Puffins and whales, fast and close. This Húsavík RIB speedboat tour takes you from harbor to Skjálfandi Bay to hunt for big whales, and in season adds a stop at Lundey Island for puffins. I especially like that it runs in a small group (12 seats or fewer), so you are not stuck behind a crowd, and the crew can reposition quickly when wildlife shows up.

I also like how seriously the trip takes safety and cold-weather comfort, with warm water-resistant overalls and life vests provided. A realistic consideration is that the bay can be cold and wet, and the ride can feel choppy, so you will want to dress for Iceland weather, not summer.

Key points before you go

• Skjálfandi Bay timing: More than 10 species show up here each year, and the guide works the area to maximize sightings.
• Fast RIB pursuit: When a whale surfaces, the boat can zip ahead fast, which helps you get better views.
• Lundey Island puffins in season: Puffin season runs about April 15 to August 20.
• Tjörnes peninsula pass-by: You see the fossil-layer coastline area, including a noted ancient layer about two million years old.
• Cold-weather gear included: Overalls are required by law in Iceland, and you get a life vest plus a raincoat if needed.
• English live guide: You get explanations on what you are seeing and how to watch responsibly.

A Speedboat Safari from Húsavík to Skjálfandi Bay

Húsavík is one of the best places in Iceland for whale watching, and this tour leans into that advantage with a RIB boat that is built for getting around fast. You start in town, then head out into Skjálfandi Bay, where multiple whale and dolphin species can show up.

The best part of the concept is the mix of speed and guidance. The captain and guide are not just scanning from far away. They actively search, and when they find something, you are positioned for viewing while still keeping a respectful distance.

This is also the kind of tour where “short and intense” works. In just two hours, you cover a lot of water, which matters because whales do not schedule themselves for your vacation.

Why Skjálfandi Bay Matters for Whale Odds

Skjálfandi Bay is the core of the experience, and it helps that the area is known for repeat wildlife sightings. The tour info specifically calls out that more than 10 species visit the bay every year, including humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises.

That list is more than trivia. It is your clue that you are not relying on one species to make the trip a success. Even when whales are active but not right where you expect, you still have a chance at dolphins, porpoises, and other local marine life.

Another smart detail is the boat size. With 12 passengers or fewer on board, you get a better chance of clear sightlines, and the crew can react faster without turning the experience into a long, slow queue of people peering over the same rail.

Lundey Island for Puffins, When Season Lets You

If you are traveling in the window when nature is in the mood for visitors, this is the highlight. The tour visits Lundey (Puffin Island) in late spring and summer, and puffin season runs roughly April 15 to August 20.

On Lundey, you get a photo stop plus a guided tour and wildlife viewing. The goal is not just to point your camera at birds. The guide’s job is to help you understand what you are seeing and how to behave around nesting birds so you do not add stress to the scene.

Outside puffin season, you should expect a different kind of trip. The tour notes that it becomes big-whales exclusive when puffins are not in the area, so your bird dreams will shift to whale focus. If you want both whales and puffins, plan your dates around that season window.

Practical tip: on a cold island coast, your hands matter. You will want gloves and a hat, and you should assume you will feel the chill during waiting time between sightings.

The Tjörnes Peninsula Fossil Layers, Quick But Interesting

Between the big moments, the ride also gives you something land-based to look at. You will pass the Tjörnes peninsula, a coastline area known for fossil layers, including a noted layer that is about two million years old.

This stop is not a museum tour. It is a reminder that Iceland’s marine world sits on top of very old geology. Watching whales today in a place shaped by deep time is the kind of connection that makes the trip feel more meaningful than a quick wildlife stop.

If the weather is gray and the sea is rough, this is still a useful distraction. It gives you a reason to lift your eyes from the water and look at the cliffs and coastline while you travel.

Boat Time, Safety, and the Cold-Weather Reality

This tour is built around being on the water, so you should plan for wet, cold, and wind. The included warm water-resistant overalls are compulsory to wear by law in Iceland, and you also get a life vest. A raincoat is provided if needed.

What I like about this setup is that it removes one of the biggest trip mistakes. People often show up with the wrong jacket or underestimate wind chill. With the overalls included, you are starting from a better baseline.

From the experience notes, I would still treat your comfort as your responsibility. Bring warm layers under the provided suit, and do not forget your hat and gloves. Gloves are not included, and the bay can be pretty cold, especially when the boat moves fast and you are exposed.

The ride can also be a little choppy. Some people with motion sensitivity report feeling fine because the boat is open air and fast, but that is not guaranteed for everyone. If you are prone to seasickness, consider packing your own remedy, since seasickness pills are not included.

Guides, Captains, and What They Add to Your Sighting

A whale-sighting tour lives or dies on what you do after you see something. This is where the guide matters, and this tour includes an expert whale-watching guide plus a captain on board.

The tour info emphasizes learning about local marine wildlife, and that shows up in the way the guide explains what you are seeing and how safety works on the water. In the experience feedback, guides are often praised for being professional, friendly, and energetic, with names like Austin, Ignacio, Martin, and Inaki showing up across trips.

