Big whales move fast in a RIB. I love how the speedboat can chase a whale sighting quickly, and I love the 12-seat group for cleaner views. The drawback: it’s cold and wet out on Skjálfandi, so you need real warm layers and good gloves.

Skjálfandi Bay is one of Iceland’s whale hot spots, with humpbacks, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises showing up in the region. During puffin season you also swing by Lundey Island for a guided stop and photo time with these bold seabirds.

If you’re traveling with kids, plan around the minimum age/height limits, and note that puffins run roughly April 15 to August 20; outside that window, it’s big whales only.

Key Things I’d Watch For on This Húsavík RIB Tour

• A small 12-seat RIB means you usually don’t end up stuck behind someone’s head when a whale surfaces.
• Skjálfandi Bay wildlife variety includes humpback and minke whales, plus dolphins and porpoises.
• Lundey Island puffins are seasonal (about April 15–August 20). Off-season becomes big-whale only.
• Warm water-resistant overalls are included and required in Iceland, which helps a lot with comfort.
• Guides and captains with strong marine focus: you may hear from crews led by names like Austin, Ignacio, Inaki, Martin, Zina, and Sofie.

From Hafnarstétt to Skjálfandi Bay: The Part Where You Get Moving

This tour starts in Húsavík at Hafnarstétt 11, meeting at the ticket office about 30 minutes before departure. You’ll go through a safety briefing and then get geared up in the warm, water-resistant overalls (life vests are part of the deal too). In Iceland, that “wet-cold” feeling can sneak up on you fast, so the early focus on getting dressed right is more than formality.

Once you’re aboard, the tone is adventure. These RIB boats are built for speed and maneuvering, which matters in whale watching. When a whale exhales, surfaces, or changes direction, you want your boat to react quickly. That’s the advantage of a small, fast platform versus slower vessels that can only follow at a cautious pace.

Why the RIB format is worth caring about

On many big tours, you’re waiting for the ship to relocate. Here, the faster boat helps the captain chase new sightings sooner—so you’re more likely to catch the moments when whales actually show themselves (breaches, tail slaps, and quick surface appearances).

And yes, the ride can be choppy. One guest described it as a little “choppy but fun,” and that matches the reality of open water. If you’re the type who stiffens up on rough seas, go in with the right clothes and expectations rather than hoping for perfect calm.

Getting Dressed Like a Pro: Warm Overalls and What They Don’t Solve

The tour includes warm water-resistant overalls, a life vest, and a raincoat if needed. That’s a big deal for value, because outdoor cold-weather gear costs money if you don’t already have it. It also makes the experience more accessible: you don’t need to arrive in waterproof everything.

But the included gear still won’t replace good personal planning. Gloves and hats are not included, even though you’re likely to want them. Multiple guests specifically called out cold hands as the main problem, even when the overalls kept them mostly comfortable. Pack your own gloves and hat, and you’ll avoid the frustration of cold fingers cutting the fun short.

Small comforts that make a difference

One guest wished the tour offered hot drinks or snacks afterward. That’s not something you should count on. Still, you can treat that as a “bring a plan” tip: if you want something warm after, decide where you’ll go next in Húsavík so you’re not hunting around while chilled.

The Main Whale-Watching Zone: Skjálfandi Bay’s Best Moments

Skjálfandi Bay is the heart of the action. The area is known for regular visits from several species, including humpback whales and minke whales, along with white-beaked dolphins and porpoises. The tour is designed to cover distance to increase your odds of finding wildlife and then getting in position when it shows up.

This is also where the guide/captain partnership really matters. A well-run whale watch isn’t just about “spot and go.” It’s about reading behavior—how whales surface, how they feed, how dolphins move around the boat. One review even mentioned a crew made up of marine biologists, which helps explain the calm, structured search style.

What you might see (and why it feels so close)

When conditions cooperate, this style of boat can get very near. One guest reported getting within about 50 meters of where whales surfaced after feeding dives. Another described multiple humpbacks, plus a seal. Those kinds of close sightings are exactly what a faster RIB helps with: the boat can relocate quickly once a whale is spotted far off.

You should also expect variety. Guests reported:

• humpbacks (often)
• minke whales (on some trips)
• dolphins
• seals
• and even rarer surprises like a walrus in the mix

The key point for you: this is not a floating bus tour. It’s an active search with quick pivots, which makes the wildlife sightings feel more like a hunt—with the payoff being those sudden, up-close moments.

Puffin Island on Lundey: Best If You’re Here in Peak Season

Lundey Island (Puffin Island) is the standout add-on when puffins are around. Puffin season is about April 15 to August 20. During that window, you’ll get a photo stop and a guided island visit, plus scenic views on the way.

What makes Lundey special is the density of seabirds. In-season, guests described seeing huge numbers of puffins—sometimes with the feeling that they’re everywhere, flying low or moving along the water. If you’ve only ever seen puffins in photos, this is the moment where they go from cute to real.

A quick reality check: timing and weather

The island stop depends on being within puffin season and operating safely in the conditions that day. If weather is rough, boat operations can change. The operator reserves the right to cancel departures for bad weather or insufficient passengers, and you’ll be notified in advance if that happens.

