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Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík
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Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík

By Gentle Giants Whale Watching
Cruise Skjalfandi Bay, one of Iceland’s top whale-sighting spots, on this tour from Husavik. Booking ahead means you avoid ticket-buying hassles and helps ensure your preferred departure time. Travel in a traditional, Icelandic oak boat. Onboard commentary provides background on Iceland’s marine life.
from
$86.42
per adult
from
$86.42
per adult
Lowest price guaranteeFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 70 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English
Features animals
Highlights
  • Look for whales on a cruise from Husavik, Iceland’s whale capital
  • Sail by traditional oak boat to the prime viewing spot of Skjalfandi Bay 
  • Enjoy space to move around on deck to get the views you want
  • Book in advance for peace of mind and convenience 
  • Live onboard commentary about Iceland’s marine life
  • Coveralls, raincoats.
  • Choice of departure times to suit your schedule
  • Professional guide
  • Live commentary on board
  • Warm overalls and raincoats
What's not included
  • Transportation to/from attractions (Tour departure is within walking distance from accommodations in Húsavík)
Select your preferred departure time, and head to the dock in Husavík, Iceland’s whale-watching capital. Settle on deck on the traditional, spacious oak boat. If the weather requires it, you’re provided with a coverall and raincoat. Admire the views of the Vik’s mountains as you cruise to Skjalfandi Bay. The sheltered inlet offers a high chance of spotting various types of marine life, from harbor porpoises to blue and humpback whales. Although June to August brings the best chance of sightings, the crew has recently reported more early spring and autumn sightings, increasing the number of visitors who see the whales. Learn about the marine environment via live commentary from the onboard guide.
Departure details
  • Gentle Giants – Húsavík Whale Watching, Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík, Iceland Departure Point: Gentle Giants Ticket Center Directions: Look for the big blue flags in Húsavík
Return details
  • Returns to original departure point
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 23031P1
  • Subject to favourable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
  • Please bring warm and waterproof clothing
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • A minimum number of passengers is required for all our tours. If the minimum number is not reached, we reserve the right to change or cancel departures, even with short notice. In such cases, customers are offered alternative options or full refund
  • Unfortunately, if no whales or dolphins are sighted whist on tour, passenger refunds are not permitted. However, customers can receive a voucher to join a traditional whale watching tour free of charge, depending on availability
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled 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 70 travelers
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
A note from Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík
  • No refreshments served on board due to COVID-19
What you can expect during your visit
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Community
Ask a questionWrite a review
  • Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
How much is Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík?
Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík price starts from $86.81. Discover and book Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík on Tripadvisor
What is the Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík cancellation policy?
Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík on Tripadvisor
Which company provides Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík?
Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík is hosted by Gentle Giants Whale Watching. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Gentle Giants Whale Watching on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík on Tripadvisor
How much time do I need for Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík?
On average, this experience will take approximately 3h. Discover and book Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík on Tripadvisor
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: 23031P1
About the operator

Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.

