Iceland Whale and Puffin Watching Tours 

What to bring

• Dress for the weather and layer up.
• Bring a hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes suitable for the boat deck.
• Thermal overalls, life vests, gloves, and goggles are provided for your comfort and safety.
• Sunglasses, cameras, or phones are welcome but at your own risk. Bags are not allowed onboard, but can be stored at the office.

What’s not allowed / Restrictions

• This tour is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant guests, or those with back, knee, or mobility issues.
• Participants must be at least 145 cm (4 ft 8 in) tall, weigh no more than 140 kg (309 lbs), and be able to sit in the RIB’s saddle-style seats comfortably.

Accessibility

• This tour is not wheelchair accessible and may not suit those with mobility challenges.

Additional information

• Arrive at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour at least 30 minutes before departure to check in.
• The tour runs from April to October and the puffin season is from April to August.
• The experience lasts approximately 2 hours and requires a minimum of 2 passengers to proceed. If minimum numbers aren’t met, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.
• Whale and dolphin sightings are never guaranteed. If no wildlife appears, you’ll be offered a complimentary ticket valid for the Classic Whale Watching tour.
• All encounters follow a responsible whale-watching code of conduct, keeping a safe distance to minimize disturbance.
• You are required to sign a safety waiver confirming that you are physically fit for the tour.

Inclusions #

• Small group RIB boat tour

• Guidance from marine biologist

• Access to crew photos

• 2-hour whale & puffin watching tour

• Specially trained whale-watching guide

• Fully certified RIB boat captain

• Warm overalls, gloves, goggles

• All necessary safety equipment

Experience Reykjavík’s vibrant birdlife on a close-up puffin watching cruise

• Starting point: Depart from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour
• Everything you get: Step aboard Old Skúli, a shallow-draft boat specially designed to bring you closer to the nesting grounds than any standard vessel can. Enjoy a guided cruise led by experienced wildlife experts with over 20 years in the region.
• Sights covered: Glide across Faxaflói’s calm inshore waters, taking in Reykjavík’s skyline from the sea before reaching Akurey. Watch them dive, flap, bob on the waves, and tuck into their burrows along the island’s grassy slopes.
• Why choose this: This tour gives you the rare chance to approach Reykjavík’s puffin colonies at eye level, aboard a purpose-built boat. With live commentary, guaranteed puffin sightings, a quick travel time, and panoramic views of the city and its offshore islands, it’s one of the most effortless wildlife experiences you can have from Reykjavík.

Inclusions #

• Traditional wooden boat tour

• 100% guaranteed puffin sightings

• Knowledgeable guide

• Small-group experience

• Binoculars on board

• App available in 5 languages

Exclusions #

• Transfers

• Food and drink

What to bring

• Temperatures on the water can feel cooler than in the city. Dress warmly in layers.
• A windproof or waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended.
• If you’re sensitive to motion, bring seasickness medication as the ride can be bumpy on windy days.
• A valid photo ID is required at check-in.

What’s not allowed

• Outside food and drinks should not be brought on board.
• Pets are not allowed, with the exception of registered service animals.
• Alcohol, drugs, and boarding under the influence are strictly prohibited for safety reasons.

Accessibility

• Accessibility varies depending on the vessel used. Old Skúli has limited space, so guests using wheelchairs may not be able to board comfortably.

Additional information

• Tours are weather-dependent and may be cancelled if sea conditions are unsafe. In the event of a cancellation, you’ll receive a full refund.
• You may cancel your booking up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
• The boat ride to Akurey is short but can be choppy. Carry motion sickness medication if you’re prone to seasickness.
• Binoculars are available on board to help you get an even closer look at the puffins.
• An expert guide will be on board, and the Special Tours Iceland app (available in 5 languages) offers additional text and audio commentary.
• Parking is not available directly at the harbour, but there are several paid parking spots and a nearby parking garage within walking distance.

Combine whale watching and puffin spotting on a scenic cruise from Husavik, two Icelandic icons in one trip.

