Húsavík: Big Whale Safari & Puffins RIB Speedboat Tour

Summary

Fast boats from húsavík chasing whales and puffins close up

You’ll race across Skjálfandi Bay on a RIB speedboat from Húsavík with a local guide, searching for humpback whales and watching puffins swirl around their island home. Feel the ocean spray, hear live stories on board, and share small moments with fellow travelers as you spot wildlife up close — an experience that lingers long after you’re back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to process the cold before we were zipping out of Húsavík harbor, bundled into these thick overalls that made me feel like a cartoon fisherman. The RIB speedboat bounced over the waves — not rough exactly, but you definitely feel it in your bones (I get why they warn about back problems). Our guide, Einar, grinned at us and pointed out a cluster of seabirds swirling ahead. “That’s usually a good sign,” he said. I tried to ask him how often he sees whales here but my teeth were chattering — not from nerves, just that sharp Icelandic wind. It smelled like salt and something faintly metallic, which I guess is just the North Atlantic.

We slowed near Puffin Island and suddenly the water was full of these tiny black-and-white birds flapping around with orange beaks — puffins are smaller than I thought. Einar told us the Icelandic name (I can’t pronounce it for the life of me) and laughed when I tried anyway. The boat didn’t crowd them; we just drifted quietly for a bit while everyone took photos or just watched. The quiet was nice actually — except for one kid who kept giggling every time a puffin dived under. After that we sped off again, scanning for whales. There’s this anticipation in your chest when you’re searching open water like that.

Then someone yelled and there it was: a humpback, surfacing with this huge sigh right next to us. I swear you could see its eye for a second. Einar started explaining something about migration patterns but honestly I just stared, trying to take it in — the size, the weird calm of it all. My hands were freezing but I didn’t care. We saw three more whales after that (I lost count), plus some dolphins way off in the distance. Heading back toward Húsavík, my face hurt from smiling so much. It’s funny what sticks with you — I still think about that first whale exhale sometimes when things get too quiet at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Big Whale Safari and Puffins Tour

• Board RIB speedboat in Húsavík
• Join fully guided 2-hour whale safari
• Search for whales and puffins
• Enjoy personal and eco-friendly experience
• Return to shore in Húsavík

Top questions

How long is the Big Whale Safari & Puffins tour from Húsavík?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours by RIB speedboat.

Is pickup included for this whale safari in Húsavík?

No hotel pickup is included; tours depart from Húsavík harbor.

Are warm clothes provided during the tour?

Yes, warm safety overalls are provided and rain jackets if needed.

When can you see puffins on this tour?

Puffin season runs roughly from April 15th to August 15th each year.

What happens if no whales or dolphins are seen?

If no whales or dolphins are sighted, guests receive a voucher for another traditional whale watching tour free of charge.

Is this whale safari suitable for children?

Children must be at least 8 years old and 130 cm tall; they must be accompanied by an adult.

Can pregnant travelers join this speedboat tour?

No, pregnant travelers are not allowed due to safety reasons.

What if bad weather cancels my tour?

If canceled due to poor weather or sea conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

What’s included

Your day includes a fully guided RIB speedboat tour from Húsavík harbor with live commentary by a local guide, warm safety overalls (and rain jackets if needed), plus all wildlife sightings along the way before returning to shore together at the end.