Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

Whales feel close fast here. This RIB boat tour from Húsavík targets the productive waters of Skjálfandi Bay, where multiple whale species show up year after year, and the boat is small enough for small-group views.

I especially like the setup with a guide who focuses on you while the captain drives. You get live commentary plus the practical gear, including warm water-resistant overalls and a life vest that you must wear by law in Iceland.

The main thing to consider is that this is a fast boat on cold, wet water, so it can get rough and chilly, and wildlife sightings can still be hit or miss.

Key things I’d bet on

• Skjálfandi Bay search routes: many whale species visit the area each year, so you are not just hoping at one random spot
• Max 12 on board: a smaller RIB means better sightlines when something surfaces nearby
• Guide and captain roles: the driver focuses on the boat while the guide keeps the wildlife talk going
• Lundey stop in puffin season: puffin activity is a big part of the trip from about mid-April to mid-August
• Ethical close encounters: the crew changes speed and even uses propeller-off waiting periods to let whales set the pace

Skjálfandi Bay by RIB: why the ride style matters

This tour is built around the idea that whales move, and you need to cover ground fast. After leaving Húsavík, the RIB heads toward Skjálfandi Bay, a well-known feeding and activity area in northern Iceland. The boat’s speed is useful, because the captain can drive distance quickly between likely hotspots instead of getting stuck in one place.

The payoff is simple: you spend more of your two hours in “real whale watching mode.” On a bigger vessel, you can feel like you are watching from a long way off while the search takes time. Here, the RIB format is about positioning, not just cruising.

Boat size, crew setup, and guide time

One of my favorite details is the crew structure. The guide is separate from the driver, which means you are not competing with the captain’s attention every time something surfaces. Instead, you get continuous onboard explanation, with the guide pointing out what you are seeing and what to look for next.

That matters, because whales are not always obvious at first. A blow is brief, a dorsal fin can be quick, and dolphins can arc around the boat before you even realize you’ve found them. Having a dedicated guide helps you turn a random “maybe” sighting into something you can actually track.

The onboard setup also helps your viewpoint. The RIB seats up to 12 people, and with fewer bodies in the boat, you are more likely to get a clear angle when the captain lines up for a pass. In the feedback I saw, people consistently praised how easy it was to get good views from their spot, even when wildlife popped up unexpectedly.

The two-hour hunt: what you’re doing at sea

Plan for an action-focused itinerary. The trip runs about two hours, and it is paced around search and positioning rather than long sightseeing stretches.

Here’s how the rhythm typically feels:

1. Sail out from Húsavík toward Skjálfandi Bay
2. Scan and search while the crew looks for signs of whales and other marine life
3. Move when you need to, since whales do not wait for schedules
4. Short, purposeful viewing windows when animals are close enough to make the moment worth it

You should expect to see more than one kind of ocean life during the ride. Humpback whales and minke whales are commonly mentioned, and white-beaked dolphins and porpoises often show up with them. Even when whale sightings are slower to start, the boat trip itself stays engaging, because you are moving and reacting rather than drifting.

Also, this is a tour where conditions matter. If the sea state is rough, you still go, but the ride can be bumpy. The crew is focused on safety first, then comfort, then sighting opportunities.

Lundey puffins and the Tjörnes fossil coastline

This is not only a whale tour. In the right season, it’s a mix of marine giants and bird drama.

Lundey (Puffin Island) is the bird highlight. Puffin season runs roughly from April 15 to August 20. During that window, you can expect lots of puffin activity around the stop. Outside the puffin season, the tour shifts to big-whale focus only, so you should not count on puffins if you book outside those dates.

Between the wildlife moments, the route also includes stops for scenery and context. The Tjörnes peninsula is known for its fossil layers, including an especially ancient layer dating to about two million years ago. You won’t be doing a museum stop here, but you do get the sense that you’re sailing through a coastline with deep time baked into the rocks.

Dressing for cold spray: what to wear and what they provide

This is one of those tours where clothing makes or breaks the day. The bay can be cold, and the RIB is fast, so expect spray and wind.

