Skjálfandi gives you two wildlife moments in one outing. I love the combo of puffins near Puffin Island and open-ocean whale watching in the same 3.5 hours. The warm overalls and cozy hot cocoa end the trip on a comfortable note. One thing to plan for: puffins are seasonal, and even on the right day you can’t force animals to show up at close range.

The value here is that you’re not just cruising—you’re sailing a proven bay route with an eye for sightings, and the captain can shift focus as wildlife pops up. If you’re hoping for perfect, nose-to-feather detail, keep expectations flexible; weather, sea conditions, and bird behavior all matter.

Key things worth your attention

• Puffins on the schedule: trips run during peak season, then stop after mid-August and restart at the end of April
• Big colony potential: the Puffin Island area can host around 100,000 puffins during breeding season
• Whales plus dolphins plus birds: common options include humpbacks, minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins
• Warm gear included: overalls help you stay outside on deck longer without freezing
• Route changes with real-time wildlife: no two departures feel exactly the same
• Smallish group size: up to 75 travelers, which helps keep the boat experience comfortable

Skjálfandi Bay: where your wildlife wish list gets realistic

Most whale-watching trips in Iceland are about one big thing—spot a whale, then chase the memory. This one gives you a second target right after you’re already on the water: puffins.

You sail from Húsavík, in the north, into Skjálfandi Bay. That bay is where a lot of the action happens, and it’s also where the tour operates with routes built for seeing more. In early summer, you might even have a shot at larger species like blue whales and fin whales, while the most common whales and dolphins you’ll hear about here include humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises.

Bird viewing is part of the deal too. The puffin portion isn’t just a quick glance from far away—it’s designed around getting close to the Puffin Island area when birds are breeding and active.

The Puffin Island part: what you’re really going for

This tour takes you close to Puffin Island to see one of Iceland’s biggest breeding-season puffin colonies—around 100,000 puffins during peak weeks.

Timing matters. Puffins leave Iceland around mid-August to spend the winter in the open ocean. That’s why the operator notes that after August 15, they stop running the combined whale-and-puffin trip and switch to regular whale watching only. Puffins return again around the end of April for breeding season.

So if you’re visiting in July or early August, you’re booking a very different experience than someone traveling in late August or September. In the early season, you’re more likely to see dense activity and a stronger chance of spotting birds actually nesting rather than just passing through.

What to expect during the bird portion

You should picture this as a careful boat approach and watching from deck. You’re trying to catch:

• puffins at the nesting areas around the island
• birds flying in and out of the colony
• the constant motion that makes wildlife viewing feel alive, even when nothing is “big” in the human sense

A practical tip: if you want photos, be ready for rapid moments and wind. Even with warm overalls, you’ll want your hands free for your camera. If the sea is a bit choppy, you may not get the close, detail-perfect framing you imagined—puffin viewing is still wildlife viewing, not a zoo.

Whale watching in Skjálfandi: why the second half is worth it

After the puffin colony time, the boat sails to traditional whale watching areas in the bay. Here’s the key idea: every tour is different. The ocean doesn’t come with a script, and whales move—sometimes slowly, sometimes with quick bursts of behavior that can change how long you spend with them.

The common hope in Skjálfandi Bay includes:

• humpback whales (often seen with up-and-down surface patterns)
• minke whales
• dolphins, including white-beaked dolphins
• porpoises
• sometimes larger whales like blue and fin in early summer

How to think about “close”

Some people come away with a whale that stays near the boat for a long time. Others get shorter, more distant sightings. That’s not a flaw—it’s the nature of the bay and the animals.

One caution I’d give you from the mixed experiences: on any busy day, you might notice multiple boats in the same general area when whales are active. If your personal comfort line is that whales should come to the boat and not feel “pursued,” you’ll want to go in with a calm expectation. You can’t control whale behavior, and the captain’s job is to keep the trip safe and within viewing rules while trying to maximize your chances.

The upside is that when whales do linger, you often get enough time to actually see behavior—not just a quick spout and gone.

Comfort that matters on a 3.5-hour boat ride

This is roughly 3 hours 30 minutes, so you’re out long enough to feel temperature changes. The good news: the tour provides warm overalls, plus light refreshments during the outing.