• Starting point: Husavik's Harbour. No road transfer included.
• Everything you get: 3.5 hour whale- and puffin-watching tour on a traditional oak boat, with hot chocolate and cinnamon buns served onboard, indoor and outdoor seating, and expert crew commentary.
• Species spotted: Humpback whales and minke whales are regularly seen in the bay. Puffins nest on Puffin Island from mid-April to late August.
• Why choose this: Combines two of North Iceland's most iconic wildlife experiences in a single cruise, with dedicated time for both puffins and whales

Inclusions #

• 3.5-hour whale & puffin watching tour

• Visit to Puffin Island

• Whale watching near Husavík

• Expert whale watching guide

• Hot chocolate & cinnamon buns

• Warm overalls & raincoats if needed

Exclusions #

• Hotel transfers

What to bring

• Dress warm as weather conditions at sea can be unpredictable.
• Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at check-in.
• Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are advised for sun protection.
• Camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted on board.
• Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
• Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the tour.
• Smoking is not permitted on the vessel.

Accessibility

• This experience is wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

• The tour operates daily from April to August and lasts approximately 3.5 hours.
• Puffins are present from mid-April to the end of August, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
• Warm overalls and raincoats are provided if needed.
• Children aged 0–6 join for free but must be included in your booking.
• The tour departs from Húsavík, Iceland. Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15-20 minutes before departure.
• The experience may be subject to weather and sea conditions; in case of cancellation, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
• If you don't see any whales, you will be offered another whale-watching tour free of charge.

High-speed RIB tour for close-up whale and puffin encounters in Husavik’s Skjálfandi Bay.

• Starting point: Husavik harbor. No road transfer included
• Everything you get: 2-hour adventure on a modern 12-seater RIB speedboat, English-speaking wildlife guide, live commentary, visit to Puffin Island (April 15-August 15), close-up whale watching, waterproof overalls, and life vests for warmth and safety.
• Species spotted: Look for humpback whales and blue whales in Skjálfandi Bay. Puffins can be observed on Puffin Island during nesting season
• Why choose this: With small group sizes and a fast RIB boat, this tour delivers a personal, up-close experience. Spot more wildlife in less time.

Inclusions #

• 2-hour whale watching tour on an RIB speedboat

• English-speaking expert guide

• Small group (12-seater boat)

• Warm & waterproof overalls & life vests

Exclusions #

• Food & drinks

What to bring

• Bring warm and waterproof clothes, sturdy footwear, and protective bags for cameras as it can be cold and wet out at sea.

What's not allowed

• This experience is not suitable for pregnant women or those with heart or back conditions.
• This experience is not allowed for guests under 8 years and those under the height of 130 cm (4.25ft).

Additional information

• The puffin season typically runs from April 15 to August 15.
• For your safety and comfort, tours may be rescheduled or altered on short notice due to weather or sea conditions. This may include skipping the visit to Puffin Island.
• Sightings are highly likely (up to 99%) but not guaranteed; if no whales or dolphins appear, you can join a GG1 Whale Watching tour free of charge, subject to availability.
• Tours require a minimum number of participants; if not met, departures may be changed or canceled, with alternatives offered.

Traditional oak-boat whale watching in Europe's whale capital with expert guides and rich marine life.

• Starting point: Husavik Harbor, Iceland’s whale-watching capital
• Everything you get: A 3-hour whale-watching cruise on a traditional oak boat with an expert wildlife guide offering live commentary. Stay warm with included overalls and rain jackets as you explore Skjálfandi Bay’s rich marine life and stunning scenery.
• Sights covered: Spot humpback whales, blue whales, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seabirds, and experience sweeping views of Skjálfandi Bay and surrounding mountains.
• Why choose this: With near-guaranteed sightings and expert guidance, it’s your best shot at seeing whales on your very first try.

Inclusions #

• 3-hour whale-watching boat tour on a traditional Icelandic oak boat

• English-speaking specialized wildlife guide

• Thermal suits & safety gear

• Rain jackets (if needed)

Exclusions #

• Hotel pickup & drop-off

• Food and drinks

• Seasickness medication

What to bring

• You should dress in warm layers, including thermal base layers and a fleece or sweater.
• A waterproof and windproof jacket will help protect you from sudden weather changes.
• Make sure to wear closed, warm shoes or waterproof boots for comfort at sea.
• Bringing a hat, gloves, scarf, and extra woollen socks will keep you better insulated.
• Cameras and phones are recommended to be stored in protective waterproof bags to prevent damage.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen can help with glare and UV exposure on the water.
• Seasickness medication is recommended if you are prone to motion sickness.
• Carrying a small backpack with snacks, a water bottle, and optional binoculars can enhance your trip.

