Whales and Puffins Tour from Húsavík
Discover the giants of the deep and the comic birds of the cliffs on one unforgettable voyage from Iceland's whale watching capital.
This whale and puffin watching tour from Húsavík brings together two of Iceland's most celebrated wildlife encounters in a single three-and-a-half-hour journey. Sail aboard a traditional Icelandic oak vessel into the rich waters of Skjálfandi Bay, where humpback whales and minke whales are regular visitors. The route also circles Puffin Island, giving passengers a close look at thousands of Atlantic puffins in their natural nesting habitat.
Húsavík has earned its reputation as one of the premier whale watching destinations in Europe, thanks to the productive feeding grounds of Skjálfandi Bay. The nutrient-rich waters attract multiple whale species throughout the season, making sightings a near-constant feature of every voyage. Guides on board provide context on the marine life encountered, drawing on years of local knowledge.
Puffin Island, located within the bay, serves as a seasonal colony for Atlantic puffins that arrive each spring to nest in the cliffside burrows. Passengers can observe the birds nesting, taking flight, and diving for fish at close range from the deck of the ship. The combination of whale watching and puffin watching makes this tour a particularly well-rounded wildlife experience.
The voyage is conducted aboard a traditional oak sailing vessel, a style of boat that has been used in Húsavík for generations and offers a stable, comfortable platform for wildlife observation. On the return leg, passengers are treated to hot cocoa and cinnamon buns, a warm Icelandic hospitality touch that is especially welcome in cooler weather. The tour is rated very easy in terms of physical difficulty, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors including families with children.
Tour Highlights
Whale watching in the productive waters of Skjálfandi Bay, one of Iceland's most reliable whale watching locations.
Close observation of Atlantic puffins nesting, flying, and diving around Puffin Island during the breeding season.
Sailing aboard a traditional Icelandic oak ship that offers a stable and authentic on-water experience.
Complimentary hot cocoa and cinnamon buns served on the return journey for a warm, memorable finish.
Expert on-board guides share knowledge about whale behaviour, puffin biology, and the local marine ecosystem.
Family-friendly tour rated very easy, suitable for children, seniors, and first-time wildlife watchers.
Tour Itinerary
The tour begins at the historic harbour of Húsavík, where passengers board the traditional Icelandic oak vessel. The crew provides a safety briefing and an introduction to the marine wildlife commonly encountered in Skjálfandi Bay.
The ship heads into the open waters of the bay, where guides actively scan for whale activity. Common species include humpback whales, minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins, with sightings typical throughout the season.
The route takes the vessel around Puffin Island, home to a large seasonal colony of Atlantic puffins. Passengers can watch the birds at close range as they nest in burrows, take flight from the cliffs, and dive into the sea for food.
On the return leg to Húsavík, passengers are served hot cocoa and traditional Icelandic cinnamon buns. This is a chance to review the day's sightings with the guide and enjoy the scenery of the bay.
The tour concludes at Húsavík Harbour approximately three and a half hours after departure. The Húsavík Whale Museum is located near the harbour for those wishing to extend their wildlife experience ashore.
What Is Included
Included
- Whale and puffin watching tour aboard traditional oak vessel
- Expert on-board naturalist guide
- Hot cocoa and cinnamon buns on return
- Use of warm overalls and life jackets
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities for guides and crew
- Personal travel insurance
- Any items of a personal nature
Important Information
Ready to Set Sail?
Secure your place on this combined whale and puffin watching voyage from Húsavík and experience some of Iceland's most iconic wildlife in a single trip.
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