Húsavík: Whale & Puffin RIB Speedboat Safari

Two hours hunting whales in Skjálfandi Bay aboard a speedboat

You board a modern RIB speedboat in Húsavík and spend two hours searching Skjálfandi Bay with an expert guide. The boat covers a wide area to maximize whale sightings, you wear provided thermal overalls and rain gear, and outside puffin season (April–August) the focus stays on spotting large whales. Arrive 40 minutes early at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center.

Step-by-step itinerary

Big Whale Safari and Puffins Tour

• Board RIB speedboat in Húsavík
• Wear safety overalls provided
• Enjoy 2-hour guided whale watching
• Spot whales and puffins in Skjálfandi Bay
• Learn about Icelandic wildlife from guide

The Experience

The RIB speedboat cuts away from Húsavík harbor and you're already moving fast across Skjálfandi Bay. The crew hands you thermal overalls and a rain jacket before departure — you'll need both. Your guide starts talking about what lives out here: humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins if you're lucky. The boat covers a wide area of the bay in two hours, which is how they keep the odds of spotting something large at around 99 percent. It's not a guarantee, but it's close enough that most people on the tour see what they came for.

Húsavík calls itself the Whale Watching Capital of Europe, and this is the original operation — a family-owned company that's been running these tours long enough to know where the whales actually are. Your guide provides live commentary the whole time, pointing out behavior, explaining what you're seeing, answering questions. The speedboat itself matters: it's modern and fast, which means you're not sitting still in one spot hoping something swims past. You're moving through the bay, covering ground, actively searching. If the puffin season is running (April 15 to August 15), there's a chance you'll swing by Puffin Island as well, though whales are the main event outside those months.

Weather can change things. If conditions turn rough, the crew might skip the island visit or adjust the route. If no whales show up — which is rare — you don't get a refund, but you can get a voucher for a free traditional whale watching tour another day, depending on availability. You need to arrive at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center at least 40 minutes before your departure time. Bring warm, waterproof clothing on top of what they provide. Minimum age is 8 years and minimum height 130 centimeters. The tour isn't suitable for passengers with heart or back problems.

What’s included

Your day includes a professional guide, thermal safety overalls and rain jackets provided by the crew, live commentary throughout the two-hour tour, and exclusive discounts with selected local partners in Húsavík. The tour operates from the Gentle Giants Ticket Center in Húsavík and covers Skjálfandi Bay aboard a modern RIB speedboat.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Gentle Giants Whale Watching

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to hunt whales on a fast boat rather than sit on a larger vessel — the RIB's speed and range are what let the guide cover more of the bay and keep those odds high, and the family company's local knowledge is what makes the difference between a tour and an actual search.

Traveler reviews

4.77★★★★★★★★★★

491 verified traveler reviews

5 ★437

4 ★26

3 ★7

2 ★11

1 ★10

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What are the chances of seeing whales on this tour?

The operator states up to 99% odds of spotting whales. If none are sighted, you receive a voucher for a free traditional whale watching tour instead of a refund.

How long is the tour?

Two hours, fully guided, aboard a RIB speedboat in Skjálfandi Bay.

When can you see puffins?

Puffin season runs approximately April 15 to August 15. Outside those dates, the tour focuses on whales.

What's included?

Professional guide, thermal safety overalls, rain jackets if needed, and live commentary. You also get exclusive discounts with selected local partners in Húsavík.

Do I need to bring my own clothing?

Bring warm and waterproof clothing. The crew provides thermal overalls and rain jackets, but layering underneath is recommended.

What's the minimum age?

Minimum age is 8 years and minimum height 130 centimeters. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Tours are subject to favorable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you're offered an alternative date or full refund. The crew may also skip Puffin Island if sea conditions change.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, but it's not allowed for passengers with heart or back problems, or pregnant women.

When should I arrive?

Arrive at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center in Húsavík at least 40 minutes before your departure time.

Is public transport available?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the departure point in Húsavík.