Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

Skjálfandi Bay is made for speedboat watching. This original Húsavík whale and puffin tour pairs an RIB ride with live nature guidance, so you are not just drifting and hoping. It is about 2 hours on the water in small numbers, with an extra Puffin Island stop during breeding season.

What I really like is the way the crew works the water. The captains and guides aim for sightings, and the tour runs with warm overalls and rain gear support so you can focus on wildlife instead of shivering. I also love the live commentary, because you get the why behind what you are seeing, not just animal names.

One consideration: wildlife is wildlife. Even with strong odds, you cannot count on Puffin Island if conditions change, and if no whales or dolphins are spotted, refunds are not offered (you may get a voucher for a traditional whale tour instead).

Key things to know before you go

• RIB speedboat format: individual seats and a ride that can feel exhilarating in chop
• Small group size: maximum 12 travelers, which keeps the experience personal
• Expert onboard guidance: live narration helps you track whales and porpoises
• Puffin Island only in season: roughly April 15 to August 15, and sometimes skipped with short-notice sea changes
• Cold weather gear included: warm safety overalls are obligatory, plus rain jackets if needed
• Safety-first operations: you get real instructions at the start, not vague rules

The RIB speedboat experience that makes Húsavík special

Húsavík is often called Europe’s whale watching capital for a reason, and this tour leans into that reputation. The RIB speedboat gets you moving quickly along the coast, which matters when whales surface, blow, and move on fast.

You are also not stuck in a big crowd. With a maximum of 12 travelers, it is easier for the guide to manage group attention and for everyone to hear the live commentary. And because the tour is in English, it is built for real understanding, not just background facts.

I like that the tour feels like a hunt with a purpose, not a waiting room on the water. When the captain finds activity, the boat can position well so the guide can tell you what to watch for next.

Húsavík start point and what happens before you ever reach the bay

You meet at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center at Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík. Plan to arrive early, about 40 minutes before departure, because you need time for check-in and proper gearing up.

From that meeting point, the tour ends back there too. There is no long bus transfer to swallow time, and the start is within walking distance for many accommodations, plus it is near public transportation.

This “ready to go” setup matters. In Iceland, time and weather move together, so arriving early helps you avoid that last-minute scramble when the wind is up.

Stop 1: Gentle Giants whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay

Your first big act is the whale and porpoise search, guided throughout with live commentary on board. The goal is to spot “gentle giants” and other marine life like porpoises, using the guide’s knowledge plus the captain’s ability to read where animals are likely to be active.

The tour operator advertises up to a 99% chance of seeing whales, and in practice the experience tends to be high-odds when conditions cooperate. In many cases, people leave with multiple sightings, including humpbacks and other species depending on the day.

Here is the practical part: pay attention to what the guide asks you to watch for. Whales and dolphins do not show up on a schedule. Blows, tail slaps, and movement patterns can be brief, so the onboard narration is what helps you catch those moments instead of missing them while you are looking for them blindly.

Also, the RIB is fast and responsive. If you are used to calmer boats, treat this as a different feel. Seats are individual, and one smart tip from experience is to stand when the boat hits bigger waves, like you are riding with your body instead of bracing with your back.

Puffin Island stop: when you can expect it (and how to enjoy it)

During the breeding season, the tour visits Puffin Island. The season is roughly April 15 to August 15, and the focus on whales is stronger outside those dates.

Even during season, Puffin Island is not always guaranteed. If weather or sea conditions shift, even with short notice, the crew may adjust the route and skip the visit. That is normal in the North Atlantic, and it is exactly why the tour is guided and flexible instead of “fixed at all costs.”

How to set expectations: puffins can be everywhere around the boat and island areas, but close-up photography is not always easy. Depending on where puffins are sitting or flying, you may get the best views with binocular-style attention rather than expecting every bird to pose for a close shot.

If you care about photos, keep your camera plan realistic. I would plan for steady shots from the boat when the ride is smoother, and remember that when the island portion is farther away, you might need zoom rather than hoping for a dramatic close frame.

If your trip is scheduled late in the season, do not assume puffins will be active the same way. The overall advice is simple: if your main goal is puffins, go earlier in the season so you are aligned with breeding timing.

Gear and comfort: overalls, rain jackets, and staying warm

You get warm safety overalls and, if needed, rain jackets. The overalls are obligatory, and they are one of the best parts of the whole day, because cold in a speedboat does not feel like “a little chill.” It hits your hands and cheeks first, then your confidence.

What surprised me in the feedback people gave is how much comfort the suits can add even when the air and water feel brutally cold. Even in near-freezing conditions, people reported staying warm enough to enjoy the ride rather than just tolerating it.

You should still dress like you mean it. Bring warm layers under the overalls, and wear waterproof outer gear if your personal clothing setup needs extra protection. The operator’s advice is clear: bring warm and waterproof clothing, because wind chill is real on the water.

