Húsavík in 1 Days - 3-hour whale watching cruise in Skjálfandi Bay
In Collaboration with North Sailing. Updated on February 24, 2026.
On this 3-hour tour you’ll explore Skjálfandi Bay from a traditional Icelandic oak boat operated by North Sailing. Look for whales, dolphins and sea birds while an English-speaking guide provides commentary. Warm overalls and raincoats are provided if needed; hot chocolate and traditional Icelandic cinnamon buns are served on the return. Please arrive at the ticket office in Húsavík no later than
This itinerary was created in collaboration with North Sailing, inspired by the tour Húsavík Original Whale Watching. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- 3-hour whale watching cruise in Skjálfandi Bay
- Sailing on a traditional Icelandic oak boat
- English-speaking professional guide
- Warm overalls and raincoats provided
- Hot chocolate and traditional Icelandic cinnamon buns on return
More than 3 itineraries in Húsavík.
Itinerary
Day 1
Meeting, safety briefing, 3‑hour whale watching cruise in Skjálfandi Bay and return refreshments.
Check-in at the Whale Watching Ticket Office (arrive 30 min before departure)
Arrive at the operator’s ticket office above the harbour (across from the church) to check in, collect any reserved overalls and confirm boarding. Guests must be checked in no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.
- Monday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Tuesday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Wednesday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Thursday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Friday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Saturday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a small daypack for layers and a camera — there’s limited sheltered storage on the boat.
- If you travel with a stroller, foldable models can be left at the ticket office; staff will advise where to store it safely.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before the listed start time to allow time for check-in, bathroom use, and fitting of warm overalls.
Boarding & safety briefing at Húsavík harbour
Short walk from the ticket office down to the harbour for boarding. Crew will conduct a safety briefing and fit lifejackets if required.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
Tips from local experts:
- Use the public toilets near the harbour before boarding — facilities on the boat are limited.
- Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes for the short harbour ramp and boarding; avoid flip-flops for safety.
- Follow crew instructions during boarding and seat families together; ask staff to reserve seats with the clearest views where possible.
3-hour whale watching cruise in Skjálfandi Bay
Guided whale watching cruise on a traditional Icelandic oak boat exploring Skjálfandi Bay. Watch for whales, dolphins and seabirds while the guide provides English commentary. Warm overalls and raincoats are available if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Dress in layers and use the provided overalls if it’s windy; even in summer the bay can be chilly and wet.
- Keep cameras and phones in a secure, water-resistant pocket or strap to avoid loss during active wildlife sightings.
- For children, bring motion-sickness remedies in advance if they are prone to seasickness — crew can advise on where to sit for a steadier ride (centre of the boat).
Return, disembark and refreshments
Disembark at Húsavík harbour. Hot chocolate and traditional Icelandic cinnamon buns are served as you return to the ticket office area.
- Monday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Tuesday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Wednesday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Thursday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Friday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Saturday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Have a lightweight towel or change of clothes for children in case outer layers are damp after the cruise.
- If you need a stroller or car seat retrieved, ask staff at disembarkation — they can help with stored items.
- Allow a short buffer after disembarkation for families to re-dress and use restroom facilities before leaving the harbour area.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Experience, Outdoor, Break |
Whale Watching from a Traditional Oak Sailing Boat
Why this experience
Whale watching in Húsavík means stepping aboard a traditional oak sailing vessel and drifting into Skjálfandi Bay with a captain who knows these waters like home. You're chasing humpback whales, minke whales, and harbor porpoises in one of Europe's most reliable spots—plus the chance to spot white-beaked dolphins and puffins in summer. North Sailing runs this experience with a philosophy that hasn't changed in decades: minimal engine use, maximum respect for the animals. You'll spend three hours on open water, bundled in warm layers, watching the bay wake up around you. The boat itself is the draw—wood and authenticity, not fiberglass and crowds.
Before you go
- Best time: Summer for peak whale activity and calm seas; autumn for fewer tourists and still strong sightings
- Budget: Bokun handles all pricing directly on the tour page
- Difficulty: Easy; no swimming or hiking, but dress warmly—it's cold on the bay even in summer
- What to bring: Waterproof jacket, thermal layers, wool socks, hat, gloves, camera with good zoom
- Getting there: Húsavík is 5 hours north of Reykjavík by car, or 45 minutes from Akureyri
- Accessibility: The boat has limited mobility access; ask the operator directly about your needs
Frequently asked questions
How long is the tour? Three hours on the water, including about 30 minutes of travel time to the bay and back.
What are the chances of seeing whales? The bay has a sighting success rate that makes Húsavík one of the most reliable whale-watching destinations in Europe. On rare days without sightings, you'll still see dolphins or puffins.
Is this suitable for children? Yes, children ages 4+ can join (younger with caution). The three-hour duration and cold water exposure are the main considerations. Bring seasickness medication if your family is prone to it.
What's included in the tour? The tour includes the three-hour boat experience, professional guide, and wildlife spotting. You book through TheNextGuide's Bokun integration with North Sailing—all pricing and booking details are handled on the tour page.
Will the boat rock a lot? The sailing vessel is stable and designed for open-water work. The bay is calmer than the open ocean, but expect gentle motion—not dramatic swaying.
Complete your trip in Húsavík
You might also enjoy the faster, more adventurous approach: Big Whales and Puffins RIB Boat Tour. Or choose the intimate, carbon-conscious option: Small Family-Run Sustainable Whale Watching.
Browse all Húsavík itineraries at TheNextGuide.
