Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

Húsavík’s RIB whale safari puts you low on the water, close to the action, and moving fast between sightings. The small boat can turn quickly when a humpback surfaces, a pod of dolphins appears, or something larger shows up in the bay. In one especially lucky outing, the crew followed a blue whale for about 30 minutes.

I like two things here: the small group size, capped at 12 people, and the crew’s clear care with safety and wildlife. Guides such as Nicoletta, Clara, Mario, and Victoria have been singled out for their warm, lively explanations. The catch is simple: the sea can be rough and cold, and puffins are not guaranteed, especially outside the April 15 to August 15 season.

Key points at a glance

• See more coast by RIB: The speedboat covers more of Skjálfandi Bay than a slower boat and can turn quickly when whales surface.
• A genuine wildlife search: Expect humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and possibly other species, but no sighting can be promised.
• Puffin Island is seasonal: The stop usually runs from April 15 to August 15, and birds may sit too far away for good phone photos.
• Warm safety suits are supplied: You wear an obligatory one-piece safety overall, with rain gear available if needed.
• Small boat, small group: The maximum is 12 people, giving you a better view and easier access to the guide.
• Plan for an active ride: The boat moves quickly over waves and is not suitable for pregnant people or those with heart or back problems.

Why Húsavík is the right place for this outing

Húsavík sits beside Skjálfandi Bay, a productive stretch of water known for whale watching. The town calls itself the Whale Watching Capital of Europe, and this trip makes good use of the bay’s open water rather than keeping you close to the harbor.

The departure point is the Gentle Giants ticket center on Garðarsbraut. It is within walking distance of many accommodations in Húsavík, but transportation from elsewhere is not included. If your wider Iceland plans place you in Akureyri, check the journey to Húsavík carefully and allow time to arrive before the boat leaves.

You must check in at least 40 minutes before departure. That early arrival matters because the crew needs to fit each person with a safety overall and prepare the group before boarding. The tour lasts about two hours and returns to the same meeting point.

Getting suited up for the North Atlantic

The outfit is not a minor detail. The boat is exposed to wind, spray, and cold air, even when the harbor feels calm. Gentle Giants supplies warm safety overalls, and rain jackets are available if needed. You should still wear warm layers and waterproof clothing underneath or around the suit.

One-piece flotation and survival-style suits help keep you dry and add warmth, but they do not make the ride tropical. One outing took place in temperatures below freezing, with waves reaching about six feet. The people on board stayed warm in the supplied suits, but another account described the boat ride as very cold despite seeing several whales.

Bring gloves if you have them, and dress for the conditions rather than the calendar. A calm, sunny day can still feel sharp on the bay. Your phone should stay in a secure pocket. A camera with a zoom lens is more useful than a phone for puffins, which may remain a fair distance from the boat.

Stop 1: Searching Skjálfandi Bay for whales

The main event is the search across Skjálfandi Bay. The captain drives while the guide watches the water, explains animal behavior, and helps you understand what you are seeing. Guides have included Nicoletta, Clara, Mario, Victoria, Miro, and others, with repeated praise for their enthusiasm, clear explanations, and concern for everyone on board.

The RIB design changes the feel of the outing. You sit in individual seats rather than on a long bench. One account compared the seating to a motorcycle or snowmobile, allowing you to bend your knees and rise slightly with the movement of the boat. That helps when the RIB hits a wave, but it also means this is an active ride, not a quiet cruise.

The boat’s speed is useful. It can cover more of the bay in the available two hours and reach an animal before it disappears. The smaller craft can also pivot faster than larger whale-watching boats. One group watched a blue whale for around half an hour while larger boats nearby could not turn quickly enough to follow it.

Speed is not the only advantage. A small group of up to 12 people means fewer heads blocking your view and a better chance of hearing the guide. The captain can also position the boat so people on different sides get a look. You should still respect the need to remain seated or follow the crew’s instructions when the sea is moving.

What you might see in two hours

Humpback whales are a common prize on this route. Sightings have included a single humpback, several animals surfacing near the boat, and more than 10 in one particularly strong outing. You might see a tail slap, a back rolling through the water, or only brief blows and surfaces before the whale vanishes.

Minke whales also appear in the bay. They can be shy, so spotting one may require patience and quick attention. Dolphins and porpoises add movement to the trip, and one group saw a large pod of dolphins jumping and playing around the RIB.

The species list can sometimes become remarkable. A single early-season trip produced puffins, humpbacks, and a blue whale. Another outing recorded three different whale species. These are fortunate results, not a standard promise, so set your expectations around the quality of the search rather than a fixed checklist.

The operator advertises whale sighting chances of up to 99 percent. That is encouraging, but it does not mean every departure produces a close approach or a long look. Whales are wild animals. You may see several species, or you may get only a few brief glimpses.

If no whales or dolphins are seen, a cash refund is not available. Depending on availability, you can receive a voucher for a free traditional whale-watching trip. I would treat that as a useful backup, but not as a substitute for seeing the animals on your chosen day.

Puffin Island from April 15 to August 15

During the breeding season, the boat may visit Puffin Island, usually called Lundey. The approximate season runs from April 15 through August 15. The route may change at short notice if tides, waves, or other sea conditions make the stop unsafe.

Puffins can be seen flying, sitting on the water, or gathering around the island. The colony is described as numbering around 100,000 birds, which gives the stop a strong sense of scale even if individual birds look small from the boat.

