Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík
Description
Join Iceland's original RIB whale watching tour on modern speedboats Cover a wide area of Skjálfandi Bay aboard a fast, modern RIB speedboat to maximise your chances of spotting large whales in the wild Learn about Iceland's nature and wildlife from an expert guide Stay warm in safety overalls provided by the crew Choose a truly locally owned family company in Húsavík
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Subject to favourable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Please bring warm and waterproof clothing
- Minimum age is 8 years and minimum height 130 cm
- The puffin season is from April 15th – August 15th approximately. More focus on whales outside the puffin season. Should weather or sea conditions change, even with short notice, this may include skipping the visit to Puffin Island
- A minimum number of passengers is required for all our tours. If the minimum number is not reached, we reserve the right to change or cancel departures, even with short notice. In such cases, customers are offered alternative options or full refund
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Unfortunately, if no whales or dolphins are sighted on the tour, passenger refunds are not permitted. However, customers can receive a voucher to join a traditional whale watching tour free of charge, depending on availability
- Please arrive at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center in Húsavík at least 40 minutes before departure
- The tour on RIB speedboats is not allowed for passengers with heart- or back problems or pregnant women
- Not allowed for passengers with heart- or back problems or pregnant women
Reviews(447)
The tour was amazing! We joined the 3:00 PM tour on July 17, 2026, and saw lots of puffins, dolphins, and whales. Everything was perfectly organized and very well taken care of.
I can't recommend this tour enough. We saw so many puffins and more whales than I could possibly count — I truly never expected to see this many! The tour flew by so fast, but I was captivated by every single minute. Seeing the whales up close was something I simply can't put into words. It was absolutely incredible. The whole experience exceeded every expectation I had, and it's a memory from Iceland I'll treasure forever. If you're in Húsavík, don't miss Gentle Giants. Truly outstanding!
Thank you for such an incredible review! It is wonderful to hear your time in Skjálfandi Bay left such a lasting impression, from the countless whales and puffins to those unforgettable close encounters. Knowing this is a memory you'll treasure from Iceland means a lot to our team. Kind regards, Beatriz
We did the GG2 tour with Fabio as our guide, and we had a wonderful experience. Fabio was very knowledgeable and passionate about the natural environments. He was able to share interesting facts and answer all of our questions. It was great to see both the whales and the puffins, so I’d recommend GG2 for that reason (in the smaller, faster boats there is time for both). Also these boats can get to the whales more quickly before they dive down. Highly recommend Gentle Giants - the whole experience was well-run, from booking to check in, and of course the tour itself.
Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review. We're glad to hear Fabio's passion and knowledge added so much to your whale watching experience, and we'll be sure to pass your kind words on to him. It is wonderful that you enjoyed seeing both puffins and whales, and that everything from booking to the tour itself met your expectations. Kind regards, Beatriz
We went out on a mild sunny day. While the first hour brought zero whale sightings and I started losing hope, the second part of the trip brought some amazing encounters. We saw a shy humpback that wanted nothing to do with us, playful one that made noises and splashes and finally a resting whale that we spent around 20 mins watching. We were also followed by many white beaked dolphins. Our guide Miro was wonderful, couldn’t have asked for a more excited and informative person.
We are pleased to hear your patience was rewarded with such fantastic whale sightings in Skjálfandi Bay. It is great that Miro's knowledge and enthusiasm added to your whale watching experience, and we will gladly share your kind comments with him. Kind regards, Beatriz
Very interesting and exciting excursion. Clara was very knowledgeable, engaged and nice. Good service and information both in front and along the way.
We really appreciate your lovely feedback. It is wonderful to know Clara's knowledge and enthusiasm made your whale watching tour in Húsavík so enjoyable. We will gladly share your kind words with her. Thank you for choosing Gentle Giants. Kind regards, Beatriz
Ask for Demetria. Wonderful guide. My wife became seasick and the Cpt and Demetria were very kind and thoughtful. We saw a couple minky whales. Didn't see the big ones, but the kids had a blast. Totally worth it. Saw lots of puffins too!
Thank you for such kind review! We are glad to hear your family had an enjoyable whale watching experience with minke whales and plenty of puffins to see. We will be sure to pass your kind words on to Dimitra and the captain, and we are especially glad they were able to look after your wife during the tour. Kind regards, Beatriz
We couldn’t have chosen a better day of our stay in Iceland to go sailing around Húsavík Bay. When we parked the car, around 9am on June 9th, there were hardly any clouds, the temperature was quite pleasant, there was no wind at all and the sea was completely calm. At the GG office they told us that our guide would be Fabio, who was very friendly and approachable at all times. Before leaving, he gave us some good preliminary explanations and helped us to put on our clothes. The journey started at 10am. We had chosen to do it by speedboat, which was also a great decision. With the fantastic day and the sea so calm, we were able to move quickly and comfortably around the bay. First of all, we headed to Puffin Island, where we saw a large number of puffins flying and swimming around. After a few minutes, we went to look for the whales. Luck was also on our side with regard to the team leading the expedition. Sarah drove the boat and Fabio gave us very interesting and entertaining explanations about the environment, the behavior of the birds and the whales. All of this made us enjoy the experience to the fullest. And, as expected, we were able to see some whales alone, a pair moving together and a mother with her calf, as well as groups of dolphins that accompanied us for a while at the end of the trip. As there were so many of them, the team decided to extend the visit a little so that we could fully enjoy it. Once in Húsavík, we went to have lunch at one of the restaurants in the port, where we were able to taste the local cuisine, which was the culmination of an unforgettable day. Many thanks to the whole team for this wonderful experience!
Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed and kind review. We are really happy to know that everything came together for such a memorable whale watching tour, from the calm conditions in Skjálfandi Bay to the puffins, humpback whales, and dolphins you encountered. It is also wonderful to hear that Fabio and Sarah helped make the trip even more enjoyable with their enthusiasm, knowledge, and care throughout the tour. We will be sure to pass your kind words on to them. Kind regards, Beatriz
Great nice tour made on the rib. Enthusiastic guide. Whales, puffins and dolphins spotted! Perfect!
Thank you for your kind words! It's great to hear you enjoyed the tour and the amazing wildlife encounters in Skjálfandi Bay. Kind Regards, Beatriz
We loved the tour. Additionally, we were lucky and saw everything: whales, dolphins, puffins, all with our guide Clara, who explained her extensive knowledge with enthusiasm and joy. I recommend it 100%.
We are happy to hear you enjoyed the tour and had the chance to see whales, dolphins, and puffins in Skjálfandi Bay during your whale watching in Húsavík. We’re especially glad Clara helped make the trip even more engaging with her knowledge and enthusiasm. Your recommendation means a lot to us. Kind regards, Beatriz
Very nice experience, we were able to see whales. A very attentive team
Thank you for your kind review and for choosing Gentle Giants! Kind regards, Beatriz
