What whale species might I see?

Minke whales are most commonly sighted, along with humpback and blue whales. Sightings are not guaranteed but Skjálfandi Bay is one of Iceland's most productive whale-watching regions.

When is puffin season?

Puffins nest and are visible on Puffin Island from May through August, with peak activity in June and July when nesting is most active.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

Yes, it's marketed as family-friendly. Children should be comfortable on a boat for 3.5 hours; dress them warmly and consider seasickness prevention if sensitive.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes 3.5 hours of guided whale and puffin watching aboard a traditional Icelandic oak ship, plus hot cocoa and cinnamon buns on the return journey.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring waterproof, windproof jacket and warm layers. A camera with zoom capability is recommended for wildlife photography. Seasickness medication if prone to motion sickness.

Is the boat accessible for mobility issues?

The tour operates on a traditional wooden sailing vessel, which may have limited accessibility. Contact the supplier directly to discuss specific accessibility needs.

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Whales and Puffins

(3)

Húsavík, Iceland

BirdwatchingAdventure ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsWhale WatchingNature Tours

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About this activity

Combine two of Iceland's iconic wildlife experiences in one 3.5-hour boat adventure from Húsavík: spot whales in their natural habitat and observe thousands of nesting puffins on Puffin Island. This dual-focus tour maximises your chances of unforgettable wildlife encounters aboard a traditional wooden vessel.

How could your whale watching tour possibly get better? Of course, by sailing around Puffin Island, the home of thousands of puffins!

In this authentic wildlife adventure, whale watching and puffin watching are combined! In addition to seeing whales in their natural habitat, you get to see the funny little puffins nesting, flying around and diving for food! An ideal choice for families!

Enjoy the smooth, safe sailing of a traditional Icelandic oak ship and treat yourself to a cup of hot cocoa and cinnamon buns on the way back to Húsavík.

Highlights

✓Whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay with sightings of minke, humpback, and blue whales
✓Close-up views of puffins nesting, flying, and diving on Puffin Island
✓Traditional Icelandic oak sailing ship with smooth, stable voyage
✓Hot cocoa and cinnamon buns served during return journey
✓Expert naturalist crew providing live wildlife commentary

Insider tips

★Puffin season peaks May–August; visit early summer for highest nesting activity and calmer seas
★Dress in waterproof layers even in mild weather—ocean spray and wind chill are common on the bay
★Bring a camera with a good zoom or telephoto lens; wildlife can be distant but rewarding to capture
★Book early morning departures for best sea conditions and whale activity

Good to know

•Duration includes sailing time to and from viewing areas; expect 1.5–2 hours of active wildlife observation
•Vessel is a traditional wooden ship; stability is good but not recommended for those prone to seasickness—consider medication beforehand
•Minimum group sizes may apply; tour operates year-round but marine conditions vary seasonally
•Wear warm, windproof clothing and bring layers; temperatures at sea are significantly cooler than on land

Who it's for

Wildlife photographers and birdwatchersFamilies with children aged 5+Nature enthusiasts and adventure seekersCouples looking for unique Icelandic experiences

Best time to visit

May through September offers the best combination of whale and puffin sightings, with peak puffin nesting June–July. Morning departures provide calmer seas and better visibility.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(3)

Pete N.

Jun 2026

our guide Wei sorted everything for us and a little local spot off the usual route was the highlight, and went last tuesday, loved it

Ray F.

Apr 2025

So nice this one, a little local spot off the usual route was amazing and Pedro the guide explain everything good. Better than Athens for sure, we go again!

Olivia W.

Jan 2025

yuki our guide was class, miles ahead of a similar tour we tried in Seville

from€115/ person

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