One theme is how quickly they react. Several sightings are described as happening at close range once the boat gets there fast. That matters because whale behavior can change in minutes, and being able to reposition is part of why the RIB matters.

You also get the reminder that this is not a driving game. The crew aims for close views while respecting the animals, which is exactly what you want if you care about responsible wildlife watching.

Puffin Island vs. Pure Whale Focus, Know Which Version You Are Buying

The tour switches depending on the date. In the puffin season window (about April 15 to August 20), you get Lundey Island plus whale watching.

Outside that window, the route is still two hours, still a RIB search in Skjálfandi Bay, but the focus becomes big whales only. That does not mean it is less exciting. It just means your expectations should shift from bird-heavy photos to whale-heavy sightings.

If your goal is puffins for sure, lock in your travel dates early. If your goal is whales first and puffins second, you can be more flexible and still feel like you made a smart Iceland choice.

Price and Value: What You Are Paying For at $198

At $198 per person for a roughly two-hour outing, this is not a bargain. It is also not a random sightseeing boat ride.

You are paying for:

• A small group setup (12 seats or fewer), which increases the odds of good viewing.
• High-mobility RIB transport, which can chase sightings faster than larger vessels.
• Included safety and warmth, since overalls and life vests are part of the deal.
• Live English guidance, with explanations tied to what you are actually seeing.

In Iceland, whale watching pricing varies by boat type and group size, and the RIB format usually costs more for a reason. The value question is simple: if you care about getting close quickly when wildlife appears, a fast boat can make a real difference.

Also, this is a short duration tour. Two hours is long enough to cover significant water and still short enough to avoid turning your day into one long wait in the cold.

What To Pack so Your Tour Feels Easy

The basics are straightforward, but I would pack with intent. The tour suggests comfortable shoes, warm clothing, hat, and gloves.

Here is the practical version:

• Bring a hat and gloves, since gloves are not included.
• Wear warm layers under the provided overalls.
• Use comfortable, grippy shoes, because the boat and dock can be wet.
• If you are sensitive to motion, bring your own seasickness solution, since seasickness pills are not included.

One more small upgrade that can help: plan your clothing so you can move easily. You will be suited up, then adjusting layers as the wind changes, and you will feel better if you are not trapped in tight, hard-to-adjust clothes.

Who Should Book This RIB Whale and Puffin Tour

This tour fits best if you want action, not a slow cruise. You will likely enjoy it if you:

• Want whale watching with a fast vessel that can reposition quickly
• Prefer a smaller group for better sightlines
• Care about learning from a guide while you watch wildlife
• Travel during puffin season and want Lundey Island included

It is not suitable for everyone. The tour notes minimum age onboard is 8 years old or 130 centimeters in height. It also lists people under 4 ft 3 in (130 cm) as not eligible.

It is marked not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with heart problems, and anyone under age requirements. The provider also mentions that people with health issues can contact the local partner to arrange assistance, so if you are on the edge, it is worth checking before you book.

Quick logistics, so you show up calm and ready

Meet at Húsavík Adventures at Hafnarstétt 11, and plan to arrive about 30 minutes early. The tour info says the office is shared with the parent company North Sailing, and it is across from the famous church of Húsavík.

You should also be ready for the safety briefing. It sets expectations for how the crew drives, where you stand, and how you stay balanced on a moving RIB.

If the weather is rough or passenger numbers are low, the operator can cancel departures. If that happens, you should be offered an alternative departure or a full refund, so build a little flexibility into your Iceland days.

Should You Book This Tour?

Book it if you want the best shot at close wildlife viewing in Skjálfandi Bay and you like the idea of a small-group RIB run. The combination of speed, close-range potential, and real guidance is exactly what makes this kind of tour worth the price.

Skip it if cold weather comfort is a major concern or if you fall into the listed non-suitable categories, like back or heart problems, or if you are traveling with a younger child below the height or age rules. In those cases, you will likely be happier on a different style of whale watching that better matches your needs.

If you are on the fence about puffins, book around April 15 to August 20 for Lundey Island. If your dates fall outside that window, you should still feel good about the whales-only version, just plan for a different highlight.

FAQ

How long is the Húsavík Big Whales and Puffin Island speedboat tour?

The duration is 2 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is listed as $198 per person.

Do I get to visit Puffin Island every time I book?

Puffin season is about April 15 to August 20. Outside that time, the tour is big-whales exclusive.

What animals can I expect to see?

The tour operates in Skjálfandi Bay, where more than 10 species are known to visit yearly. Examples listed include humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises. In season, you also visit Lundey Island for puffins.

What should I bring with me?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a hat, and gloves. The hat and gloves are specifically called out because the bay can be cold. Gloves are not included.

Are warm suits and safety gear included?

Yes. Warm water-resistant overalls are included and are compulsory to wear by law in Iceland. Life vests are also included, and a raincoat is provided if needed.

Is the guide English speaking?

Yes. The live tour guide language is English.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether your priority is puffins or whales, and I will help you decide if this tour matches your dates.