If you’re dreaming about Husavik Whale Watching, I can tell you—it absolutely lives up to the hype. This tiny harbor town in northern Iceland is known as the whale watching capital of Iceland.
We booked our Húsavík whale watching tour with North Sailing, one of the most popular companies for whale watching in Iceland.
From humpback sightings to puffins and ocean views, here’s a look at my whale watching tour in Iceland.
Why Húsavík Is the Whale Watching Capital of the World
Húsavík isn’t just a charming fishing town; it’s often called the Whale Watching Capital of the World!
And, many travelers (myself included) would argue that whale watching from Húsavík is better than anywhere else.
While tours run from Reykjavík and Akureyri too, Húsavík whale watching tours stand out for their calm bay, frequent sightings, and deep connection to marine conservation.
But why?
Húsavík sits on Skjálfandi Bay, a cold, nutrient-rich body of water that draws in humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and sometimes even blue whales during peak season.
The geography of the bay makes it a natural feeding ground, and because the water is relatively shallow and close to town, tours don’t have to go far to find the action.
On top of that, most companies in town, like North Sailing and Gentle Giants Whale Watching in Húsavík, use slower, eco-friendly boats.
We stopped in Husavik on our Ring Road Trip! Read my Iceland Ring Road Itinerary: 41 Stops, Optional Add-Ons + Map
Húsavík or Akureyri for Whale Watching?
If you’re comparing Húsavík or Akureyri for whale watching, here’s the honest truth:
Húsavík consistently delivers a better experience. Akureyri tours often travel farther into the fjord and can be less consistent with sightings.
While whale watching in Húsavík, Iceland, offers more predictable encounters, smoother seas, and a more peaceful setting.
If you’re hoping to photograph a whale’s tail (like I did!), whale watching from Húsavík gives you the best chance in Iceland.
If you are visiting Akureyri, check out these Top Things to Do in Akureyri: Hot Springs, Hot Dogs & More!
North Sailing in Húsavík
There are a few whale watching companies in town, but North Sailing has built a reputation for being one of the most eco-conscious and reliable.
Their classic wooden boats are beautiful, stable, and designed with sustainability in mind.
Plus, they were the first in Iceland to offer carbon-neutral whale watching tours.
What really won me over, though, was the crew. They weren’t just guides, they were marine biologists, local experts, and passionate storytellers.
My Experience with North Sailing
Now that you know why Husavik is so great for whale watching, I am going to give you a glimpse into my experience!
Why We Chose North Sailing
I chose North Sailing for our Húsavík whale watching tour because I really wanted the classic sailboat vibe over the fast-moving rib boats.
Their reviews were amazing, and something about the wooden ship just felt more fun—and more Icelandic.
When We Went & What the Weather Was Like
We visited during Iceland’s Midnight Sun and took the 4:30 PM tour.
We checked in about a half hour early, suited up in warm gear they provided.
Then we hit the water for a 3-hour Husavik Whale Watching Tour across Skjálfandi Bay.
The boat returned at 7:30 PM, just in time for dinner and a soak at GeoSea.
We got incredibly lucky with the weather. While it was cloudy, the water was completely still, like glass.
One of the crew members mentioned how rare that is, and it made it so much easier to spot whales and birds in every direction.
I actually loved the moody skies. They paired perfectly with the sea.
What We Saw: Humpbacks, Puffins & Dolphins
As for the wildlife? Unbelievable. We saw multiple humpback whales—some came up close to the boat—and I even got the iconic whale tail photo.
We spotted puffins bobbing on the water and white-beaked dolphins too (which are technically a whale species).
I’ve been whale watching in other parts of the world, but this was hands down the best tour I’ve ever done.
We also got to see Puffins in Iceland! Borgarfjörður Eystri: The Best Place to See Puffins in Iceland
A Moment I’ll Never Forget
One moment that gave me goosebumps was when a humpback came right up and practically performed beside the boat.
I’ll never forget it—and yes, I got it on video. Watch that below!
The Crew & What Made the Tour Special
The crew was amazing. They shared whale facts and Icelandic stories the entire time, and after the tour, they surprised us with hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls.
It was the perfect warm-up, because even in June, Iceland is still cold out on the open sea.
I had just bought a winter hat from Icewear before the tour, and I’m so glad I did.
There’s no indoor shelter on the boat, so make sure to layer up—even if it feels warm on land.
This was one of my favorite activities in Iceland! In addition to visiting the Silica Hotel at Blue Lagoon.
Read all about my visit Silica Hotel in Iceland! My Stay Near the Blue Lagoon
Husavik Whale Watching YouTube Video
If you want to see more of my videos from the tour, watch my YouTube video below!
What We Did Before & After the Tour
Here is a look at other things we did in Husavik before and after our tour!
Drinks at Gamli Baukur
Before the tour, we grabbed a happy hour drink at Gamli Baukur, the cozy restaurant just across the street from the harbor, and enjoyed the waterfront views.
Exploring the Husavik Whale Museum
Then we walked over to the Húsavík Whale Museum, which is packed with fascinating exhibits and full-size skeletons that give you a whole new appreciation for the giants you will see out on the water.
You also get 10% off with your whale watching ticket!
Fermented Shark at Ja Ja Ding Dong
Next, we stopped by Jaja Ding Dong—yes, the one from the Eurovision movie—to try fermented shark.
It’s definitely a bucket list bite… but let’s just say it’s not for the faint of heart.
Evening Soak at GeoSea
We ended the night soaking at GeoSea, a geothermal infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
As we relaxed in the warm water, we actually spotted whales in the distance—an unforgettable way to wrap up the day.
I’ll be sharing separate guides on all those experiences soon, so subscribe below!
From here, we continued along the Diamond Circle! Read my Diamond Circle Iceland Itinerary: Top Things to See & Do (2025)!
What to Wear and Bring
Even in summer, it gets cold on the open water. I was so glad I layered up. Here’s what I recommend bringing:
- Warm layers (think fleece, wool, or a thermal base)
- Waterproof outerwear (they provide overalls, but it’s good to have your own too)
- Gloves and a hat (yes, even in July)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Camera or phone with a zoom lens
- Snacks and water (they don’t serve food on board)
Final Thoughts on Whale Watching in Húsavík
Whale watching in Húsavík, Iceland, was one of the most memorable experiences of my trip—and I’ve done my fair share of nature tours around the world.
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and wondering where to go for the best whale watching, make the journey north.
Húsavík isn’t just beautiful—it’s the whale watching capital of the world for a reason.
We stopped in Husavik on our Ring Road Trip! Read my Iceland Ring Road Itinerary: 41 Stops, Optional Add-Ons + Map
One of my favorite hikes was Stóra-Grábrók Crater Hike: A Must-See Stop on Ring Road!
We visited Husavik during our Diamond Circle road trip. Read my Diamond Circle Iceland Itinerary: Top Things to See & Do (2025).
Looking for Puffins? Check out Borgarfjörður Eystri: The Best Place to See Puffins in Iceland!
Want more of my favorite spots in Iceland? Read my Silica Hotel Iceland Review: My Stay Near the Blue Lagoon.
You can also read about my dinner at Lava Restaurant at Blue Lagoon!
Read all of my Iceland Travel Guides!
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