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WHALE WATCHING TOUR FROM HÚSAVÍK
Whale Watching Tour in Húsavík
Welcome to Húsavík, the whale capital of Iceland with the best whale watching tours in Iceland. Don't wait any longer and sign up for this incredible whale-watching adventure. Our remarkable touring team consists of a highly recommended group of captains, first mates and sea-faring types who are know for their friendly service, superb boats and the immense, local experience and knowledgeable in their field. They'll impress you with amazing facts about the ocean's largest mammals. Reserve now and see the whales in their natural habitat. From the beautiful city of Húsavík in northern Iceland, we offer classic boat whale watching tours departing from Skjalfandi Bay, with a 98% likelihood of seeing whales and dolphins.
RESERVE YOUR WHALE WATCHING TOUR FROM HÚSAVÍK - CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED DATE:
WHALE WATCHING TOUR FROM HÚSAVÍK DETAILS:
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Difficulty of the activity Easy (1 / 5).
Reservation: It is recommended to book your seat in advance online to ensure availability.
Activity duration: About 3 hours of whale watching.
Place of the excursion: Departures from the port in the center of Húsavík.
Price included: Classic wooden boat excursion, some extra waterproof warm clothes (if necessary), English speaking guide, local VAT.
Scheduled departures: Several departures per day (according to the reservation table).
Minimum age: There is no age limit (children 0-6 years are free), youth 7-15 years (receive a discount).
What should I bring? No matter what time of year you decide to travel to Iceland, it is always important to bring a proper waterproof jacket, warm clothes (waterproof pants like Gore-tex), good waterproof shoes, gloves, light hat, sunglasses and camera.
HÚSAVÍK
Husavik, a picturesque town nestled along Iceland’s northern coastline, is often referred to as the "Whale Capital of Iceland." With its rich marine life, breathtaking scenery, and world-class whale-watching tours, Husavik is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. In this guide, we delve into everything you need to know about planning an unforgettable whale-watching experience in Husavik.
Why Choose Husavik for Whale Watching?
Husavik’s location on the edge of Skjálfandi Bay makes it a prime spot for observing whales. The bay's nutrient-rich waters attract a diverse range of marine life, including humpback whales, minke whales, blue whales, and even the elusive orcas. With a nearly 100% success rate for sightings during the summer months, Husavik offers one of the best whale-watching experiences in the world.
Key Highlights:
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High Diversity of Marine Life: Expect to see whales, dolphins, puffins, and more.
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Sustainable Tourism Practices: Operators in Husavik prioritize environmentally friendly tours.
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Breathtaking Scenery: Enjoy the stunning backdrop of Iceland’s dramatic fjords and snow-capped mountains.
Best Time for Whale Watching in Husavik
The whale-watching season in Husavik typically runs from April to October, with the peak months being June to August. During this time, the weather is milder, and the likelihood of spotting whales is at its highest.
Seasonal Highlights:
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Spring (April-May): Minke and humpback whales start arriving.
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Summer (June-August): Perfect weather and high whale activity.
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Autumn (September-October): Fewer crowds and continued sightings.
Top Whale Watching Tours in Husavik
Several reputable companies operate whale-watching tours in Husavik, offering a variety of options to suit different preferences.
1. Gentle Giants Whale Watching
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Duration: 3 hours
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Features: Traditional oak boats, expert guides, and a focus on sustainability.
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Extras: Combine your tour with puffin watching during the summer months.
2. North Sailing
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Duration: 2.5-3 hours
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Features: Eco-friendly electric boats for a quieter and more sustainable experience.
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Extras: Offers exclusive whale-watching and fishing combo tours.
3. Husavik Adventures
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Duration: 2 hours
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Features: High-speed RIB boats for a closer look at the whales.
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Extras: Ideal for adventure enthusiasts seeking a thrilling ride.
What to Expect During Your Tour
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Wildlife Sightings: Along with whales, you may encounter dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds like puffins and Arctic terns.
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Expert Commentary: Knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into marine life and local history.
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Comfortable Boats: Choose between traditional oak boats for a relaxed experience or RIB boats for an adrenaline rush.
Tips for an Unforgettable Whale Watching Experience
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Dress Warmly: Layers are essential, even in summer, as it can get chilly on the water.
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Bring a Camera: Capture the majestic whales and stunning scenery.
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Book in Advance: Tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
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Choose Eco-Friendly Operators: Support companies that prioritize sustainability and marine conservation.
Other Attractions in Husavik
After your whale-watching tour, explore more of Husavik’s unique attractions:
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Husavik Whale Museum: Learn about the history and biology of whales.
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Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths: Relax in naturally heated seawater pools with panoramic views.
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Local Cuisine: Savor fresh seafood at one of Husavik’s charming restaurants.
How to Get to Husavik
Husavik is easily accessible from Reykjavik and Akureyri:
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By Car: A scenic 5-hour drive from Reykjavik or a 1-hour drive from Akureyri.
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By Bus: Regular bus services connect Husavik with nearby towns.
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By Air: Fly to Akureyri and continue by car or bus to Husavik.
Húsavík, known as "the capital of the whales", is a beautiful village located in the north of Iceland on the coast of Skjálfandi Bay (with 2,680 inhabitants). It is considered the best place in Iceland to observe whales. That is why, in 1997, the first information center on whales in Iceland was opened, dedicated to showing in an entertaining and illustrative way, the most interesting knowledge we possess of these creatures, which are as big as they are beautiful. In Húsavík you can enjoy not only the whales, but also breathtaking landscapes, fresh food and tours and outings in the surrounding aress, being able to learn a little more about the Icelandic culture. In the Bay of Skjálfnadi, in Húsavík, you can see the following whales: Minke Whales, Common Porpoises, Blue Whales, Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Sperm Whales, Killer Whales and Northern Rorquals. Generally, May is best for observing blue whales, June will give more opportunity for sighting humpback whales, and between the months of July and August there is a higher likelihood of sighting Minke whales. In total you can see 23 types of whales in Iceland, plus several types of dolphins.
Whales in Húsavík are usually seen between the months of May and September but the best time to watch whales in northern Iceland is during the summer months. Keep in mind that everything depends on the weather of the day and, of course, luck. Whales live in their natural habitat and not in a zoo, however in recent years, the percentage of whale watching in Húsavík has been 97-99%. Sometimes only smaller whales like common porpoises or Minke whales are seen. In the rare case that no whales are seen, the providers of the excursions offer another whale watching tour for free.
Important note Please keep in mind that the Atlantic Ocean is not a ZOO. The provider can not 100% guarantee whale sighting. If no whales are seen during the excursion, the provider does not refund the money paid since the excursion will have occurred. But in this case, you can contact the supplier's employees in the Húsavík office. On some occasions, they may offer another free excursion (always subject to availability).
Responsibility: All activities in the Atlantic Ocean are undertaken at each participant's own responsibility. By booking, guests accept these terms, and some activities may require a signed acknowledgment of the inherent risks involved. Islandica s.r.o. is not liable for incidents during the excursion. The provider may cancel the outing if weather conditions are unfavorable.. GG1, ID683.
