Whale Watching Húsavík: Traditional Boat, Local Guides

A traditional oak boat and a 97–99% chance of whales in Skjálfandi Bay

A 3-hour whale watching tour from Húsavík aboard a traditional Icelandic oak boat in Skjálfandi Bay, led by a knowledgeable local guide in English. You wear warm safety overalls and rain jackets provided by the crew. The boat departs from the Gentle Giants Ticket Center in Húsavík, where you arrive 40 minutes early. If no whales are sighted, you receive a free voucher to return on another tour instead of a refund.

The experience

Húsavík sits on the north coast of Iceland and has earned its name as the Whale Capital of Europe. The tour runs 3 hours aboard a traditional Icelandic oak boat in Skjálfandi Bay, where the waters hold humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. A live English-speaking guide provides commentary throughout, pointing out what moves in the water and explaining the animals' behaviour as you watch. The boat itself is built to handle the North Atlantic swells while keeping you stable enough to spot and photograph.

The crew supplies warm safety overalls and rain jackets before you board, so you stay dry and insulated against the sea wind. You'll need to bring your own warm, waterproof layers underneath, but the gear they provide handles the rest. The tour runs in all seasons, though weather can shift fast in Iceland. If conditions turn too rough, you get offered an alternative date or a full refund. Arrive at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center in Húsavík at least 40 minutes before departure to check in and get fitted.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, and the tour suits all fitness levels since you're seated on board for the full 3 hours. Children must be accompanied by an adult. A minimum number of passengers is required to run each departure. If that threshold isn't met, the operator offers alternative dates or a full refund. The company is locally owned and family-run, and your ticket comes with exclusive discounts at selected local partners around Húsavík.

What’s included

• Professional English-speaking guide with live commentary on board.
• warm safety overalls and rain jackets provided by the crew.
• exclusive discounts with selected local partners in Húsavík.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:45, 10:15 and 13:15Last departure this season: 30 Nov

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (7 to 15 years) · Child (under 7): free

GroupUp to 70

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearby

Operated by Gentle Giants Whale Watching

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want English-language commentary throughout and can walk to the boat from your Húsavík lodging.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 15 years); Child (under 7): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the chances of seeing whales on this tour from Húsavík?

Your chances of spotting whales in Skjálfandi Bay run 97–99% on this tour. If no whales or dolphins are sighted, you receive a voucher to join another traditional whale watching tour free of charge, depending on availability, rather than a cash refund.

How long is the whale watching tour and what should I wear?

The tour lasts 3 hours. Bring warm, waterproof clothing of your own, and the crew provides safety overalls and rain jackets to wear over your layers so you stay insulated and dry on the open water.

What is included with the whale watching tour from Húsavík?

The tour includes a professional guide who speaks English and provides live commentary; warm safety overalls and rain jackets; and exclusive discounts with selected local partners in Húsavík. You do not need to arrange your own transport to the boat, as the departure point is within walking distance from accommodations in Húsavík.

When should I arrive at the ticket center in Húsavík?

Arrive at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center in Húsavík at least 40 minutes before your departure time to check in and be fitted with your safety gear.

Is the whale watching tour accessible for people with mobility needs?

The boat is wheelchair accessible, and the tour suits all physical fitness levels since you remain seated throughout the 3-hour voyage. Public transportation options are available near the ticket center.

What happens if the tour is cancelled due to weather?

If weather conditions turn too rough to sail safely, you are offered the choice of an alternative departure date or a full refund. Tours run subject to favourable weather conditions.