Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

Whales, puffins, and a fast RIB boat. I like this Húsavík outing because it puts you in the middle of Skjálfandi Bay with a small group and a crew focused on finding wildlife fast. You are not stuck on a big deck where everyone competes for the same view.

My two favorite parts are simple. I love the seating on a RIB that carries up to 12 people, because when a blow shows up, you usually get a clear angle. I also love the setup with a separate guide, like Austin, who handles the spotting and explanations while the captain, including Danny in some tours, drives for the best viewing position.

One consideration: expect cold, wet, and bumpy moments, especially getting out and back in. Iceland weather does not care about your schedule, so dress for getting splashed and chilled.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Up-close odds thanks to a small RIB and quick movement around the bay
• Two-person team feel, with the guide focused on you and wildlife while the driver focuses on the boat
• Warm water-resistant overalls and life vests are included, plus rain gear when needed
• Puffins depend on dates, with Lundey Puffin Island only during puffin season
• Respectful whale viewing rules guide how close the boat approaches
• 2 hours is the sweet spot for searching, viewing, and still feeling like you had an adventure

Why Skjálfandi Bay is built for whale watching

Skjálfandi Bay is one of those places where your chances feel better because the whales actually use the area. More than 10 different species visit Skjálfandi every year, and on this kind of tour you spend your time where sightings are known to happen, not random wandering.

You should plan around humpback whales and minke whales as the headline options, plus marine mammals that show up in the same waters like white-beaked dolphins and porpoises. The vibe is part nature spotting, part detective work. The faster you can cover water, the more times you can respond when a whale surfaces.

The RIB boat experience: small group viewing that actually works

This is a RIB ride, not a slow sightseeing ferry. That matters because whales do not surface on your timetable. When you get a sighting, the captain can move you quickly to improve your odds of seeing more than one surface.

The big win is that you are not squeezed into a crowd. With a maximum of 12 travelers, you get room to shift your body for the best view instead of standing shoulder to shoulder. That is one reason people keep coming back for the RIB style, even when the sea gets a little rough.

Another detail I like is that the guide is separate from the driver. On the boat you get live commentary, and the guide can stay engaged with spotting and questions while the driver handles navigation. In practice, that means you spend more time looking at the water and less time wondering what you are supposed to be seeing.

Gear check: warm overalls are included, but you still need a hat and gloves

You are provided warm water-resistant overalls and a life vest. In Iceland, the life vest is compulsory, so treat that as part of the safety routine and not optional comfort.

You may also get a raincoat if conditions call for it, but the cold is the bigger enemy than rain. From what I gathered in the field, people love the supplied gear, but they still do best when they bring personal layers like:

• Gloves and a hat (not included)
• Warm socks and extra layers underneath the overall
• Anything that keeps wind out of your ears and neck

Even in warmer months, the bay can feel sharp. If you already know you dislike cold hands, do yourself a favor and pack gloves. Your future self will thank you.

Two hours on the water: what happens after you meet in Húsavík

Your tour starts back at Husavík Adventures at Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík. After that, the flow is straightforward: you head out into Skjálfandi Bay, you search for whales, and you adjust based on what the crew finds.

The bay crossing and whale search

The first stretch is a sail into Skjálfandi Bay. The crew is looking for signs of whales and then repositioning as sightings pop up. Because the boat can cover a lot of miles and still react quickly, you typically get more chances to view wildlife rather than spending the whole time sitting still waiting.

Lundey Puffin Island stop, during puffin season

If you travel during puffin season, you will visit Lundey, often called Puffin Island. This is one of the tour’s most visual moments, since puffins are not just sitting there. They fly, dive, and pop up where you can actually watch their behavior.

Puffin season is roughly mid-April through August, and this tour notes it as about 15 April to 20 August. Outside that window, the trip is puffin-free in terms of the plan.

The Tjörnes peninsula fossil scenery

You also get views linked with the Tjörnes peninsula and its fossil layers. One of the standout facts is that the most ancient layers are around two million years old. Even if fossils are not your main hobby, it gives context to why people value this coastline so much.

Puffins vs. big whales: when your tour name matches what you can expect

The name Big Whales & Puffins is accurate only during the months when puffins are actually around. The tour is explicitly puffin-focused from about 15 April to 20 August. Outside that time, the company shifts to a big-whales only focus because puffins have left their nesting grounds.

So here is how you should think about it before booking:

• If puffins are your must-see, target the April through August window.
• If you mainly want whales and dolphins, any time can still be a strong choice, since the day is designed around Skjálfandi’s marine life.

