Whale Watching Akureyri Húsavík
Embark on an unforgettable whale watching adventure in Iceland's pristine waters, from the 'Whale Capital' Húsavík to Akureyri.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Whales are most active.
Whale Watching Akureyri Húsavík
Best Time
Whales are most active.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Embark on an unforgettable whale watching adventure in Iceland's pristine waters, from the 'Whale Capital' Húsavík to Akureyri.
"Being able to see these incredible animals from 10-15 feet away is just breathtaking."
🎯 Book Speed Boat Tours
For thrilling close-ups, opt for speed boats; they reach whales in minutes! ⛵
🧥 Layer Up for Cold
Wear warm, waterproof layers. Thermal suits are often provided. ☁️
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 1,933 reviews
Type
Tour Agency
Website
gentlegiants.isHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Humpback Whale Encounters
North Atlantic Ocean
Witness the majestic humpback whales breach and dive, offering breathtaking moments up close.
Dolphin Sightings
Coastal waters
Enjoy playful pods of dolphins as they swim and leap alongside your vessel.
Puffin Island Visit
Near Húsavík
See thousands of puffins nesting on rocky islands during the summer months.
Speed Boat Whale Safari
Offshore
Experience an exhilarating ride to get within feet of whales and dolphins.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Choose Your Whale Watching Adventure
Dress for the Arctic Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Speed Boat Tours
For thrilling close-ups, opt for speed boats; they reach whales in minutes! +1 ⛵
🧥 Layer Up for Cold
Wear warm, waterproof layers. Thermal suits are often provided. ☁️
📅 Book in Advance
Popular tours, especially RIB boats, fill up fast. Book ahead! 🎟️
📱 Use Discount Codes
Look for codes like 'ASASTEINARS' for potential savings on tours. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Speed Boat Tours
For thrilling close-ups, opt for speed boats; they reach whales in minutes! +1 ⛵
🧥 Layer Up for Cold
Wear warm, waterproof layers. Thermal suits are often provided. ☁️
📅 Book in Advance
Popular tours, especially RIB boats, fill up fast. Book ahead! 🎟️
📱 Use Discount Codes
Look for codes like 'ASASTEINARS' for potential savings on tours. :moneybag:
📸 Let Guides Take Photos
Relax and enjoy the view; guides often take photos for you. 📷
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the incredible experience of seeing whales up close, with many highlighting the thrill of speed boat tours and the informative, enthusiastic guides. The opportunity to witness breaching whales and playful dolphins is a major draw. While most find it worth the cost, some feel the premium for speed boats isn't always justified compared to larger vessels.
"Absolutely incredible experience. The speed boats (whale safari tour) are the way to go for serious whale watching: after sitting out in the middle of the bay, we'd spot a blow and be able to speed to the whales within minutes. We were incredibly lucky to see several humpback whales, including a juvenile breaching, on 9/30. Being able to see these incredible animals from 10-15 feet away is just breathtaking. Our guide, Carla, was enthusiastic and informative."
Andrea Kulhawik
"Awesome experience! We had such a great time. I highly recommend the speed boat option, as when a whale is spotted, you can get to it within seconds. We were just a few feet away from the whales (and dolphins) and could easily maneuver around to get the best angle to view the whales come up for air and dive, showing their beautiful tails. Our guide was fantastic. She was constantly calling out where to look to see the next whale surfacing and even offered to take photos/video so you could watch without looking through your camera the whole time. Gentle Giants was also very accommodating…we had two damaged tires the night before our early morning reservation and could not make it because no one was open to replace our tires until the next morning. GG let us move our reservation to the mid afternoon spot, allowing us time to get new tires put on and make the 45 min. drive to Husavik. Unfortunately we missed the Puffins by a week, but even without seeing them, it was well worth it!"
Sherry Toomey
"Fantastic Experience and worth every dollar. We booked same day for the 9:30pm tour. I would suggest booking in advance to make sure you get your desired time. We arrived early and suited up with the overalls and life jacket going over the experience. Our guide Dimitra was fantastic always explaining what was going on and some facts about the whales / dolphins as we saw them. The speed boat was amazing, we did not feel any seasickness at all ( I know this also depends on the ocean as well). Our captain safely guided us around a small pod of dolphins for some time before moving us towards the island where puffins were. This was incredible. We then found 3 separate humpback whales. Due to the size of the boat we were able to get extremely close without disturbing the animals. This tour has a maximum of 12 people on it which is the perfect size. I also would like to mention that the staff does truly care for these animals and does their best as to not disturb the whales in their natural habitat. Overall, this was one of the best experiences of my life and I'm sure I will never stop talking about it. It is worth every dollar so if you can do the RIB boat tour I would highly recommend doing it. Thank you all for a wonderful experience!!!!"
Danielle Rich
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Húsavík is accessible via Akureyri Airport (AEY), which now has direct flights from Manchester, UK.
Yes, the drive between Akureyri and Húsavík is straightforward and takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
Absolutely! Reykjavik also offers excellent whale watching tours, often seeing humpbacks, minke whales, and dolphins.
Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring North Iceland at your own pace, allowing you to easily travel between Akureyri, Húsavík, and other attractions like waterfalls and hot springs.
Exciting news for UK travelers: EasyJet now offers direct flights from Manchester to Akureyri, making access to Húsavík much easier.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices vary depending on the tour operator and boat type. RIB boat tours are generally more expensive but offer a more intimate experience. +1 Expect to pay around $100-$150 USD for a standard tour and potentially more for speed boat options.
It is highly recommended to book your whale watching tickets in advance, especially during peak season (summer) and if you desire a specific tour time or type (like the RIB boat).
Most tickets include the boat tour, a thermal suit, and a life jacket. Some operators may offer discounts through hotels. Guides provide information about the whales and the local environment.
Yes, North Sailing is known for working with university students and researchers, indicating a commitment to ethical and scientific whale watching practices.
Tours typically run multiple times a day, from early morning to late evening, especially during the summer months. It's best to check the specific operator's schedule when booking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You have a high chance of seeing humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins. Blue whales have also been spotted in North Iceland.
The summer months, from May to September, offer the best chances for whale sightings, with peak activity in June, July, and August.
Expect to spend a few hours on the water. You'll likely see whales, dolphins, and potentially puffins. Guides will share interesting facts about the marine life and the region.
Seasickness is possible, especially on smaller boats or in rougher seas. Wearing motion sickness bands and staying hydrated can help. Some found the speed boats didn't cause seasickness.
Yes, Húsavík offers kayaking trips, deep-sea fishing, and is near geothermal sea baths like GeoSea.
📸 📸 Photography
Use a fast shutter speed to capture moving whales and a wide aperture for low light. Consider a telephoto lens for distant shots, but be ready to switch to a wider lens for close encounters.
Use a waterproof camera bag or a rain cover for your DSLR. Wiping your lens frequently with a microfiber cloth is essential.
Yes, but be prepared for movement. Stabilize yourself and your camera. Many guides are happy to take photos for you so you can focus on observing.
Capture the scale of the whales against the vast ocean, their breaching moments, and the playful interactions of dolphins. Don't forget the stunning Icelandic landscapes.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas or by tour operators for the safety of wildlife. Always check regulations before flying.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit