Husavik, a small town located on Iceland’s eastern coast, is known as the whale watching capital of Europe. With its stunning natural beauty and rich marine life, Husavik offers an unforgettable experience for those looking to witness the majesty of whales up close. But with so many tour companies and options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to choose. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the best whale watching tours in Husavik, what to expect, and why this is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Iceland. Get ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime!
The 7 Best Whale Watching in Husavik
- Husavik Traditional Whale Watching Tour
- Husavik Original Whale Watching
- Husavik Puffins and Whale Watching Tour
- Husavik Rib Big Whales and Puffin Island Tour
- Husavik Original Whale Watching and Puffins
- Husavik Whale Watching on a Traditional Wooden Sailing Ship
- Husavik Original Whale Watching Carbon Neutral
The 7 Best Whale Watching in Husavik
1. Husavik Traditional Whale Watching Tour
Climb aboard a traditional Icelandic oak boat in Húsavík, Europe’s whale watching capital, and cruise around Skjálfandi Bay on a 3-hour tour in search of whales. Experienced guides will provide live commentary on the rich wildlife, including numerous types and shapes of whales. Stay warm and dry with high-quality overalls and raincoats provided by the crew. Keep a lookout for the acrobatic humpback whales and giant blue whales, but note that this is wild nature and therefore unpredictable. Learn about Iceland’s nature and wildlife during the tour.
2. Husavik Original Whale Watching
Embark on a traditional oak boat for a whale-watching excursion in Húsavík. A professional guide provides live commentary as you sail through Skjálfandi Bay, surrounded by the natural beauty of Iceland’s north coast. Keep your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins, and seabirds as you experience these animals in their natural habitat. Complimentary light refreshments and warm overalls are provided, and after your journey, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a cinnamon bun. This tour includes a pick-up service and shoes, making it a convenient and comfortable adventure. Come witness the majestic creatures of the sea on the Husavik Original Whale Watching tour.
3. Husavik Puffins and Whale Watching Tour
Embark on a guided whale watching tour to Puffin Island from Húsavík. Cruise a larger area of Skjálfandi Bay on board a modern RIB speedboat, increasing your chances of observing big whales in their natural environment. Learn about Iceland’s nature and wildlife from an expert guide, while staying warm and safe in specially made overalls. The tour includes round-trip RIB speedboat cruise, specialized guide, live commentary on-board, warm safety overalls, hotel pickup and drop-off. Please note that the tour is not suitable for children under 8 years, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with heart problems, wheelchair users and people under 4 ft 3 in (130 cm). Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to see puffins and whales in their natural habitat!
4. Husavik Rib Big Whales and Puffin Island Tour
Get ready for an adventure to remember with the Husavik Rib Big Whales and Puffin Island Tour. Set sail to Skjálfandi Bay – home to over 10 different whale species, including Humpback and Minke whales, as well as White-beaked dolphins and porpoises. With speedy RIB boats, you’ll get the chance to cover a great distance and get as close as possible to these magnificent creatures. With a maximum of 12 passengers on board, there’ll be no competition for the best view.
Apart from whales and dolphins, you’ll also get the chance to marvel at the puffins on Puffin Island during the spring and summer months. Keep warm and dry in water-resistant overalls while your guide tells you all about the local marine wildlife. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to witness the beauty and majesty of these magnificent creatures up close.
5. Husavik Original Whale Watching and Puffins
On this 3-hour tour, enjoy a whale and puffin watching experience on a traditional oak boat in Skjálfandi Bay. Marvel at Puffin Island, the home of thousands of puffins, and observe whales, dolphins, and other sea birds in their natural habitat. A professional guide provides live commentary during the cruise. Light refreshments, warm overalls, and hotel pickup are included. This authentic wildlife adventure is suitable for the whole family and concludes with a cup of hot cocoa and cinnamon buns.
6. Husavik Whale Watching on a Traditional Wooden Sailing Ship
Do something unique on your trip to Iceland with a whale-watching excursion aboard a traditional wooden sailing ship. Spend 3 hours on board an oak ship cruising the bay of Skjálfandi searching for whales and other marine life. Get a hands-on experience of the traditional coastal Icelandic culture, and help raise the sails while exploring the magic of the ocean.
Listen to live commentary from a professional guide, who will provide interesting information about the region. Light refreshments are included in the tour, and you can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and a cinnamon bun while enjoying the stunning views. Warm overalls and pick-up service are also available.
Please note that this tour is not suitable for individuals who are prone to seasickness. During the journey, you’ll have the opportunity to see whales and seabirds in their natural habitat, making for an unforgettable experience.
7. Husavik Original Whale Watching Carbon Neutral
The Husavik Original Whale Watching Carbon Neutral tour offers a 3-hour eco-friendly adventure on a traditional oak boat. As the first whale watching company in the world to offer carbon neutral tours, the local operator has developed a unique hybrid propulsion system that utilizes renewable energy instead of fossil fuels.
Experience the stunning Skjálfandi Bay, home to whales, dolphins, and seabirds, in their natural habitat. Observe the wildlife while enjoying smooth sailing and savor a cup of hot cocoa and cinnamon buns. Join the pioneers of carbon neutral whale watching on this authentic adventure.
