Ultimate Guide to Whale Watching in Husavik (Iceland)

Ultimate Guide to Whale Watching in Husavik (Iceland)

Along Iceland’s northern coast, Husavik offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness the mesmerising beauty of whales in their natural habitat. Known as the whale-watching capital of Europe, this remote town is a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and awe-inspiring experience with these majestic creatures.

In this post, we’ll delve into the practical aspects and incredible encounters you can expect on a Husavik whale-watching adventure. So, let’s set sail and explore the world of whale watching in Husavik!

About Husavik

This charming town is renowned for its prime position for whale watching, nestled in the heart of one of the world’s most prolific whale-watching regions. Most of the town’s income comes from whale tourism and fishing.

FUN FACT: Husavik is strongly affiliated with Eurovision. In 2021, they opened a Eurovision Museum.

Where is Husavik?

Husavik is located in northern Iceland, situated on the eastern shore of Skjálfandi Bay. It’s approximately 460 kilometers (291 miles) from Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik by road. The nearest main city to Husavik is Akureyri, approximately 80km away.

How to reach Husavik?

The best way to reach Husavik is by car. There is a ring road circling around the whole of Iceland. Follow this until peeling off further north to the coastline.

If you want to shorten the drive from Reykjavik, there are airports in Akureyri and Husavik which are both served from Reykjavik airport.

NOTE: During the winter, you will need winter tires and four-wheel drive.

Best whale watching tour companies in Iceland?

The standout whale watching tour in Iceland is North Sailing in Husavik. With over 25 years’ worth of experience searching for whales around Iceland, it seemed like a no-brainer. While there are other locations to go whale watching in Iceland, Husavik is the standout.

I booked my whale watching tour with North Sailing online. Their office is by the dock and their website is here. Please note that tickets do sometimes sell out in advance.

Other tour companies include:

• Salka Whale Watching (Husavik)
• Gentle Giants (Husavik)
• Husavik Adventures (Husavik)
• Reykjavik Sailors (Reykjavik)

What kind of tour to go for?

There are traditional oak boats, speed boats, sailing boats, silent boats, and eco-friendly boats that cater to large groups, small groups or individuals. As well as tours that incorporate other aspects such as bird watching (mainly puffins) or science.

Decide based on your personal preference, budget and tour availability.

Traditional Oak Boat Tours: These are the cheapest and most popular tours available from operators in Husavik. The boats are slower moving but offer a more authentic experience as you move around the bay. There’s a reason they’ve been running these tours for so long! Plus they run the most frequently throughout the day.

Speed boats or Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) Tours: These tours offer more excitement with the speed you can move across the water, which also allows you to move quickly between sightings. The encounters you have feel more intimate as there are fewer people on board and you are closer to the water so can fully appreciate their size. The only downside is you may feel a bit more vulnerable and exposed on these boats!

Silent Boat Tours: These electric boats provide a more sustainable option for whale watching in Husavik as they are carbon-neutral. The quiet enables guests to fully appreciate the sounds of nature as you may be able to hear the whales communicate and blow.

How much is whale watching in Husavik?

For the standard ‘original’ tour on a traditional oak boat, whale watching in Husavik costs 11,300 ISK (£67 or $84).

The most expensive whale-watching-only tour costs 13,990 ISK (£80 or $100). You will pay more if you want to combine a whale-watching tour with puffin watching or horse riding.

How far in advance do you need to book whale watching in Husavik?

How far in advance to book whale watching in Husavik depends on when you want to go. Weekends are slightly busier than weekdays. Peak season (June-August) is also busier, though there are also more tours available during this time.

During shoulder season (October), I booked two days in advance and secured two spaces on the whale watching boat. That being said, I recommend booking as early as possible (as I was lucky).

What to expect with North Sailing in Husavik

My review of North Sailing whale tours in Husavik is a glowing one.

On arrival, you check in your booking at the office.

You are welcomed onto the boat and given overalls to wear over the top of your clothes. Once ready, you can find a spot on the boat where you want to view from.

There is no ‘best’ spot to stand as the whales can appear anywhere. The front is a popular option as you face the direction of travel. I favoured climbing up to the upper deck which is less cramped and means you have more of a 360-degree view. The only downside is that you are further away from the water for any nearer whales.

