Guided Tours

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

4.7/5(115)

Barbara I

Family

Verified booking

Last week

The crew handled very well the boat in the sea and they told the boat will move because of the waves. Theu found for us a whale who was giving us the best show ever like National Geographic. They gave us informations about the whales and other wild life in the area. They handled very well some people who had sea sick. The whole crew took care of everyone and they made sure everybody sees the whale. Highly recommend them.

Vladimir K

Couple

Verified booking

2 days ago

It was a very nice trip, an experience for the whole life. We were not sure if we´ll any whales at all. After more than 1 and 1/2 hours, we have seen them about 15 times. Marvelous. Only my camera in the phone was to slow to take the proper pictures.

Catrin G

Group

Verified booking

Jun 2026

We went on the tour with our mothers (aged 70 and 76). It was a fantastic experience for us and them, even at that age. A pod of dolphins swam alongside our boat. In addition, a minke whale surfaced nearby several times, and we also spotted a humpback whale (its tail fluke was truly impressive). We were also able to watch puffins frolicking on the water from time to time. The crew was very friendly and always proactive.

Travel with a family-operated company rooted in Húsavík's seafaring traditions, offering an authentic and personal wildlife experience.

An experienced captain and expert guide provide live commentary, while flotation suits and children's lifejackets enhance comfort.

Skjálfandi Bay is known for humpback whales, with regular sightings of minke whales and white-beaked dolphins, plus occasional blue whales.

Your ticket includes a 20% discount on admission to the Húsavík Whale Museum, ideal for extending your marine wildlife experience.

3-hour whale watching cruise from Húsavík

Windproof & waterproof flotation suits

Highly qualified guides

Safety equipment, including life jackets

20% off on Whale Museum entrance

Food and beverages

TOTAL DURATION3 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
Timeline
Map
Start point
Húsavík Harbour
Get direction
Passes By
Skjálfandi Bay
End point
Húsavík Harbour
Get direction
Your ending point would be same as your start point

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

115 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
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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Guests from United States, Netherlands, Portugal and over 9 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Barbara I
Family
Verified booking
Last week
The crew handled very well the boat in the sea and they told the boat will move because of the waves. Theu found for us a whale who was giving us the best show ever like National Geographic. They gave us informations about the whales and other wild life in the area. They handled very well some people who had sea sick. The whole crew took care of everyone and they made sure everybody sees the whale. Highly recommend them.
Vladimir K
Couple
Verified booking
2 days ago
It was a very nice trip, an experience for the whole life. We were not sure if we´ll any whales at all. After more than 1 and 1/2 hours, we have seen them about 15 times. Marvelous. Only my camera in the phone was to slow to take the proper pictures.
Patricia L
Couple
Verified booking
2 days ago
Friendly welcome from the team. Meeting the whales was amazing. So many emotions. Thank you ++++
Rodrigo G
Family
Verified booking
2 days ago
See the whales for 5 times and the staff were very nice, great trip!
Anja M
Family
Verified booking
Aug 2026
Great guides, comfortable boat and whale sightings!

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.