Húsavík is the whale watching capital of Iceland — a claim that stands up to scrutiny. The cold, nutrient-rich waters of Skjálfandi Bay attract feeding humpbacks from May through October in remarkable numbers, and sightings of humpbacks on a typical summer trip run close to 100%. Minke whales are common year-round, blue whales appear in summer, and white-beaked dolphins are frequently spotted. On a lucky day you might see several species in a single outing.
Several operators run trips from the wooden harbour, using traditional oak boats alongside more modern vessels. The classic oak boats are slower and lower in the water, which means a wetter ride but a more dramatic sense of scale when a humpback surfaces nearby. Trips run two to three hours and go out rain or shine — dress in proper warm layers regardless of the weather forecast, the bay is cold even in August. Book ahead in July and August when demand is high. If you want to combine whale watching with puffin colonies, some operators offer combination routes that pass the sea stacks where Atlantic puffins nest through the summer.