Húsavík Whale Watching: Family Boat Tour & Local Crew

Summary

Whale watching in Húsavík with family crew and wild sea views

You’ll board a family-run boat in Húsavík for real-deal whale watching with local guides who know every wave and mountain by heart. Expect close-up moments with humpback whales (and maybe dolphins or puffins), plus stories and hot chocolate on deck. The cold air wakes you up; seeing those creatures up close stays with you long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

We shuffled down to the harbor in Húsavík, hands jammed deep in pockets because that North Iceland wind just slices right through you. Our guide—Björg, she said, with a grin—helped us wriggle into these thick floatation suits (honestly, I felt like a kid in a snowsuit again). The boat, Moby Dick, rocked gently against the dock. It smelled faintly of salt and diesel and maybe coffee from someone’s thermos. We climbed aboard, not really knowing what to expect except… whales? Hopefully whales.

Björg started pointing out things right away—she grew up here, knew all the names for the mountains across Skjálfandi Bay (I forgot most of them instantly), and she had this way of making everyone laugh without trying too hard. As we motored out toward Kinnarfjöll, I kept squinting at the water for any sign of movement. There was this hush whenever someone thought they saw something—a fin or a spout—and then suddenly there it was: a humpback whale arched up out of nowhere. I didn’t even get my camera ready; I just stood there with my mouth open. The sound when it surfaced was softer than I’d imagined. Kind of like an exhale after holding your breath too long.

We saw some white-beaked dolphins darting around too, and Björg got excited about some puffins bobbing on the waves (she called them “sea clowns,” which stuck in my head). She explained how they follow strict rules so the whales aren’t bothered—no chasing or loud engines near them—which made me feel better about being there at all. At one point someone handed me hot chocolate from a battered old flask (I think it was her uncle’s?) and honestly that might’ve been my favorite part. The cold air, the slightly sweet cocoa, everyone huddled together on deck trying not to spill anything as the boat rolled.

The tour lasted about three hours but it felt both longer and shorter somehow—I still think about that first glimpse of the whale’s tail flicking water into the air. On the way back to Húsavík I tried to memorize how the coastline looked in that gray light, but memory is slippery stuff. If you go, keep your eyes open—you never know what’ll surface next.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching tour in Húsavík

• Board boat Moby Dick
• Head west towards Kinnarfjöll mountains
• Observe Humpback and Minke whales
• Spot occasional Blue and Fin whales
• Look for White-beaked dolphins and sea birds
• Enjoy views of Icelandic coastline
• Learn about whales and marine life
• Return to Húsavík after 2.5 to 3 hours

Top questions

How long does the Húsavík whale watching tour last?

The tour lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours from start to finish.

What kind of whales can you see near Húsavík?

You can often spot humpback and minke whales; sometimes blue, fin or killer whales appear too.

Are puffins visible during the tour?

Puffins are usually seen between May and mid-August along with other seabirds.

Is warm clothing provided on board?

Yes, floatation overalls and life jackets are provided for warmth and safety.

Is there a discount for any attractions included?

You get 20% off entry at the Whale Museum by showing your boarding pass.

Are children allowed on this whale watching trip?

Yes, but infants need to sit on an adult’s lap during the tour.

Does this tour follow ethical whale watching guidelines?

Yes, they strictly follow Icelandic Code of Conduct for Responsible Whale Watching.

What’s included

Your day includes floatation overalls and life jackets for comfort on board Moby Dick, all fees and taxes covered up front, plus a 20% discount at Húsavík’s Whale Museum when you show your boarding pass after returning ashore.