Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

The best reason to choose this Húsavík tour is simple: a fast RIB speedboat can cover more of Skjálfandi Bay and reach a whale sighting quickly. The small group, limited to 12 people, also gives you a clear view instead of a wall of heads.

I like the combination of puffins and whales, especially in early summer. I also like the thoughtful cold-weather setup: warm safety overalls are required, and rain jackets are available when needed. The main drawback is the ride itself. In rough weather, the RIB can feel like a roller coaster, and anyone prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking.

Key points to know before you book

• Puffin Island is seasonal: The island visit usually runs from April 15 through August 15, with thousands of nesting birds at the right time of year.
• The RIB carries no more than 12 people: You get a more open view and less crowding than on a large whale-watching boat.
• The boat is built for speed: Guides and skippers can move quickly toward whale activity across Skjálfandi Bay.
• Sightings are never guaranteed: Humpbacks, blue whales, bottlenose whales, dolphins, and porpoises have all been seen, but wildlife follows its own timetable.
• Weather changes the experience: Wind, rain, and fog can reduce visibility and make the ride bumpy.
• The $175 price pays for access and comfort: You are paying extra for speed, a small group, warm gear, and more time positioned near sightings, not a guaranteed whale show.

Why the fast RIB changes a Húsavík whale safari

Húsavík is known as Iceland’s Whale Capital for good reason. Skjálfandi Bay is a working marine environment where large whales regularly feed, and the bay’s scale makes the choice of boat important.

At $175 per person, this is not the budget option. The value comes from the RIB’s ability to travel farther and move quickly when a whale appears. A large boat may offer a steadier ride and more indoor space, but the RIB gives you a better chance of reaching distant activity during a two-hour outing.

The boat used by Gentle Giants is described as more spacious than many other RIBs in the area. That matters. Twelve passengers is still a group, but it is small enough that you should not have someone directly blocking your view at every sighting. Several people have also found the open arrangement useful for taking photographs from either side of the boat.

You should keep expectations realistic. Faster does not mean guaranteed. A pod can disappear before the captain reaches it, and fog can hide even nearby whales. The boat improves your odds of covering ground, but it cannot control the sea or the animals.

Getting ready at Gentle Giants in central Húsavík

You meet at the Gentle Giants ticket center in central Húsavík. Look for the large blue flags, and arrive at least 40 minutes before departure. That early arrival is not wasted time. You need to check in, collect the required safety clothing, and listen to the boat briefing before heading out.

The company provides warm safety overalls and rain jackets if needed. You should still wear warm outdoor clothing underneath, along with comfortable shoes and waterproof layers. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and the temperature on open water often feels much colder than it does on the dock.

Large bags and luggage are not allowed on the boat. Bring only what you can keep close and secure. A small phone or camera may be useful, but you should protect it from spray and be ready to put it away during a rough stretch.

The overalls are practical rather than stylish, but that is not the point. Staying warm lets you pay attention to the sea instead of spending the whole trip worrying about cold hands and wet clothes.

Puffin Island from the water

The first major stop is Puffin Island, visited during the nesting season from roughly April 15 to August 15. At the height of the season, you may see thousands of puffins gathered around the island, along with other seabirds.

The RIB does not land on the island. You cruise past it while the guide explains the birds and the area. That means the experience is about viewing a busy nesting site from the water, not walking among puffins or getting close enough for intimate photographs.

This is still a worthwhile part of the trip, particularly in May, June, July, and the first half of August. Puffins are colorful, easy to recognize, and entertaining to watch as they fly low over the water. Their nickname, the Clowns of the Ocean, makes perfect sense once you see their bright bills.

The distance can disappoint photographers. One person found Puffin Island only so-so because the birds were not close up, while others described seeing thousands. The difference will depend on the boat’s position, sea conditions, light, and the birds themselves.

Outside puffin season, the tour puts more attention on whales. The crew may also skip the island if the weather or sea changes, even with little notice. That is sensible seamanship, but it means you should not treat Puffin Island as a fixed promise.

Searching Skjálfandi Bay for big whales

After the island visit, the captain takes the RIB farther across Skjálfandi Bay. Your guide provides live commentary on the animals, the water, and the scenery while watching for blows, fins, and movement at the surface.

Humpback whales are the sightings most often described on this tour. Some outings have produced three humpbacks, while others have found five, six, seven, or even close to a dozen. A few fortunate groups have watched a breach, repeated surfacing, or a whale remain near the boat for a long time.

Blue whales are possible too. They are the largest animals on Earth, and seeing one is a rare privilege. Bottlenose whales, dolphins, and harbor porpoises also appear in the bay. A pod of bottlenose whales with a calf was seen near the harbor on one outing, while another group encountered dolphins and several whale species.

I like that the guide and skipper work as a team here. Guides such as Matteo, Carla, Jo, Beatriz, Clara, Fabio, and Louisa have been praised for explaining animal behavior and spotting activity. Captains are responsible for reading the water and positioning the boat, then adjusting direction when the whales move.

The boat aims to provide good views from both sides, but you still need to watch carefully. A whale may surface behind you, and the best moment can last only a few seconds. Keep scanning the water rather than staring through your camera screen.

The crew’s approach is to follow sightings while respecting the animals. You may get a close view, but there is no guarantee that a whale will approach the boat or surface on the side where you are sitting. Nature does not arrange itself for equal photo opportunities.

