Traditional Oak Ship Whale Watching Tour From Husavik
4.5
Traditional Oak Ship Whale Watching Tour From Husavik
By North Sailing
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About
Search for humpback whales in Husavik’s waters aboard a traditional Icelandic oak ship. Famous for its abundance of marine life, Skjalfandi Bay makes a great whale-watching spot. Listen to your guide's in-depth commentary about the animals' biology and behavior, as well as the country’s maritime history. The tour has hot cocoa and cinnamon buns which are included in the price and served on your way back.
Free cancellation • Full refund if cancelled up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).
Reserve now & pay later • Secure your spot while staying flexible.
Lowest price guarantee • Find a lower price online? Get the difference refunded!
Ages 0-99, max of 125 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Look and humpback whales aboard a traditional Icelandic oak ship
- Hear commentary about Icelandic maritime history
- Learn facts about animal biology and behavior
- Book ahead to make sure you check this must-do activity off your list
- Light refreshments
- Live commentary on board
- Professional guide
What's not included- Pick-up
- Shoes
- Make your way to the tour's departure point at your chosen time. There are several times available to fit your schedule. Meet your captain and crew while boarding a traditional oak ship, which will take you out on Skjalfandi Bay to search for marine life. As you leave the coastline, imagine what life might have been like years ago for the Icelanders who sailed the frigid seas on these traditional boats. You'll learn about the country's whale-watching from your guide. With your guide's pro tips, look for signs of humpback whales. Listen to commentary about the biology and behavior of these animals, then warm up with some hot cocoa and cinnamon buns (for purchase). When your journey is over, head back to the harbor for drop-off.
- Start:
- North Sailing - Húsavík Whale Watching, Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík, IcelandMeeting point is at North Sailing ticket office in Husavik at least 30 minutes before departure. Just look for a brown glass building with whale drawings and green letters on top saying Whale Watching Centre. Across the street from the Husavik Church.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 12492P2- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 125 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 12492P2
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₹8,289.88
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- federicomM823TA0 contributionsHot chocolate while watching wales in Iceland...go figure..!Every aspect of the tour was well organized: the provided suits to protect from the cold, were great. The boat left on time, was not noisy and we were able to see a few whales. Impressive! The hot chocolate and the cinnamon buns served on board, towards the end were also very much appreciated. Staff friendly and informed. I can only recommend the tour.Written 10 March 2025
- elsidla0 contributionsA well organised and highly enjoyable tourA thoroughly enjoyable couple of tours which were well organised with a knowledgeable guide and lots of space on a lovely vessel in a particularly beautiful bay with numerous whale sightings.Written 10 March 2025
- SuperDave470 contributionsBlue whale, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, puffins - WOW!Professional, punctual, and great weather too. A blue whale was in harbour that day, several humpbacks came up and passed alongside the tour boat, a pod of white-beaked dolphins played nearby. The island populated with puffins could only be viewed at a distance and was not really an attraction.Written 10 March 2025
- 638shawnv0 contributionsAmazingSchooner Hildur, 3 Humpback whales with 2 flukes shown! Staff were amazing. Sitge, Alex, Sophie, all woman crew! Beautiful day and amazing experienceWritten 10 March 2025
- marielaurec1170 contributionsNice crew but shy whalesThe crew was very kind, helpful and professional. Unfortunately we were not very lucky. Whales were shy that day. Thank for the experienceWritten 10 March 2025
- johnpR9466LY0 contributionsA great experienceIt was a great experience - weather and fiord views were terrific and we did get to see several whales! Highly recommended but, obviously weather dependent.Written 9 December 2024
- F3646HTdavidn0 contributionsGreat Whale Watching Experience!Really fun experience, saw a bunch of whales, staff were great, would totally recommend! They give you a big insulated overalls but you need gloves, hat and sunglasses for sure. They also serve hot chocolate and a pastry on the boat on your way back.Written 6 December 2024
