Husavik: Whale Watching Tour on Traditional Oak Boat

Summary

Whale watching in Husavik with oak boat sea air coffee and wild moments

You’ll head out from Husavik on an old oak boat into Skjálfandi Bay, bundled in warm overalls with coffee or hot chocolate in hand. Watch for humpbacks, dolphins, maybe even blue whales if luck’s with you—and share quiet moments with your guide and fellow travelers while seabirds circle overhead.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the slap of water against the side of our old oak boat, that hollow sound echoing under my feet as we left Husavik harbor. Our guide, Sigrún, had this way of pointing things out without making it feel like a lecture—just a quick nod or a story about her uncle who once saw a blue whale right here in Skjálfandi Bay. I pulled the weatherproof overalls up to my chin (they’re actually pretty cozy), and tried to look like I wasn’t shivering, but honestly, the air out here smells so clean it kind of wakes you up.

I’d never been on a real whale watching tour before—definitely not one this far north. The sky kept changing its mind between sun and clouds, and you could see everyone scanning the water for that first sign. Suddenly someone yelled “there!” and we all rushed to one side, nearly tripping over each other. A humpback surfaced, slow and huge, then slapped its tail so hard I felt it in my chest. Sigrún grinned at us and poured hot chocolate from a battered thermos; I almost spilled mine when a dolphin zipped by after that. You don’t really know how much you want to see these animals until they’re right there.

There’s this weird hush that falls after the excitement—just seabirds calling overhead and people whispering like they’re afraid to scare off whatever comes next. I tried asking Sigrún about how often they spot blue whales (I probably mangled the Icelandic word), and she laughed—said you never know in early summer but sometimes you get lucky. We didn’t see one this time but honestly? That didn’t matter as much as I thought it would.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay

• Board traditional oak boat
• Cruise into Skjálfandi Bay
• Watch for whales and dolphins
• Listen to guide's explanations
• Enjoy coffee or hot chocolate
• Return to harbor

Top questions

How long is the whale watching tour in Husavik?

The tour lasts about 3 hours on Skjálfandi Bay.

Are warm clothes provided during the whale watching trip?

Yes, warm weatherproof overalls are included for all guests.

What types of whales can be seen near Husavik?

You might spot humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, porpoises, and sometimes blue or fin whales in early summer.

Is there a guide on board during the tour?

Yes, a professional local guide leads every trip and shares stories about marine life.

Are drinks included on the whale watching tour?

You’ll be offered warming coffee or hot chocolate during the cruise.

Is the Husavik whale watching boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the traditional oak boats are wheelchair accessible for guests’ convenience.

Do children need to be accompanied by adults?

Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the tour.

Are there bathroom facilities on board?

Yes, bathroom facilities are available during your time at sea.

What’s included

Your day includes a three-hour cruise from Husavik with a professional local guide leading the way through Skjálfandi Bay; warm weatherproof overalls to keep out that Icelandic chill; coffee or hot chocolate served right on deck; access to bathroom facilities; plus discounts for both Geosea baths and entry to the Husavik Whale Museum if you want to keep exploring after you’re back on shore.