Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

The idea of a RIB speedboat out of Húsavík is what makes this tour so interesting. You’re not stuck watching from afar. You’re moving fast through Skjálfandi Bay, with the chance to spot whales and porpoises close to the boat.

I also love how this is set up as a true guided experience. You get live commentary from the crew, and the team is often credited for finding animals and keeping the hunt focused, including guides like Nicoletta, Witt, Clara, Victoria, Mario, Milo, and Miro. The second thing I like is that the tour is built for real Iceland weather, with warm safety overalls that keep you dry and warm enough to stay out on deck.

The main drawback to plan around is Puffin Island timing. The puffin season is roughly April 15 to August 15, and even during that window, sea conditions can force changes, including skipping the island visit. So if puffins are your #1 target, you’ll want to match the dates carefully.

Key things you’ll like about the Gentle Giants RIB safari

• Max 12 travelers keeps the experience feeling hands-on instead of crowded
• Whale-spotting focus with help from expert nature guides and live onboard commentary
• Warm one-piece survival overalls plus rain jackets when needed, so you can actually enjoy being outside
• Puffin Island visit during breeding season, but it can be skipped if conditions change
• RIB speedboat maneuverability, which helps the crew get you into good viewing spots when whales surface

Why Húsavík plus a RIB speedboat feels different

Húsavík is often called the whale watching capital of Europe for good reason, and this tour leans hard into that location. The biggest difference is the boat choice. A RIB (rigid inflatable boat) rides higher and moves with more agility than larger ships, so you spend less time feeling like you’re just waiting for sightings.

The tour’s format also helps. This is a 2 hour fully guided run where the crew is actively searching and communicating what to look for. In the comments about past trips, the consistent theme is that guides stay engaged, point out behavior (not just species names), and keep everyone organized when animals pop up.

You’re also not just chasing one thing. Even when puffins are limited, the plan still targets whales and porpoises. That flexibility matters in Iceland, where the ocean can be moody and wildlife does not show up on your schedule.

That said, you should respect the reality of speed and cold. You’ll feel the motion when waves are up. The upside is you’ll likely feel more connected to the action because you’re close, fast-moving, and part of a smaller group.

The 2 hour game plan: what happens from ticket center to splashdown

You start at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center in Húsavík, at Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík. The key practical move is timing: arrive at least 40 minutes before departure so you can get geared up without rushing.

Once you’re on board, you’ll head out for the main stop: gentle giants whale watching. The itinerary is straightforward on paper, but the experience can feel dynamic because sightings happen when they happen. You’re on the water long enough to get into the rhythm, and the crew can reposition as the whales move.

Here’s what the “guided” part looks like in real life. You’ll be given live commentary, and the guide helps you understand what you’re seeing, including how whales might surface, where to watch, and what behaviors matter. People also mention the crew working hard to get everyone a chance to see animals when they’re available.

The boat returns to the same meeting point at the end of the tour. That’s a small thing, but it makes planning your day in Húsavík easier. You don’t have to build in extra buffers for transport or a different drop-off location.

Puffin Island stop: the best bonus, if your dates and sea conditions line up

This tour can include a visit to Puffin Island during the breeding season, roughly April 15 to August 15. When that works, it turns the trip into a two-act wildlife outing: first whales and porpoises in the bay, then puffins at the island.

But puffins are seasonal and weather-dependent. The tour info is clear that if sea or weather conditions change, even with short notice, Puffin Island may be skipped. Also, outside the breeding window, the schedule is described as more focused on whales than puffins.

So how should you read this if you’re planning? If your goal is puffins, treat the island as a bonus tied to timing. Pick dates in mid-season if you can, and still be realistic. Even on days when puffins are present, they can be a distance away, and your best views may come from watching their movement in the water and around the boat area, not only from photographing them on land.

One practical tip from the field: keep your camera expectations grounded. You might get great sightings, but you may not get postcard-close shots with a phone. Some people even suggest keeping your phone in a pocket and relying on zoom-capable cameras if you have them, because the birds can be farther from the boat or appear in flight angles that are hard to frame.

Staying warm on a fast boat: overalls, rain gear, and how to not freeze

Whale watching tours can fail in one way: comfort. Here, comfort is handled upfront. You get warm safety overalls, and rain jackets if needed. In practice, the overalls are described as one-piece survival suits, which is exactly what you want when the air is cold and the boat is moving.

Dress strategy matters. The tour info asks you to bring warm, waterproof clothing. That means layers under the overalls, plus a plan for keeping your body heat stable. If you’ve ever been cold on a boat in Iceland, you already know the trick is not just “wear warm stuff,” it’s keeping wind off your core.

