Sightseeing Cruises

Husavik: Whale Watching & Puffin Boat Tour

Duration

3 hrs 30 mins

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

4.8/5(17)

Satu L

Couple

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

The staff were really nice and the guide Mark was excellent. Mark knew how to tell facts about the animals and was fun to listen to. We saw a few dolphins and lots of puffins and whales.

Spot whales and puffins in their natural habitat on a scenic cruise from Húsavík, guided by local wildlife experts.

Sail on a traditional oak boat to Puffin Island, home to over 100,000 puffins. They arrive here each summer to breed, nest, and raise their chicks along its rocky shores.

Hot chocolate and cinnamon buns served onboard make for an irresistible treat in Iceland’s crisp weather.

Warm overalls and raincoats will be provided if needed, so you can focus on the adventure, rain or shine.

The crew shares fascinating insights about local birds and whales, making the experience both fun and educational for all ages.

3.5-hour whale & puffin watching tour

Visit to Puffin Island

Whale watching near Husavík

Expert whale watching guide

Hot chocolate & cinnamon buns

Warm overalls & raincoats if needed

Hotel transfers

TOTAL DURATION3 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
Timeline
Map
Start point
North Sailing ticket office
Get direction
Passes By
Puffin Island
Skjálfandi Bay
End point
North Sailing ticket office
Get direction
Your ending point would be same as your start point

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

17 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from United States, Spain, Netherlands and over 9 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Satu L
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
The staff were really nice and the guide Mark was excellent. Mark knew how to tell facts about the animals and was fun to listen to. We saw a few dolphins and lots of puffins and whales.
Foutelet J
Group
Verified booking
Jun 2026
We really enjoyed seeing the whales, but we weren't at all impressed with "Puffin Island": we saw the island but not the puffins! It felt like a rip-off.
Peter H
Couple
Verified booking
Jun 2026
Great guide !! Saw Blue whale!
Ted B
Couple
Verified booking
May 2026
They delivered on finding whales and then the whales delivered by putting on a spectacular show! A hunpback breached twice for us close the the Bjossi Sor which was a once in a lifetime experience
Jerónimo B
Couple
Verified booking
May 2026
Magnificent and unforgettable experience. We were lucky enough to see two humpback whales very close up, and the team, formed by Marc, Daniel, and Robert, was exceptional at all times, sharing very interesting scientific facts that made the experience even better, if possible. Absolutely a must-do if you come to the north of Iceland.

Spot puffins and whales on a 3.5-hour cruise from Húsavík, guided by local experts with hot chocolate and cinnamon buns included.

Getting started

Check in at the harbor in Húsavík, where your crew will welcome you and provide warm overalls or raincoats if needed. After a brief introduction to the day’s route and safety, board the traditional wooden boat and set sail for Puffin Island.

Boarding point: North Sailing ticket office

What to expect

This half-day tour covers two key wildlife areas in North Iceland: Puffin Island, where over 100,000 puffins nest each summer, and Skjálfandi Bay, one of the region’s most reliable whale-watching spots. Puffin Island offers consistent sightings during breeding season, while the bay’s nutrient-rich waters attract various whale species for feeding.

Highlights

Puffin Island: Circle this bustling breeding ground, home to a large colony of Atlantic puffins from mid-April to late August. Over 60% of the world’s puffins breed in Iceland.

Whale watching: Scan the bay for humpback, minke, and other whales, guided by experts who share insights into local marine life and behavior.

Birdlife observation: Spot a variety of seabirds nesting and diving around the island, with the crew pointing out notable species.

Did you know? - Puffins can carry up to 10–20 fish in their beaks at once. Their tongues hold each fish in place while they keep catching more, making them some of the most efficient hunters in North Iceland’s waters.

What to bring

Warm clothing is recommended as weather conditions at sea can be unpredictable.

Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at check-in.

Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are advised for sun protection.

Camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.

What's not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted on board.

Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.

Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the tour.

Smoking is not permitted on the vessel.

Accessibility

This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

The tour operates daily from April to August and lasts approximately 3.5 hours.

Puffins are present from mid-April to the end of August, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Warm overalls and raincoats are provided if needed.

Hot chocolate and cinnamon buns are served on board.

Children aged 0–6 join for free but must be included in your booking.

The tour departs from Húsavík, Iceland. Please arrive at the meeting point at least 20 minutes before departure.

The experience may be subject to weather and sea conditions; in case of cancellation, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

In case you end up not seeing any whales, you'll be offered another whale-watching tour free of charge.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.