Skjálfandi Bay feels like it’s built for whales. This Húsavík RIB tour mixes small-group seating with a fast boat that helps you get on the right spot quickly. I love that the guide focuses on you while the captain drives, so your questions get answered in real time. The main drawback is simple: it can be cold, wet, and bumpy, even when you’re bundled up.

The value here is the practical stuff that matters at sea: warm water-resistant overalls, a life vest you have to wear by law in Iceland, and a plan built around where marine life is likely to be in Skjálfandi Bay. I also like that the route shifts with the season, so you’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all “puffins for sure” promise.

Key things I’d watch for on this Húsavík RIB tour

• Up to 12 people means you actually see stuff when a whale surfaces
• Two-person setup (captain driving, guide doing commentary) keeps things organized
• Skjálfandi Bay is the search zone, with multiple whale and dolphin types possible
• Lundey (Puffin Island) is seasonal, roughly April 15 to August 20
• Responsible viewing rules include slowing down and sometimes turning the engine off in close zones

Skjálfandi Bay in a RIB, where Húsavík’s marine life shows up

If you’ve ever wondered why Iceland puts whales on a poster, Húsavík is one of the places where it stops being theory. The tour heads out into Skjálfandi Bay, an area where more than 10 whale and dolphin species visit each year. Expect a mix of possibilities, not a guarantee. The species that are commonly noted for this bay include humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises.

The big practical reason to pick a RIB for this kind of outing is speed and positioning. When you’re cruising in search mode, the boat can cover a lot of water quickly, which matters because whales are not waiting on a schedule. When something surfaces, a nimble RIB makes it easier to close the distance fast and get you a viewing window before the animal moves on.

I also like that the crew isn’t relying on one slow drift and hope. The whole rhythm of the experience is built around scanning, relocating, and then slowing down when you’re close. It feels like the crew is always doing two jobs at once: finding animals and then making the viewing respectful when you get there.

Two-person crew, small boat seats, and the gear that actually works

This is a small-boat whale watching style, with seats for up to 12 passengers. That sounds like a detail until you’re the one trying to see over a crowd. Here, the boat layout helps everyone get a fair angle when a whale comes up.

You’ll also notice the staffing structure right away. The guide is separate from the captain, so you’re not stuck with a single multitasking person trying to drive and explain at the same time. That separation means you get live commentary that stays focused on what you’re seeing. It also helps with the classic questions people ask out loud, like what kind of blow you’re looking at or why the animal is moving the way it is.

Gear is one of the reasons this tour works in Iceland instead of turning into a misery contest. You get warm water-resistant overalls and a life vest. The overalls are compulsory in practice, because the conditions out on the water can change quickly. Even in summer, the bay can feel cold, and you’ll want your insulation to be waterproof as well as warm.

One important detail: gloves and hats are not included. People often underestimate how much cold air bites once you’re moving and the wind finds you. In practice, bring a hat and gloves, and pack warm layers under the suit so you can stay comfortable even if you get a little damp.

And yes, the ride can get rough. Multiple experiences describe getting wet and feeling the bounce when the boat comes in and out. That’s not a reason to skip it, but it is a reason to dress like you expect spray and wind.

The 2-hour flow: from Husavík out to the whale search zone

The tour runs about two hours, and it usually starts at Húsavík Adventures on Garðarsbraut in Húsavík (640 Húsavík). You’ll head out by boat and then spend the time working the area around Skjálfandi Bay.

Here’s what I’d expect in real time. First, you sail out to the bay, and that’s when the guide starts building context. You’ll likely hear about where marine life tends to appear and what signs to watch for. Then the captain and guide shift into search mode. The RIB’s speed matters most during this phase because it lets the crew react quickly when they spot activity.

What’s special is how the “spotting” process turns into “viewing” once something is found. The boat can reposition fast, but when you’re close, they switch to a slower, gentler style. That shift is noticeable. Instead of rushing past the animal like a ride-once-and-go, you get a better chance to observe the behavior and not just catch a flash of a fin.

It’s still wildlife watching, so sightings can be hit or miss. On some days you’ll get more time with whales. On other days you may only see brief signs, like fins and quick surfacing. The upside is that the crew keeps moving with purpose, and the small group setup helps you make the most of whatever you do see.

Lundey (Puffin Island) plus Tjörnes fossil layers on the same route

The tour can include a stop at Lundey (Puffin Island), and it’s timed to the puffin season. Puffin season is roughly April 15 to August 20. Outside that window, the tours are Big Whales exclusive, so you should not plan on puffins if you’re traveling in the off months.

When puffins are in the picture, the vibe shifts from whales-as-giants to birds-as-energy. You can expect lots of puffins flying around, and you’ll often see them feeding and popping under the water. One key point: even when puffins are nearby, they are still wild. You might see activity close to the boat, but you shouldn’t assume the birds will come right up to you.

There’s also a bonus sighting stop away from pure wildlife. The route includes the Tjörnes peninsula, known for fossil layers, including one of the oldest estimated layers at about two million years old. You’re not going there on foot as a museum visit in this format, but seeing that coastline in context adds variety. It’s a quick reminder that you’re in a place with serious geological time happening all around you.

