Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

Húsavík’s RIB whale safari gives you two hours on Skjálfandi Bay, where humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and even the occasional blue whale may appear. The small boat can turn quickly and cover more water than a standard vessel, which matters when a whale surfaces only briefly.

I like the small group of up to 12 and the warm one-piece safety suits supplied before departure. I also like the mix of speed, scenery, and serious wildlife watching, with guides such as Nicoletta, Clara, Mario, and Victoria bringing plenty of enthusiasm to the trip. The tradeoff is simple: a fast RIB can be cold and bumpy, and no wildlife sighting is guaranteed.

Quick reasons to consider this Húsavík safari

• Up to 12 people: The small RIB gives you a more personal outing than a large whale-watching boat.
• A real wildlife mix: You may see humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins in season.
• Puffin Island is seasonal: The visit usually runs from April 15 through August 15, roughly.
• Two hours on the bay: The trip is short enough to fit neatly into a busy Iceland itinerary.
• Warm gear is included: You receive obligatory safety overalls, with rain jackets available if needed.
• Fast, responsive boat: The RIB can reposition quickly when whales surface or change direction.

Húsavík’s RIB boat and the promise of Skjálfandi Bay

This trip leaves from Gentle Giants Whale Watching on Garðarsbraut in Húsavík, Iceland. The town is widely known for whale watching, and the sheltered harbor provides an easy starting point for an outing into Skjálfandi Bay.

The main appeal is the boat. A rigid inflatable boat, or RIB, is smaller and more nimble than the large whale-watching vessels also used in the bay. That lets the captain cover more of the coast and react quickly when wildlife appears. One particularly lucky outing found humpbacks early, then tracked a blue whale for about 30 minutes while larger boats struggled to turn as quickly.

You should also understand what the speed means. The ride is part of the attraction, but it can be rough when the sea is up. One outing took place in waves reported at about six feet, while another included cold conditions near 0 degrees Celsius. The crew supplied survival-style overalls, and those suits received repeated praise for keeping people dry and warm. Still, bring warm layers and waterproof clothing. Iceland’s weather can change quickly, and the bay does not promise a smooth ride.

The seating is individual rather than a long bench. One useful practical point is that you may need to bend your knees or stand slightly when the boat hits a wave, much like moving with a horse. This is not a quiet, cruise-style whale watch. It is an active boat ride with wildlife watching built in.

The two-hour itinerary, from puffins to whales

The listed itinerary centers on gentle-giant whale watching, but the trip combines several kinds of wildlife viewing. The exact order depends on conditions, sightings, and the season.

First, crossing toward Puffin Island

From about April 15 to August 15, the crew may take you toward Puffin Island, also known as Lundey. During breeding season, large numbers of puffins gather in the area, and you may see them resting on the water, flying around the island, or sitting on its slopes.

The boat must keep a safe distance, so puffins can look smaller than you expect. This is the main limitation for photographers. A phone may not capture much detail, particularly when the boat is moving or the sea is choppy. A camera with a strong zoom gives you a better chance, but even then, you will often be watching behavior rather than collecting frame-filling portraits.

I would treat Puffin Island as a pleasant seasonal extra, not the sole reason to book this trip. The island visit can be skipped if the sea or tides make the approach unsafe. Outside the puffin period, the crew puts more time into whale watching.

Then, searching for whales and dolphins

The captain and guide work together to locate animals across the bay. The guide provides live commentary, explaining what you are seeing and helping you watch the right part of the water. Guides including Mario, Miro, Clara, Nicoletta, and Victoria have been singled out for their enthusiasm, clear explanations, and care for passengers.

Sightings can range from a few brief looks to a remarkable run of activity. Outings have included more than 10 humpbacks, several different whale species, minke whales, dolphins, and repeated sightings of the same animals. One group saw a large pod of dolphins playing around the RIB, while another watched a humpback slap its tail on the water.

The boat’s size helps here. It can turn toward a whale more readily than a large vessel, though the captain still needs to respect safe distances and the animals’ behavior. You may see a whale only for a few seconds before it disappears. The guide’s job is not just to find the animal, but to help everyone know where to look and when to keep watching.

The company advertises whale-sighting chances of up to 99 percent, but that is not the same as a guarantee. Wildlife remains unpredictable. If you see no whales or dolphins, a refund is not provided, though you may receive a voucher for a free traditional whale-watching trip, depending on availability.

Why the guide and captain matter

A good whale tour is not just about being in the right bay. It depends on the captain reading the water and the guide explaining what happens without turning every moment into noise.

The strongest praise here goes to both roles. Captains have been described as skilled and steady, including in rougher conditions. Guides have been praised for their wildlife knowledge, friendly manner, and excitement when something unusual appears. One guide reportedly went quiet for a moment after the group found a blue whale, which gives you a sense of how special an encounter can be even for the crew.

