Guide to Whale Watching in Húsavík, Iceland
Húsavík, often dubbed the "Whale Watching Capital of Iceland," is one of the premier destinations in the world for observing these magnificent marine creatures. Located on the northern coast of Iceland, the town is nestled on the shores of Skjálfandi Bay, known for its rich marine life and favorable conditions for whale watching. With a good chance of spotting humpback, minke, blue whales and even white-beaked dolphins this is a perfect stop on your Iceland Ring Road Driving Itinerary.
View - Humpback Whale
Activity Overview and Map
Operators: We used North Sailing and went on the Húsavík Original Whale Watching tour which can be booked directly through their website or on Get Your Guide
Arrive: Meeting point for the tour I Google Maps
Duration: The activity goes for 3 hours
Time Slots: They have multiple departures daily ranging from 8:30AM to 20:30 PM, I would aim to book a cruise in the morning between 8:30AM and 10:00AM.
Cost: 12,990 ISK I 140 AUD
Accomodation: Ideally stay in Húsavík itself, or alternatively in Mývatn (1.25 hours) or Akureyri (1 hour).
Highlights: A 3 hour cruise on a traditional Icelandic oak ship with an expert guide and marine biologists assisting you to spot whales, dolphins and sea birds in their natural habitat.
General Tips
Dress in layers, including a thermal base layer, fleece or wool middle layer. The tour company will provide you with a thick waterproof outer jacket.
If you are prone to seasickness, take medication at least an hour before departure.
Some tours offer hot drinks or light snacks, but it's a good idea to bring your own water bottle.
The town features only a small number of operators so it's recommended that you book in advance, especially during peak season.
Be patient, whale watching involves a bit of luck and patience. Whales are wild animals, and sightings can never be guaranteed, however the tour company boast a 97% average success rate of whale sightings, spanning over the last 3 decades. Enjoy the experience of being out on the water and appreciate any wildlife you do encounter.
After your tour, take time to explore Húsavík and enjoy other activities and attractions it has to offer.
VIewpoint - Husavik Harbour and Húsavíkurkirkja
Return to Húsavík
After you return from your whale watching tour take some time to look around Húsavík and potentially have some lunch at a local restaurant. This a great time to try some fresh seafood.
At the center of town is the iconic Húsavíkurkirkja, a picturesque wooden church, built in 1907. It is one of the town's major landmarks with its beautiful architecture and serene interior.
The town also has some Geothermal Sea Baths, which provide warm, mineral-rich water year-round with views of the Skjálfandi Bay and the Arctic Circle.
There is also a nice area to walk along the coastline, known as the Húsavík Cape, with an impressive lighthouse making for a great photography location.
Within the town center is also the Húsavík Whale Museum which offers a comprehensive insight into the marine life of the area, with a special focus on whales. It's a great way to learn more about the creatures you might have seen on your whale-watching tour. Your boarding pass from the tour also provides you with a 20% discount on the entry price.
Where to Next
Dettifoss: located 1 hours drive away from Húsavík, Dettifoss is one of Europe's most powerful waterfalls. Situated within the Vatnajökull National Park of Northeast Iceland, the fals offer a dramatic 44-meter drop with a width of 100 meters.
Goðafoss Waterfall: located only a short 35-minute drive away from Húsavík is Goðafoss, known as the “Waterfall of the Gods.” The reputation of this waterfall with its multiple viewing platforms has clearly cemented itself as one of Iceland’s Most Spectacular Waterfalls.
Mývatn: located 1.25 hours away from Húsavík is Lake Mývatn, an area known for its unique geological features, natural beauty and diverse birdlife. Within the wider lake region are opportunities to visit the Hverir Geothermal Area and the Dimmuborgir Lava Fields. These distinctive landforms of volcanic origin make it an incredible location to stop off on a wider Iceland Ring Road Itinerary.
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