Whale Watching on a Traditional Oak Sailing Ship from Husavik

Imagine setting sail on a classic Icelandic schooner, where history and wildlife come together for a truly memorable adventure. This 3-hour whale watching tour from Húsavík, operated by North Sailing, offers an authentic experience aboard traditional wooden ships like the Haukur, Opal, and Hildur. The combination of sailing, whale spotting, and local storytelling makes it a delightful outing for those craving something beyond the typical boat trip.

What really shines about this tour is the chance to help sail the ship – whether hoisting sails or hauling ropes, you’re encouraged to become part of the crew. Add to that the warmth of special cold-weather suits and the cozy treats like hot chocolate and cinnamon buns, and it’s clear why many travelers find this experience charming and authentic. A potential hiccup might be the weather or shy whales, but even in less-than-perfect conditions, the knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery deliver plenty of value.

This tour suits travelers who love nature, appreciate traditional sailing, and want an engaging, relaxed way to observe Humpback whales and other marine life. It’s particularly appealing if you’re after a more eco-conscious, quieter whale watching experience, thanks to the electric schooner Opal option.

Key Points

• Authentic sailing experience: Help hoist sails and haul ropes on a traditional wooden schooner.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable narrations about whales and Icelandic sailing traditions enhance the trip.
• Comfortable gear: Cold-weather suits keep you warm and dry, even in Iceland’s unpredictable weather.
• Cozy refreshments: Cinnamon buns and hot chocolate bring warmth and comfort after the cruise.
• Flexible scheduling: Multiple departure times allow you to choose what works best.
• Weather-dependent: Conditions can affect whale sightings, but safety and honesty are prioritized.

An In-Depth Look at the Husavík Whale Watching Tour

Setting Out from Husavík: A Picture-Perfect Start

The adventure begins with a quick walk from the North Sailing Ticket Centre, located just across from Húsavík Church. The short stroll to the harbor makes it easy to arrive at your designated departure time, usually 30 minutes early, ensuring a smooth start. The harbor itself is charming, with lively boats and rugged coastline views setting the stage.

Boarding one of three traditional wooden schooners—the Haukur, Opal,, or Hildur—is like stepping back in time. These vessels, with their classic lines and sturdy build, offer a different perspective compared to modern, engine-powered boats. The Opal, in particular, is celebrated for being a carbon-neutral electric schooner, appealing to eco-conscious travelers eager to reduce noise pollution and minimize disturbance to whales.

The Sailing Culture: More Than Just a Boat Ride

One of the standout features of this tour is the chance to participate in sailing. Unlike typical whale watching trips where you remain passive, here you’re encouraged to lend a hand—hoisting sails or hauling ropes. This interactive element adds an authentic touch that many reviews highlight as a favorite part. It transforms a simple wildlife excursion into a hands-on experience rooted in Icelandic maritime tradition.

Reviewers have commented on the passion and professionalism of the crew, mentioning staff like Sitge, Alex, Sophie, Christian, and others, who are clear about their love for whales and sailing. Their narration weaves scientific facts with local lore, creating an engaging story that keeps everyone interested. Some guests mentioned that guides like Laura gave particularly excellent explanations, making whale behaviors and environmental issues accessible and memorable.

What to Expect During the Tour

The journey takes approximately three hours, with departure times offered to fit your schedule. Once underway, you’ll notice the special cold-weather suits provided—these are essential for Iceland’s often chilly, windy conditions. Designed to keep you warm and dry, they allow you to focus on spotting whales rather than battling the elements.

As you scan the waters, guides will point out humpback whales, dolphins, and other marine creatures, offering insights into their habits. Many reviewers mention seeing multiple humpbacks, some breaching or showing their flukes, which is a spectacular sight. For example, one guest was thrilled to witness three humpback whales with their flukes—a truly iconic moment.

The guides’ narration is appreciated for blending scientific knowledge with conservation messages, making the experience both educational and inspiring. If luck is on your side, you might see whales breaching, tail-slapping, or feeding—events that leave lasting memories.

Refreshments: Warm Comforts at Sea

After spending time searching for whales, the crew serves hot chocolate and cinnamon buns—a delightful treat to warm up and relax after the excitement. Reviewers consistently praise these small touches, noting they add a cozy, homely feel to the trip.