- D1834UMbradh0 contributionsBest option for a Whale Watch in North IcelandOur Whale watch from Arskogssandur with North Sailing was one of the highlights of our 18 day trip to Iceland. Our original plan was to go from Huskavik but since we were traveling around the Troll Peninsula we decided to do the whale watch from Arskogssandur, and it was fantastic. Such a relaxed atmosphere, it seemed like we had the entire fjord all to ourself, we saw 5 Humpback whales and even if we didn't see any whales the scenery would have been worth it, it helped that we had perfect weather.Written 6 December 2024
- ButtercupOwl0 contributionsBad weather changed our sailing but it ended wellWe had booked to go on a trip from Husavik. However, when we got to the check in desk, we were informed that the weather out at sea was very poor. It was raining, the sea was very rough and it was foggy making it difficult to spot the whales. We were given the option of still going on the trip or moving our trip to an afternoon sailing from Árskógssandur in the more sheltered Eyjafjörður fjord. Being very keen whale watchers, we were torn between sheltered seas with the chance to only see humpbacks or the rougher seas with the chance to see more species. After much debate we took the check in assistant's advice and went to Árskógssandur. We were not disappointed! The meeting place is in a hotel where you check in and then are taken to a room under the hotel to get kitted out with a warm all in one suit. Once on board there was plenty of space to move about or sit down. The crew are informative and do a great job at spotting the whales. We were lucky to see white-beaked dolphins which are rare visitors to the fjord and also several humpback whales. One humpback breached right near our boat and several others were spotted breaching in the distance. On the return trip the crew gave out hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls which were delicious. Thankfully the sea was a lot calmer than up in Husavik making the trip a more pleasant experience. All in all an excellent trip and I would highly recommend North Sailing. We hope to return one day to be able to take a trip from Husavik with the chance to see more species of whales.Written 6 December 2024
- KonradLewinski0 contributionsKonradIt was an amazing experience. We saw many whales. Guides were great and hot chocolate was much needed as it was a frost but beautiful day. I would recommend it to anyone. We were also told that thanks to our experience being in the fiord we had nice and calm sea unlike those watching from Husavik so this is surely something to consider when choosing location.Written 6 December 2024
- I3316WAmattr0 contributionsÁrskógssandur - A Whale Watching Delight!Originally booked a trip out of Húsavik. Received an email advising that the weather would be unfavorable from Húsavik. The email also gave alternate options. We had to adjust our plans a bit and were rewarded with a wonderful boat trip on calm waters from Árskógssandur. We saw multiple humpbacks!Written 6 December 2024
- David C0 contributionsExpertly organised, very professional and enjoyable whale watching experienceThe entire whale watching experience was very well organised and professional. The team both on the boat and on land were friendly and organised, and the equipment was excellent. It’s a gorgeous spot, and very convenient.Written 21 October 2024
- Johnbelfast1230 contributionsStunning HúsavíkWhat a fantastic time spent in Húsavík. Stunning scenery, stunning wildlife, stunning weather, stunning personnel. A great adventure and I will be back to see the puffins next year.Written 26 September 2024
- reedmangreg0 contributions2x Husavik rescheduled to ÁrskógssandurWe have gotten unlucky in August 2022 with bad weather in Husavik... in 2024 we returned again in August, exactly for the reason of trying again to do the Whale Watching with North Sailing from Husavik.... it got cancelled once again due to weather reasons - understandably of course as the weather was awful both times! What we did better in 2024 is we gave ourselves 2 days in Husavik... both got cancelled but we took advantage of the rescheduling on Day 2 from North Sailing's 2nd location and that's how we did it from Árskógssandur :) you do get the option to reschedule or simply receive a full refund just FYI The tour is great - they give warm overalls and rain jackets but you need definitely waterproof shoes as the water does get on the boat and there is nothing to protect your feet (mine were freezing in pain by the end of the tour in August... I can only imagine other colder months.....). The boat is spacious and I want to say there was about 30-40 of us? Everybody had room to comfortably sit or stand with plenty of personal space. The boat didn't have to leave to the open ocean as there are whales (we saw Humpbacks, 3 different ones, plenty of times!) inside the fjords deep water feeding - it was definitely a pleasant happy ending to third 3rd attempt of doing whale watching in Iceland :) 3rd is the charm! The hot chocolate at the end with a cinnamon roll was a pleasant accent as well but for some reason a lot of people got sea sick afterwards :) I think, depending on the weather/ocean, eating/drinking anything may not be the greatest idea while on the boat if you are prone to being sea sick :)Written 31 August 2024
