Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

The best part of this Húsavík outing is the small RIB boat. With no more than 12 people aboard, you can move quickly across Skjálfandi Bay and turn fast when a whale surfaces. The boat may reach wildlife more nimbly than a larger vessel, and the ride itself adds a real shot of sea adventure.

I like the warm one-piece safety suits and the guides’ clear, lively explanations. I also like the two-part wildlife search: whales get the main attention, while puffin season adds a stop at a crowded seabird island. The tradeoff is simple: a RIB is brisk and exposed, so cold, waves, and jolts are part of the deal.

Key points to know before booking

• Small-group RIB: The boat carries a maximum of 12 people, giving you a better view than a crowded deck.
• Whale-focused route: Humpbacks, minkes, blue whales, dolphins, and porpoises have all appeared on past trips.
• Puffin Island is seasonal: The puffin visit runs approximately from April 15 through August 15.
• Warm gear is supplied: You receive obligatory safety overalls, with rain jackets available if needed.
• Fast and physical ride: Individual seats and open-water speed make the experience exciting, but it is not suitable for people with back or heart problems or for pregnant women.
• No guaranteed sightings: Poor weather can cancel the trip, and no whale or dolphin refund is offered simply because wildlife stays out of sight.

Why Húsavík is the right place for a whale trip

Húsavík is widely known as Iceland’s Whale Watching Capital of Europe, and the town sits beside Skjálfandi Bay, a productive whale-watching area. The boat leaves from the Gentle Giants ticket center on Garðarsbraut, right in Húsavík.

The supplied location may appear as Akureyri in some booking information, but the actual departure point is in Húsavík. That matters when you plan your day. You need to reach the harbor town yourself, and the operator does not include transport from Akureyri or elsewhere.

I like the setting because this is not a quick ride to an artificial attraction. You head straight from a working Icelandic harbor into open water, with the coast and bay providing the backdrop. The trip feels tied to the place rather than bolted onto a general sightseeing route.

Plan to arrive at the ticket center at least 40 minutes before departure. That extra time is used for check-in, safety instructions, and getting into the protective gear. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, and most Húsavík accommodations are within walking distance.

Two hours on a nimble RIB boat

A rigid inflatable boat, or RIB, combines a solid central hull with inflatable sides. Here, that design gives the captain speed and quick handling. It also means you are closer to the water than you would be on a large whale-watching ship.

The boat carries up to 12 people, a useful limit for wildlife viewing. You are less likely to spend the entire sighting looking over several rows of heads. When a whale appears, the captain can adjust the boat quickly, and the guide can point out what to watch for.

The seating deserves attention. Individual seats resemble motorcycle or snowmobile seats rather than a long bench. In rougher water, you may need to bend your knees or rise slightly with the motion instead of sitting rigidly through every wave. That makes the ride more manageable, but it also tells you what kind of outing this is: active, exposed, and not designed for a quiet cruise.

The boat can handle sizable waves, but calm conditions make the trip more comfortable. Some departures have encountered water around six feet high, while others have had smooth seas and gentle viewing conditions. You cannot choose the sea state, so check the forecast and be realistic about your comfort with motion.

The whale search in Skjálfandi Bay

The main stop is not a fixed attraction with a guaranteed schedule. It is a search across the bay, guided by the crew’s experience and by current wildlife activity. The guide watches the water, explains animal behavior, and helps you spot a back, fin, blow, or tail before it disappears.

Humpback whales are among the most frequently reported highlights. They may surface several times in one area, slap their tails, or show their backs close to the boat. Minke whales and dolphins also appear, and some lucky departures have encountered blue whales.

Porpoises are another possible sighting. The point is not to count species like a checklist, but to watch how quickly the mood changes when an animal surfaces. One moment you are scanning empty water. The next, the guide is directing everyone to a particular patch of sea.

The guides make a major difference here. Names associated with past departures include Nicoletta, Clara, Mario, Victoria, and Milo, along with other members of the Gentle Giants team. Their role is more than narration. They help you understand what you are seeing and keep the group focused when a whale surfaces only briefly.

The captain’s work matters just as much. A skilled captain can approach carefully, hold position, and turn without creating unnecessary disturbance. Past trips have included close views of humpbacks, dolphins near the boat, and a blue whale tracked for roughly 30 minutes. Those are exceptional sightings, not promises, but the RIB’s quick handling gives you a better chance to respond when wildlife appears.

Puffin Island from April through mid-August

From about April 15 to August 15, the trip includes a visit toward Puffin Island, also called Lundey in the bay. The island becomes a nesting site for large numbers of puffins during the breeding season. You may see birds flying around the island, resting on the water, or gathering near the rocky shore.

Puffins are wonderfully expressive birds, but they are small. Do not expect them to fill your phone screen. The boat must keep a safe distance, and the exact approach can depend on tides and sea conditions. A camera with a proper zoom lens will do much better than a phone.

