observe a diverse range of whale species and dolphins in Skjálfandi Bay. This guided tour emphasizes responsible wildlife viewing and shares insights into the region’s marine ecosystem.
Features
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Expert-led wildlife spotting: Guides share facts about humpback, blue, minke, and sperm whales, as well as white-beaked dolphins and puffins, all regularly seen in these waters.
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Sustainable approach: Tours follow a strict code of conduct, ensuring minimal disturbance to marine life and supporting local conservation.
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Choice of vessels: Select Vinur (Mar to Dec) for indoor comfort and family-friendly amenities, or Moby Dick (Jul to Sept) for open-deck photography and unobstructed views.
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Family-friendly inclusions: Warm flotation suits, life jackets, and safety equipment are provided for all ages; no age limit for participation.
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Added value: Enjoy a 20% discount on entrance to the Húsavík Whale Museum with your booking confirmation.
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.
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.
What to bring
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Wear warm layers, including a hat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes; it gets colder at sea even with safety overalls provided.
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Carry sunglasses or ski goggles with strong UV protection due to sea glare.
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Bring a camera or phone with a secure strap for safety.
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Pack light snacks and water, as no food or drink service is available onboard.
What's not allowed
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Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed onboard; bring only essentials.
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Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
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Smoking is strictly prohibited on the boat.
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Drones are not allowed during the tour.
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Single-use plastics are not permitted; all waste must be taken back to shore.
Accessibility
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This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
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Infant seats are not available onboard.
Additional information
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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.
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Infants must sit on a parent’s lap during the tour, as infant seats are not provided.
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Whale and dolphin sightings cannot be guaranteed; if none are spotted, you may rejoin another tour subject to availability (no refunds).
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Large bags and luggage can be stored at the office before boarding.
Whale tail fluke diving into the water during a whale watching tour in Húsavík, Iceland.
Hector's dolphins swimming in Skjálfandi Bay, Iceland.
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.
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