Good news: the tour provides warm water-resistant overalls plus a life jacket. A raincoat is also included when needed. These are the kinds of Iceland “survival basics” that keep you functioning outside, even when you’d rather be indoors.

What you should bring yourself:

• A hat
• Gloves

Gloves and hats are not included, and this is not the place to show up with only thin liner gloves. Cold air can find gaps in your layers fast, and hands and head are what you miss first.

I’d also wear warm layers under the provided overall. Socks that fit well and stay dry matter more than you’d think, since cold can travel upward through shoes and cuffs.

If you are prone to getting chilled easily, you’ll be happier if you treat this like winter wear, even in summer.

Responsible viewing: getting close without stressing whales

Some whale watching tours feel like a race to the next surface. This one is explicit about respect for the animals.

The crew uses a Code of Conduct approach with distance-based rules. You’ll hear them change their behavior depending on how close the whales are:

• In farther search zones, they cover ground efficiently
• In approach zones, they slow down and position carefully
• In closer caution zones, the captain slows further or turns off the propeller, then waits so the whales can choose what happens next

They also aim to keep any single-animal encounter to a limited time window, so the whales are not forced into repeated interruptions.

From a visitor’s perspective, this does two things at once. It protects the animals, and it often makes the encounters feel more natural, including moments when whales approach calmly rather than reacting to pressure.

Price and value: is about $203.16 worth it?

At roughly $203.16 per person for about two hours, this isn’t a bargain. But it also isn’t just paying for a seat and a boat ride.

What you’re paying for:

• A small RIB with room for clearer viewing
• A guide separate from the driver, plus live commentary
• Warm water-resistant overalls and a life vest that you wear by law
• A route designed for active searching in Skjálfandi Bay
• Season-based access to Lundey for puffin viewing

If your goal is whales up close, a small RIB setup can be better value than a cheaper tour that leaves you far away. You may still have days where sightings are limited, but the format is designed to maximize time spent when animals surface.

For me, the value comes down to what you want most: a dramatic wildlife moment, not a long, slow cruise. If that’s you, the price can make sense.

Who should book, and who should plan a backup

This tour fits best if you:

• Want a fast search style with better odds of close sightings
• Feel comfortable in cold wind and wet conditions
• Want clear explanations from a dedicated guide
• Prefer a smaller boat environment over big-deck crowds

You might think twice if you hate bumpy rides, because getting on and off a RIB and traveling in changing sea conditions can feel rough. Also, if you are booking specifically for puffins, double-check your dates. Lundey puffin viewing is seasonal, roughly mid-April to mid-August.

And have a backup plan for wildlife expectations. Even with great crew skills, whales are wild animals. Weather can change what’s possible, and you do not get to control the ocean.

Should you book Big Whales & Puffins from Húsavík?

Yes, I’d book this if you want the best shot at quality wildlife encounters in a small boat, and you are willing to dress for cold spray. The two-driver setup, the warm gear, and the focus on ethical close viewing are real strengths.

If your travel dates fall outside the puffin season, book for whales and dolphin sightings, not bird guarantees. And if you are sensitive to rough water, treat this as an active ocean outing, then pack accordingly.

In short: if you want action plus responsible viewing in Skjálfandi Bay, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the Big Whales & Puffins RIB tour?

The tour runs about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

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

What’s included in the price?

You get a driver/guide, live commentary on board, warm water-resistant overalls, and a life jacket (compulsory by law). A raincoat is provided when needed, and taxes and fees are included.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat and gloves. They are not included. Warm layers under the provided gear are a smart idea.

Is the tour only whales, or are puffins included too?

It’s whales year-round. Puffins are included during puffin season, roughly April 15 to August 20. Outside that window, the tour is Big Whales exclusive.

What marine life might I see?

The area is known for multiple whales and other species. Commonly mentioned are humpback whales and minke whales, plus white-beaked dolphins and porpoises.

How many people are on the boat?

The RIB is set up for a maximum of 12 travelers, which helps keep viewing angles easier.

Are there age limits?

Yes. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum age onboard is 8 years old or 130 cm in height.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund.