A whaling town turned whale-watching capital, on a bay where humpbacks feed all summer.
Skjálfandi bay is fed by nutrient-rich water from the highland rivers, which draws humpback whales through the summer along with minke, white-beaked dolphin and, less predictably, blue whales. Húsavík built its whale-watching fleet on this and its research museum is very good.
We are careful about how this is sold. Sightings are high but never guaranteed, so we say a very good chance and never a certainty. Traditional oak boats and small RIBs both operate; the choice depends on the client’s appetite for weather.
Small harbour hotels in town and countryside properties along the bay and Tjörnes coast.
Small-boat whale watching, puffin colonies on Lundey, and the GeoSea cliffside geothermal baths.
Cod, haddock and langoustine from the harbour, plus lamb from the surrounding valleys.
An hour by road from Akureyri, easily combined with Mývatn on the same northern loop.
First humpbacks arrive and puffins return to the cliffs. Cold on the water, and quiet ashore.
The highest sighting rates of the year, with puffins on Lundey and near-continuous light.
Whales still feeding, aurora returning at night and the fleet running fewer departures.
April — May: Season Opens. First humpbacks arrive and puffins return to the cliffs. Cold on the water, and quiet ashore. June — August: Peak Whale Season. The highest sighting rates of the year, with puffins on Lundey and near-continuous light. September — October: Late Season. Whales still feeding, aurora returning at night and the fleet running fewer departures.
We suggest 2 nights. 2 nights: A small-boat whale morning, the puffin island and an evening at the cliffside sea baths. 5 nights: Húsavík with Mývatn and Akureyri — geothermal ground, whales and volcanic country in one arc.
Akureyri (AEY), then 1h. An hour by road from Akureyri, easily combined with Mývatn on the same northern loop.
Whales · Birds · Coast. A whaling town turned whale-watching capital, on a bay where humpbacks feed all summer.