What’s not allowed

• Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes, is prohibited on all boats and premises.
• Large bags or bulky backpacks are not permitted on board due to limited space.
• Drones are not allowed on any scheduled tours.
• You're not allowed to get alcoholic beverages on board.

Accessibility

• Guests using wheelchairs can join the tour aboard the larger oak boat Sylvía, depending on conditions.
• Assistance may be required when boarding due to the narrow entrance of approximately 57 cm.
• The crew is available to help, although full lifting support must be provided by accompanying companions.
• Afternoon or evening departures offer more space and may be more comfortable for guests with mobility needs.
• Informing the operator in advance ensures that the crew can prepare appropriate assistance.

Additional information

• Arriving at least 40 minutes before departure ensures enough time for check-in and boarding.
• Tours may be altered or cancelled due to weather changes to maintain guest safety and comfort.
• A free return voucher is offered if no whales or dolphins are seen during the tour.
• Children are required to wear life jackets, which are provided by the crew.
• Although toilets are available onboard, guests are encouraged to use on-land facilities beforehand.
• Food and drinks are not sold on the boats, so guests should bring their own if needed.
• The operator does not provide secure luggage storage and cannot take responsibility for personal items.
• Boats remain within Skjálfandi Bay, where rich wildlife offers the best viewing opportunities.

Small group Eyjafjörður cruise capped at 30 guests, run by a local captain and guide for a warm, personal time on the water.

• Starting point: Board at the wooden pier in Hjalteyri harbor.
• Everything you get: Professional guide with live commentary, 2.5 hr cruise, safety briefing, plus hot drinks, water and a sweet treat on board.
• Species spotted: Humpback whales are the most frequently sighted species in Eyjafjörður, often seen surfacing, diving, and displaying their flukes.
• Why choose this: Family-run boat that treats you like a local guest, ideal if you care about genuine hospitality on the fjord.

Inclusions #

• 2.5-hour whale watching cruise from Hjalteyri

• Small group experience (max 30 passengers)

• Local captain with lifelong experience at sea

• Professional guide providing engaging insights & live commentary

• Hot drinks on board (coffee, hot chocolate & tea), water & a sweet treat

• Safety briefing before departure

Exclusions #

• Round-trip hotel transfers

What to bring

• Bring your mobile or printed voucher to present at the wooden pier meeting point.
• Dress warmly in windproof layers, as Icelandic weather and sea air can feel very cold.
• Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip that are suitable for a wet boat deck.

What’s not allowed

• Do not attempt to touch or feed any whales, dolphins, or seabirds during the tour.

Additional information

• Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, but the chances of seeing whales in Eyjafjörður are high.
• The tour is suitable for all ages, so families with children are welcome on board.
• Please arrive at the pier at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
• The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours from departure to return.

Intimate whale cruise for max 30 guests, with a relaxed pace and commentary tailored to cruise passengers' short time ashore.

• Starting point: Pick up at Akureyri Cruise Port, bus transfer to Hjalteyri harbor, where you board your whale watching boat.
• Everything you get: Professional guide and local captain, Wi-Fi, safety briefing, live commentary, a sweet treat, plus hot drinks and water on board.
• Species spotted: Whale and dolphin species are identified on board by your guide, who explains each animal's behavior and surfacing patterns.

Inclusions #

• Round-trip transfer from Akureyri Cruise Port

• Small group experience (max 30 passengers)

• Professional guide & local captain

• Live commentary & safety briefing in English

• Hot drinks on board (hot chocolate, coffee, and tea), water & a treat

• Wi-Fi on board

Exclusions #

• Meals

• Guarantee of wildlife sightings

What to bring

• Bring your voucher on your phone or printed to show at pick-up and before boarding.
• Dress warmly in windproof layers, as Icelandic weather changes quickly.
• Wear closed shoes with good grip that are suitable for a wet boat deck.
• Bring a hat and gloves, as it can feel much colder on the water than on land.

