Whale Watching Husavik: Traditional Sailing Ship
Help sail an Icelandic schooner while watching whales
A 3.5-hour whale watching activity from Husavik aboard a traditional Icelandic sailing ship, where you take part in real sailing alongside an experienced crew. You learn old sailing techniques while spotting whales and seabirds in Skjálfandi Bay, with light refreshments included.
What’s included
- Light refreshments.
- professional live guide in English.
Times
Next departure: 1 Jun 2027
4 departing soon ›Before you book
Operated by North Sailing
Prices and times updated 10 days ago
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The experience
If you have a free afternoon in North Iceland, this is how you spend it: boarding a traditional wooden schooner in Husavik and becoming part of the crew. You don't watch from the sidelines. You help sail the boat. The captain and experienced sailors teach you how to work the rigging, trim the sails and handle the lines the way Icelandic sailors have done it for generations. Between the work, you scan the water for whales and seabirds that live in Skjálfandi Bay.
The tour runs about 3.5 hours, which gives the crew time to motor out to the feeding grounds, cut the engine and let you sail under canvas while the whales surface nearby. The boat stays small enough that you're not crammed with a hundred other tourists, and the guide speaks English throughout, explaining what you're seeing and what to do next. Light refreshments come with the booking, so you're not managing hunger on top of learning a new skill.
What makes this different from a standard whale-watching boat is the sailing itself. You're not a passenger being ferried to a viewing spot. You're participating in the thing that gets you there. The physical work (hauling rope, adjusting sails, bracing yourself on deck) is part of the experience, not a distraction from it. If you've ever wondered what it feels like to sail, or if you want to do something more active than standing at a railing, this is the tour that delivers both.
Is this one for you?You join a shared boat with other travelers and actively help sail it, so this suits anyone who wants to do something hands-on rather than stand and watch. If you prefer to stay seated and let the crew handle everything, a standard whale-watching tour would be a better fit.
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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 whales might I see from Husavik in the bay?
Skjálfandi Bay is home to minke whales, humpback whales and white-beaked dolphins. The season runs from April through October, with sightings most frequent in summer months when the whales feed in the bay's rich waters.
Do I need sailing experience to help sail the boat?
No experience is required. The crew teaches you the basics as you go: how to handle the lines, trim the sails and work as part of the team. The guide will show you what to do and when.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
The tour operates in most conditions, as the boat is designed for Icelandic waters. Dress warmly and bring waterproof layers. The crew will advise you on what to expect before departure.
Is there a minimum age for this activity?
Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the tour. The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels, so children and older adults can participate as long as they're comfortable being on a moving boat.
How far from Husavik does the boat travel?
The schooner motors out to Skjálfandi Bay to reach the whale feeding grounds, then sails under canvas while you're out on the water. The exact distance depends on where the whales are spotted that day.
Whale Watching Husavik: Traditional Sailing Ship
3h 30m · EN
from US$ 138 per person
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