Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

RIB boats turn whale watching into a sprint. From Húsavík, this RIB tour gets you out fast on the waters of Skjálfandi Bay, where more than 10 species show up during the year. The boat’s setup, small group size, and whale-focused searching all work together for a ride that feels active, not passive.

I love how small-group seating (up to 12 people) keeps sightlines clear when whales surface. I also like that the guide is separate from the driver/captain, so you can focus on the live talk while the captain handles the waves.

One consideration: you may get wet and cold, and sightings are never guaranteed. Also, puffins only fit the itinerary during mid-April to mid-August, so outside that window you’re really signing up for whales and dolphins, not puffin viewing.

Key things that make this tour click

• Fast RIB pace helps the crew cover ground quickly after a surfacing
• Skjálfandi Bay is known for frequent whale activity and dolphin sightings
• Up to 12 people means fewer heads blocking your view
• Two-person team: captain for driving, guide for explanation and spotting
• Lundey (Puffin Island) is included only during puffin season
• Ethical approach rules limit disturbance and often involve slowing down or stopping

Skjálfandi Bay: where whale watching feels less random

If you’re choosing whale watching in Iceland, location matters. Skjálfandi Bay is one of the best bets around Húsavík because it’s a feeding and travel corridor for many marine animals. The tour is built around that fact: you’re not just waiting offshore. You’re out on the water scanning, repositioning, and looking for the right surface moments.

What I like about this setup is how it matches how whales actually show up. You’re watching for signs—blows, surfacing angles, and the behavior around the water. When the crew finds activity, the RIB can move quickly to bring you back into view, rather than leaving you stuck watching from far out.

The itinerary also adds variety beyond whales. When conditions and season line up, you’ll head past places like Lundey and you may catch views linked to the Tjörnes peninsula’s fossil layers, including ones dated to around two million years old. It’s a reminder that this coast isn’t just about wildlife—it’s also a dramatic, ancient-looking environment.

The RIB format: why small is better for your eyes

This is the kind of tour that feels designed for visibility. The boat seats up to 12 passengers, and the whole point is that you don’t spend the trip behind tall railings or packed decks. When a whale surfaces, everyone gets a real chance to see it, because the group is small enough that the boat’s layout actually matters.

Another practical plus is the separation of roles. The captain concentrates on driving and positioning, while the guide handles the live commentary and spotting information. That division sounds like a small detail until you’re on the water—then it becomes the difference between a rushed explanation and an actual, ongoing conversation about what you’re seeing.

There’s a tradeoff. RIBs are fast and move with the sea. Multiple people note that you should expect significant motion, and that you’ll likely get wet—especially while leaving and returning. If you’re sensitive to rough water, dress for warmth and be ready for a bumpy ride.

What’s included: warm gear you’ll be grateful for

This tour includes the big “I don’t want to shop for cold-weather gear” items. You get warm water-resistant overalls and a life vest (it’s compulsory in Iceland, so wear it). There’s also a raincoat provided when needed, plus live onboard commentary.

The one thing they don’t provide is gloves and hats. That matters more than you might think. People repeatedly warn that cold air can creep up under layers, and gloves help when you’re holding onto grab points or standing in wind near the edges of the boat. If you only pack a light sweater, you’ll likely regret it.

Here’s the practical packing approach I’d use for this specific ride:

• Bring or buy gloves and a warm hat.
• Wear warm layers, not just one thick coat.
• Wear socks you’re happy to have wet or wind-chilled.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking something before you go.

Getting from Húsavík to the hunt: how the trip actually flows

The tour starts at Húsavík Adventures, Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík, Iceland, and you return to the same meeting point. The core experience happens out on the water in Skjálfandi Bay.

Here’s how I’d expect the day to feel once you’re out:

1) You depart and sail into the bay area where whales are known to show up during the year.

2) You scan for marine life while the captain maneuvers efficiently and the guide talks you through what you’re seeing.

3) If conditions and season allow, you’ll move toward Lundey (Puffin Island) for puffin viewing.

4) You also pass through areas like the Tjörnes peninsula region, which adds a sense of place and scenery while you keep your eyes on the water.

The whale search strategy is part of the fun. More than one person points out that the crew uses both experience and current conditions to choose where to look, and you’ll usually feel like you’re actively hunting rather than just cruising.

Puffins vs. big whales: know the season before you go

The title includes puffins for a reason, but timing is everything here. Puffin season is roughly April 15 to August 20. During that window, you can expect the Lundey stop focused on puffins.

Outside that season, the tours shift to Big Whales exclusive. That doesn’t mean it’s a lesser trip. You can still have excellent whale encounters and strong dolphin activity. It just means you shouldn’t expect puffin viewing if you’re traveling later or earlier than the advertised season.

This is also worth planning around if you’re traveling as a “puffin or bust” person. Check your dates and set expectations early, so you don’t end up disappointed by a simple calendar issue.