What’s not allowed

• Do not attempt to touch or feed any wildlife during the cruise.

Additional information

• Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, although chances of seeing whales are high.
• This experience is suitable for all ages.
• Your drop-off will be at the same place where you were picked up.
• You must be at the meeting point before departure, as the bus waits a maximum of 10 minutes.

Family-run whale watching in Húsavík aboard either a traditional oak boat or Vinur, the only whale-watching vessel with indoor seating.

• Starting point: Depart from Húsavík Harbour. No road transfer included.
• Everything you get: Experienced local captain, knowledgeable guide, flotation suit, children's lifejackets, and a discount for the Húsavík Whale Museum.
• Species spotted: Humpback whales are frequent visitors to Skjálfandi Bay. Minke whales and white-beaked dolphins are commonly seen. Blue whales appear occasionally.
• Why choose this: Choose between open-deck viewing or the comfort of indoor seating while exploring one of Iceland’s premier whale-watching bays.

Inclusions #

• 3-hour whale watching cruise from Húsavík

• Windproof & waterproof flotation suits

• Highly qualified guides

• Safety equipment, including life jackets

• 20% off on Whale Museum entrance

Exclusions #

• Food and beverages

What to bring

• Bring warm clothes, including layers, a hat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes; safety overalls are provided, but it is colder at sea.
• Bring sunglasses or ski goggles with good UV protection; reflections from the sea can be very strong.
• Bring a camera or phone; a strap is recommended for safety.
• Carry light snacks & water; no service available on the boat.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed on the boat; only bring necessities.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
• Smoking onboard is strictly prohibited.
• Drones are prohibited on the tours.
• Single-use plastic is not allowed onboard; carry back all the waste to land.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• Infant seats are unavailable on board.

Additional information

• The tour operates on two different boat types, depending on the season. Vinur is a ferry-style boat with heated indoor space & multiple outdoor viewing platforms; operates from March to December.
• Moby Dick is a traditional Icelandic oak boat with a wide open deck; operates in July, August, & September.
• If you're traveling with infants, they must sit on your lap; infant seats are unavailable.
• Whale and dolphin sightings are not guaranteed. If neither are seen, you may join another tour (subject to availability); refunds are not provided.
• If you have big bags or luggage, they can be stored at the office before boarding.

Whale watching aboard a traditional Icelandic oak ship operated by one of Husavik's pioneering whale-watching companies.

• Starting point: Depart from Husavik Harbour. No road transfer included.
• Everything you get: A 3-hour cruise on a traditional Icelandic oak ship, guided by whale watching experts, with warm overalls and raincoats provided if needed. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cinnamon cookies as you spot whales, dolphins, and seabirds in their natural habitat.
• Species spotted: Minke whales and humpback whales are regularly seen in Skjálfandi Bay. Dolphins and blue whales are also possible sightings.
• Why choose this: With a 97%+ success rate for whale sightings and cruises aboard traditional Icelandic boats, this is a must-do experience for wildlife lovers.

Inclusions #

• 3-hour whale watching tour

• Sail on a traditional Icelandic oak ship

• See minke whales, breaching humpbacks, dolphins & blue whales

• Expert whale watching guide

• Hot chocolate & a cinnamon cookie

• Warm overalls & raincoats (upon request)

What to bring

• Dress warmly and in layers, as weather conditions at sea can be cold and unpredictable.
• Bring a hat, gloves, and scarf for added warmth.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended for sun protection.
• Bring a camera or binoculars if you wish to capture wildlife sightings.
• Carry a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at check-in.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted on board for safety reasons.
• Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
• Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the tour.
• Smoking is not permitted on the vessel.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

• Warm overalls and raincoats are provided if needed, but it is best to dress appropriately for the weather.
• Suitable for all ages. Children under 7 years join for free but must be accompanied by an adult.
• Complimentary hot chocolate and cinnamon cookies are served on board.
• Tours depart from Húsavík, Iceland. Please arrive at the departure point at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
• Whale sightings are highly likely but cannot be guaranteed, as these are wild animals in their natural habitat.