Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

Whales can turn a quiet sea into a stage. This two-hour RIB tour from Húsavík gives you a fast, flexible way to search Skjálfandi Bay, with room for no more than 12 people and guides who keep watch for humpbacks, blue whales, dolphins, and other marine life. I especially like the small-group setting and the speedboat’s ability to reach distant sightings quickly. The main drawback is the ride itself: rough water can feel like a roller coaster, and whale watching never comes with a guarantee.

I also like that this is a locally owned Húsavík company, not a huge operation passing through town. Warm safety overalls are provided, guides such as Matteo, Clara, Jo, and Carla have earned praise for their clear wildlife explanations, and the captain works with the guide to follow moving whales. Still, Puffin Island is seasonal, and you may only pass the birds from a respectful distance rather than see them close up.

Quick take: what makes this tour worth your time

• Maximum 12 passengers: A smaller boat means fewer people blocking your view and a more personal feel than a crowded harbor cruise.
• Fast RIB boat: The captain can move quickly toward a whale sighting, which matters when a humpback surfaces only briefly.
• Puffin Island from April 15 to August 15: During the nesting season, you may see thousands of puffins, along with other seabirds.
• Warm gear included: Special overalls and rain jackets, if needed, help you handle Iceland’s cold, wet conditions.
• Strong wildlife record: Sightings have included humpback whales, blue whales, bottlenose whales, dolphins, harbor porpoises, and puffins.
• A real weather trade-off: Calm, sunny days can bring superb views, but wind, rain, fog, and waves can make sightings harder and the ride rougher.

Why a RIB works well in Skjálfandi Bay

The appeal of this tour is not simply that the boat is fast. It is that speed gives the crew more options across a large bay.

Whales do not wait beside the harbor. A humpback may surface several hundred yards away, then disappear for several minutes. A quicker boat can reach that area while the animal is still nearby. Several outings have produced repeated views of the same humpbacks, while one group saw almost a dozen humpbacks and another encountered three different kinds of whales.

The boat is also more spacious than many smaller RIBs in the area, with a maximum of 12 passengers. That number matters. You still need to turn and shift your attention, but you are not packed shoulder to shoulder on a large excursion boat. You can usually see over the side without someone directly in front of you.

The ride has a playful side. On smooth water, it is exciting without feeling frantic. On a windy day, it can become a bumpy, high-speed run across open water. If you are prone to seasickness, do not treat the RIB as a minor detail. One outing in rain and strong wind was described as very much like a roller coaster, with several people feeling sick.

From the blue flags to open water

You meet at the Gentle Giants ticket center in central Húsavík. Look for the large blue flags, and arrive at least 40 minutes before departure. That early arrival is used for check-in, safety instructions, and fitting your equipment, so arriving late creates unnecessary pressure.

You receive an obligatory warm safety overall and a life jacket. Rain jackets are available if needed, but you should still wear warm outdoor clothing and bring waterproof layers. Comfortable shoes are important, since you will be moving around the boat and stepping aboard from the harbor area.

Large bags and luggage are not allowed. Bring only what you can keep safely with you, such as a phone or small camera. A waterproof phone case is a sensible extra, especially if the sea is choppy.

The guide gives a safety briefing before the boat leaves. This is not a dry formality. You need to understand how to hold on, how to move, and what to do when the captain turns suddenly toward a whale. The English-language commentary continues throughout the trip, with explanations about local nature, birdlife, whale behavior, and the bay.

Some guides have been singled out for their energy and clarity. Matteo has been praised for his enthusiasm and marine biology background. Carla and Clara have been noted for spotting animals and keeping the group informed. Jo has a relaxed way of sharing information, while Beatriz has been praised for explaining the whales and marine ecosystem in a clear, friendly manner.

Puffin Island during nesting season

Puffin Island is the first main stop when conditions and the calendar allow. The puffin season runs approximately from April 15 through August 15, when thousands of colorful-beaked birds gather around the island to nest.

This is a beautiful introduction to the bay because the island gives you more than a quick bird sighting. You see the birds in their breeding environment, surrounded by open water and cliffs, while the guide explains local birdlife and the role of the island.

Set your expectations carefully. You will not necessarily see puffins at arm’s length. One account specifically noted that the birds were not close, while another described seeing thousands. The experience depends on sea conditions, the boat’s position, and the birds themselves. Bring binoculars if you have a compact pair, but do not bring a large bag.

Puffin Island is not always included in the same way. Outside the nesting season, the focus shifts more strongly toward whales. Even in summer, wind or changing sea conditions can mean passing the island or skipping it. The crew makes the final call for safety and for the welfare of the animals.

Searching Skjálfandi Bay for big whales

After the bird stop, the main search begins. Skjálfandi Bay is the reason Húsavík has such a strong whale-watching reputation, and the tour covers a wide area in search of active animals.

The most common high point is the humpback whale. These whales may surface several times, show their backs, lift their tails, or breach. Sightings have ranged from one or two animals to five or six humpbacks, with one trip seeing nearly a dozen. One especially lucky group watched a humpback fully breach, while another followed a whale called Polly for more than an hour.

The crew does not simply drive in a straight line and hope for the best. The guide watches the water and the captain adjusts course when an animal surfaces. That teamwork is one of the strongest parts of the experience. You may see the whale only briefly, but a fast response gives you a better chance of reaching the next surfacing.

