Animals in Húsavík

More than ten cetacean species turn up in the bay off Húsavík, but four show themselves regularly: humpback, minke, white-beaked dolphin and harbour porpoise. Humpbacks appear most often — they feed near the surface and breach fully clear of the water, which means a chance to see the animal whole rather than as a back and a spout.

Blue whales, the largest animals on the planet, come in during June and July, but that is a lottery rather than a timetable. No operator guarantees them; instead the rule is that if no whales are seen at all, the next sailing is free. Odds across the season stay high precisely because of the bay's depth and the food in it. A naturalist guide works on board and logs the animals sighted.

Birds join the mammals. Atlantic puffins nest on an islet in the bay from May to August, and a separate three-and-a-half-hour sailing at 139 dollars goes out to them. The other three programmes run three hours and cost 109 to 135 dollars, the difference being the vessel. GetExperience lists 4 animal programmes in Húsavík; binoculars and warm clothing are handed out on board, so bringing your own is unnecessary. Dates are picked in the calendar, with online card payment.