One practical tip is to keep your phone in a secure pocket instead of holding it out the whole time. The ride is fast, the boat can move suddenly, and puffins are difficult to photograph when the boat is bobbing. I would watch first and take pictures when the captain holds the boat steady.

Outside the puffin period, the tour puts more emphasis on whales. If puffins are a priority, book within the stated season and understand that visiting the island can still be skipped if weather or sea conditions change. Seeing puffins from the water is rewarding, but whale watching remains the central purpose of this two-hour outing.

The suits help, but dress for Iceland

Gentle Giants provides warm safety overalls, which are obligatory, and rain jackets when needed. These are more than ordinary waterproof trousers and a coat. The one-piece survival-style suits add warmth and protection from spray, wind, and cold air moving across the bay.

They do not replace your own layers. Wear warm clothing underneath, and bring waterproof gear if you have it. A cold boat ride can still feel cold, especially when the RIB is moving at speed or the weather turns. Gloves and a hat are sensible additions.

The suits also make the experience less stressful. You do not have to worry as much about sea spray ruining your clothes, and you can focus on the wildlife. Still, dress as if the weather will be worse than it looks from the harbor. Iceland can change quickly, and the operator may alter the route or skip Puffin Island at short notice.

What the $180.27 price gets you

At $180.27 per person, this is not the cheapest activity in Húsavík. The price makes more sense if you value a small boat, a two-hour wildlife search, professional guiding, and the added speed of a RIB.

You are paying for a specialized outing rather than simple harbor transport. The guide provides live commentary, the captain handles the boat, and the safety overalls are included. You also receive selected discounts with local Húsavík partners, which can add a little value if you use them afterward.

The small group is the main reason to consider the cost. A maximum of 12 people gives the outing a more personal feel and reduces the problem of fighting for a view. The boat’s quick response can also matter when whales surface far from the original route.

The price does not buy a guaranteed whale encounter. Wildlife is wild, and the operator does not provide a refund if no whales or dolphins appear. In that case, you may receive a voucher for a free traditional whale-watching trip, subject to availability.

I would book this for the boat style and the quality of the search, not because a listing promises a 99 percent chance and you expect nature to follow a script. On good days, the value can be excellent. On a quiet day, you are still paying for the crew, gear, time on the water, and the chance to see animals in their own environment.

Who should choose this speedboat tour

This trip suits you if you want more action than a slow, large-boat cruise. It works well for adults, older children, and anyone who likes being close to the water. The minimum age is eight, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum height is 130 centimeters.

You should be comfortable with cold, wind, spray, and the possibility of a bumpy ride. The operator does not allow passengers with heart or back problems, or pregnant women. If you need a gentler boat experience, a traditional whale-watching vessel may be a better match.

Photographers should bring a camera with a zoom lens, but keep it secure. Puffins are often too far away for a phone to capture well, while whales can surface without warning. A waterproof case or strap is sensible, although the tour does not list camera equipment as an inclusion.

This is also a good choice if you have limited time in Húsavík. The activity lasts about two hours, rather than taking up most of a day. You still need to allow time before departure for check-in and dressing, but the core trip fits neatly into a busy Iceland itinerary.

Weather, cancellations, and the wildlife gamble

The tour depends on favorable weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you receive the choice of another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of passengers is not reached, with an alternative option or full refund offered.

For your own cancellation, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted and are not refunded.

The less comfortable policy is the no-sighting rule. If the boat goes out but no whales or dolphins appear, you do not receive a passenger refund. That is normal for a wildlife search, but you should know it before booking.

The operator may also change the plan at short notice. Puffin Island can be removed from the route if tides, weather, or sea conditions make it unsafe. The crew’s first duty is running a safe trip, not forcing a particular photo opportunity.

Is the RIB worth choosing?

I would choose this tour if you want a lively, small-group whale search and you accept that nature sets the schedule. The strongest reasons are the 12-person limit, the fast boat, the supplied survival suits, and the experienced guides and captain.

Book during the puffin season if seabirds are important to you, but treat puffins as an added feature rather than the main event. Outside that season, the route gives more attention to whales.

Skip it if you dislike rough water, need guaranteed wildlife sightings, or prefer a stable, roomy boat. For everyone else, this is a well-priced way to reach Skjálfandi Bay quickly and give yourself a real chance at humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, porpoises, and perhaps something far rarer.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart?

The tour departs from the Gentle Giants ticket center at Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík, Iceland. It returns to the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The RIB trip lasts approximately two hours. You should also arrive at least 40 minutes before departure for check-in and dressing.

Is Puffin Island visited all year?

No. The approximate puffin season runs from April 15 through August 15. Outside that period, the tour focuses more on whale watching.

What clothing and safety gear are provided?

Warm safety overalls are provided and are obligatory. Rain jackets are available if needed. You should still bring warm, waterproof clothing.

What is the minimum age for the tour?

The minimum age is eight years, and the minimum height is 130 centimeters. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

How many people can join the RIB boat?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

What happens if the weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered an alternative date or a full refund. The same options apply if the minimum number of passengers is not reached.