- Mark G0 contributionsMust doWe had an excellent experience with many whales. Big compliment for guide Laura and her explanations. Nice ship with good access to both sides.Written 26 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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alnus
MD184 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
There are many whale watching options from Husavik. I was very happy we went with North Sailing. We chose the whales and puffins tour and our boat was the wooden Bjossi Sor (see the website for pictures of the boat styles). The team was extremely knowledgeable and really emphasized environmental issues affecting the whales, weaving that into the information about the whale migration, different species, the general marine ecology of the area, the whaling industry and more. We chose the traditional oak boat, not the RIB/Zodiac style boat since I was worried about seasickness in the smaller boat and the cold, since the RIBs go faster and are closer to the spray of the water. However, there was some seasickness on our boat regardless, and it was also pretty chilly. We were provided with thick coveralls that were good for your body warmth, but make sure you have a hat and warm (moderate to thick) gloves. We had a cloudy day with some light intermittent rain which made things worse. We started by heading to the puffin rock and learned a lot about Puffins while we watch them flying and diving around us, though you won't get great pictures of them on the rock island unless you have a high end camera since we had to keep some distance. We then ventured out much further into the bay hoping to see a whale. Things weren't looking good even though the crew was trying hard and even extended our trip to get out a little further in the bay. They finally spied an area where 2-3 other boats were congregated and we headed there to find a beautiful humpback whom we watched for about 15 minutes. We then had to head back in. The hot chocolate on the way back was especially welcome. If you are cold or hungry after the tour, stop at the Gamli Baukur Restaurant (end of the dock) afterwards--it really hit the spot.
Looking back on the experience, I think I should have chosen the RIB boat whale only (no puffins) tour for 2 reasons. 1. We had several other opportunities to see puffins on our vacation (including the awesome Borgarfjorourr Eystri nesting area in the Eastern Fjords), that provided much better overall viewing of the puffins. This would have allowed us a tour that was just focused on the whale sightings--probably 60 minutes of our time was getting to and watching the puffins. 2. I don't think there was much difference in the cold or seasickness between RIB and larger slower wooden boats. And the RIBs are faster so they can get out further and move around more efficiently, potentially giving more opportunity for whale sightings. But as our guide said, we are there to see whales, but they aren't trying to see us--so there's no guarantee of seeing any whales and we did feel fortunate to see one.
Fortunately, all of these tour options (with our without puffins, RIB or wooden boat) are also offered by North Sailing and we were really pleased with their operations, environmental focus, and crew.
Looking back on the experience, I think I should have chosen the RIB boat whale only (no puffins) tour for 2 reasons. 1. We had several other opportunities to see puffins on our vacation (including the awesome Borgarfjorourr Eystri nesting area in the Eastern Fjords), that provided much better overall viewing of the puffins. This would have allowed us a tour that was just focused on the whale sightings--probably 60 minutes of our time was getting to and watching the puffins. 2. I don't think there was much difference in the cold or seasickness between RIB and larger slower wooden boats. And the RIBs are faster so they can get out further and move around more efficiently, potentially giving more opportunity for whale sightings. But as our guide said, we are there to see whales, but they aren't trying to see us--so there's no guarantee of seeing any whales and we did feel fortunate to see one.
Fortunately, all of these tour options (with our without puffins, RIB or wooden boat) are also offered by North Sailing and we were really pleased with their operations, environmental focus, and crew.
Written 18 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your detailed review and recommendation!
We appreciate your kind words about our team and service! Of course, every day in the bay is different and on some days it can be more tricky to find whales since we cannot predict their movement and behaviour.
We are very happy to hear that your tour was successful and you could observe a humpback whale! It is true, that the whale-watching experience on the RIB can be different compared to the oak boats and both boats have their own advantages. It truly depends on the preference of the passenger and what kind of tour they are looking for!