Close encounters the right way: their approach rules

The most reassuring thing about this tour is how they handle proximity. When you’re using a small, fast boat, it can be tempting to chase whales hard. Instead, the crew follows a clear code of conduct that’s designed to keep the animals comfortable.

Here’s the practical version you can keep in your head:

• Search zone is over 300 meters: the crew looks for signs and covers ground efficiently.
• Approach zone under 300 meters: they reduce speed and approach from the side, not head-on or from behind.
• Caution zone under 100 meters: the captain slows further or can turn the propeller off, then waits to let the animals choose their path.

You also spend limited time with a single animal, aimed at keeping impact low. People even specifically mention moments where the engine was turned off as the whales came close, which is one of the reasons a “close encounter” here often feels respectful rather than intrusive.

What you might see: species range from common to rare moments

In Skjálfandi Bay, you should expect whales and dolphins to be the headline act. The tour description highlights species such as humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises. During some trips, people also report rarer or extra-good sightings, like Northern bottlenose whales and pilot whales.

A few sighting patterns keep showing up in the feedback:

• Multiple whales in one outing, sometimes including different species
• Dolphins showing up in groups while whales surface nearby
• Humpbacks with longer viewing windows, including repeated surfacings

Remember: you can’t control what the animals do. But what you can control is how well your tour format responds when something happens. With a RIB, the crew has the ability to reposition fast, and that’s why so many people describe the experience as “close” and “exciting,” even in rough conditions.

The sea-state reality check: cold, wet, and bumpy is part of the deal

Two hours sounds short on paper, but it’s a full wildlife search session at sea. Most people will tell you the trip can be cold and wet. Even if the weather looks fine on land, conditions on the water can shift quickly, and the wind plus spray can soak you faster than expected.

Expect the ride to be most active while heading out and while coming back in. One practical tip from multiple accounts: bring gloves and a hat, and wear layers that are wind-resistant. If you’re hoping to stay dry, plan on failure. If you’re hoping to stay warm, plan on success.

Also note that the experience is weather-dependent. If conditions are unsafe or not suitable, the tour may be adjusted or canceled for safety, which is a standard reality for Iceland’s ocean tours.

Price and value: what $203 buys you here

$203.16 per person is a serious chunk of money. The question is what you’re paying for, and in this case, you’re paying for a very specific product: a small RIB with live guiding, included warm protective gear, and the speed/power to chase good whale moments without loading you onto a massive ship.

This isn’t just “transport to the water.” You’re paying for:

• A small boat format that keeps sightlines open
• Live commentary plus active spotting and positioning
• Warm overalls and a life vest (with life vests required by law in Iceland)
• Time efficiency, since the crew can cover ground and reposition quickly

Could you spend less with a larger vessel? Sometimes, yes. But the boat here is designed around the exact thing that matters for your experience: seeing the animal when it surfaces. For many people, that connection between wildlife and viewing time is the real value.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This is ideal for:

• People who want close whale viewing without a huge crowd
• Anyone who likes hands-on searching (move, look, reposition)
• Families who can handle cold air and a bumpy ride

It also has a clear minimum age: 8 years old or 130 centimeters. If you’re traveling with kids, the small-group size can help everyone stay engaged with the guide’s talk.

Who should consider their comfort needs first:

• Anyone who gets motion sick easily. RIBs move.
• People who can’t dress warmly or don’t like getting wet.
• Puffin-focused travelers who are outside the season window.

Should you book the Big Whales and Puffins RIB tour?

Book it if you want the strongest chance of meaningful sightings in a compact, fast format. I’d especially lean toward it if you care about visibility and you like learning what you’re seeing while you’re actually on the water. The small group size and the captain/guide teamwork are the backbone of what makes it work.

I’d think twice if you’re traveling outside puffin season and you’re expecting Lundey puffins. I’d also think twice if you know you struggle with cold spray and bumpy water. This is a wildlife tour, not a dry, cozy cruise.

If your dates match the season and you pack for the elements, this is the kind of Húsavík experience that tends to stick with people for years—because when whales come close here, it’s not theory. It’s right in front of you, with a crew that knows how to keep the encounter respectful.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the tour?

The tour runs about 2 hours.

How many people are on the RIB boat?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

Do I need to speak another language besides English?

The tour is offered in English.

Is the tour really about puffins, or only whales?

It’s Big Whales & Puffins during puffin season (about April 15 to August 20). Outside that window, the focus shifts to Big Whales only.

What gear is included, and what should I bring?

Included: warm water-resistant overalls and a life jacket (plus a raincoat when needed). Not included: gloves and a hat, which you should bring for warmth.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at Húsavík Adventures, Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík, Iceland.

Is there a minimum age for the tour?

Yes. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum age is 8 years old or 130 centimeters in height.

Does the tour require good weather?

Yes. It requires good weather, and poor weather can cause the experience to be offered on a different date or refunded.

What’s the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, it won’t be refunded.