What the two-hour ride really feels like

A RIB speedboat is exciting because it gets you out to the bay quickly. The ride itself is part of the attraction, with open water, spray, wind, and the feeling of moving fast across the sea.

That same speed brings a tradeoff. On a calm day, the trip can feel smooth and enjoyable. In wind and rain, the boat can bounce hard over waves. One outing was described as much like a roller coaster, with several people feeling seasick. The crew does warn you when conditions will be bumpy, but the warning cannot make an unsettled stomach behave.

If you have back problems, heart problems, or are pregnant, this activity is not suitable. Children under eight cannot join, and participants must be at least 130 centimeters tall. Wheelchair users cannot be accommodated.

I would also think twice if you strongly dislike open boats. The warm suit helps with cold, but it does not remove wind, motion, or spray. You are choosing an active wildlife outing, not a quiet cruise in a sheltered cabin.

On the other hand, people who enjoy speedboats often consider the ride a major part of the value. The boat feels more personal than a large vessel, and you spend less time simply traveling to the area where whales may be feeding.

Guides, captains, and the human side of the trip

The quality of the guide matters on a wildlife tour. A good guide helps you find the animal, explains what you are seeing, and keeps the group calm when the search takes time.

Many guides have been praised for warmth, humor, and clear explanations. Matteo has been described as a marine biologist who could answer detailed questions. Carla, Jo, Beatriz, Clara, Fabio, Louisa, and others have also been singled out for energy and care.

English is the tour language. One person found a guide difficult to understand because of a language barrier, so you should be prepared for some variation in speaking style. The crew’s wildlife knowledge is a strong part of the experience, but the delivery may not feel identical on every departure.

The local family-company angle is also worth considering. Gentle Giants is based in Húsavík, and the tour uses local guides and skippers who work regularly in the bay. That local connection can help when the crew needs to decide where to search, though it still cannot guarantee sightings.

Is $175 good value?

The price makes sense if your priority is whale watching rather than simply getting on the water. You are paying for a modern RIB, a maximum of 12 passengers, warm safety gear, a guide, and the ability to move quickly across a large bay.

It may be less attractive if you mainly want a short puffin outing. Puffin Island is seasonal, and the birds are seen from the boat rather than at close range. In that case, the whale-searching element needs to be the main reason you book.

The tour also includes a useful fallback if no whales or dolphins are seen. You are offered a voucher for a traditional whale-watching trip on an oak boat. This is not a cash refund, and the voucher is a different style of experience, so keep that distinction clear.

The no-sighting policy offers some reassurance, but it does not remove the risk. You might receive another tour rather than your money back. If your Iceland schedule is tight, you may not have time to use the voucher.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

When to book, and what to bring

The puffin season gives you the most complete version of the advertised experience. From mid-April to mid-August, you have a chance to see both puffins and whales. Outside that period, the focus shifts toward whales and other marine life.

No departure time guarantees better wildlife. The bay, fog, wind, and animal behavior all matter. I would choose a time that fits your wider Húsavík plans and leave some flexibility if possible.

Wear warm clothing and waterproof outer layers even when the forecast looks mild. Comfortable shoes are required, and large bags should stay behind. The provided overalls are an extra layer, not a replacement for sensible Iceland clothing.

Arriving 40 minutes early is important. If you rush from another activity, you risk missing the briefing or starting the trip flustered. Húsavík is compact, so meeting in the central ticket area makes the departure fairly easy to reach, but hotel pickup is not included.

Who should book this RIB safari?

I would choose this tour if you want the best chance of covering a wide section of Skjálfandi Bay in two hours. It suits people who like a small group, fast boat rides, open views, and the possibility of seeing several whale species in one outing.

It is especially appealing to photographers and wildlife fans who value quick movement between sightings. It also works well for visitors who want puffins and whales in one trip during the nesting season.

I would choose a larger oak boat instead if you need a steadier ride, dislike wind and spray, or want more protection from rough water. Families with young children, wheelchair users, pregnant people, and anyone with heart or back conditions should not book this activity.

Should you book the Húsavík Big Whale Safari?

Book it if the $175 price fits your budget and you see the RIB ride as part of the fun. The small group, warm gear, local crew, and fast access to whale sightings make this a strong choice for an active wildlife outing.

Do not book it expecting a guaranteed blue whale, a close puffin photograph, or smooth water. The honest reason to choose it is the chance to spend two focused hours searching a productive bay from a fast, uncrowded boat.

If you visit between April 15 and August 15, the puffin stop adds real value. Outside those dates, book only if whales are your main goal. Either way, leave room in your schedule for changing weather and remember that the sea, not the itinerary, decides what appears.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

You meet at the Gentle Giants ticket center in central Húsavík. Look for the large blue flags.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 40 minutes before departure so you have time to check in, receive safety equipment, and attend the briefing.

How long is the tour?

The RIB cruise lasts two hours, including the Puffin Island visit when conditions and season allow.

When can I see Puffin Island?

Puffin Island is usually included during the nesting period from April 15 through August 15. The visit can be skipped if weather or sea conditions change.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include humpback whales, blue whales, bottlenose whales, dolphins, harbor porpoises, puffins, and other seabirds. Sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if no whales or dolphins are seen?

You are offered a voucher for a traditional whale-watching tour on an oak boat. No cash refund is provided for a tour without whale or dolphin sightings.

Who cannot join the RIB tour?

The activity is not suitable for children under eight, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, wheelchair users, or anyone under 130 centimeters tall.