If puffins are the main reason for your trip, it’s smart to choose dates in the middle of the season rather than right at the edges.

The Tjörnes Peninsula Fossil Layers: A Scenic Bonus With Real Scientific Weight

Between the main whale-searching water and the Lundey area, you may also pass the Tjörnes peninsula, known for fossil layers. The most ancient layer mentioned is about two million years old. It’s not a museum stop, and you won’t be walking through geology labs—but the view adds context.

This is one of those “I didn’t come for geology, but I’m glad it’s here” moments. It helps you feel like you’re not just cruising for animals; you’re moving through a coastline with deep-time history.

What the 2 Hours Feels Like: Fast, Focused, and Built for Action

The total duration is about 2 hours, so the tour doesn’t drag. That matters in Iceland, where weather and daylight can change the whole day plan.

Here’s the overall flow you can expect:

• Meet early, get briefed, get suited up
• Head out into Skjálfandi Bay for whale watching
• In season, stop at Lundey Island for puffins and photos
• Spend the final stretch searching and positioning around marine life
• Return to Hafnarstétt 11

Because the boat carries 12 passengers or fewer, you’re not competing for visibility. That’s a quiet quality-of-life upgrade. On a bigger boat, you’d often spend time craning your neck and trying to see around strangers. Here, the smaller layout helps.

Safety, Seasickness, and Comfort: The Stuff You Actually Need to Know

Safety is handled through a safety briefing, and you’ll wear life vests. Overalls are compulsory by law in Iceland, and they’re included here, which covers a lot of the comfort problem.

Seasickness: not guaranteed, but you can stack the odds

Some guests said they didn’t struggle with motion sickness, even though they sometimes get it on boats. One reason mentioned was the open-air feel and the speed. Still, RIBs can move, and it can be choppy. If you know you’re sensitive, bring your own seasickness solution rather than hoping it’ll magically be fine.

Health considerations

This tour is not suitable for:

• pregnant women
• people with back problems
• people with heart problems
• people under 130 cm (or under 8 years old)

If you have health issues like a weak heart, bad back, epilepsy, or mobility concerns, the operator says you can contact them for assistance arrangements.

Guides and Captains: Why Their Style Can Change Your Whole Trip

A big part of the value here is the human factor. Multiple guests praised guides by name, including Austin, Ignacio, Inaki, Martin, Zina, and Sofie (captain), plus mention of Roby as a boat driver. The common thread: people felt safe, informed, and energized by the way wildlife was discussed.

This matters because whale behavior can be subtle. A guide who can explain what you’re seeing (breaching vs feeding vs surface patterns) turns random “spouts in the distance” into an actual story.

And if you’re lucky, you get real closeness. One guest described watching whales feeding and spending time alongside them, which is exactly what you hope the guide and captain can pull off on the day.

Price and Value at About $198 Per Person

At $198 per person for roughly 2 hours, the question isn’t whether it’s cheap. It’s whether it’s good value for what you get.

You’re paying for:

• a fast RIB boat that can chase sightings
• a small group size (12 seats or fewer)
• warm overalls and life vests included
• a guided experience in Skjálfandi and, in season, Lundey Island

Compared with larger whale ships, the speed and smaller group often mean more “time actually watching wildlife,” not just time waiting for repositioning. If you care about seeing more than just far-off blows, this format is a smart investment.

The main value warning is simple: if you hate being cold and wet, you’ll feel it no matter how good the overalls are. Plan to dress for it, and you’ll be happy you didn’t cheap out.

Should You Book This Húsavík Big Whales and Puffin Island Tour?

Book it if:

• you want the best chance of close whale moments, not just distant sightings
• you’re visiting Húsavík in April 15–August 20 and want puffins at Lundey
• you like small-group tours with quick movement when wildlife appears
• you’re comfortable dressing warmly and riding a fast RIB

Skip it (or choose a different style) if:

• cold, wet boat time is your least favorite thing in the world
• you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t meet the minimum age/height limits
• you need a more sedate, less active boat experience

If you’re flexible on dates, aim for a mid-season day for puffins. And if you go, don’t show up expecting gloves and warmth magic. Bring your own hat and gloves, and let the captain and guide do the animal math.

FAQ

How long is the Húsavík Big Whales and Puffin Island speedboat tour?

The tour duration is about 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at Húsavík Adventures’s ticket office at Hafnarstétt 11. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before departure.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

The tour focuses on whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay (humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises are mentioned). In puffin season, you’ll also visit Lundey Island to see puffins.

When is puffin season for Lundey Island?

Puffin season is approximately April 15 to August 20. Outside that time, tours are big whales only.

What’s included in the price?

Included are a guided tour on a 12-seat RIB, warm water-resistant overalls (required by law in Iceland), life vests, and a raincoat if needed.

What should I bring with me?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a hat, and gloves.

Is there a minimum age or height requirement?

Yes. The minimum age is 8 years old, or 130 centimeters in height. If your child is slightly under 130 cm, contact the provider beforehand for approval.

Who should not book this tour?

It’s not suitable for children under 8 years, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with heart problems, and people under 130 cm (about 4 ft 3 in).

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