Húsavík: RIB Whale Watching & Puffin Island Small Group Tour

Summary

Fast rib boat ride from húsavík to skjálfandi bay seeing whales and puffins with expert guide

You’ll zip across Skjálfandi Bay from Húsavík in a speedy RIB boat with just 12 people and an expert local guide. Get close to humpback whales and dolphins, see puffins crowding Lundey Island (in season), and learn about ancient fossils along Tjörnes peninsula. Warm overalls and life jackets are included — you’ll need them! This isn’t just sightseeing; it’s a real jolt of Icelandic wildness.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was nervous about the whole “RIB boat” thing. I mean, Húsavík is already chilly, and the idea of skimming across Skjálfandi Bay at speed? But honestly, once we zipped out past the harbor — bundled up in those thick overalls they hand you (I looked like a blue marshmallow) — I forgot about being cold. The air smelled sharp and salty. Our guide, Sigrún, grinned at us and pointed where the water suddenly rippled weirdly. “That’s a humpback,” she said — and there it was, this dark back sliding up out of nowhere. It’s way quieter than I thought it’d be when you’re that close.

We had just twelve people on our RIB boat, so nobody was craning necks or fighting for space. At one point a kid next to me gasped so loud I jumped — two dolphins zipped right under us. Sigrún told us about all the different whale species that come through Skjálfandi every year (I think she said ten or more?), but honestly I lost count after seeing my second tail slap the water. There’s something weirdly peaceful about just floating there while everyone goes quiet for a second, waiting for another blowhole spray.

Later we shot over to Lundey — Puffin Island — which is exactly what it sounds like: thousands of these ridiculous little birds flapping around like they’re late for something. The cliffs were streaked white and noisy with calls. Sigrún tried to teach us how to say “lundi” in Icelandic; Li laughed when I tried to repeat it (I definitely butchered it). We also passed Tjörnes peninsula, which apparently has fossils older than anything else around here — two million years old? That made me feel tiny in kind of a good way.

I still think about that first whale surfacing right in front of us. If you’re thinking about a day trip from Húsavík and want actual goosebumps (and probably cold fingers), this small group whale watching tour is it. Just remember your hat — trust me on that part.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching and puffin island tour

• Get warm clothes and gear
• Board speedy RIB boat
• Sail to Skjálfandi Bay
• Spot whales and dolphins
• Visit Lundey Puffin Island
• See Tjörnes peninsula fossils

Top questions

How long does the whale watching tour last?

The RIB boat tour from Húsavík lasts approximately 2 hours.

Is there a minimum age or height for children?

Yes, children must be at least 8 years old or 130 centimeters tall to join.

Are puffins always seen on this tour?

Puffins are seen during their season, roughly April 15th to August 20th; outside those dates, tours focus only on whales.

What should I wear on the RIB boat?

You should bring a hat and gloves; warm water-resistant overalls and life jackets are provided for all passengers.

How many people are on each RIB boat?

The boats carry no more than 12 passengers per trip for better views and comfort.

Are pregnant travelers allowed on this tour?

No, this tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to safety reasons.

Is hotel pickup included in this whale watching tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at the departure point in Húsavík.

Will we have a local guide during the trip?

Yes, each RIB boat includes an expert whale-watching guide and captain onboard.

What’s included

Your day includes warm water-resistant overalls and life jackets (which you have to wear by law in Iceland), live commentary from an expert local guide onboard every RIB boat, raincoats if needed, plus all taxes and handling fees covered so you can just show up ready for adventure out of Húsavík harbor.