Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík by Local Family Company

Imagine gliding across the calm waters of Skjálfandi Bay on a classic Icelandic oak boat, searching for the majestic humpback and blue whales. This tour, offered by a reputable local family company, promises an authentic and memorable encounter with Iceland’s famous marine giants — and it’s one that many travelers highly appreciate.

What really makes this experience stand out is the knowledgeable guides who bring both enthusiasm and expertise to the trip, along with the chance to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat. However, a potential snag is the weather — as with most outdoor adventures in Iceland, rough seas can turn the trip less enjoyable or even lead to cancellations. This tour is perfect for those who love nature, wildlife, and scenic boat rides, especially if you’re looking for a more intimate and authentic experience.

Key Points

• Authentic Icelandic Experience: Travel on a traditional oak boat, adding a rustic charm to your wildlife adventure.
• High Success Rate: The chances of seeing whales are reported to be between 97-99%, making it a very promising outing.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Matteo, Nicola, and Victoria are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, enhancing the trip.
• Weather Dependence: The tour operates in favorable weather, with cancellations and refunds possible if conditions are poor.
• Included Comforts: Warm safety overalls and rain jackets are provided, helping you stay comfortable despite Iceland’s unpredictable weather.
• Booking in Advance: Most travelers book about 36 days ahead, highlighting its popularity.

An In-Depth Look at the Whale Watching Experience

Starting Point and Duration

The tour begins at the meeting point in Húsavík, within walking distance from most accommodations, making logistics straightforward. The entire experience lasts roughly 3 hours, which is a manageable length that balances enough time at sea with not feeling overly exhausted.

The Vessel: Traditional Icelandic Oak Boat

Travelers will be aboard a classic oak boat, which adds to the charm of the adventure. This style of boat is not just picturesque but also smaller and more personal than large commercial vessels. It creates a cozy atmosphere and offers close-up views of the coastline and marine life.

What to Expect During the Trip

Expect to spend the first part of the trip cruising around Skjálfandi Bay and soaking in the stunning Vík mountains views. This area, a well-known marine mammal sanctuary, is perfect for spotting whales and other wildlife including puffins — some reviewers caught sight of puffins, adding a splash of color and cuteness to the trip.

The guides provide live commentary filled with insights about Iceland’s wildlife and culture, which makes the experience not just a boat ride but also an educational journey. Many reviewers appreciated guides like Matteo, Nicola, and Victoria, who were praised for their passion and knowledge.

Wildlife Encounters: What’s the Likelihood?

According to reviews and the tour description, the probability of whale sightings is exceptionally high — up to 97-99%. Multiple guests reported seeing anywhere from 2 to 6 whales, including humpbacks and even breaching whales. Some lucky travelers observed whales very close to the boat, and one reviewer even saw a humpback breach three times.

Along With whales, several reviews mention sightings of dolphins and puffins, making the trip more diverse and lively. This variety enhances the value of the tour, especially for those interested in a broader marine experience.

The Guides: Knowledgeable and Enthusiastic

The guides are a standout feature based on reviews. They don’t just point out whales but also share fascinating facts about marine mammals and local ecosystems. Victoria, who hails from Italy, was singled out for her passion and educational approach. Guests felt she added a personal touch that made the experience even more memorable.

Comfort and Practical Considerations

The tour provides warm safety overalls and rain jackets, which are essential given Iceland’s unpredictable weather and the wind-chill factor at sea. Many reviewers noted that the overalls kept them warm and dry, even when the boat was splashed.

Sea sickness is a potential concern, especially for first-timers or those sensitive to motion. One reviewer specifically advised bringing sea sickness remedies if you’re prone to nausea, as large waves can trigger discomfort. The boat’s size and the weather conditions influence how bumpy the ride might get, so packing some motion sickness tablets might be wise.

Group Size and Atmosphere

The tour caps at around 70 travelers, but reviews suggest most trips are comfortably sized. The atmosphere tends to be friendly and relaxed, with guides making an effort to engage everyone. Some reviews mention the boat being a bit crowded, but this seems a fair trade-off for a popular, high-chance wildlife tour.

Cost and Value

At approximately $93, the tour offers a solid value considering the high success rate of whale sightings, the quality of guides, and the authentic experience aboard a traditional vessel. Many travelers felt the price was justified given the unforgettable encounters and the educational component.

Cancellation Policy and Weather Flexibility

Since the tour is weather-dependent, cancellations are possible if conditions are poor. In such cases, travelers are offered a different date or full refund. The policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving some flexibility if plans need adjusting.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This whale watching adventure is ideal for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and families. It’s suitable for most travelers — children are welcome when accompanied by adults — and it’s especially appealing if you’re after an authentic, intimate experience with Iceland’s marine life. Those with a concern about sea sickness should pack remedies, and adventurers should be prepared for Iceland’s changeable weather.

However, if your trip coincides with rough seas or you’re a nervous sailor, it’s worth noting that the experience can be a bit intense, and cancellations may happen. Also, if you’re on a tight schedule, keep in mind that the trip can be canceled last-minute due to weather, so flexibility is key.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

In short, this whale watching tour from Húsavík offers excellent value for money and a genuine chance to see some of Iceland’s most impressive marine mammals. The use of traditional oak boats, coupled with passionate guides like Matteo, Nicola, and Victoria, creates a warm, authentic atmosphere that many travelers cherish.

The high sighting success rate and the opportunity to learn about whales and Icelandic wildlife make this a compelling choice for those who want more than just a boat ride — it’s an educational and awe-inspiring adventure.

The tour’s biggest advantages are the stunning scenery, the friendly guides, and the close-up encounters with whales. The main consideration is the weather, which can impact the experience, but flexibility and preparation can mitigate this.

All in all, if you’re seeking a memorable, authentic Icelandic experience that combines nature, culture, and adventure, this whale watching tour is a superb pick. Just remember to dress warmly, bring motion sickness remedies if needed, and prepare for some truly unforgettable moments at sea.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes about 3 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy the scenery and wildlife without feeling overly long.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Gentle Giants in Húsavík, which is within walking distance from most accommodations in town.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are allowed when accompanied by adults, making it a family-friendly activity.

What should I bring?
Bring warm, waterproof clothing and consider motion sickness remedies if you’re prone to nausea. The tour provides warm overalls and rain jackets.

What is included in the price?
The price covers a professional guide, live commentary, and safety gear like warm overalls and rain jackets.

What if I don’t see any whales?
If no whales are sighted, the tour does not offer refunds but may provide a voucher for a future trip, depending on availability.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, tours are canceled in poor weather, with options for a different date or a full refund if canceled.

Are electronic whale-finding tools used?
Guides do not use electronic equipment like drones or sonar, relying instead on visual spotting, which explains the high chance of sightings but also the variability.

How crowded are the tours?
Most trips are comfortably sized, with a maximum of around 70 travelers, but some reviews mention the boat being a bit packed.

What makes this tour special compared to others?
Traveling on a traditional Icelandic oak boat, guided by friendly, knowledgeable locals, and having a high success rate of whale sightings are its key highlights.

Embark on this whale watching adventure for a genuine taste of Iceland’s marine wildlife, and you’ll likely walk away with stories you’ll cherish for years.