We would be very happy to welcome you on one of our RIBs if you come back to Húsavík!
All the best,
Team North Sailing
Written 25 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mike W
7 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
Had booked the other whale watching point out on the sea, but got the option to change to the place we were now in the fjord (Árskōgssandur). Due to rough sea and tough weather, they sent us a mail the evening before the ride, warning us and giving us the opportunity to change to amore quiet place. That was certainly saving our day! They even called back after I tried to reach them on the ohone. Very nice. We got clear instructions on what to wear against the cold on board.
We got to the meeting point (good access desciption), got coffee and each passenger got an extra warm and water resistant overall suit to wear on board.
Nice little coaster manned with two experienced sea men. Not crammed, enough space and positions on board for everyone to see animals and nature. Good initial intructions for passengers, boat well equipped with security systems. Professional and friendly guide.
Went out and had two(+) hours with some nine whales playing 'round, sometimes far, sometimes right by the boat, feeding, diving, swimming. The way you wish for it.
No wishes open. Even had some hot chocolate drink and cinnamon roles on board!!! No one got sea sick, as the crew made the ride smooth and interesting.
Whale season is from August till November. Don't miss it when you're around.
Very friendly, very professional and definitly keeping the promise.
10 out of 10!
That's why I write this review.
They're worth it.
Cost us some 80 bucks per person.
Worth every cent.
Very good experience.
We got to the meeting point (good access desciption), got coffee and each passenger got an extra warm and water resistant overall suit to wear on board.
Nice little coaster manned with two experienced sea men. Not crammed, enough space and positions on board for everyone to see animals and nature. Good initial intructions for passengers, boat well equipped with security systems. Professional and friendly guide.
Went out and had two(+) hours with some nine whales playing 'round, sometimes far, sometimes right by the boat, feeding, diving, swimming. The way you wish for it.
No wishes open. Even had some hot chocolate drink and cinnamon roles on board!!! No one got sea sick, as the crew made the ride smooth and interesting.
Whale season is from August till November. Don't miss it when you're around.
Very friendly, very professional and definitly keeping the promise.
10 out of 10!
That's why I write this review.
They're worth it.
Cost us some 80 bucks per person.
Worth every cent.
Very good experience.
Written 15 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your wonderful review! 😊 We’re so happy to hear that the relocation to Árskógssandur made your day and that everything from the communication to the whale sightings was exactly what you hoped for. It’s great to know that the crew and the equipment made you feel comfortable and safe throughout the experience. Nine whales playing around the boat sounds like an unforgettable moment! 🐋
We truly appreciate your kind words and are grateful for your recommendation. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon! 🌟
All the best,
Signý - Team North Sailing
Written 6 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Retired-math-teacher
Evergreen, CO125 contributions
May 2022
We just arrived back from the 9:30 a.m. sailing on the wooden boat Nattfari. The crew was great, even with the challenge of dealing with a large tour group of French men and women. They brought in a local woman who translated the safety instructions into French. The crew's narrator was knowledgable and passionate about the various types of mammals we saw: humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. We also saw a pair of flying puffins. All were up close to the boat, perhaps as little as 20 meters. The bay was gentle today so only a minor bit of rolling motion, with some light rain as we were returning. Even then, the crew had us all don the orange raincoats on top of our provided warm, waterproof overalls. There is no place inside to ride, but there are benches for sitting. We were able to be where we wanted except up in the crow's nest. I especially liked the respect that this boat's crew had for these mammals. They slowly and carefully approached the whales and did not harass them as the faster speed boats were prone to do. I highly recommend taking the North Sailing boats over other companies' speedboats. Hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls were provided to all on the way back into harbor. Book and pay online, or book online and pay later at the Whale Watching Ticket Center on Main Street above the docks. Park your car free right next to the dock. Save your ticket for local discounts later. No tipping was mentioned or expected...this is Iceland.
Written 18 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a wonderful review.
I'm very glad to know that we provided you with such a nice experience, where you were able to see 4 types of marine mammals!
