Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

Our take on Gentle Giants Original Big Whale Safari and Puffins is simple: a fast, guided RIB speedboat run out of Húsavík with real naturalists helping you read the water. It’s built for close-up wildlife time in Skjálfandi Bay, plus (when conditions allow) a stop at Puffin Island during puffin season.

Two things I love about it: the guides bring strong, practical wildlife spotting skills, and the small group size helps you feel like you’re part of the hunt, not watching from the back row. One consideration: this is weather- and sea-condition dependent, and if the ocean turns rough (or if you’re traveling late), the Puffin Island stop can get skipped.

Key Points at a Glance

• Small group max 12 travelers for a more personal, hands-on spotting experience
• Expert guides onboard with live commentary to help you understand whale and porpoise behavior
• Warm one-piece overalls and rain gear included, which really matters in cold North Atlantic wind
• Puffin Island depends on season and conditions; whales get more attention outside peak puffin dates
• Your chance of sightings is high, but refunds aren’t offered if no whales or dolphins are seen
• Arrive early (40 minutes) so you’re suited up and ready before the boat leaves

Húsavík’s Whale-Spotting Advantage: The Setting Matters

Húsavík is famous for whale watching for a reason. You’re going out from a place that’s built around spotting whales and porpoises in Skjálfandi Bay, where the geography helps concentrate wildlife. And you feel that in how the day is run: you’re not just cruising for scenery. You’re searching with people who know what to look for and where to look.

This tour is also designed to get you moving fast enough to reach active areas without wasting hours. The RIB speedboat format is part of the strategy, not just the thrill. In whale watching, timing and repositioning matter, because animals can surface and disappear quickly.

Price and What You’re Actually Paying For ($180.27)

At $180.27 per person, this isn’t the cheapest thing you’ll do in Iceland. But it’s also not a luxury-something-for-nothing price tag. You’re paying for:

• A guided 2-hour trip at sea
• A professional guide with live onboard commentary
• Included cold-weather gear (the overalls are a big deal here)
• A smaller-group experience (up to 12 travelers)
• The “search” effort that comes with an expert crew (they reposition when they find action)

If you compare this to doing a longer whale tour, or going on a less guided option, the value usually comes down to one question: do you want maximum time with skilled spotting help? This one leans hard into that.

The 2-Hour Plan: What You’ll Do (and Why It Works)

You’re on the water for about 2 hours, and the schedule is straightforward. The big idea is that you start with whale and porpoise searching, then (during the right part of the year) add Puffin Island time.

Short tours can feel risky in travel planning, but in whale watching, short and focused is often better than long and wandering. Whales don’t “hold still” for your itinerary. A tight plan gives you more chances to intersect with wildlife activity.

Stop 1: Whale and Porpoise Searching

Right after boarding, the crew focuses on Gentle Giants style whale watching—hunting for whales and also scanning for porpoises. This is where the guide makes the biggest difference. When you have someone explaining what you’re seeing (or what you’re likely to see next), the whole trip feels more “you’re part of it” and less “please be lucky.”

One thing I like is that the tour’s whale focus stays strong even outside puffin season. That matters because puffin time is seasonal; whales are the year-round ticket.

Puffin Island: Great When It’s On the Calendar

The Puffin Island visit is designed for the puffin breeding window, roughly April 15 to August 15. In that period, you’re more likely to see puffins around the island and possibly in the water too.

But the practical catch is right in the fine print: if weather or sea conditions change, even with short notice, the Puffin Island stop may get skipped. That’s not a “gotcha.” It’s how you stay safe and still make good use of your time.

Travel timing note from real trips: one guest went at the end of August and missed puffins because the season had ended. If puffins are your main goal, plan earlier in the window.

Gear and Comfort: The Overalls Are Not a Small Detail

Iceland in wind + water can chill you fast. This tour includes warm safety overalls (obligatory) and rain jackets if needed. Multiple travelers specifically mentioned staying warm even when it was very cold, which tells me the included clothing is doing its job.

A few practical tips that pop up in traveler advice:

• Wear warm, waterproof layers under the overalls
• Keep your phone accessible but protected from cold spray and waves
• Some guests suggest leaving bags behind and keeping your phone in a pocket so you’re not juggling stuff in salt wind
• If you want puffin photos, remember that puffins on the island can be farther away for phone cameras, while a zoom camera works better when the boat is stable

If you’ve ever tried to shoot through spray on a pitching boat, you already know why this matters.

Meeting Point and Timing: How Not to Stress Out

You meet at Gentle Giants – Husavík Whale Watching, Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík. The tour starts at the meeting point and ends back there, which makes the logistics easy.

You should arrive at least 40 minutes before departure. That buffer matters because you’ll want time to check in, get suited up, and listen to the safety briefing without rushing.

It also helps that the departure point is within walking distance from most accommodations in Húsavík, so you’re not burning energy on extra transportation.

Group Size and Vibe: Small Boat Feeling, Not Theme-Park Chaos

This is capped at a maximum of 12 travelers. That size tends to feel more attentive. You’re less likely to be blocked by someone taller with a camera.

The RIB layout also changes your body feel during the ride. Riders describe the individual seating like a motorcycle or snowmobile style, where you can bend your knees. That matters for comfort when the boat hits waves—standing and bracing is a technique some travelers mention as helpful for keeping your back from taking the full jolt.

