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Operated by: North Sailing

Húsavík: Midnight Sun Whale Watching Evening Sailing

Sail into the golden Arctic light on this 3-hour evening whale watching tour in Húsavík. Explore Skjálfandi Bay with a professional guide, spot whales and seabirds, and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cinnamon buns under the midnight sun.

Duration
3 hours
Starts From
Húsavík
Pickup
No pickup
Difficulty
EASY
Season
All year
Passengers
Min 1
Travel method
Boat

About this experience

Experience one of Iceland's most extraordinary natural spectacles on this evening whale watching sailing from Húsavík, North Iceland's premier whale watching destination. Over three hours on the water, you'll explore the rich marine waters of Skjálfandi Bay in search of whales and seabirds beneath the legendary Arctic midnight sun.

What sets this tour apart is its timing. The evening light transforms the bay into a canvas of warm gold and amber, creating exceptional photography conditions and a serene atmosphere that daytime sailings simply cannot match. Every tour is shaped by nature's mood, making each voyage genuinely unique.

Throughout the sailing, a professional whale watching guide provides expert commentary in English, helping you identify species and understand the marine environment. Warm overalls and raincoats are provided on board, and complimentary hot chocolate and cinnamon buns are served to keep you comfortable on the water.

The tour departs from the harbour in Húsavík, with the North Sailing Ticket Centre located in the glass building at the centre of town, opposite the church. Guests are asked to arrive at the ticket office at least 30 minutes before departure to collect boarding passes.

Highlights

  • Evening sailing under the midnight sun in Skjálfandi Bay
  • Whale and seabird spotting with a professional English-speaking guide
  • Complimentary hot chocolate and cinnamon buns on board
  • Warm overalls and raincoats provided
  • Golden Arctic light ideal for photography
  • Departing from Húsavík harbour, North Iceland

Experience details

This 3-hour evening sailing takes you out onto Skjálfandi Bay from Húsavík harbour in search of whales and seabirds. The tour follows the same route and wildlife-spotting approach as the classic daytime whale watching experience, but benefits from the extraordinary quality of light that the midnight sun brings during Iceland's summer season.

  • On board: A professional guide provides English-language commentary throughout the voyage, sharing knowledge about whale species, behaviour, and the bay's marine ecosystem.
  • Comfort: Warm overalls and raincoats are available if needed, and hot chocolate and cinnamon buns are served during the sailing.
  • Photography: The soft, golden evening light creates outstanding conditions for capturing wildlife and seascapes.
  • Nature-dependent: Wildlife sightings and light conditions vary naturally — no two tours are identical.

Arrive at the North Sailing ticket office at least 30 minutes before departure. No printed voucher is required; simply provide your name and booking number.

Why choose this tour

Húsavík is widely regarded as Iceland's whale watching capital, and Skjálfandi Bay is one of the most productive whale habitats in the North Atlantic. Choosing the evening sailing adds the rare dimension of the midnight sun — a phenomenon unique to Iceland's high-latitude summers.

Operated by North Sailing, a long-established Húsavík operator, this tour combines genuine wildlife expertise with thoughtful on-board comfort. Warm gear is provided, refreshments are included, and English-speaking guides ensure every guest gets the most from their time on the water. It is a complete, self-contained experience with no additional equipment or food purchases needed.

What’s included

Professional whale watching guide Warm overalls and raincoats if needed Hot chocolate and cinnamon buns English guidance

Pickup point

Pickup or meeting details are confirmed during booking.

Frequently asked questions

What whales might I see on this tour?
Skjálfandi Bay is home to humpback whales, minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins, among other species. Seabirds are also commonly spotted. Your guide will help identify any wildlife encountered, though sightings vary naturally on every voyage.
What makes the evening sailing different from a daytime tour?
The evening sailing takes place under the midnight sun, bathing Skjálfandi Bay in warm golden light. This creates exceptional photography conditions and a quieter, more atmospheric experience on the water compared to busier daytime departures.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes. The tour has price categories for toddlers (0–6 years) and youth (7–15 years) as well as adults (16 and over), so families with children of all ages are welcome on board.
What should I wear on the boat?
Wear warm clothing as a base layer. Warm overalls and raincoats are provided on board if needed, so you will be comfortable even if the evening turns cool or breezy out on the water.
Where exactly does the tour depart from?
The tour departs from Húsavík harbour. Check in at the North Sailing Ticket Centre — the glass building in the town centre opposite the church at Hafnarstétt 9 — at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Is the tour affected by weather?
Yes, this is an outdoor ocean sailing and is weather dependent. Light conditions and wildlife activity also vary naturally. North Sailing's guides are experienced in operating safely in North Iceland's coastal conditions.

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