Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík
Recommended by 95% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Akureyri, Iceland
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Discover Iceland’s most iconic wildlife with a 2 hour whale and puffin tour from Húsavík on an RIB speedboat. Enjoy views of the Skjálfandi Bay as you skim along the coast, covering an expansive territory in the high-powered craft. Watch for massive blue whales and acrobatic humpbacks, and learn about life beneath the surface from your experienced guide. During the breeding season of mid-April through mid-August, visit ‘Puffin Island’ to find a thriving colony of brightly-colored birds before returning to Húsavík.
- 2 hour whale and puffin tour in an RIB speedboat
- See more of the coast in a speedboat tour
- Spot whales and porpoises with help from expert nature guides
- Visit 'Puffin Island' during breeding season
- Once-in-a-lifetime experience
What's Included
- Professional guide
- Live commentary on board
- Warm safety overalls (obligatory), and rain jackets if needed
- Exclusive discounts with selected local partners in Húsavík
- Transportation to/from attractions (Tour departure is within walking distance from most accommodations in Húsavík)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Gentle Giants - Husavik Whale WatchingGarðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík, Iceland
Meeting Point: Gentle Giants Ticket Center Directions: Look for the big blue flags in Húsavík Please arrive at least 40 minutes before scheduled departure to Gentle Giants Ticket Center.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
1
Gentle Giants Whale Watching
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- 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
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Shannon_G
This was an amazing experience. Clara was an enthusiast and knowledgeable guide. The captain was skilled in her job. It was fun to see them equally as excited about all the wildlife we encountered. We would definitely do this experience again if we returned to the area. The RIB is the way to go!
Reviews
4.8
based on 419 reviews
Youssef_B, Oct 2025
Incredible experience! We saw more than 10 humpbacks. Our guide was experienced and he knew where to go to give us the best experience.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for your review! We are glad to hear that you had such an incredible time and were able to see over 10 humpbacks. It’s wonderful to know that your guide’s expertise enhanced the experience and helped you make the most of your time on the water. Regards, Fiona
Israel_G, Sep 2025
The experience was incredible, we saw dozens of whales, they had a good location, the captain was excellent, he navigated very well with 6-foot waves, I say this because I have experience in sailing, and with minus 0 degrees Celsius (20 and something Fahrenheit) we didn't even got cold thanks to the suits they provided
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for the great review! We are happy you saw so many whales and felt safe with our experienced captain, especially in challenging conditions. It’s great to hear the suits kept you warm in the cold Icelandic weather. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you on board again! Regards, Fiona
TAMMY_C, Sep 2025
Wonderful experience. The staff were very nice helping us dress for the trip. We were lucky to see a Humpback whale. The crew tried hard to make sure we all able to witness the whales appearance. We felt safe and had fun with this RIB boat tour. Highly recommended.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for the great feedback! We are so glad you felt safe, well taken care of, and got to see a Humpback whale. It means a lot to know you enjoyed the tour and would recommend it! Regards, Fiona
WAYNE_F, Aug 2025
These tours can be hit or miss but the Gentle Giants tour guide and rib boat pilot try their best to make sure you get some whale sightings. On my tour we were fortunate enough to see 5 different whales, some were quite close up to the rib boat. No puffin sightings since the tour was at the end August and Puffin season was over. If you really want to see Puffins, go before August. The tour lasted 2 hours and worth it.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for your feedback. We are glad to hear you had the opportunity to see several whales during your tour. It's great to know the crew made a positive impression. You're absolutely right about puffin season typically ending by mid August, and we appreciate you highlighting that for future guests. Thank you for choosing Gentle Giants for your whale watching experience! Regards, Fiona
Cesar_G, Aug 2025
This was an amazing tour. I highly recommend it to anybody. We had such a great time and had the opportunity to see whales and dolphins.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for your review! We are so glad that you had a great time and managed to see whales and dolphins! Regards, Fiona
Jill_B, Jul 2025
Best whale watching experience ever! It helped that the weather was perfect so the water was calm. The RIB was able to get within about 300 yards of a whale slapping his tail on the water! What a show!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you, Jill! We are so pleased that Gentle Giants provided you with the best whale watching experience ever! Fantastic too that you got a great tail slapping show on a beautiful day! Regards, Fiona
Regina_D, Jul 2025
Great tour! Our guide Nicoletta was fun and informative. We got to see both puffins and whales. A smart choice.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for your review! We are pleased you had a great tour and saw both puffins and whales. We have passed on your compliments to your guide. Regards, Fiona
Cherly_G, Jul 2025
Personalised small group ! We saw lots of puffins, a minke whale and a few humpbacks and could get close to them . highly recommend !