From the experience details and the way the trip is described, this is not a “stand outside for 10 minutes and freeze” situation. The overalls make it easier to stay on deck longer and keep your attention on the water.

Many departures end with warm treats like hot cocoa and cinnamon buns. That might sound like a small detail, but after a cold, windy stretch, it’s the kind of comfort that makes the trip feel complete instead of rushed.

A quick clothing mindset for you

Even with overalls included, dress like it’s chilly near water:

• warm base layers you can move in
• gloves if you run cold (overalls help, but hands still feel wind)
• sunglasses or a hat for glare on the water

If you’re prone to being cold, arrive with that in mind. The overalls are your safety net, not a magic bubble.

Price and value: why $130 can work (or not) for you

The price is $130 per person for this roughly 3.5-hour combo.

Is it expensive? In Iceland, it sits in the mid-range world of boat excursions. The value part is what’s included and what you get for your time:

• You get two wildlife targets in one: puffins and whales
• You’re provided warm overalls, which saves you from buying gear for one day
• You get light refreshments
• The boat is limited to a maximum of 75 travelers, which helps keep the experience from feeling chaotic

Also, this trip is commonly booked ahead (on average 71 days in advance). That signals two things: demand is steady, and dates during prime puffin time can sell out.

When the value is strongest

This tour makes the most sense if:

• you’re visiting during breeding season window (so you can actually target puffins)
• you want a “do-it-all” wildlife outing without planning two separate days
• you’re okay with wildlife viewing being variable

When you should adjust expectations

If you’re traveling after August 15, you should know the puffin portion won’t be part of this combined option. You’ll still be doing whale watching, but you’re no longer buying the puffin dream with the same odds.

Getting to the boat: North Sailing and quick check-in tips

The meeting point is North Sailing – Húsavík Whale Watching, at Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík, Iceland. The tour ends back at the same place.

Here’s the thing that saves time: show up early and give yourself buffer for parking and walking. One mixed experience mentioned that parking space can be tight on busy days, even though parking in Húsavík is generally free around the harbor.

Check-in is also tied to the ticket office. The operator communication you’ll get around booking includes a check-in time, and the guidance shared is to arrive 30 minutes prior at the Ticket Office.

Best practice for families

This trip requires that children are accompanied by an adult. So if you’re bringing kids, plan your arrival timing to keep everyone comfortable before boarding. On the water, the overalls can make a big difference in keeping small travelers happy and warm.

Who should book this tour from Húsavík

This is a strong fit for:

• first-time whale watchers who want a guided shot at both whales and puffins in one session
• families (the boat ride is set up to be comfortable, and the warm gear helps)
• people who like learning while they watch, especially when the crew helps you know where to look

It may be less of a fit if:

• you’re visiting after mid-August and you mainly want puffins
• you’re chasing extreme closeness as a must-have. Wildlife viewing can’t be guaranteed at the same distance every departure

If you’re a photographer, go in ready for motion and quick moments. Calm water days can make a big difference for getting steadier shots—but you’re still at the mercy of the bay.

The bottom line: should you book it?

If your trip timing lines up with puffin season, I’d book this tour. You’re paying for a smart pairing: puffins near Puffin Island plus Skjálfandi Bay whale watching, all with warm overalls and cozy treats that help you stay outside longer.

I’d only hesitate if you’re traveling late in the season and puffins are the main reason you want this specific tour. In that case, you’ll likely end up happier choosing the regular whale watching option that matches the season.

If you want wildlife on your terms, not a guarantee, this is one of the better ways to spend a half day in Húsavík—because even when sightings vary, the setting and the chance to see multiple species make it feel like time well spent.

FAQ

How long is the Whales and Puffins Tour from Húsavík?

It runs for about 3 hours 30 minutes.

What is the price per person?

The tour costs $130.00 per person.

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is North Sailing – Húsavík Whale Watching, Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík, Iceland, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What will I see during the tour?

You’ll visit the puffin colony area near Puffin Island and then sail to whale-watching areas in Skjálfandi Bay, where you may see whales, dolphins, and local bird species.

Are puffins included year-round?

No. Puffins leave Iceland around mid-August, and after August 15 this combined puffin and whale option is not offered. Puffins return at the end of April for breeding season.

What’s included for comfort?

The tour provides light refreshments and warm overalls.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English (and it may be operated by a multi-lingual guide).

Does it require good weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.