Also, think about how you’ll move on the RIB. Past guests note the individual seating style, similar to what you’d see on a motorcycle or snowmobile. When the boat hits a wave, you may want to stand at times to reduce jolts through your back. It sounds like a small tip, but it changes the feel of the trip fast. If you sit rigidly the whole time, you’ll likely notice every impact. If you adjust your posture with the crew’s rhythm, the ride can feel more controlled.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan ahead. The tour runs in variable sea conditions and involves speedboat movement. Your best bet is to prep the same way you would for any active water outing in winter.

Wildlife odds and species you may actually see

The tour advertises chances of seeing whales up to 99%, and the on-the-water approach is meant to maximize those odds. In real-world reports, sightings include humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and even blue whale. That mix matters because it suggests you’re not only chasing one species.

One detail I like about this tour style is how it handles “unpredictable” wildlife. You’re going out with a guide and captain who look for active areas and then reposition. That’s how you go from seeing nothing to getting multiple sightings in one outing, including repeated close-up surfaces when conditions cooperate.

You’ll also get help in reading what you’re seeing. The guide’s job is to point out the likely meaning behind a spout, tail slap, or movement pattern, so you’re not just staring at dark water hoping for a miracle.

Still, keep expectations balanced. The tour info explains that if no whales or dolphins are sighted, refunds are not permitted. Instead, you may receive a voucher to join a traditional whale watching tour free of charge, depending on availability. That’s a risk you should factor in when choosing the tour, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.

Price and value: what $180.27 buys you in the real world

At $180.27 per person for about 2 hours, this is not a cheap activity. But the pricing makes sense when you account for three things that are hard to fake: the RIB experience, the guide-led wildlife search, and the weather gear.

First, you’re paying for a boat that can get closer and maneuver faster. Second, you’re paying for live interpretation from a professional guide, not a generic broadcast. Third, you’re paying for warm overalls and rain protection that turn a cold outdoor activity into something you can actually enjoy.

You should also value the group size. With a maximum of 12 travelers, you’re more likely to see whales when they appear, and the crew can communicate clearly without everyone being lost in the shuffle.

There are also small practical perks included with the ticket, like exclusive discounts with selected local partners in Húsavík. The discounts aren’t itemized here, but they can help you offset dinner costs after you get back to town.

Is it worth it? If you want maximum “time on the chase” and you’re comfortable in cold weather, the RIB format is often where the value shows up. If you’re mainly chasing puffins for photos, you’ll need to be realistic about distance and timing.

Who should book this RIB whale and puffin tour

This tour fits best if you:

• Want a small-group whale watching experience instead of a big-ship day
• Are excited by the idea of a fast boat hunt, not just sitting and hoping
• Can dress for cold and wind and don’t mind waves
• Care about getting interpretation from the guide, not just animal spotting

You should think twice if you:

• Have heart or back problems, or you are pregnant. The tour data lists these as not allowed
• Are traveling with children under the minimums, since the minimum age is 8 and the minimum height is 130 cm
• Get uncomfortable in active water motion, since this is a speedboat outing

If you’re doing a short trip to North Iceland and want one signature wildlife activity, this is a strong pick. It also pairs well with Húsavík itself, since the meeting point is walkable for many accommodations and the tour ends where it starts.

A short note on weather and the “plan B” reality

This experience depends on favorable weather conditions. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund. There’s also a minimum passenger requirement, so departures can change if the group size threshold is not met, even with short notice.

The practical takeaway is to build flexibility into your itinerary. If your schedule is rigid and you have one shot, you might want to keep a buffer day in mind.

Should you book the Gentle Giants Big Whale Safari & Puffins?

I’d book it if you want the classic Húsavík experience in the most energetic format possible: a 2 hour guided RIB safari with warm gear and an actual plan to find whales. The high whale-spotting odds, plus the chance for puffins during breeding season, makes it a good “one main wildlife outing” choice.

I would not book it if puffins are your only goal and your dates fall outside April 15 to August 15, because the island visit may be skipped and the focus shifts more toward whales. And I would only book it if you’re comfortable with a small but real downside: if no whales or dolphins are sighted, you do not automatically get a cash refund, though a voucher for a traditional tour may be offered depending on availability.

If you can handle cold, dress smart, and keep your expectations flexible, this tour is the kind of day you remember for the sound of surf, the sudden silence when a spout appears, and the feeling of being right there when the ocean shows off.

FAQ

How long is the Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends back at the Gentle Giants – Husavik Whale Watching location, at Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík, Iceland.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What should I wear for the tour?

Bring warm and waterproof clothing. You’ll also receive warm safety overalls (obligatory) and rain jackets if needed.

Does the tour always include Puffin Island?

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

What happens if no whales or dolphins are sighted?

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

Is there an age or height requirement?

Yes. The minimum age is 8 years, and the minimum height is 130 cm. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Who can’t participate?

Passengers with heart or back problems and pregnant women are not allowed.

If the tour is canceled due to weather or low bookings, what are my options?

If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund. The tour also requires a minimum number of passengers, and if that minimum is not reached, departures may be changed or canceled with alternative options or a full refund.