This is where a camera with a proper zoom helps. Puffins on the island may be too far away for a clear phone picture, and the boat cannot always move as close as you might wish. The distance depends on tides and safe operating conditions. You may get better views of birds floating around the boat than of birds perched on the island itself.

Do not book the trip mainly for puffins if your dates fall after mid-August. Outside the puffin season, the tour places more emphasis on whales. Even within the season, the captain may skip the island if the sea changes. That is a sensible safety decision, but it is worth knowing before you book.

The guide and captain make the difference

A good wildlife trip needs more than a fast boat. The guide has to spot movement, explain what is happening, and keep the group ready for a sudden appearance. The captain needs to handle waves, make quick turns, and approach animals without causing unnecessary disturbance.

That combination receives the strongest praise attached to this experience. Nicoletta has been appreciated for being fun and informative. Clara brought visible excitement and strong knowledge of the animals. Mario and Miro have been noted for their explanations of marine life, migration, and animal behavior. Victoria has been praised for being both passionate about whales and attentive to everyone’s comfort.

The captain matters just as much. A skilled pilot can make a rough crossing feel controlled, while a poor one can turn a wildlife outing into an unpleasant pounding ride. The boat crews have been described as safe, capable, and willing to work hard to give everyone a view.

You should not expect a scripted lecture from a large vessel. The tone is more personal, with the guide reacting to what appears in front of you. That makes the trip more engaging, though the exact content depends on the animals and sea conditions that day.

How the speedboat ride really feels

The RIB is fun, but it is not gentle in the ordinary sense of the word. The name Gentle Giants refers to the whales, not necessarily to the ride. At speed, the boat can bounce over waves, and you may need to move with it rather than brace rigidly against every impact.

Individual seats give you room to adjust your knees and posture. Follow the captain’s instructions, especially when the boat accelerates or crosses rougher water. If you have a back problem, heart condition, or pregnancy, this is not the right activity for you.

The ride can also be physically tiring for younger children. The minimum age is eight, and the minimum height is 130 centimeters. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people who meet those requirements can participate, but the speed, cold, and wave movement should be part of your decision.

On calm days, the RIB feels quick and exhilarating without becoming uncomfortable. In rough conditions, it becomes a much more demanding outing. The company can cancel for poor weather and offer another date or a full refund, but changing conditions can also alter the route after departure.

Is the $180.27 price worth it?

At $180.27 per person, this is not the cheapest way to look for whales in Iceland. The value comes from the small group, the speed of the RIB, the provided safety clothing, and the chance to cover more water in two hours.

You are paying for a focused wildlife outing rather than a long sightseeing cruise. The boat’s maneuverability can be a real advantage when an animal surfaces briefly. You also get a guide, live commentary, and the possibility of a seasonal puffin stop.

The price feels strongest if you want an active ride and care about having a small group. It is less compelling if you prefer a steady boat, need a warm indoor cabin, or want guaranteed close-up photographs. Puffin photos in particular may disappoint if you bring only a phone.

The ticket also includes exclusive discounts with selected local partners in Húsavík. That may add a little value during a short visit, though the discounts should be treated as a bonus rather than a reason to choose the tour.

Timing, weather, and cancellation details

The tour requires favorable weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels the outing, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same options apply if the minimum number is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted. Since conditions in Iceland can shift quickly, check the forecast and keep some flexibility in your schedule if possible.

The crew may also skip Puffin Island at short notice if tides or sea conditions change. The whale portion then receives more attention. That can be disappointing if puffins are your main goal, but it keeps the trip within sensible safety limits.

Who should book this RIB safari?

I would choose this outing if you want a small, fast, wildlife-focused trip and are comfortable with cold water, wind, and some bouncing. It suits adults, older children who meet the age and height rules, photographers with a zoom lens, and anyone who prefers an active boat to a large cruise vessel.

It is a strong choice for a short Húsavík stay because the experience packs a lot into two hours. You may see humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins in season, while the guide helps turn quick sightings into something meaningful.

I would look elsewhere if you have back or heart problems, are pregnant, dislike speedboats, or need a guaranteed puffin visit. You should also avoid making the booking too tight against another important activity, since weather or minimum numbers can change the departure plan.

Should you book it?

Book it if the thought of chasing a surfacing humpback in a small RIB sounds better than sitting on a large boat. The crew’s strongest qualities are the skilled captains, lively guides, and effort to give everyone a fair chance at a sighting.

Choose a date in the puffin season if those birds matter to you, ideally before mid-August. Outside that window, book for whales rather than puffins, dress warmly, arrive 40 minutes early, and bring a camera you can operate quickly. With those expectations, the $180.27 price can buy one of the most memorable wildlife outings in northern Iceland.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart?

The tour departs from the Gentle Giants ticket center on Garðarsbraut in Húsavík, Iceland. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the whale safari last?

The RIB tour lasts approximately two hours.

When can I see Puffin Island?

The puffin season runs approximately from April 15 to August 15. The boat may skip the island if tides or sea conditions make the visit unsafe.

Are warm clothes provided?

Warm safety overalls are provided and obligatory. Rain jackets are available if needed, but you should also bring warm and waterproof clothing.

What is the minimum age and height?

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

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund if poor weather cancels the experience. The same options apply if the minimum number of passengers is not reached.