Thank you for the kind words about our crew, I'll make sure they'll hear about this nice review from you :)
I hope we will have the pleasure of welcoming you on board with us again someday!
Kind regards,
Þórný
Written 23 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PeterHD47
Antwerp, Belgium126 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
With a thick, warm extra suit and a sturdy raincoat, we set out on the not so calm sea. The crew is great and does everything they can to spot the whales. Long story short we saw 6 humpback whales swimming at the same time. The crew really knows what they are doing to disturb the animals as little as possible. Simply great. This was not the first time at sea for us looking for whales, but certainly not the last time here in Húsavík. On the return journey there is hot chocolate and cake, a wonderful experience!

Written 17 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us and for taking the time to write this lovely review, we really appreciate it.
We're happy to hear you enjoyed the tour and the refreshments on board despite the weather not being the greatest. Thank you for the kind words about our crew.
We're happy to hear you will be visiting again and look forward to welcome you on board the next time you're here in Iceland! - Signý
Written 19 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jinfizz
Modena, Italy910 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We had booked a trip on the silent, electric-powered ship to see the whales. The day before they wrote to us to inform us that due to a technical problem it was not possible, offering us the regular boat at the same time. We accepted, they refunded us the difference. The boat had the right capacity for passengers, with good visibility possibilities without jostling. They provided us with trousers and padded jackets. The guide told us a little about the history of the place and the cetaceans. We sailed along pleasantly and after about an hour we were lucky enough to spot some whales, one of which made a fabulous leap. On the way back they offered us a cinnamon donut (not the best I've eaten, but I appreciate it) and hot chocolate (good). At the report of a passenger from another whale they turned and headed towards the reported area, available. Very nice experience, I recommend it.

Written 17 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for taking your time to write this review and share your experience with us, we really appreciate it!
We're sorry you weren't able to join our electrical boat but we're happy to hear you still enjoyed the whale watching on our other traditional Icelandic oak boat.
Thank you again for your kind words and we hope to see you again if you ever find your self travelling around North of Iceland in the future, maybe then on the electrical boat!
All the best,
Signý
Written 23 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Thomas H
1 contribution
May 2023
Excellent adventure with North Sailing. Good organization at the arrival. Due to the low temperatures and wind conditions everyone got an overall and an impermeable jacket. The animation was very enjoyable at every time and we where very lucky to see 2 different humpback whalte, the second one several times and at a very short distance. At the end we got offered some hot cholate and the tipical cinamon roll from Iceland. We highly recommend both the excursion as well as North Sailing.
Written 19 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review. I am very glad you enjoyed your tour with us, and hope you come back again soon.
Written 11 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nickan
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Family
What an amazing experience! We were lucky enough to see both humpback whales, Minke Whale and dolphins up close. Totally gutted! The captain and all the other staff were so humbled by the fine individuals we got to see. The ship Gandar was quiet and fast moving and took us safely out into the bay and back. The guide gave us good facts about the different species we encountered. Warm overalls could be borrowed but hat was a must even in June. No hurry, everything happened after how the whales moved in the bay. On the way back to the harbor the Captain took the time to drive near another whale further away in the bay so that we could see as much as possible. The chocolate and bun warmed well on the way back.
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Written 27 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tack så mycket för din fantastiska recension! Vi är överlyckliga över att höra att du hade en så magisk upplevelse och att du fick se både knölvalar, Minke Whale och delfiner på så nära håll. Det är härligt att veta att både kaptenen och personalen bidrog till att göra din upplevelse minnesvärd, och att du uppskattade den tysta och snabba båten Gandar. Vi är glada att du tyckte att guidens fakta var informativa och att overallen höll dig varm, även om en mössa kan vara bra att ha på sig. Vi strävar alltid efter att ge våra gäster så mycket som möjligt av det marina livet och det är fint att höra att kaptenen tog sig tid att visa dig ytterligare en val på vägen tillbaka. Tack för att du delade din upplevelse och vi hoppas få välkomna dig tillbaka snart!