The drawback to planning around Lundey is timing. If you’re traveling outside the puffin dates, the name of the tour may still sound like puffins are part of the plan, but the focus changes to whales only. If puffins are your top priority, align your travel dates with the puffin season window.

Responsible whale watching: how close viewing stays respectful

This is one of the most important reasons people keep returning to Húsavík whale tours, and it’s not just ethics talk. Responsible viewing rules directly affect how the experience feels.

On this kind of tour, the crew follows a distance-based approach:

• In the search zone (over 300 meters), they move to find whales efficiently.
• In the approach zone (under 300 meters), they reduce speed and approach from the side, not head-on and not from behind.
• In the caution zone (under 100 meters), the captain slows further and can turn the propeller off, letting the whales choose where they want to go.

They also aim to limit how long they stay with a single animal, with a target of about 20 to 30 minutes. That time limit isn’t meant to rush you out. It’s meant to reduce stress on the animals.

In practical terms, you get the feeling of watching a living process, not a staged performance. When the engine slows or shuts down, the whole boat feels quieter and the whales feel less “managed.” And because you’re in a RIB with small-group seating, when you are close, you feel the thrill without needing to fight for a view.

What to pack: the cold-weather checklist that saves your trip

I’ll keep this simple. You will be on a windy boat. You will feel spray at times. And you will want comfort so you can actually enjoy what you came for.

Pack:

• Hat and gloves (not included)
• Warm layers you can wear under the overalls
• Extra socks if you run cold

What you can count on:

• Warm water-resistant overalls
• A life vest you must wear
• A raincoat when needed
• Live commentary during the ride

Also, if you’re sensitive to bumpy rides, this is a good place to plan your comfort. The RIB style is exciting, and that speed plus motion is part of the magic. But if you know you get knocked around by waves, dress for the bumpy part, not just the scenic part.

One little humor tip: bring gloves that you can actually use. You might be tempted to skip them if the weather looks nice at the dock, then remember why Iceland has wind as a personality.

Price and value: is $203.16 worth it for 2 hours?

At $203.16 per person, this is not a bargain by cruise-shore standards. But whale watching in Iceland is expensive for real reasons: boats run on fuel, crews have to be on call, and the experience depends heavily on safe operations at sea.

What you do get for the price, and what makes it feel fair:

• A small group on a RIB, which usually means better sightlines than larger boats
• Warm water-resistant overalls and a life vest, which you would otherwise have to rent or buy
• A guide who provides live commentary, plus the captain who can reposition fast
• The route includes both whale search time and a possible puffin stop in season
• Taxes and fees are included in the price

The value is also in the approach style. You’re not just looking from far away. The crew’s ability to move quickly, then slow down with care, is what turns “we saw some wildlife” into “we had a close encounter.”

If you’re deciding between a big ship whale tour and this RIB format, I’d lean RIB for two reasons: better views for more people, and more time with the action once a whale is spotted.

Who this Húsavík RIB tour fits best

This is a great fit for:

• First-time whale watchers who want close viewing without being crammed into a huge crowd
• People who like active, hands-on nature experiences, not just a passive cruise
• Families, with a minimum age requirement of 8 years old or 130 centimeters in height

It’s also well suited to people who appreciate a guided explanation while they watch. The guide stays engaged because they’re not stuck driving, and that usually makes the wildlife feel more understandable in the moment.

One scheduling consideration if you’re doing a multi-stop Iceland trip: this is based in Húsavík. If you’re arriving via an Akureyri cruise port, plan for transportation time. One past experience noted roughly an hour drive from the Akureyri cruise port to Húsavík, so don’t book this like it’s a quick walk.

Finally, it’s offered in English, so if you prefer another language you’ll want to double-check before you commit.

Should you book this Húsavík whale and puffin RIB tour?

I’d book this if you want real whale watching with close viewing potential and you’re okay dressing for wind and wet. The small-group up-to-12 setup and the RIB’s speed are a strong combo, and the two-person guide and captain style helps you get both spotting and information without chaos.

If puffins are your main goal, be careful with dates. Puffin Island, Lundey, is part of the plan during roughly April 15 to August 20. Outside that window, the tour becomes whales only, so the puffins may not happen.

If you’re the type who needs guaranteed sightings, adjust expectations. Wildlife can be hit or miss. Still, the operating style is designed to maximize your chances while keeping the animals’ space respected.

My call: this is one of the better ways to do Húsavík whale watching, especially if you value a small boat, warm gear, and a crew that focuses on safe, respectful close viewing.

FAQ

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

It runs for about 2 hours, approximately.

Where does the tour start in Húsavík?

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

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What should I wear or bring?

You’ll be provided with warm water-resistant overalls and a life vest. Gloves and hats are not included, and you should bring them because the bay can be cold.

Will I see puffins on every date?

Puffin Island is part of the experience during puffin season, roughly April 15 to August 20. Outside that season, the tours are Big Whales exclusive.

What happens if weather affects the tour?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel in advance for a full refund if you meet the 24-hour timing requirement.