The length of the tour depends on which one you booked. All of the whale-watching-only tours last around 3 hours, whereas others can be longer.

We sailed out past Puffin Island and viewed from a distance. Home to over 100,000 puffins between the months of April and August each year, it’s quite the spectacle. Hence there is a separate tour (Whales and Puffins tour) which goes closer.

Once in the open water and away from the coast, the boat circled Skjálfandi Bay in search of whales. We spent the next couple of hours on the lookout, which flew by!

Everyone on the boat looked out in different directions, and we were instructed to shout and point if we saw signs of anything. We looked out for plumes of spray in the air above the sea, or any whales breaching the surface.

The captain would then steer the boat in that direction for a closer look. Our boat always kept its distance and turned off the engine when nearby to avoid disturbing the whales. It was up to the whales if they wanted an even closer encounter! If you’re lucky, curious whales would pop up as close as a few metres away from the boat, though most of the time they appeared 30+ metres away.

Often whales come to the surface multiple times before diving down again for as long as 30 minutes, then resurfacing to take multiple breaths. In the shallower depths of Husavik Bay, dives often aren’t much longer than 10 minutes, making sightings more frequent.

In between sightings, the on-board staff would inform us about the area and the local wildlife. We would also get more detailed identification about the species we were seeing and the behaviours they displayed.

After moving around the bay and completely losing track of time admiring these amazing creatures, we headed back to the port. Everyone on board was offered a hot chocolate and cinnamon roll, and we were given one last chance to ask any questions to the knowledgeable staff on board.

What are the best months for whale watching in Husavik?

The best time of year for whale watching in Husavik is typically in the summer months from May to September. Peak activity usually falls in June, July and August.

During this period, the weather in Iceland is warmer, and the waters are calmer, making for more enjoyable and reliable whale-watching excursions. These months coincide with the summer season in Iceland when various whale species, including humpback whales, minke whales, and even the massive blue whales, migrate to the waters around Iceland to feed. North Sailing also offers more whale watching tours each day during the summer months.

Whilst Husavik is known for its excellent whale-watching opportunities during this time, it’s important to remember that weather conditions can be unpredictable in Iceland, which can impact the quality of whale-watching. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check with local tour operators for the most up-to-date information and to make reservations in advance.

NOTE: North Sailing does not operate from December to February.

Morning vs Afternoon Whale Watching

If you are wondering what time of day is best for whale watching in Husavik, then unfortunately there is no right answer.

Morning: Many whale-watching tours in Iceland depart in the morning, often around 9 AM. Morning excursions can be a good choice because the sea is typically calmer, and there tends to be less wind, increasing the chances of a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Midday: Early to mid-afternoon can also be a good time for whale watching. The lighting is generally good for photography during this time. Plus it also gives you the morning to get to Husavik if you are staying elsewhere and driving.

Evening: In the summer months, especially June and July when Iceland experiences the midnight sun, some tour operators offer evening departures. These can be a unique experience as you can enjoy whale watching in the soft light of the evening sun.

What to pack for whale watching in Husavik?

What to wear for whale watching?

Since you will be on a boat for several hours, it’s important you wrap up warm. Wear multiple layers as well as a hat, scarf and gloves.

Most tours will provide you with thick overalls to put on over the top of your clothes.

If it’s sunny, I recommend sunglasses to avoid the glare from the sea and so you can see the whales better! It can get windy on the boat so avoid wearing anything that could fly into the sea (i.e. loose hats).

What else to bring for whale watching?

On a whale watching tour of Husavik, there isn’t much you need to bring! Besides your clothing, here is a list of key items to consider packing.

• Binoculars: Handy for getting a closer look at any distant whales.
• Camera: Pack a camera, ideally with a zoom lens. Your phone will suffice but won’t be as good.
• Sea sickness tablets: Particularly on a slow-moving boat, the water can rock the boat.
• Water: Being out at sea for 3+ hours can be thirsty work, especially with a salty breeze.
• Snacks: Most tours provide a snack for the journey back, but you don’t want to get hungry.
• Waterproof protective bag/clothes: On a wet and windy day, it can get wet out at sea (even if you’re in a boat), so make sure you and your belongings are protected from the elements.

