Big Whale Safari & Puffins at Húsavík, Iceland
📍 Húsavík, Iceland
4.6 ( 2,344 reviews)
See them in the wild
Community support
Conservation research
From
Duration2 hours
FitnessModerate
CancellationFree cancellation 24h before start time
🔒Secure payment
✅Instant confirmation
Overview
wildlife highlights
Humpback Whale
Puffin
Why you'll love it
🔹 A conservation success
Commercial whaling in the 20th century killed around 2.9 million whales, with some populations, such as humpback whales, lost 90% of their global population. In 1986, commercial whaling was banned, and species were able to recover (although three countries continue to hunt whales - Japan, Norway and Iceland).
🔹 Support local communities
Whale watching is a major source of income for some communities, especially those around no-take Marine Protected Areas, where fishing and other commercial activities are banned. There are strict guidelines for responsible whale watching, which largely involve speed limits, never chasing the pod, never separating mother and calf, and not getting too close.
🔹 See them in their natural habitat
Seeing them in the vast ocean is an experience one’ll never forget. We believe responsible whale watching is a great way to educate the public about these majestic giants and to support their conservation.
What you will be doing
Skjálfandi Bay
After you have been equipped with a warm safety overall and a life vest, step aboard a modern RIB speedboat and head out to the beautiful surroundings of Skjálfandi Bay. Your wildlife guide will demonstrate the safety on board and give you live commentary on the sights encountered throughout the tour.
Puffin Island
Your first visit is Puffin Island during the nesting period (April 15th to August 20th approximately) where you can observe thousands of colourfully-beaked puffins, often called the Clowns of the Ocean
Skjálfandi Bay
After a short pit stop by the island, your journey continues into the deeper waters of Skjalfandi Bay, and it is time to start looking out for whales. With the high speed, your boat can travel faster and increase the chances of spotting some of the bigger whales, such as majestic blue whales and acrobatic humpback whales, although it is good to keep in mind that nature is unpredictable.
Things to know
AccessibilityNot suited for wheelchair users, children, or pregnant people
Fitness levelModerate
Tour languageEnglish
Licence requiredNone
- You will get warm extra clothing before your tour but it is highly recommended to bring own warm and waterproof clothes, footwear and protective bags for cameras as it can be cold and wet out at sea
- The puffin season is from April 15th to August 20th approximately
- The tour on RIB speedboats is not allowed for passengers with heart- or back problems or pregnant women Minimum age is 8 years and minimum height 130 cm
- For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change
Inclusions and Exclusions
✅ Included
- Warm clothes
- Tour guide
❌ Not included
- Refreshments
Where we'll meet
Meet up/Pick up location: Gentle Giants - Husavik Whale Watching, Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
Instruction: Meet at Gentle Giants Ticket Center
ReturnThe tour returns to meeting point.