This is not a small technicality. It changes the mood of the trip. Puffins add constant motion and lots of small, exciting wildlife moments. Without them, the tour is more strictly about whale sightings and dolphin activity.

How they get close to whales without rushing or disturbing them

One thing I really value in responsible wildlife viewing is behavior, not just distance. This tour follows a code that affects what the captain does when animals are spotted.

Here is the approach in plain language, based on the operating logic shared by the crew:

• In the wider search area, they use the boat’s speed to cover ground efficiently.
• When they get closer (under about 300 meters), speed is reduced and the approach is controlled, ideally from the side, not head-on or from behind.
• Very close sightings (under about 100 meters) trigger a slow-down further, sometimes with the propeller off, and then you basically wait. The goal is to let the animal choose the interaction.

They also aim to limit time with any one animal, roughly around 20 to 30 minutes. That can mean you feel like you are watching something natural, not forcing a moment. And yes, it can still be thrilling. People describe getting very close, including whales coming up near the boat, but it is done with the idea that the whales set the pace.

What sightings can look like, and why the odds vary

Even with great crew skills, wildlife is wildlife. Some days are whales everywhere. Other days are fewer sightings or mostly fins and distant blows.

That said, Skjálfandi is known for humpbacks and minke whales, plus dolphins and porpoises. On the types of trips like this, you might also see rarer moments like northern bottlenose whales when luck is on your side, or pod sightings such as pilot whales. Dolphins often add a steady layer of action between whale surfaces.

A good sign for your day is when the crew keeps adjusting locations. If you hear the guide explaining what to watch for and the captain keeps repositioning when whales surface, it is usually because they are actively tracking signals rather than hoping for a lucky break.

Value for the price: why $203.16 can make sense

At around $203.16 per person for roughly two hours, this is not a cheap activity. The value comes from what is included and how the experience is designed.

You get:

• A driver/captain and guide team
• Live commentary on board
• Warm water-resistant overalls and life vest (compulsory)
• Raincoat when needed
• All taxes and handling fees

What is not included is hotel pickup and drop-off, plus gloves and hats. But for many people, the included gear is a major part of the cost equation. Instead of renting bulky cold-weather items or buying them, you show up ready and stay warm enough to enjoy the ride.

Also, the small group size helps justify the price. You are paying for fewer people on board, more space for viewing, and a boat that can react quickly when wildlife shows up.

If you are deciding between this and a larger ship tour, I would focus on your personal viewing style. If you want a practical shot at close encounters and clear sightlines, the RIB setup is the selling point. If you prefer lots of standing room and you do not mind being far from the action, a bigger vessel might feel less intense but also less personal.

Who should book this Húsavík RIB tour

This one fits best if you want active whale watching, not a slow cruise. It is also a good match for families who can handle cold gear and want a closer feel on the water.

A few specifics from the tour conditions:

• Minimum age is 8 years old, or 130 centimeters in height
• Most travelers can participate
• Maximum group size is 12, so you get a more controlled experience

If you are the type who likes to ask questions, you will likely enjoy the guide portion. On RIB tours, the most memorable moments often come from understanding what you are seeing, like why a whale surfaces where it does or what dolphin behavior might signal.

The honest downside: you do not control the weather, and you will get wet

Cold and rough water can be part of the package. Multiple people note that the ride can get wet and bumpy, and that you should pack for it. Even with the supplied overalls, plan for splashes and chilly air, especially when the boat is moving quickly in and out.

So if your travel style is to avoid anything physical or cold-weather related, this may feel like a hassle. If you can handle a splashy, wrap-up-your-face kind of adventure, it is a great way to spend your time in Húsavík.

Should you book Big Whales & Puffins from Húsavík?

Yes, if your priorities are close viewing odds, small-group access, and being out on the water where the crew can reposition fast when whales surface. It is especially worth it during puffin season if Lundey Island is on your wish list.

Book with realistic expectations, though. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and you will be on a RIB in real sea conditions, so dress for cold and wet. If you are flexible with timing and you want the kind of tour where the crew can actually chase good sightings responsibly, this is a strong choice in Húsavík.

FAQ

How long is the Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Husavík Adventures, Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík, Iceland, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What gear is included for the trip?

You get warm water-resistant overalls and a life vest. A raincoat is included when needed.

When can I expect puffins on this tour?

Puffin season is about 15 April to 20 August. Outside that time, the tour is Big Whales exclusive.

Is there an age limit?

Yes. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum onboard age is 8 years old or 130 centimeters in height.

What if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.