Private Whale and puffin tour from Akureyri 1

Private Whale and puffin tour from Akureyri

(3)
Akureyri, Iceland
BirdwatchingWhale WatchingPrivate Car Tours
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About this activity

Combine Iceland's two iconic wildlife experiences on this private 6-hour excursion: high-speed RIB boat whale watching from Húsavík and visits to puffin colonies on nearby islands. A private tour means flexible pacing and personalized wildlife spotting tailored to seasonal sightings.

This private tour brings us to the charming village of Húsavík where you'll get the chance to go whale watching on a RIB boat.

With the speedboats we can offer you more area to cover in search for the gentle giants. A RIB is faster than the wind and therefore, makes it more likely to find the big whales. Nothing is guaranteed but on this tour, your chances to encounter some of the world’s biggest animals ever increase – big time!

This tour also includes a visit to the Puffin Island, where you can experience thousands of puffins during the nesting period (May 1st – August 20th).

There is nothing that beats the smell of the sea on a sunny day at Skjálfandi bay.

Highlights

  • ✓Fast RIB speedboat coverage of Skjálfandi Bay for better whale encounter odds
  • ✓Thousands of nesting puffins viewable May–August on protected islands
  • ✓Intimate village of Húsavík, Iceland's whale-watching hub
  • ✓Potentially spot humpback, minke, and fin whales in their natural habitat
  • ✓Private transport and scheduling—no large group constraints

Insider tips

  • ★Morning departures typically offer calmer seas and clearer visibility for puffin photography
  • ★Bring layers even in summer; Skjálfandi Bay winds are cold and sea spray is inevitable
  • ★RIB boats move quickly to cover ground, so secure loose items and hold on during turns

Good to know

  • •Waterproof jacket, warm layers, and non-slip footwear essential; bring seasickness medication if prone
  • •Puffins visible May 1–August 20 only; winter tours focus on whale watching alone
  • •Pickup and boat meeting logistics arranged with your operator; confirm Akureyri hotel/location in advance
  • •RIB boats are open-air with high sides; moderate fitness needed to board and move safely

Who it's for

Wildlife photographers and birdwatchersCouples seeking intimate nature experiences over large groupsFamilies with older children comfortable on open speedboatsMarine life enthusiasts wanting high-probability whale encounters

Best time to visit

May–August maximizes puffin nesting activity and warmer weather, though whales are present year-round. Early morning departures offer the calmest seas and best light for wildlife photography.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€1,369
per person