By: Gentle Giants Whale Watching
1,921
Susan E
Susan E
00
Lots of puffins and a whale
Gentle Giants is located on a gorgeous harbor which was smooth as glass the day we went out. Decked out in our win…
sarahwG7716XN
sarahwG7716XN
00
Most fantastic whale watching trip ever.
Our whole experience was utterly fantastic. We had been warned several times by the company that we may not see an…
Fjasmi
Fjasmi
00
Great Experience!
The Iceland whale season was coming to an end when visiting Gentle Giants, however I still had a great experience! …
L2376FAinfo
L2376FAinfo
00
Island expedition all around
The visit to Iceland and our expedition for our clients had a clear goal, whales, and when it comes to whales, only…
Jamie B
Jamie B
00
Whales!
10+ whale sightings the day we went out. Humpback and Minke. The day was perfect. It was phenomenal!
ronald1728
ronald1728
00
fantastic trip
we were lucky to see whales in our trip several times. All the process were smooth and the guide (Jennifer) is ver…
Alice W
Alice W
00
Great crew & minke whales
Whale watching for two in September. The weather was beautiful and we were lucky enough to see some minke whales. T…
Amber B
Amber B
00
Great tour!
It's as important to me that the tour is ethical, doesn't disturb the whales, as it is to see them. The captain wa…
showmespfld
showmespfld
00
Beautiful scenery and lots of whales!
A very good experience. The rib boat is the best way to see these amazing creatures because you are able to get clo…
leonsawafta
leonsawafta
00
A whole new experience
At first I was sceptical about this trip because of the price. But it was an amazing feeling to see the whales comi…
ashleyat87
ashleyat87
00
Awesome experience!
This was one of our favorite experiences in Iceland! We saw a few humpback whales multiple times. We saw them right…
heronstudio88
heronstudio88
00
Excellent trip!
Seeing whales is a priority equal to not disturbing them. The captain was great at getting us near the whale while…
Andrew L
Andrew L
00
Just do it
We went in early September after the puffins had left for the winter. We already knew they'd gone but Gentle Giants…
Ters317
Ters317
00
Most enjoyable outing
We had a great day with Gentle Giants. It was cold, but the protective clothing helped for that. We saw a humpback…
Hoevelmm
Hoevelmm
00
Nice whale watching on a RIB
We really enjoyed the RIB tour by sunny weather. With a nice and experienced guide as well the best skipper we saw …
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
200 reviews
Excellent
130
Very good
32
Average
9
Poor
10
Terrible
19
Mark G
Parkton, MD17 contributions
Great activity to experience
Sep 2022
We were late arriving to Husavik and the staff at Gentle Giants were very accommodating. Getting us processed and out to the boat. The whale watching ship was unique as an older style whale watching ship. We quickly found a humpback or two and followed them for several hours. The crew were very interesting as they explained about the area and enlightened us about the habits of humpbacks and other whales found in the area. They also talked about the puffins that are frequent to the region.
Written October 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gentle Giants
Thank you very much for taking the time to write us this review. We are happy to know that you enjoyed the trip with the humpback whales and the explanations of our guide. All the best, Joséphine.
Written October 25, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jonas Gunnarsson
Stockholm, Sweden518 contributions
Great experience in beautiful surroundings
Aug 2022
We had a great afternoon with Gentle Giants on Skjalfandi.
Nature has no guarantees, but we saw a couple of humpbacks, a minke whale and a porpoise. The views are spectacular and we had a very knowledgeable guide giving us interesting facts on the environment as well as the various species in the area.
Having seen whales in a few places around the world before, I consider this a very good experience. Our encounters were not super-close, but there is something special with seeing these gentle giants in these beautiful surroundings.
Written October 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gentle Giants
Dear Jonas, thank you for your review. We are glad you had a good time on board with us seeing the landscape and the different species. All the best, Joséphine.
Written October 14, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rachie T
5 contributions
Fantastic tour. Highly recommend.
Although our initial trip was cancelled due to bad weather we were offered a later time (with the risk of being cancelled again or choppy waves). We went for it and although it was a bit choppy to start with it soon settled down.

About 30 minutes into our trip we were lucky enough to see a humpback whale. We followed him around as he came up to the surface and were so lucky to see him up close (within a few meters of the boat). Something we will definitely not forget!

As we were getting ready to head back in a Minke whale briefly appeared before disappearing again.

The tour guide was very informative. He provided some very interesting facts about the whales, the ecosystem and the bay we were in.

All in all we were very happy with all aspects of the tour.

