Welcome to Húsavík! The world-renowned whale-watching capital of Iceland on the shores of Skjálfandi Bay. With the highest likelihood of spotting whales in Iceland, Húsavík is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable whale-watching experience. Choose from a variety of tours offered by local companies, whether you prefer the charm of a traditional oak boat or the thrill of a RIB speedboat adventure. Explore the wonders of marine life like nowhere else!
Húsavík is where Iceland’s whale-watching journey began. In the mid-90s, the first scheduled tours were launched in response to growing interest from curious tourists. Since then, the industry has flourished, earning Húsavík the title of “The Whale Capital of Iceland.” For all your whale-watching inquiries, check out our comprehensive FAQ, where we’ve gathered answers to the most common questions.
Whale Species
A total of 23 whale species have been spotted in Icelandic waters, with Skjálfandi Bay often welcoming humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins & harbor porpoises. Humpback whales, known for their playful nature and stunning acrobatics, are a highlight for whale watchers. You might witness them feeding, breaching (leaping out of the water), slapping their flippers, or spyhopping (poking their heads above water for a look around). Another awe-inspiring visitor to the bay is the blue whale, the largest animal ever to exist on Earth. Its tongue weighs as much as an elephant, and its heart rivals the size of a car. Seeing these giants in the wild is an unforgettable, breathtaking experience .Here is a list of all species that have been spotted in Skjálfandi bay.
Whale Watching tours
There are four different companies offering whale-watching trips here in Húsavík: Friends of Moby Dick , Gentle Giants, Húsavík Adventures and North Sailing . All of the companies have very friendly, multilingual guides who are passionate about whales, many of them working for the companies for many years. The local companies are also active participants in the education and research of the whales. Húsavík´s harbor is a hive of activity in this respect, because as well as the four whale-watching companies that use the docks, there is the Whale Museum and the University of Iceland´s research center. There are partnerships between these organizations and the whale-watching companies, with many boat trips containing researchers.