Whale Watching via Oak Boat from Húsavík, Iceland
📍 Húsavík, Iceland
4.6 ( 2,344 reviews)
See them in the wild
Community support
Conservation research
From
Duration3 hours
FitnessEasy
CancellationFree cancellation 24h before start time
🔒Secure payment
✅Instant confirmation
Overview
wildlife highlights
Humpback Whale
Status reflects IUCN Red List 2025.
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
Sail on an oak boat
After you have been equipped with a warm overall, sail out into the bay on a comfortable oak boat and prepare to be captivated by nature
Briefing on board
Your wildlife guide will demonstrate the safety on board and give you live commentary on the sights encountered throughout the tour. Your oak boat has been thoroughly renovated as a safe passenger vessel and plays an important role in Iceland's maritime history and culture.
Skjálfandi Bay
The Bay is well known for its rich wildlife. Numerous types, shapes and sizes of whales visit the bay, including the acrobatic humpback whales and playful white-beaked dolphins. This is wild nature and unpredictable, but your chances of seeing whales in their natural environment are high
Things to know
AccessibilityPregnancy friendly | Wheelchair accessible | Infant and children friendly
Fitness levelEasy
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 Centre
ReturnThis trip returns to meeting point.
Your host
This tour is operated by Gentle Giants Whale Watching.
Based in Husavik, the Whale Capital of Iceland, Gentle Giants is a local family company with more than 160 years of history in the Skjálfandi Bay. Offering wildlife tours on traditional Icelandic oak boats and modern RIB speedboats, our partner follows the Code of Conduct for responsible whale watching as set forth by the Icelandic Whale Watching Association, and also supports local university research and UNICEF.
Pay securely online. Your tour is operated by our vetted local partner, and Kodama Travel acts as booking agent. We recommend all guests take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover unforeseen delays, cancellations, and medical emergencies.