What to Expect in the Hour Boat Cruise Window

Toilets and facilities before you board

The Húsavík harbour has public toilet facilities available before your speedboat departure. Use these before boarding, as there are no toilets on board the RIB during the 2-hour cruise. The boat moves at speed across open water, so plan your comfort needs accordingly. Most visitors use the harbour facilities in the 30 minutes before departure while they prepare their gear and check in with their guide.

The harbour area in Húsavík is compact and easy to navigate on foot. Toilet locations are clearly signposted near the main booking office where you'll collect your safety overalls. If you arrive early (which many operators recommend), you'll have unhurried time to locate facilities and adjust to the maritime environment before heading out to Puffin Island and Skjálfandi Bay.

Where to leave your backpack and bags

Leave larger bags and backpacks at the harbour office or designated storage area rather than bringing them aboard. The RIB speedboat has limited space, and a fast boat trip across the waves is easier without excess luggage. Check with the tour operator on arrival about their bag storage policy, as procedures vary slightly between departure times. Most visitors store their belongings for the duration of the cruise and collect them when they return to the harbour.

Bring only a small day pack or crossbody bag if you need to carry personal items like sunscreen, a camera, or medication. Keep valuables secure and only bring what you'll actually need during the 2-hour voyage. The open design of the RIB means exposed storage, so waterproof bags or cases help protect electronics and documents from sea spray.

Warm overalls hang ready as Húsavík's geothermal steam rises behind

Eating before a fast boat trip

Have a light meal or snack an hour or two before your departure time rather than eating heavy food immediately beforehand. Fast boat journeys create motion that affects digestion, so most experienced sailors avoid large meals right before departure. The Húsavík harbour area has cafés and small restaurants where you can sit comfortably and eat at a measured pace before heading to your boat.

Pack a light breakfast if you're departing early in the morning, or grab a sandwich or pastry from local shops in town. Many visitors walk the Húsavík rainbow street, the colourful main street lined with cafés and shops, to settle their stomachs and build anticipation before the adventure. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during the voyage, though check with your operator about what they provide or recommend for on-board refreshment.

Changing into and out of safety overalls

You'll put on your warm safety overalls at the harbour before boarding the RIB. These are obligatory and provided as part of your tour, along with rain jackets if needed. The operator has a designated changing area near the dock where guides help you into the correct size and fit. This happens in the final 15 to 20 minutes before departure, so arrive with enough time to dress without rushing.

After you return from the 2-hour cruise and dock back in Húsavík, you'll change out of the wet or damp overalls in the same area. Have a dry set of clothes ready to change into, or plan to head directly to somewhere warm where you can sit while your regular clothing dries. The changing facilities are basic but functional, designed for quick turnovers between multiple tour groups throughout the day.

What non-sailing family members can do while you're at sea

If some family members are not joining the RIB tour, the Húsavík harbour area offers enough to occupy them for 2 hours comfortably. The Húsavík Whale Museum is located near the harbour and provides an engaging indoor experience about whale species, marine life, and the science behind whale watching. Children and adults alike learn about the giants they might see on the boat, making it an excellent way to pass the waiting time and enhance the overall adventure.

Beyond the museum, the town centre is walkable and compact. Non-sailing companions can browse local shops, grab coffee at a harbourside café, or take photographs along the scenic coastline. The colourful Húsavík rainbow street offers shops and galleries that showcase local crafts and Icelandic goods. This arrangement works well for families where different members have different comfort levels with fast boat travel, ensuring everyone enjoys their time in the Whale Capital of Iceland.

Warming up after the boat tour

After your return to the harbour, head to one of the warm indoor spaces nearby to dry off and warm up. Several cafés and restaurants around the dock serve hot drinks and food, providing the perfect place to decompress after the exhilaration of the open water. Many visitors sit with a hot chocolate or coffee and review photos or videos they've captured during the voyage. The warmth and shelter help your body readjust after 2 hours exposed to sea wind and spray.

If you want to continue your activity rather than sit still, Húsavík has thermal seawater baths where you can relax in naturally heated water. These are located at a short distance from the harbour and offer a luxurious way to warm up and soothe muscles after the intensity of the speedboat ride. Alternatively, simply find a comfortable spot indoors, change into dry clothes completely, and enjoy a leisurely meal or drink while reflecting on the whales and puffins you've seen.

Planning your full Húsavík harbour experience

Budget extra time before and after your 2-hour RIB departure to enjoy the harbour surroundings fully. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to handle check-in, use facilities, and get into your safety gear without stress. Plan activities for non-sailing family members, secure your bags, and eat a light meal so you board feeling calm and ready. After your return, set aside another hour to change, warm up, and settle into the post-tour experience.

The full Húsavík experience combines the speedboat adventure to Puffin Island and Skjálfandi with the town's unique character, natural attractions, and maritime heritage. Whether you spend your waiting time at the Húsavík Whale Museum, exploring local shops, or simply relaxing at a harbourside café, the hour either side of your boat departure enriches your visit to Iceland's premier whale watching destination.

Arrive & Check In

1. Get to Húsavík harbour 15 minutes early

   Head to the departure point in Húsavík. Locate the RIB speedboat operator's office to complete check-in and receive your boarding details.

2. Use toilets before you board the boat

   Visit the harbour facilities before embarking. There are no toilet facilities on board during the 2-hour cruise.

3. Leave bags and backpacks in a secure spot

   Store personal items safely at the harbour. Keep only essentials with you; the speedboat's compact design means limited space during the voyage.

4. Put on warm safety overalls and rain jacket

   The operator provides specialized safety overalls and rain jackets as needed. Dress warmly underneath; you will feel the wind and spray on the open water.

5. Climb aboard and settle in for departure

   Your specialized guide will direct you onto the speedboat. Find your seat as the crew prepares to cast off for Puffin Island and Skjálfandi Bay.

6. Change out of overalls at the harbour

   Back on dry land, return your safety gear and collect your belongings. Warm facilities are available nearby to rest and dry off after your adventure.

Before you book