Bottom line: if you like hands-on experiences and clear guide attention, the small-group format is a plus.

Your Odds of Seeing Whales: High, But Not Guaranteed

The tour states the chance of seeing whales is up to 99%. That’s a strong promise, and many guests report multiple whale encounters—some even seeing whales quite close to the RIB at times.

Still, the realistic traveler mindset is important here. Whale watching is nature. Animals move. Sometimes conditions line up; sometimes they don’t.

If No Whales or Dolphins Are Sighted

Here’s a key policy point: if no whales or dolphins are sighted, refunds aren’t permitted. Instead, you may receive a voucher to join a traditional whale watching tour free of charge, depending on availability. That voucher option is a decent comfort, but it’s not the same as cash back.

So I suggest you approach this as a high-probability wildlife outing, not a guaranteed show.

Weather Rules: When the Sea Calls the Shots

This experience requires favorable weather and sea conditions. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll get either an alternative date or a full refund.

There’s also the reality of “day-of changes.” Even when the tour goes, sea conditions can affect whether Puffin Island gets included. So you should keep your schedule flexible and expect some variation.

For travelers who obsess over planning every minute: this is Iceland. Build in slack. Your best moments often depend on wind and waves.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This is a great fit if you:

• Want an active, guided wildlife search instead of a slow boat cruise
• Like the idea of a smaller group
• Appreciate knowledgeable interpretation that helps you spot behavior, not just bodies
• Travel with kids who meet the minimum rules (age 8+, height 130 cm) and can handle the boat ride

Who Should Skip It

You might want to choose a different activity if you:

• Have heart or back problems
• Are pregnant

That’s not negotiable here, based on the tour info.

Guide Quality: The Real Secret Ingredient

Some tours can feel scripted. This one tends to feel personal, and that’s largely due to the onboard guides. Multiple travelers mentioned guides by name and praised their expertise and enthusiasm.

You’ll hear different guide personalities, but what stays consistent is the quality of live commentary and spotting guidance. Guests described crews who:

• Worked hard to find whales and dolphins
• Shared species knowledge and behavior explanations
• Stayed engaged and excited even during cold, choppy conditions
• Navigated skillfully in rough seas, with warm suits doing the heavy lifting

In short: the guide isn’t just pointing. They’re reading the water with you.

Navigation and Boat Performance: Fast, Skilled, and Sort of Adrenaline

The RIB speedboat approach means you can reposition quickly. Some travelers specifically noted closeness to whales at times (one described within about 300 yards when conditions were calm).

That speed and maneuverability is also why the ride can feel more intense than a larger vessel. If waves hit harder, standing and bracing can help with comfort. The good news: the included overalls reduce the misery factor, and travelers frequently say they didn’t get as cold as they expected.

Discounts and Partner Perks in Húsavík

This tour also includes exclusive discounts with selected local partners in Húsavík. That’s a small but practical perk—especially if you’re planning food after the tour. You’re already in the town center area, so it’s convenient.

The Best Time to Go: Whales First, Puffins by Season

If you’re traveling within the puffin window, you’ll get the best shot at Puffin Island time. Outside it, the tour shifts emphasis toward whales and porpoises, which can still be excellent.

A smart planning move: if puffins are non-negotiable, go during the breeding season window (roughly mid-April through mid-August). If whales are the priority, you can travel outside that window and still have a strong wildlife-focused day.

Cancellation and Changes: Know the Rules Before You Book

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before start time, you won’t get a refund.

Also, changes within 24 hours aren’t accepted. Cancellation rules are based on local time, so double-check the departure clock.

Two more practical points:

• Weather cancellations mean alternative date or full refund
• If a minimum number of passengers isn’t met, the departure can be changed or canceled even with short notice, with alternative options or a full refund

Should You Book This Whale Safari and Puffin Tour?

If you want a guided, action-focused RIB outing from Húsavík with strong odds and knowledgeable help, I’d seriously consider booking. The small group size, the onboard expertise, and the included cold-weather gear are the big reasons this works for real travelers.

You might hesitate if:

• You’re traveling right at the end of puffin season and care mainly about landing on Puffin Island
• You need a strict guarantee of refunds if sightings don’t happen (because refunds aren’t available if no whales or dolphins are seen)
• You have health restrictions (heart/back) or you’re pregnant

Otherwise, this is exactly the kind of Iceland experience that feels worth the money: brief, well-run, and built around being in the right place at the right time with the right people.

FAQ

FAQ

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

It’s about 2 hours long, approximately.

Where is the meeting point in Húsavík?

You meet at Gentle Giants – Husavík Whale Watching, Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík, Iceland. The tour also ends back at the same meeting point.

Is puffin viewing included year-round?

No. Puffin season is roughly April 15 to August 15. The tour focuses more on whales outside that window, and Puffin Island may be skipped if sea conditions change.

What should I wear for the boat ride?

Bring warm and waterproof clothing. The tour provides warm safety overalls (obligatory), and rain jackets if needed.

What happens if no whales or dolphins are sighted?

Passenger refunds aren’t permitted if no whales or dolphins are sighted. Depending on availability, you can receive a voucher to join a traditional whale watching tour free of charge.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Weather cancellations offer either a different date or a full refund, and departures may also change or cancel if a minimum number of passengers isn’t reached.