Thank you!
Written September 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gentle Giants
Thank you very much. We are glad you had a fantastic tour with us and enjoyed seing the humpback and the minke whale. Best regards, Joséphine.
Written September 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Liz K
Maidenhead, UK13 contributions
Great experience with a wonderful crew
Sep 2022
We had a great trip with Gentle Giants, our captain Maggi and guide Koon (apologies for any misspelling) made the trip a really great experience. Maggi steered our boat brilliantly to keep up with the whales we saw yet showing these magnificent mammals the respect they deserve. The commentary from Koon was both humorous and really informative. We went on 9th September, and we were barely 15 minutes out of the harbour before we saw our first minke whale; in all we saw 2 minke and a humpback whale, and Maggi kept us as close to the whales as possible so we got some great photos. We only booked the day before our trip as we were worried it was a little late in the season, but with an excellent weather forecast and going with the understanding that we were taking a boat trip where we might see whales we decided to book. We were not disappointed and would highly recommend Gentle Giants.
Written September 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gentle Giants
Thank you very much for taking the time to write this great review. Koen and Maggi will be delighted to know you spend such a good time on board with them. We are happy to know you enjoyed seing the Minke and the humpback whales. Thank you also for you recommendation. All the best, Joséphine.
Written September 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alyson H
1 contribution
A boat ride instead
Aug 2022 • Couples
The French guide was lovely and helpful but I struggled to hear her at times when boat was moving. We know that there’s a chance we wouldn’t see anything (this is nature after all) and they really did try but I’d suggest they review their sightings data as where we were staying had a number of people with no sightings and others in boat were using vouchers to revisit after no sightings. All in all we had a very bouncy boat ride instead. I really can’t see how it’s as high as they claim as I met lots of people with no sightings
Written August 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gentle Giants
Thank you very much for taking the time to give us your feedback. We are sorry to hear that you had trouble listening to what your guide said on board. We usually adjust the microphone volume according to the wind and weather so everyone on board can listen. As you said this is nature and it is unpredictable. It means that even if we do have 97% rate on sightings, it is possible to get several days of irregular sightings in the bay as well, that is why we have the option of the voucher for people to have the opportunity to try again. We hope that you still manage to enjoyed the boat ride and you will try your luck again on board with us. Best regards, Joséphine.
Written August 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ute M
2 contributions
Wonderful trip, super nice tour guide
Jul 2022
Wonderful trip. Saw a lot of Puffins, Artic Terns , Humpback whales and Minke whales.
The tour guide was so nice. He explained everything, had a huge knowlegde of all animals which we saw and he took care of everyone.
So this trip is unforgettable. Thanks a lot for this great adventure.
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gentle Giants
Thank you very much for your review, we are glad you spend a wonderful trip with the puffins, arctic terns, humpbacks and the minke whales. All the best, Joséphine.
Written July 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris G
104 contributions
Humpbacks, dolphins, and puffins.
We had a great tour with Gentle Giants. While we’ve seen more whales on tours in South Africa and such, it seems impossible to best what we witnessed in the Husavik fjord - a broaching humpback. Luck plays a big role in that of course, but our sense was that the folks from Gentle Giants are pros who put us in the right positions to spot a few of the playful creatures. We also saw pods of dolphin. I’ll add the whale pic if possible - credit you my wife for the shot which was better than the postcards in the stores.
Written July 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gentle Giants
Thank you for taking the time to write us this incredible review. We are very happy you spend a great tour with us and the animals. We wish all the best, Joséphine.
Written July 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kingth
12 contributions
Multiple Whale Sightings
The crew gave us warm overalls and raincoats to help with the cold. They were very friendly and informational but most of all they did they best to help us have a great whale watching experience. After first arriving we go to see one whale but then the captain heard there was more a bit farther away so he took us and we got to witness a mama and baby whale together. We got to see what we came to do.
Written June 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gentle Giants
Dear kingth, thank you so much for this wonderful review! You really seem to have had a great experience with the mother humpback and calf. Thanks for taking time to sharing your experience. All the best, Daniel
Written June 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laura
14 contributions
Great tour- you see the whales!
May 2022
Comfortable boat, overalls provided to help from getting cold and wet on the water. Lovely boat ride and saw whales! Whales don't jump in the cold water but you can see them spray and their tails. You can also go up high on these boats and see from above. Tour was also led by a marine biologist so she was really knowledgable and provided great information throughout the three hour tour! Definitely worth the stop.
Written June 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gentle Giants
Dear Laura, thank you for the great review! Very nice to hear that you enjoyed the boat ride and saw whales. Thanks for the positive feedback about the guide. Best regards, Daniel
Written June 2, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Martin C
Ljubljana, Slovenia4 contributions
Bad experience
Apr 2022 • Couples
Disaster. No whales, no dolphins, nothing, even they guarantee to see them in 98% cases. This is simply not true and I am pretty sure, whales are not seen in many cases with them. They are not returning money in case of no whales during tour - just voucher, which is unuseful, since you don't really visit Iceland every year. Also one guy from staff was not really polite. Don't recommend them.
Written May 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gentle Giants
Dear Martin C, thank you for your honest feedback! Sorry to hear that you did not see any whales on your tour. This is wild nature and indeed unpredictable. Even though the average chances over the season are high, it does happen that whales are not see on tours. They are wild animals and come and go into the bay. In such cases, we offer passengers a voucher for the traditional whale watching tour, that is valid unlimited. I hope that you will visit Húsavík in the future and give it another try to experience the wildlife of Skjálfandi Bay. Thanks for sharing your experience! Best regards, Daniel
Written May 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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