And a quick practical thought: on a fast boat, movement feels different. If you are prone to motion discomfort, wear layers that let you move, keep your head covered, and follow the crew’s standing and seating cues.

Wildlife odds: what you are likely to see and why the guidance matters

The sightings people talk about most often include whales plus dolphins and porpoises. In the best moments, you get close-up behavior like tail slaps and active surfacing, not just brief glances.

Species can vary by day and season. You might catch humpbacks, minke whales, or other whales depending on what is moving through the bay and how conditions line up. Some trips focus on the bigger action with humpbacks; others deliver a mix, including dolphins that jump around the boat.

The most valuable thing is how the guide helps you “read” the water. Good onboard narration points out behaviors, tells you what to watch next, and keeps you from doing the classic mistake of chasing one spot too long when the animals have already shifted.

I also like that the crew tries hard to make sure you see something. There is a difference between a tour that goes out and a tour that works. The vibe here is the latter.

One important reality check: if no whales or dolphins are sighted, refunds are not permitted. What you may receive instead is a voucher to join a traditional whale watching tour free of charge, depending on availability.

Price and value: is $180.27 worth an RIB tour?

At about $180.27 per person for roughly 2 hours, this is not a budget activity. But it is also not just a “boat rental with a guide.” You are paying for the RIB speedboat format, the small group size, and the included cold-weather survival gear.

Here is how to think about value for your own trip. If you want the chance to cover more water quickly and you care about live interpretation, the RIB format is part of the price equation. The included overalls matter too, because buying winter gear in Iceland just for this day is an avoidable hassle.

You should also consider timing and demand. This tour is typically booked about 50 days in advance on average, which is a hint that popular departure times can fill.

If whale watching is a top priority for your Iceland plan, this price can feel fair because it is built around maximizing sighting chances and comfort in harsh conditions. If it is a “nice bonus” and you are on a tight budget, you might compare this to other formats.

Who this tour suits best in Húsavík

This is a strong fit if you want active whale watching with a guide, and you are comfortable with the idea of speed and cold. It is also a good match for people who like structure, because you get live commentary and safety guidance right from the start.

It may not be for everyone. The minimum age is 8 years, and the minimum height is 130 cm. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is also not allowed for passengers with heart or back problems, and it is not for pregnant women.

If you are traveling as a family, you still need to factor in the cold and movement of a RIB ride. The overalls help, but the experience still has a “let’s get out there” energy.

If you are the type who likes hands-on watching, this is where the RIB shines. Guides and captains like Witt, Mario, Clara, Victoria, Milo, and Miro have been named in feedback, and a consistent theme is that the team works to keep people engaged and informed while they search.

Practical tips to make your day smoother

A few small things can change how much you enjoy the ride.

First, be ready for the cold. Even with overalls, bring warm layers and waterproof basics, because wind chill will test you. Dress for the boat ride, not for the town you started in.

Second, plan your phone and camera expectations. It can help to keep your phone accessible but not constantly in-hand. Some people found that puffins on the island side were too far for crisp close phone shots, while zoom made more sense from a steady boat position.

Third, follow the crew about seating and standing. Individual seats are designed for movement, and standing when the boat hits harder waves can reduce jolts to your back.

Should you book this Gentle Giants Big Whale Safari and Puffins tour?

I would book it if you want a small-group, guided RIB experience in Húsavík, and whale watching is a priority for you. The combination of live narration, covered warmth via overalls, and a boat built for quick positioning is exactly the kind of setup that makes whale watching feel more certain than “let’s hope.”

I would think twice if puffins are your only goal and your dates land outside the peak breeding window. Puffin Island is seasonal, and even in season it can be adjusted with sea conditions.

If your schedule is tight, your best move is to pick a day with decent weather forecasts and arrive early on departure day. This tour is weather-dependent, but it also has a clear plan when the sea is calm enough to go.

FAQ

How long is the Gentle Giants Big Whale Safari and Puffins tour?

The tour runs for about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start, and how early should I arrive?

The meeting point is Gentle Giants – Husavik Whale Watching, Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík. Plan to arrive at the ticket center at least 40 minutes before departure.

What’s included in the tour?

You get a professional guide, live commentary on board, warm safety overalls (obligatory), and rain jackets if needed. There are also exclusive discounts with selected local partners in Húsavík.

Do you visit Puffin Island every time?

Puffin Island is visited during the puffin breeding season, roughly April 15 to August 15. Outside that time, the tour focuses more on whales, and even in season Puffin Island may be skipped if sea or weather conditions change.

What should I wear for a speedboat in Iceland?

Bring warm and waterproof clothing. Even though you will wear overalls and may receive rain jackets, you still need warm layers and waterproof protection for wind and spray.

How many people are on the tour?

This tour has a maximum of 12 travelers, making it a small group experience.

What happens if no whales or dolphins are sighted?

If no whales or dolphins are sighted, passenger refunds are not permitted. You may be able to receive a voucher to join a traditional whale watching tour free of charge, depending on availability.