Guided Tours

Husavik: Small-Family Run, Locally Owned, Sustainable Whale Watching

Whale watching tourists on the Moby Dick boat in Icelandic waters.

Minke whale surfacing near a boat in Skjálfandi Bay, Iceland, with a person taking a photo.

Vinur and Moby Dick boats for whale watching tours in Húsavík, Iceland, with seasonal schedule.

Vinur boat docked for whale spotting cruise in Iceland.

Duration

3 hrs

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Join a small, family-run whale watching tour from Húsavík, Iceland’s whale-watching capital, for a more personal sailing experience.

Cruise Skjálfandi Bay with expert guides who track whales, dolphins, and seabirds in their natural habitat, and learn fascinating facts too.

Depending on the season, choose between the traditional Icelandic oak boat Moby Dick or the silent, eco-friendly electric boat Vinur.

Stay comfortable with warm overalls provided onboard, making the experience enjoyable even in colder sea conditions.

Combine your tour with the nearby Whale Museum and enjoy 20% discount on the entrance tickets.

Support a sustainable, carbon-neutral tour that prioritizes ethical wildlife viewing and low-impact sailing.

Windproof and waterproof flotation suits

Highly qualified guides

Safety equipment, including life jackets

20% off on Whale Museum entrance

Food and beverages

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

99 reviews
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These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
May 2026
Omg this was my first time whale watching and honestly, I'm still BUZZING. Went with my partner and our two teens—everyone loved it, even my grumpy 15yo. The guide (think her name was Hannah?) was suuuuper friendly and actually remembered everybody’s names, which was a cute touch. We saw three whales (one did a tail slap, nearly missed it coz I was fiddling with my camera lol). The boat felt steady even though the sea was a bit choppy. Bring gloves, it’s colder than you’d think. 100% would do it again.
May 2026
We went in early May and lucked out with the weather—blue skies, barely any wind. The group was kinda big, so it got a bit crowded at the front of the boat when the whales showed up. Saw two humpbacks tho, which made it worth it. Staff gave us these big orange suits that made everyone look like marshmallows but kept us warm for sure. Heads up: no snacks or drinks on board so bring ur own if you get hangry.
May 2026
Second time whale watching but this was on another level. The guide was sooooo passionate and answered my 8yo’s million questions, bless her. Saw a pod of dolphins too! Didn’t expect that. We got super close (but not like, TOO close) and felt safe the whole time. Boat was clean, toilets worked, overalls provided. My daughter keeps talking about it. Def worth the early wake up.
Apr 2026
Went solo, was a bit nervous but everyone was super chill. The captain even let us peek into the wheelhouse for a sec (can’t take pics there, fyi). Saw two big whales and a bunch of birds. Loved the commentary, learned a lot about whale migration. It was FREEZING, so layer up. Would do it again, maybe with friends next time.
Apr 2026
Loved every minute! The guide (can’t remember her name, sorry!) was full of fun facts and made sure the kiddos were entertained. The highlight was seeing a Minke whale right next to the boat. Bring sunglasses, weirdly enough it was super sunny on the water. Highly recommend for families.

Spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat on a 3-hour, family-run, sustainable guided tour from Húsavík.

Getting started

Arrive at the Friends of Moby Dick ticket office, for check-in and to meet your expert guide. After a brief introduction and safety overview, you'll receive windproof overalls and board your selected boat—Vinur or Moby Dick—based on your chosen departure time and season.

What to expect

Húsavík whale watching tour

Recognized as the whale watching capital of Europe, Húsavík offers the chance to observe a diverse range of whale species and dolphins in Skjálfandi Bay. This guided tour emphasizes responsible wildlife viewing and shares insights into the region’s marine ecosystem.

Features

Expert-led wildlife spotting: Guides share facts about humpback, blue, minke, and sperm whales, as well as white-beaked dolphins and puffins, all regularly seen in these waters.

Sustainable approach: Tours follow a strict code of conduct, ensuring minimal disturbance to marine life and supporting local conservation.

Choice of vessels: Select Vinur (Mar to Dec) for indoor comfort and family-friendly amenities, or Moby Dick (Jul to Sept) for open-deck photography and unobstructed views.

Family-friendly inclusions: Warm flotation suits, life jackets, and safety equipment are provided for all ages; no age limit for participation.

Added value: Enjoy a 20% discount on entrance to the Húsavík Whale Museum with your booking confirmation.

What to bring

Wear warm layers, including a hat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes; it gets colder at sea even with safety overalls provided.

Carry sunglasses or ski goggles with strong UV protection due to sea glare.

Bring a camera or phone with a secure strap for safety.

Pack light snacks and water, as no food or drink service is available onboard.

What's not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed onboard; bring only essentials.

Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Smoking is strictly prohibited on the boat.

Drones are not allowed during the tour.

Single-use plastics are not permitted; all waste must be taken back to shore.

Accessibility

This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

Infant seats are not available onboard.

Additional information

The tour operates on two different boats depending on the season. Vinur, a ferry-style vessel with heated indoor areas and multiple outdoor viewing decks, runs from March to December. Moby Dick, a traditional Icelandic oak boat with a spacious open deck, operates during July, August, and September.

Infants must sit on a parent’s lap during the tour, as infant seats are not provided.

Whale and dolphin sightings cannot be guaranteed; if none are spotted, you may rejoin another tour subject to availability (no refunds).

Large bags and luggage can be stored at the office before boarding.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.