Response from Host, Jul 2025
What a fantastic and lucky trip you had, seeing a range of wildlife in Skjálfandi Bay! Thank you for your high recommendation! Regards, Fiona
Cory_L, Jul 2025
Well organized & professional. Give & Captain excellent. Only downside was not being able to get close pictures of Puffins, otherwise, really great. Saw many whales.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for your review. We are pleased that you managed to see many whales and appreciated the crew on board! Regards, Fiona
Frank_C, Jul 2025
Great experience on the RIB visiting the puffins and whales. Beautiful. Great narrative by our guide. Skillful captain.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for your kind review! We are glad you appreciated the crew on board and had a great experience on your RIB tour into the beautiful Skjálfandi Bay. Regards, Fiona
Shannon_G, Jul 2025
This was an amazing experience. Clara was an enthusiast and knowledgeable guide. The captain was skilled in her job. It was fun to see them equally as excited about all the wildlife we encountered. We would definitely do this experience again if we returned to the area. The RIB is the way to go!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for your review! We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed Clara´s guiding and the captain´s skills. It is so nice to know their excitement enhanced your tour. We hope to see you again sometime for another RIB tour! Regards, Fiona
Lisa_M, Jun 2025
Absolutely brilliant experience. Great guide, competent captain, stunning scenery and friendly whales.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for your review of your absolutely brilliant whale watching tour with Gentle Giants from Húsavík! Regards, Fiona
Elizabeth_w, Jun 2025
Leave bags behind. Phone in pocket. Plenty of puffins, in flight and resting on sea. Those on island a bit far for phone camera. Good shots from zoom camera when boat steady.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Great advice to experience the tour without phones! It is great to just experience the amazing wildlife in Skjálfandi Bay without distraction. We appreciate your review! Thank you, Fiona
Wendy_D, May 2025
Everyone was very friendly and helpful. The overalls keep you dry and help with warmth. It is a one piece survival suit. Excellent for the areas weather and being on the water.
We were able to see a Minke Whale before the puffins. Not a usual sight as they tend to be shy. We did see a lone humpback whale that has been known for being in the Artic waters around Iceland. Fabulous trip.
Dress warm!
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you, Wendy, for your review. We are glad to hear that you saw both humpback and minke whales on your whale watching tour with us. It is great to hear that the overalls were appreciated too! Thanks again, Fiona
Kristina_Y, Nov 2024
It was such a cold boat ride, but it was well worth it! We saw multiple whales and our guide was so knowledgeable. The views were incredible. Definitely recommend.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Dear Kristina,
thank you so much for this lovely review. It is indeed very cold these day, but I am glad to read that you enjoyed the tour and sightings regardless and would definitely recommend us!
Many thanks and best regards,
Sarah
Hugo_D, Aug 2024
amazing moment , the guide was amazing, we saw 2 whales and 7-8 sighting of thoses 2 specimens. We had a great time
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Hi Hugo, we are so pleased to hear that you had a great time with us, on your whale watching tour! Fantastic that you managed to get some nice looks at the whales. Thank you for your review. Regards, Fiona
Kevin_B, Aug 2024
The whales can be a bit unpredictable, but Gentle Giants made sure that it was the best experience that we could have. Definitely recommended!
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Hi Kevin, You're totally right about the whales being unpredictable! We are pleased you had a great trip with us. Thank you for choosing us for your whale watching adventure! Regards, Fiona
Alex_G, Jul 2024
This excursion is well organized. Nice lady to help you with preparing for the trip, Thermo overall and safety vest. Mario was our guide on the tour, educated on Maritime Biolife.
Wauw, the RIB boat went pretty fast but still feeling safe all the time. We went to puffins island where 100.000 puffins are nesting. You see them everywhere but you need a real good camera to try to get a good picture. Later we saw several whales, what a beatifull animals there are.
Very recommendable!!!! thanks
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Hi Alex, Thank you for your kind words. We are pleased that you enjoyed all aspects of your tour, from the trip preparation, to the information from the guide and of course, the puffins and whales! We are glad you managed to see several beautiful whales on your tour. We appreciate your feedback. Regards, Fiona
vincent_b, Jul 2024
Very memorable experience, especially riding in the speedboat on the ocean waves. Seen puffins is not at all interesting since they are at quite a distance and you cannot see them distinctly. As far as seeing Wales, we did get a couple glimpses and it was a great experience.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Hi Vincent, Thank you for your review. We are glad you enjoyed your tour in our RIB boat. The distance we can get to Lundey (Puffin Island) is dependent on the tides and what is a safe distance, but the puffins can usually be seen in the water around the boats on the tour, too. We are glad you had a great experience seeing the whales. Regards, Fiona
Judy_B, Jun 2024
My sister swears we saw 15 whales, although I feel it was more like possibly 5 whales a total of 15 times. The female guide was great as was the boat captain. It was perfect sunny wether but most importantly this group was knowledgeable and experienced as knew where to find the whales!