Is whale watching in Husavik worth it?

This is a subjective question, after all, one man’s pain is another man’s pleasure.

If you like whales and nature, it’s worth it as sightings are almost guaranteed (don’t quote me on that). If you don’t like whales, then spending £70+ on a tour, might not be worth it for you.

Personally, I found my whale watching experience in Husavik was truly magical and was 100% worth it. I didn’t see any humpbacks jumping, nor did I see any blue whales or orca. However, every single time a humpback breached the surface, it was amazing. There is something so mysterious, beautiful and graceful about them. And in a setting surrounded by beautiful Icelandic landscapes, it’s tough to beat.

Admittedly I was very lucky with the weather, but I like to think I would’ve enjoyed it just as much on an overcast day.

What are the odds of seeing whales?

The chances of seeing at least one whale on your whale watching tour in Husavik are generally very high.

Husavik is renowned as one of the best whale-watching destinations in Europe and is strategically located in a prime whale-watching area.

However, it’s important to note that wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed because they depend on the natural behaviour and movements of the animals. Tour operators in Husavik often have a high success rate in spotting whales, especially during the peak whale-watching season (May to September).

Our guide, who goes on two tours per day, hadn’t had an unsuccessful trip in well over a year!

What wildlife can you see whilst whale watching in Husavik?

The most commonly seen species in the area include humpback whales, minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins, among others. While there’s no absolute certainty, your chances of witnessing these magnificent creatures in Husavik are generally quite good.

1. Humpback Whales: Humpback whales are among the most iconic and frequently sighted whales in Husavik. They are known for their acrobatic behaviors, including breaching and tail slapping. During my visit in October, we saw probably more than 20 humpbacks in one afternoon!
2. Minke Whales: Minke whales are another common sighting in the area. They are smaller than humpback whales but still impressive to observe.
3. White-Beaked Dolphins: These playful and social dolphins are often seen swimming alongside the whale-watching boats, delighting passengers with their acrobatics.
4. Harbor Porpoises: These small cetaceans are often seen in the bay and can be identified by their small size and distinctive triangular dorsal fins.
5. Orcas (Killer Whales): While less common than humpback and minke whales, orcas do make appearances in the waters around Husavik. They are known for their striking black-and-white coloration.
6. Blue Whales: Blue whales, the largest animals on Earth, are occasionally spotted in the area, particularly during the summer months. Spotting a blue whale is a rare and incredible experience.
7. Northern Bottlenose Whales: These deep-diving cetaceans are known for their distinctive, elongated beaks, high foreheads, and sociable behaviour in cold North Atlantic and Arctic waters.
8. Pilot Whales: Sleek, dark-colored cetaceans with bulbous foreheads found in deep-oceanic waters.
9. Sei Whales: Fast-swimming baleen whales characterised by a tall, curved dorsal fin and a streamlined body, inhabiting oceans worldwide,
10. Sperm Whales: The largest toothed whales. Sperm whales possess massive heads, square-shaped in appearance, and are renowned for their deep-sea diving abilities.
11. Fin Whales: The second-largest species on Earth, showcase a streamlined physique with a distinct ridge along their back.
12. Seabirds: In addition to whales and dolphins, you may also see a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, gulls, terns, skuas, and kittiwakes.

Sightings vary from day to day and season to season.

What else to do in Husavik

You may have some time to spare in Husavik if you stay overnight or have time on either side of your tour.

Whilst there isn’t loads to do in this coastal town, here are your best options:

• Explore the town on foot and grab some food.
• Admire the boats around the harbour.
• Visit the Whale Museum (if you can’t get enough of whales!).
• Visit the Eurovision Museum.
• GeoSea Thermal Baths (my personal favourite).

If you don’t want to stay in Husavik, you may wish to drive west onto Akureyri or down south to Myvatn.

Before you go

Thank you for reading my guide on whale watching in Husavik, Iceland. If guides, itineraries and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.

If you are new to Matt’s Next Steps, check out the About Me page to find out a bit more about who I am, my travel adventures, and why I wanted to become a travel writer.

Please comment below and let me know your thoughts and experiences, or if there is anything else you want information on.

Happy whale-watching!