You are not simply dropped near a whale and left to work it out. The guide points out behavior, species, and movement patterns. That is especially useful for first-time whale watchers, since a distant back or blow can be easy to miss.

The small boat also helps create a shared experience. With a maximum of 12 people, the guide can respond to questions and help people on both sides of the boat. It does not guarantee that every person gets the perfect view every time, but it is more intimate than sitting among a large crowd.

Warm suits, cold air, and what to wear

Before departure, staff help you put on warm safety overalls and a life vest. Rain jackets are available if needed. The overalls are more than a light windbreaker. They are described as one-piece survival suits, designed for cold conditions on the water.

Even with that gear, dress warmly. Wear insulating layers underneath, and bring waterproof clothing for the journey to and from the harbor. Several outings were comfortable because of the provided suits, but one person still described the ride as very cold. The boat moves quickly, and wind chill can make a mild day feel much colder offshore.

Leave loose bags behind. Keep your phone in a secure pocket, not in your hand while the RIB is moving. You will have better luck taking photos when the boat is steady, especially around puffins. The wildlife is the point, so I would not let camera work distract you from the actual sightings.

This activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart or back problems. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum age is eight. The minimum height is 130 centimeters.

Is $180.27 a fair price?

At $180.27 per person, this is not a budget harbor ride. You are paying for a short, specialized outing with a small group, a professional guide, a captain, safety equipment, and a fast boat that can cover more water.

The value is strongest if you care about the boat itself and want a more active experience. You are not only sitting on a vessel waiting for wildlife. You are racing across the bay, feeling the movement of the sea, and using a nimble craft that can reposition when an animal appears.

A large boat may suit you better if you prefer a steadier ride, more indoor shelter, or a quieter pace. The RIB offers more excitement and a closer sense of the water, but you accept more motion, more exposure to wind, and less certainty about comfort.

The two-hour length is useful. You can fit this trip around other Húsavík plans without giving up most of a day. Transportation is not included, but the meeting point is within walking distance of many Húsavík accommodations. The ticket also comes with selected local discounts, including nearby restaurants, which adds a small extra benefit.

Timing, weather, and the fine print that matters

Arrive at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center at least 40 minutes before departure. You need time to check in, receive your suit, and get ready. Do not cut this close, especially if you are traveling with children or need help with the gear.

The trip runs only in suitable weather and sea conditions. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The company also requires a minimum number of passengers, so a departure may be changed or canceled if that number is not met. In either case, alternative options or a full refund are offered.

For your own cancellation, you can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

The experience is offered in English. It begins and ends at the same Húsavík meeting point, and it is near public transportation. The listed location may appear as Akureyri in some booking material, but the actual departure point provided for this activity is Húsavík.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this safari if you want a small group, a fast ride, and a serious chance to see whales in a beautiful bay. It suits couples, families with older children, and anyone who prefers active excursions over slow boat cruises.

It is also a strong choice during puffin season if you want to combine two wildlife targets in one trip. Just keep your expectations sensible. Puffins may be distant, the visit can be dropped for safety, and the whale sightings can range from spectacular to brief.

I would think twice if you have back problems, are pregnant, dislike rough water, or want a calm and sheltered ride. The RIB seats are individual, the boat can hit waves, and cold wind is part of the package.

Should you book the Húsavík Big Whale Safari?

Book it if the combination of small group, speed, and wildlife variety appeals to you. The strongest parts are the skilled crew, the warm safety suits, and the RIB’s ability to respond quickly when whales or dolphins appear.

For the best chance of seeing puffins, aim for April 15 through August 15, with earlier summer dates giving you a clearer reason to include Puffin Island. Outside that window, book for whales rather than puffins. Arrive early, dress warmly, protect your phone, and accept that nature controls the final result.

At $180.27, it asks a lot for two hours, but the price makes sense for a small, well-equipped boat and a highly active wildlife outing. If you want a gentle cruise, choose another format. If you want the sea, speed, and the possibility of a humpback surfacing beside your route, this is a strong Húsavík pick.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart?

The tour departs from the Gentle Giants Ticket Center at Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík, Iceland.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Húsavík.

How long is the tour?

The RIB whale and puffin tour lasts approximately two hours.

What is the price?

The listed price is $180.27 per person.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

When can I see Puffin Island?

The puffin season runs approximately from April 15 through August 15. Outside that period, the tour focuses more on whales.

Are warm clothes provided?

Warm safety overalls are provided and are obligatory. Rain jackets are available if needed, but you should still 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.

Is wildlife guaranteed?

No. Whale sightings are advertised as having chances of up to 99 percent, but wildlife is unpredictable. If no whales or dolphins are seen, passenger refunds are not available, though a free traditional whale-watching voucher may be offered depending on availability.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

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