Whale Watching from Husavik (Iceland's Whale Capital)
Husavik is Europe's whale watching capital, with a 98% sighting rate in summer. Sail Skjalfandi Bay on a traditional oak schooner for the best chance of seeing humpback whales, dolphins, and occasionally blue whales.
Husavik did not declare itself the whale watching capital of Europe — the whales did. Perched on the shores of Skjalfandi Bay in northeast Iceland, this small fishing town of 2,300 people hosts some of the richest whale feeding grounds in the North Atlantic. A 98% sighting rate in summer tells you everything you need to know about your chances.
Why Husavik
Skjalfandi Bay is where cold Arctic currents meet nutrient-rich waters flowing from the Greenland Sea, creating a biological engine that produces enormous quantities of krill, capelin, and sand eels. These attract humpback whales in abundance — along with minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, and, in lucky years, blue whales.
North Sailing has been operating from Husavik since 1995 and pioneered whale watching in Iceland. Their fleet includes beautifully restored traditional oak schooners — the kind of vessels that Icelandic fishermen used for centuries — as well as modern electric and hybrid boats that produce zero emissions and minimal underwater noise.
The Tour
Departing from Husavik's small harbour, the schooner motors out into the bay, passing the island of Flatey and the dramatic cliffs of the Tjornes peninsula. The guide — typically a marine biologist or an experienced naturalist — scans the water surface for blows, dorsal fins, and the telltale dark shapes of surfacing whales.
When a whale is spotted, the boat approaches carefully, cutting the engine to minimise disturbance. Humpback whales are often remarkably relaxed around the schooners, surfacing repeatedly within 50 to 100 metres of the boat. Watching a 15-metre, 30-tonne animal rise from the depths, exhale a thunderous blow, arch its back, and lift its massive tail flukes before diving again is a moment that stays with you permanently.
The guide provides running commentary on the behaviour you are observing — feeding techniques, communication patterns, individual identification through tail markings — and the enthusiasm is infectious. These are people who have dedicated their careers to the whales of Skjalfandi Bay.
On Board
Warm overalls are provided for all passengers, which is essential even in summer. Skjalfandi Bay can be cold and windy, and three hours on the water in inadequate clothing is miserable. The overalls go over your regular clothes and make the experience comfortable in almost any conditions.
Hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls are served on board, adding a touch of warmth and Icelandic hospitality to the experience. The schooner's wooden deck, rigging, and sails create an atmosphere that a modern motorboat simply cannot match.
Planning Your Visit
Husavik is approximately 6 hours from Reykjavik by car, making it a stop on a Ring Road itinerary or a destination for a dedicated north Iceland trip. The town itself is worth exploring — the Husavik Whale Museum is one of the best natural history museums in Iceland, and the GeoSea geothermal sea baths on the cliff above the harbour offer extraordinary views.
Book your whale watching tour for the first day you arrive in Husavik if possible, leaving room for weather-related rescheduling. And bring binoculars — your own pair will outperform the communal ones on board.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What whales can I see in Husavik?
- Humpback whales are the most commonly sighted species, appearing on nearly every tour during peak season. Minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises are also frequently seen. Blue whales — the largest animals ever to have lived — visit Skjalfandi Bay occasionally between June and August. Orcas are rare but not unheard of.
- What is the sighting rate in Husavik?
- North Sailing reports a 98% whale sighting rate during the peak summer season (June through August). In the shoulder months of April, May, September, and October, the rate drops to around 90-95%. A sighting is defined as seeing at least one cetacean species — which includes dolphins and porpoises as well as whales.
- Why is Husavik better than Reykjavik for whale watching?
- Skjalfandi Bay, on which Husavik sits, is one of the richest feeding grounds in the North Atlantic. The bay's nutrient-rich waters attract larger numbers and greater diversity of whale species than the waters off Reykjavik. Husavik also offers traditional sailing schooners, which provide a quieter, more atmospheric experience than the larger motorised vessels used in Reykjavik.
- Will I get seasick?
- Skjalfandi Bay is relatively sheltered, but some wave action is normal. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication 30 to 60 minutes before departure. The traditional schooners are surprisingly stable, and staying on deck with fresh air and a visible horizon helps. The crew can provide advice and assistance if you feel unwell.
- What type of boat does North Sailing use?
- North Sailing operates a fleet of restored traditional Icelandic oak schooners and modern carbon-neutral electric and hybrid vessels. The schooners are the most popular option — beautiful wooden sailing vessels that use their engines to reach the whale feeding grounds and then cut the motors, creating a quiet environment that is less disruptive to the animals.
- When is the best time to visit Husavik for whale watching?
- The peak season runs from June through August, when the longest days, warmest temperatures, and highest whale concentrations align. July is generally considered the single best month. Tours also operate from April through October, with good sighting rates throughout.
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