Written 28 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Magdalena K
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Family
It was such a great experience to join North Sailing for whale watching. Both my children and me loved it so much. I specially enjoyed the crew, the Girl - Laura- who was our guide, was so well prepared, telling all kinds of interesting facts concerning either whales as well as basacly environment. It was all so profesional done. Also the staff in the office, Thorny, was so professional and kind explaying all the details with a huge patience.
I am willing to travel back to Husavik next weekend and once more experience whale watching to celebrate my birthday and hoping to see Aurora Borealis. Thank you so much, North Sailing, for making us feel so excited, safe and warm (your overall are very comfy).
Whale watching cruise was the highlight of my holidays in Iceland!
I am willing to travel back to Husavik next weekend and once more experience whale watching to celebrate my birthday and hoping to see Aurora Borealis. Thank you so much, North Sailing, for making us feel so excited, safe and warm (your overall are very comfy).
Whale watching cruise was the highlight of my holidays in Iceland!
Written 3 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us- it sounds like a wonderful day indeed! Let us know if you do come back with us for your birthday- we have a special discount for second (and third) time passengers :)
Written 10 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elvira S
Oslo, Norway5 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
We had booked the evening tour, were on the road for 3 hours and could observe some whales. It was a special experience and one of the highlights of our 3 week Icelandic holiday - not only the trip on the nostalgic, well-kept oak boat, but of course also the experience of the large sea creatures made us awe-inspiring. Due to the fact that we also received protective equipment, we were able to experience the ride as pleasant despite the wind and the cold, enjoy it and take many photos or videos of the whales.
Automatically translated
Written 11 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grand Tourers
Truro, UK62 contributions
Had a very good morning whale watching and we were lucky to see around 10 whales plus dolphins. Our guide Laura was excellent, pointing out the various spots where the whales were surfacing and giving us facts about the wildlife.
Can’t fault the crew at all, they were professional, welcoming and did a great job finding the spots where the whales and dolphins were feeding (therefore more active) All passengers were given overalls to keep warm and cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate was handed out which was a nice touch.
The one criticism (and reason the tour doesn’t get 5 out of 5 from us) was how crowded the boat was. It was very difficult at times to see and when a whale was spotted, there was lots of pushing and shoving as there was limited room along the sides. Of course, it’s not North Sailing’s fault that others behaved poorly but would likely not have happened if there was more space.
Can’t fault the crew at all, they were professional, welcoming and did a great job finding the spots where the whales and dolphins were feeding (therefore more active) All passengers were given overalls to keep warm and cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate was handed out which was a nice touch.
The one criticism (and reason the tour doesn’t get 5 out of 5 from us) was how crowded the boat was. It was very difficult at times to see and when a whale was spotted, there was lots of pushing and shoving as there was limited room along the sides. Of course, it’s not North Sailing’s fault that others behaved poorly but would likely not have happened if there was more space.
Written 7 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review- our guides are great at spotting whales, and Laura is indeed one of our best!
We are now reducing our capacity to 80% on our summer tours to give our passengers more space on board to view the whales.
We hope you come with us again soon!
Written 13 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Well, it could be depending on winds. Or cruise was smooth. The boat stays in the large Skajlfandi bay within sight of Husavik, generally west and southwest of the town. If high winds and waves are expected, you might ask to reschedule. Chewing on ginger can help any seasickness. As the cruise leader advises, don't plan on going down into the restrooms. Always stay topside and look out at the horizon. Don't eat sugar products before sailing.
Written 8 June 2022
Buon giorno, volevo chiedervi se può partecipare una bambina di 6 anni e una di quasi 8 nella seconda settimana di settembre circa.
Offrite giacche termiche? O bisogna venire muniti di tuta?
Grazie
Written 10 April 2019
We are wondering if its better to go early day first tour or mid day?
Please advice
Thank you,
Diane
Written 22 June 2018
Hi my friend and I are interested in your Whale watching tour! We are wondering the best time of day to go? What are the chances and we would be arriving on August 30th for the tour.
Many thanks,
Diane
Written 22 June 2018
I will be staying in Akureyri. How long is the drive from there to Husavik?
Written 25 May 2018
Roughly about one hour drive. We did the same thing last week. Hope it helps
Written 14 July 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.