Whale watching with wind power and an electric motor!
Hoisting the sails and getting close to the gentle sea giants at the same time – no problem in Husavik. The place has earned the reputation as Whale watching capital of Europe Whale watching in Husavik, Iceland, is doubly rewarding. Nostalgic two-masted ships, traditional wooden ships, modern hybrid sailboats, and motorboats alike anchor in its picturesque harbor. Husavik is located on Skjálfandi Bay in northeastern 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.
The humpback whale's white fins shimmer beneath the water's surface.
Fluke beat of a humpback whale during a dive.
Whale watching in Husavik
Whale watching
Photo taken during a whale watching trip. Since each tail fluke is unique, humpback whales, for example, can be identified by their nimble feet. Taken during a whale watching trip in Husavik Iceland with North Sailing Husavik Iceland.
Experience humpback whales in Husavik
The pretty little harbor promenade fades into the distance, and our eyes wander to the horizon. Salty sea air, the taste of adventure, and a good dose of anticipation envelop the ship. And we're in luck. A fountain of water parts the expanse of the waves. A tail fin sits perched atop the spray before vanishing. Humpback whales in sight! A second boat is already on site when we arrive. We keep our distance, hoping the whales will resurface. Silence. Then a blow at 12 o'clock. A majestic back becomes visible. Slowly, the colossus glides through the water, floats on the surface, and seems to rest for a moment. Breathless, I observe the massive body and savor the moment.
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Humpback whale during whale watching in Iceland with North Sailing Husavik Iceland – Humpback whale profile
Typical hump when diving, which gives this whale species its name.
Each humpback whale has an individual underside of its tail fin.
On a whale-watching tour with North Sailing in Husavik, the Magazine.Travel team was able to observe numerous spouts and tail flukes from a distance, as well as two different humpback whales up close. Please keep in mind that whale watching is always different, a matter of luck, and a unique gift from nature.
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.
Magazine.Travel™ participated in a whale watching tour with North Sailing:
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 guests choose for their whale watching experience, the boats' amenities and size vary. Magazine.Travel's declared favorite is the Opal: a beautiful sailing ship combined with a hybrid electric motor, thus blending tradition with modern technology. If needed, the operator provides warm overalls before the tours.
Set 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?
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.
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Whale watching with a traditional wooden boat
10.990 ISK each for adults
4000 ISK each for children aged 7-15
Children 0-6 years are free
Silent tour with electric boat or sailing trip
11.990 ISK (approx. 74 euros) for adults
6000 ISK (approx. 26 euros) for children aged 7-15
Children 0-6 years are free
North Sailing guarantees sightings. (If no whales or dolphins are seen, the guest will receive a second 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 located about 100 meters above the boat dock and offers large whale skeletons and fascinating information. Afterwards, relax in the cozy Gamli Baukur restaurant with a good hot chocolate and a view of the harbor. Not enough action for one day? Just 15 minutes from Husavik, the 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.
This editorial contribution received external support
Disclosure: Magazine.Travel received discounts or free services as part of this report. The content of this article remains unaffected. The press code applies.
Copyrights and Copyright
Text and photos are protected by copyright. The copyright for this article, both word and image, lies entirely with Magazine.Travel Reisemagazin. All rights reserved. Content can be licensed for print and online media upon request.
Note on external copyrights: Two photographs of the sailing ships in this article were taken from the PR material of Whale Watching Husavik. Magazine.Travel thanks the management for the usage rights. The photographer is clearly credited 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. The copyright for all other photographs lies with the staff of Magazine.Travel.
Liability
The content of this article has been carefully researched and is based on personal experience. We assume no liability for any misleading or inaccurate information. Should our experience not match your personal experience, we assume no liability. Since nature is unpredictable, a similar experience on a subsequent trip cannot be guaranteed. Furthermore, circumstances may change. Magazine.Travel does not guarantee the timeliness or completeness of the information.
Source reference for text research
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
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Magazine.Travel has written three whale reports in Iceland for you
Magazine.Travel has written three whale reports in Iceland for you