Excursion Whale-watching by rib-boat tour at Húsavík

Discover some of nature’s largest and most awe-inspiring denizens of the deep during this private, half-day whale-watching excursion via RIB-boat.

Húsavík, Boat Launch Pier, Whale-Watching via RIB-Boat

Depart the pier for the short walk to the boat-launch pier. Upon arrival, meet your captain/guide and receive your whale-watching safety and tour instructions, then don your warm safety coverall and life vest. Afterward, embark your Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) and begin your panoramic, approximately two-hour whale-watching adventure. The low-profile RIB boats enable you to get closer to the marine life, and their small size enables maximum manoeuvrability to cover greater distances at speeds up to 50 m.p.h. (about 80 k.p.h.), increasing your chances of spotting some of the bigger whales, such as majestic blue or acrobatic humpback whales.

Skjálfandi Bay, Puffin Island, Atlantic Puffins, Arctic Terns, Guillermots, Whale-Watching

The waters of Skjálfandi Bay are a haven for numerous species of fish, marine life, and seabirds. Your adventure begins with a stop at Puffin Island during the nesting period (approximately April 15-August 20). Upon arrival, observe thousands of colourfully-beaked puffins, often called the ‘Clowns of the Ocean’, and Arctic terns and guillemots. Afterward, venture into the deeper waters of Skjálfandi Bay for the exhilarating whale-watching portion of your excursion. Make sure you hold on tight whilst marvelling at the breath-taking natural beauty of the coast and bay. Upon spotting the whales, your experienced captain/guide approaches within a safe distance to observe them in a respectful way.

Diverse Whale Species, White-Beaked Dolphins, Harbour Porpoises, Marine Life

Whale species commonly found here may include Minke, humpback, killer, fin, sperm, sei, and blue whales, nature’s largest mammal. In addition to these spectacular sea giants, you might catch a glimpse of other abundant and diverse marine life commonly found here. Species you may see during your exhilarating RIB-boat adventure include playful, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. Your whale-watching excursion concludes back at the boat-launch pier. Upon arrival, disembark your RIB-boat, re-board your coach, and commence the short walk back to the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Húsavík, Skjálfandi Bay, Puffin Island, Atlantic Puffins, Arctic Terns, Mink, Blue, Humpback, Killer, Fin, Sperm & Sei Whales, White-Beaked Dolphins, Porpoises

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of activity and a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.37 miles (about 0.6 kilometres), at times over uneven, gravel, and slippery surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to embark/disembark the RIB-boat. The ride may be rough at times, and guests will experience bumpy, jerking motions. This tour is recommended for active guests who are in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guest with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to seasickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable, clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe, and non-slip walking or boat shoes you won’t mind getting wet, and bring sun protection, a weatherproof jacket and pants, hat, gloves, towel, plastic bag (for your cell phone, camera, binoculars, etc.), bottled water, and Icelandic Kronas or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests under 8 years old and  4’3” (about 1.3 metres) in height cannot participate on this tour. Guests weighing over 350 pounds (about 158 kilograms) cannot participate on this tour. Warm safety overalls are provided. Do not bring loose items that may easily be lost or fall in the water, such as keys, loose accessories, jewellery, etc. Make sure your hat and sunglasses fit snugly, so they don’t fly off when the boat is moving. There are no changing facilities on board the RIB-boat. Waterproof cameras are highly-recommended. Guests may not participate if they have consumed alcohol. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, whale and marine life sightings are not guaranteed. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.