The bay can also produce less predictable encounters. Bottlenose whales have appeared close to the boat, including one group with a calf. Dolphins, harbor porpoises, and large pods of dolphins have also been seen. A few outings have included blue whales, the largest animals on Earth, though you should regard a blue whale sighting as fortunate rather than expected.

The guides work to provide views from both sides of the RIB. That is easier with 12 people than with a packed vessel. Still, wildlife viewing is shared time, not a private appointment. You may need to turn quickly, and a whale may surface on the opposite side.

Weather decides the mood

Icelandic weather can change the character of this tour within minutes. Sun and a flat sea make it easier to scan for blows and fins. Rain and wind reduce visibility, create spray, and make the boat move more sharply.

Fog is another serious factor. One outing began with sea fog and very poor visibility, resulting in no whale sightings. A later trip on a larger traditional boat produced the desired encounter. The company offers a free voucher for a traditional oak-boat whale tour if no whales or dolphins are seen, but this is not a cash refund.

That policy is worth understanding before you pay. You are paying for a serious attempt to find wildlife, not a guaranteed performance. The captain and guide can search widely, but they cannot control fog, waves, whale behavior, or the timing of a surfacing.

Bad weather can also cancel the tour. If that happens, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Iceland route is still changing.

Is the $175 price fair?

At $175 per person, this is a premium excursion in Húsavík. A slower, larger boat may cost less, so you should ask yourself what you value most.

I think the extra cost is reasonable if you want a smaller group, a quicker boat, and a more active search. Speed can make a real difference when a whale appears far across the bay. You also avoid the feeling of being one face among many on a large vessel.

The price includes the round-trip RIB ride, a specialized guide, live commentary, warm safety overalls, and rain jackets if required. You do not need to rent additional cold-weather gear for the basic tour, although your own warm waterproof clothing is still wise.

The value drops if you dislike rough rides, care more about a quiet cruise than fast movement, or need a guaranteed puffin stop. It also drops if your budget is tight and you are satisfied with the chance of seeing whales from a slower boat. The RIB is not automatically better for every person. It is better for people who want speed, flexible positioning, and a close-to-the-water feeling.

Who should book this boat?

This tour suits adults and older children who enjoy active outdoor outings. Children must be at least 8 years old, and passengers must be at least 130 centimeters tall. Pregnant people, wheelchair users, and those with back or heart problems should not book it.

You should also be comfortable sitting in a moving boat for two hours. The safety overall keeps you warm, but it does not turn the North Atlantic into a calm lake. If you often get seasick, a slower traditional boat may be the kinder choice.

For photographers, the small group and open sightlines are useful. Keep your camera secure, though, and do not let the hunt for a perfect shot distract you from the whale itself. A whale can appear, breathe, and vanish before you have finished adjusting your settings.

Families with children old enough for the boat may enjoy the mix of speed, birds, and whales. The tour has enough variety to hold attention, especially if you encounter dolphins or a whale close to the boat. Couples and solo visitors will appreciate the intimate group size and the guide’s live explanations.

Practical tips for a better outing

• Arrive 40 minutes early: You need time to check in, hear the safety briefing, and put on the provided gear.
• Dress in layers: Wear warm clothing and waterproof outerwear even if Húsavík looks calm when you leave the ticket center.
• Leave luggage behind: Large bags are not allowed. Bring only small personal items.
• Consider the season: April 15 through August 15 is the approximate puffin period. Outside it, expect the trip to focus mainly on whales.
• Prepare for bumps: The RIB is fast and exciting, but wind and rain can make the ride rough.
• Keep your expectations flexible: You might see a blue whale, several humpbacks, dolphins, and puffins, or you might spend much of the trip searching.
• Ask questions: Guides such as Matteo, Clara, Jo, Carla, and Beatriz have been praised for explaining animal behavior and local marine life. The commentary is part of the value.

Should you book the Húsavík Big Whale Safari?

I would book it if you want the most energetic whale-watching option in Húsavík and can accept some motion, weather risk, and uncertainty. The RIB’s speed, 12-person limit, and attentive crew create a strong chance of reaching whales quickly, while Puffin Island adds a worthwhile seasonal stop.

I would choose another boat if you are prone to seasickness, want a gentler ride, or care most about a guaranteed puffin visit. For everyone else, $175 buys more than a boat ticket. It buys warm gear, a skilled search team, a small group, and a lively two-hour chance to see wild animals on their own schedule. The 4.7 rating from 1,221 bookings reflects the appeal, but nature still has the final word.

FAQ

How long is the Húsavík Big Whale Safari?

The tour lasts two hours, including the speedboat ride around Puffin Island and Skjálfandi Bay.

Where does the tour begin?

Meet at the Gentle Giants ticket center in central Húsavík. The large blue flags make it easy to find.

When can I see Puffin Island?

Puffin season runs approximately from April 15 through August 15. The visit may be skipped if weather or sea conditions change, and outside the season the tour focuses more on whales.

What clothing is provided?

You receive a warm safety overall and a life jacket. Rain jackets are available if needed. You should still bring warm, waterproof outdoor clothing and comfortable shoes.

What happens if no whales are seen?

If no whales or dolphins are seen, you are offered a voucher for a traditional whale-watching tour on an oak boat at no charge. The voucher does not provide a cash refund.

Can children join the speedboat tour?

Children must be at least 8 years old, and passengers must be at least 130 centimeters tall. The tour is not suitable for pregnant people, wheelchair users, or those with back or heart problems.