Whale watching with wind power and an electric motor!
Raising the sails and getting close to the gentle sea giants at the same time – no problem in Husavik. The place has secured a reputation as the whale watching capital of Europe. Nostalgic two-masters, traditional wooden ships, modern hybrid sailboats and motor boats all anchor in its picturesque harbour. Husavik is located on Skjálfandi Bay in northeast Iceland.
humpback whales are the most commonly seen in Husavik. In addition, around 100.000 pairs of puffins breed on offshore islands. In early summer, some of the cute birds flock to the surrounding waters for an added attraction. Minke whales, porpoises and white-beaked dolphins are also regular guests of the bay. Enjoy the wind in your sails or board a silent electric boat and explore the world of Husavik's whales.
Experience humpback whales in Husavik
The pretty little harbor promenade blurs in the distance and our eyes wander to the horizon. Salty sea air, the taste of adventure and a good portion of anticipation ensnare the ship. And we're lucky. A water fountain divides the expanse of the waves. A caudal fin perched on top of the spray before vanishing. Humpback whales in sight! A second boat is already there when we arrive. We keep our distance and hope the whales will show up again. Silence. Then a blow at 12 o'clock. A majestic back becomes visible. The colossus slowly glides through the water, floats on the surface and seems to rest for a moment. Breathless, I look at the massive body and enjoy the moment.”
The pretty little harbor promenade blurs in the distance and our eyes wander to the horizon. Salty sea air, the taste of adventure and a good portion of anticipation ensnare the ship. And we're lucky. A water fountain divides the expanse of the waves. A caudal fin perched on top of the spray before vanishing. Humpback whales in sight! A second boat is already there when we arrive. We keep our distance and hope the whales will show up again. Silence. Then a blow at 12 o'clock. A majestic back becomes visible. The colossus slowly glides through the water, floats on the surface and seems to rest for a moment. Breathless, I look at the massive body and enjoy the moment.”
On a whale watching tour with North Sailing in Husavik, AGE™ was able to spot numerous water fountains and tail fins from a distance and two different humpback whales up close. Please remember that whale watching is always different, a matter of luck and a unique gift from nature.
Nature & animals • Wildlife Viewing • Whale Watching • to Iceland • Whale Watching in Iceland • Whale watching in Husavik
Whale watching in Iceland
There are several good spots for whale watching in Iceland. Whale tours in Reykjavik are ideal for a trip to the capital of Iceland. The fjords at Husavik and Dalvik are known as great whale watching spots in North Iceland.
Numerous Icelandic whale watching providers are trying to attract guests. In the spirit of the whales, care should be taken when selecting nature-conscious companies. Especially in Iceland, a country where whaling has not yet been officially banned, it is important to promote sustainable ecotourism and thus the protection of whales.
North Sailing is an innovative company that has set new trends in environmental protection. The 10-strong fleet includes traditional oak boats, nostalgic sailboats and ships with modern electric motors. Founded in 1995, North Sailing was the first whale watching company in Husavik. They are the second oldest company in Iceland and, with 25 years of company history, set an example early on against whaling and for responsible eco-tourism. To further reduce its carbon footprint, North Sailing also plants its own forest.
Depending on which ship the guest chooses for his whale experience, the equipment and size of the boats change. The declared AGE™ favorite is the Opal: a beautiful sailing ship that has been combined with a hybrid electric motor and thus combines tradition and modern technology. If required, the provider will provide warm overalls before the tours.
Nature & animals • Wildlife Viewing • Whale Watching • to Iceland • Whale Watching in Iceland • Whale watching in Husavik
Experiences with whale watching in Husavik
A special experience
A special experienceSet sail, board a traditional wooden boat or test an electric boat. Everything is possible in Husavik. whale ahead! Your dream becomes reality.
What does North Sailing whale watching in Iceland cost?
What does North Sailing whale watching in Iceland cost?
A tour costs between 11000 and 12000 ISK for adults including VAT. There are discounts for children. The price includes the boat tour and the rental of windproof overalls. The price varies depending on the type of boat.
As of 2022. You can find current prices here.
How much time should you plan for the whale tour?
The whale watching tour takes about 3 hours. If you also want to make a detour to the puffin islands and are in Husavik at the right time of year, you can alternatively book the 3,5 hour whale watching & puffin tour.
Is there food and toilets?
North Sailing usually offers its guests free cocoa and cinnamon rolls on board. A toilet is available on all types of ships during the journey.
Where does whale watching take place in Husavik?
Husavik is located in north-east Iceland about 460 km from the capital Reykjavik. Husavik is an hour's drive from Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. The ships are anchored in the picturesque port of Husavik. North Sailing's ticket office is labeled Whale Watching Center and is located above the pier.
Which sights are nearby?
The Husavik whale museum is about 100 meters above the jetty and offers large whale skeletons and exciting information. Afterwards you can relax in the cozy restaurant Gamli Baukur with a good hot chocolate and a view of the harbour. Not enough action for one day? Just 15 minutes from Husavik, the lures Gardur riding stables to tölt with Icelandic horses. Another great option awaits about 1,5 hours west Whale watching in Hauganes.
Interesting information about whales
What are the characteristics of a humpback whale?
The Humpback Whale belongs to the baleen whales and is about 15 meters long. It has unusually large fins and an individual underside of the tail. This species of whale is popular with tourists due to its lively behavior.
The humpback whale's blow reaches a height of up to three meters. When descending, the colossus almost always raises its tail fin, giving it momentum for the dive. Typically, a humpback whale takes 3-4 breaths before diving. Its typical dive time is 5 to 10 minutes, with times of up to 45 minutes being easily possible.
Find out more in Humpback Whale Wanted Poster
Good to know
AGE™ has written three whale reports in Iceland for you
1. Whale watching at Husavik
Whale watching with wind power and an electric motor!
2. Whale Watching at Dalvik
On the go with the whale protection pioneers in the fjord!
3. Whale watching in Reykjavik
Where whales and puffins say hello!
Exciting places for whale watching
• Whale watching in Antarctica
• Whale watching in Australia
• Whale Watching in Canada
• Whale watching in Iceland
• Whale Watching in Mexico
• Whale watching in Norway
In the footsteps of the gentle giants: Respect & Expectation, Country Tips & Deep Encounters
Nature & animals • Wildlife Viewing • Whale Watching • to Iceland • Whale Watching in Iceland • Whale watching in Husavik
External copyright notice: 2 photographs of the sailing ships in this article are from Whale Whatching Husavik's PR material. AGE™ would like to thank the management for the usage rights. The photographer is clearly noted under each photo. The rights to these photographs remain with the author. Licensing of these photographs is only possible in consultation with the management or the author. All other photographs are copyright AGE™ employees.
Information on site, as well as personal experiences on a whale watching tour in July 2020.
North Sailing (oD) Homepage of North Sailing. [online] Retrieved on 10.10.2020/XNUMX/XNUMX, from URL: http://www.northsailing.is