The Chance of Wildlife Encounters

While many guests enjoy seeing whales, some mention that wildlife is unpredictable. A few review comments highlight shy whales or limited sightings, often due to weather or the whales’ behavior. Nonetheless, even in less active days, travelers mention the peaceful sailing, the stunning scenery, and the informative guides making the trip worthwhile.

For instance, one reviewer said, “Whales were shy that day, but the staff was very kind, helpful, and professional.” Others appreciated the respectful approach of the operators, emphasizing that the focus is on environmental stewardship.

The Electric Schooner Alternative: A Quiet, Eco-Friendly Trip

If environmental impact is important, the electric schooner Opal offers a more silent and less intrusive experience. Reviewers noted that this vessel allows you to hear whales breathe and see their behaviors more clearly, thanks to the reduced noise pollution. It’s especially appealing for travelers seeking a calmer, eco-conscious adventure.

Pricing and Value

At around $106 per person for a 3-hour trip, this tour is priced fairly considering the interactive sailing experience, expert guides, and warm refreshments. Compared to typical whale watching tours, the value is increased by the authenticity and small-group atmosphere—with a maximum of 45 travelers, it feels more personal than large motorized vessels.

The flexible departure times also add to the value, allowing you to choose a slot that fits your schedule and possibly better weather conditions.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers who love sailing and want to connect with Icelandic maritime tradition. It’s also ideal for families, as children can help hoist sails and learn about whales in a laid-back setting. Eco-minded travelers will appreciate the electric schooner option, and wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the expert narration and stunning scenery.

However, if your main goal is to maximize whale sightings regardless of weather or if you prefer a more traditional motorized boat, you may want to consider alternative tours. Weather can influence sightings, but the tour’s emphasis on respect for the environment and authentic sailing experience remains a compelling draw.

Final Thoughts on the Husavík Whale Watching on a Traditional Oak Ship

This excursion offers a rare blend of authentic sailing and wildlife observation. Unlike typical whale tours, it emphasizes participation, allowing you to become part of the crew and connect deeply with Icelandic maritime culture. The guides’ knowledgeable commentary enriches the experience, turning a simple boat ride into an educational adventure.

The scenic beauty of Skjálfandi Bay, combined with the chance to see humpback whales up close, makes it a memorable outing. The warm cinnamon buns and hot chocolate provide comforting moments amid the chilly sea air, making it a cozy, inviting trip.

While wildlife sightings depend partly on luck and weather, the overall experience is about more than just whale watching — it’s about sailing tradition, respect for nature, and creating stories to tell long after you’ve returned home.

This tour suits those who value authenticity, environmental mindfulness, and interactive experiences. It’s a charming way to spend a few hours in Husavík, especially if you’re eager to learn about Icelandic sailing or want a quieter, less intrusive way to see whales.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can participate and even help sail the ship, making it a fun and educational outing for families.

What should I wear on the trip?
Warm clothing is recommended, especially in Iceland’s often windy and cool weather. The tour provides special cold-weather suits to keep you warm and dry.

Can I participate in sailing?
Absolutely. The tour encourages guests to help hoist sails and haul ropes, adding a hands-on element to the experience.

What are the departure times?
Multiple departure times are available, giving flexibility to fit your schedule. Be sure to arrive 30 minutes before your selected time.

What is the duration of the tour?
The trip lasts approximately 3 hours, including sailing, whale viewing, and refreshments.

What if I don’t see any whales?
If whales aren’t spotted during your trip, you’ll receive a full refund or a free ticket for another trip—a common practice to ensure customer satisfaction.

Are the boats environmentally friendly?
The Opal is a carbon-neutral electric schooner, designed to minimize noise and disturbance to marine life.

What refreshments are included?
Guests enjoy hot chocolate and cinnamon buns after the whale watching segment, perfect for warming up and relaxing.

How many people are on each tour?
Tours are capped at 45 travelers, offering a more intimate experience than larger motorized vessels.

To sum it up, the Whale Watching on a Traditional Oak Sailing Ship from Husavík combines authentic sailing, expert guidance, and stunning scenery to create a truly special Icelandic adventure. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, sailing lover, or eco-conscious traveler, this tour offers a balanced, memorable experience that’s worth every dollar.