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Hi Judy, It sounds like you had a fantastic whale watching tour with us. Seeing the whales in Skjálfandi Bay is truly something special, we are glad our crew was able to take you out for this experience! Thank you for your review. Regards, Fiona
Alisha_B, Jun 2024
Fabulous day with an expert crew. We saw several whales and dolphins that were close to the boat. It was a truly magical experience. The size and maneuverability of the rib boats sets it apart from any other experience. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Hi Alisha, Thank you for your review. It is great that you managed to get a magical experience with us, where you saw dolphins and whales up close to your RIB boat! Thank you for choosing Gentle Giants for this experience! Regards, Fiona
NageswaraRao_v, Jun 2024
The guide Witt was very friendly and the over all experience was pleasant. The ticket also gets you a discount at a few other restaurants close by.
Ethan_W, May 2024
An amazing experience, would recommend to anyone traveling to Iceland. Friendly staff and very easy to book.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Hi Ethan, Thank you for your recommendation. We are glad you had an amazing experience and found our staff friendly. Regards, Fiona
Shaun_S, May 2024
So it was early in the season, so we were a bit worried if we would see anything. Lets just saw we walked away stunned. Saw a couple of humpback whales within the first 20 mins, and then found a blue whale. The tour guide went speechless for about a min, she was just as amazed as we were. We tracked it for about 30 mins. The boat and captain were great, saw the larger boats in the distance, but they could not pivot quickly enough to catch it like we did. Probably one of the biggest highlights of the trip.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Hi Shaun, Thank you for your review. We are so happy that your whale watching tour with us was one of the highlights of your trip! It sounds like you had a very lucky trip, with both humpback whales and a blue whale spotted! Thanks again, Fiona
Ginger_W, Oct 2023
What a great experience…our guide Victoria was informative, passionate about whales, concerned about all on the tour…and so very helpful. The captain was on point. What a great team
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Thank you very much for your comment. Our team will be very happy to read it. We are glad you spend a good time observing the whales and hope to see you again in the futur. All the best, Joséphine.
Sam_D, Oct 2023
Despite the bad weather we had a great time. We saw 3 whales during this trip. Next to that the communication about the weather conditions and a possible cancellation was clear and on time.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Thank you very much for your comment. We are glad we could be helpful and you enjoyed our organization and communication. All the best to you, Joséphine.
Edward_B, Sep 2023
Our trip was remarkably with success in see three different whale species.
Also, our guide was so professional and knowledgeable of each species and his love for the whales was unmistakable.
I highly suggest this rib boat experience.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Thank you for your comment. We are glad you enjoyed going out seing the whales with us. Thank you also for mentioning our team. They will be happy to know you enjoyed their enthusiasm and their knowledge. All the best, Joséphine.
Jeff_G, Sep 2023
We had an amazing time! We saw minkes, humpbacks and the largest pod of dolphins I've ever seen jumping and playing all around our boat. Our guide and captain did a wonderful job! If you've never been on a rib boat before the seats are all individual - like a motorcycle or snowmobile - which allows you to bend your knees or stand when appropriate. This is important for when the boat is going fast and hits a wave hard. You will want to stand to prevent your back from being jolted on impact - think of it like going up and down in the saddle of a horse. Do not let this deter you - this was the best whale watching trip we've ever had!!
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Thank you very much for your comment. We are very proud you enjoy your trip so much. The rib boats are fun ! We hope we will see you whale watching with us in Skjalfandi bay again. Best regards, Joséphine.
Susan_R, Aug 2023
Guide was very knowledgeable and personable! Boat was on top condition and very comfortable. A must do!
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Thank you. We are very happy to know you spend a good time and enjoyed the work of our team as well as the boat ! All the best, Joséphine.
Scott_F, Aug 2023
We looked for puffins, dolphins, and whales. We saw puffins around the puffin island. The guide seemed very knowledgeable in describing their behaviors and migration habits. We ran into a pod of dolphins that were very entertaining and a couple of humpback whales. The guide again was very knowledgeable—Milo. Kudos to the tour company!
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Thank you very much for your review. We are glad you spend a good time with Miro and all is informations about the animals and manage to see so many different species. All the best to you, Joséphine.
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per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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