Most Frequently Asked Questions About Whale Watching in Husavik
Whale watching has become quite popular in Iceland, and one of the best places to spot these magnificent creatures is in Husavik. This small village in northern Iceland has rightly earned the title of the whale-watching capital of Iceland. With so many options available, it’s natural to have a lot of questions in your mind. Here are the most frequently asked questions about whale watching in Husavik.1. What kind of whales can be seen in Husavik?
Husavik is home to a wide variety of whale species, making it one of the best places for whale watching in the world. The most commonly spotted whales include Humpback whales, Minke whales, and Blue whales. Other species that can be seen include Orcas, Fin whales, and Sei whales, among others.2. When is the best time to go whale watching in Husavik?
Whale watching in Husavik is a year-round activity, but the best time to go depends on what you want to see. The summer months of June through August are the peak season for whale watching, and you are more likely to spot a wide variety of whales. However, if you want to see Blue whales or Humpback whales, the best time to go is from May to September.3. What is the duration of a whale watching tour in Husavik?
The tours in Husavik vary in duration, but most of them last between 2-3 hours. Some tours may last longer, especially if you are interested in whale watching during the midnight sun or Northern Lights season.4. What is the cost of a whale watching tour in Husavik?
The cost of whale watching tours in Husavik varies depending on the tour operator, the duration of the tour, and the time of the year. A standard tour can cost anywhere between 70 EUR to 120 EUR per person. Some tours also offer additional services like pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, which may incur additional charges.5. Is it possible to see whales from the shore in Husavik?
Yes, it is possible to spot whales from the shore in Husavik, but it’s not a guaranteed sighting. However, if you take a whale watching tour, you are more likely to see a wide variety of whales up close.6. What should I wear for a whale watching tour in Husavik?
The weather in Husavik can be unpredictable, so it’s best to dress in layers. Wear warm clothes, including a waterproof jacket and pants, gloves, a hat, and a scarf. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be standing on the boat for an extended period.7. Can children go on whale watching tours in Husavik?
Yes, children are welcome on whale watching tours in Husavik. Most tour operators have life jackets for children of all ages. However, it’s essential to remember that whale watching boats can be bumpy, and the weather can be unpredictable, so make sure that your child can handle the conditions before booking a tour.8. Is it ethical to go whale watching in Husavik?
Yes, most whale watching tours in Husavik are ethical and follow strict guidelines to protect the welfare of whales and other marine animals. The boats are equipped with modern technology that enables the tour operators to maintain a safe distance from the whales and not to disturb them in their natural habitat.9. What happens if I don’t see any whales on a tour?
Most tour operators offer a sighting guarantee, which means that if you don’t spot any whales on your tour, you will get a free ticket for another tour. However, keep in mind that the guarantee may vary depending on the tour operator, so make sure to check the policy before booking the tour.In conclusion, whale watching in Husavik is an amazing experience that everyone should try at least once. Now that you have all your queries answered, it’s time to book your tour and witness the beauty and majesty of these magnificent creatures!How to do Whale Watching in Husavik
If you are a nature lover and want to witness the beauty of whales in their natural habitat, then whale watching in Husavik, Iceland is one of the best things you can do. Husavik is known as the whale watching capital of Europe, and it’s not hard to see why. With an abundance of different types of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, this small town is a popular destination for tourists from around the world. In this article, we’ll give you step-by-step instructions on how to plan and experience the best whale watching tour in Husavik.Step 1: Plan Your Trip
The first step is to decide on your travel dates and plan your trip. Husavik is a small town with limited accommodation options, so it’s best to book your trip in advance. The whale watching season in Husavik runs from May to September, with peak season being in July and August. You can also check the weather forecast before planning your trip as bad weather can affect the visibility during the tour.Step 2: Choose a Whale Watching Tour Operator
Husavik is home to several whale watching tour operators, and it’s important to choose the right one for your trip. Some popular operators are Gentle Giants, North Sailing, and Husavik Adventures. Look for tour operators who follow responsible whale watching guidelines and have experienced guides on board. You can also read reviews online before booking your tour to ensure you choose a reliable operator.Step 3: Dress Appropriately
Whale watching tours can be a cold and wet experience, so it’s important to dress appropriately. Wear warm layers of clothing and waterproof jackets and pants. You can also bring gloves and a hat to keep yourself warm. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes with good grip, as it can get slippery on the boat.Step 4: Listen to the Safety Instructions
Before the tour starts, the crew will give safety instructions on board. It’s important to listen carefully to these instructions and follow them for your safety. Some of the common safety instructions include wearing life jackets and staying seated when the boat is moving.Step 5: Spotting the Whales
Once the tour starts, keep your eyes peeled for any movement in the water. Whales can be seen coming to the surface to breathe, and experienced guides can identify the different types of whales that can be spotted in Husavik. Some common whales that can be seen include humpback whales, minke whales, and blue whales. The tour operators usually have hydrophones on board that can help you listen to the whales communicating with each other.Step 6: Enjoy the Experience
Whale watching is a unique and unforgettable experience, and it’s important to enjoy every moment of it. The tour usually lasts around three hours, and the crew will provide hot drinks and snacks on board. Take photos and videos to capture the moment, but always respect the whales by keeping a safe distance from them.Book Your Tour Now
Whale watching in Husavik is an experience like no other. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can plan and enjoy a safe and responsible whale watching tour. Remember to choose a reliable operator, dress appropriately, and listen to the safety instructions on board. With a little bit of planning and patience, you can witness the beauty of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.Table of Contents
