Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

The best part of this Húsavík outing is the small RIB speedboat, which can cover more of Skjálfandi Bay and turn quickly when whales appear. You may see humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and, in the right season, thousands of puffins near Puffin Island.

I like the warm survival overalls and the close attention from the guide and captain. I also like the compact group, capped at 12 people, which gives you a better view than a crowded boat. The main drawback is the ride itself: open-water speed can be bumpy, and puffins may sit too far away for a good phone photo.

Key points to know before booking

• RIB boat with no more than 12 people: You get a fast, nimble boat rather than a large sightseeing vessel.
• Whales are the main event: Humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises are possible, with reported sighting chances of up to 99 percent.
• Puffin Island is seasonal: The puffin period runs approximately from April 15 through August 15.
• Warm gear is supplied: Obligatory safety overalls and rain jackets, if needed, help with Icelandic wind and spray.
• The tour lasts about two hours: You spend the time searching Skjálfandi Bay, with the exact wildlife route shaped by conditions.
• You must arrive early: Check in at the Gentle Giants ticket center at least 40 minutes before departure in Húsavík.

Why this Húsavík whale safari feels different

Húsavík is widely known as Iceland’s whale watching capital, and the town sits beside Skjálfandi Bay, a productive area for marine life. This tour uses a rigid inflatable boat, or RIB, rather than a broad, slow vessel. That choice changes the whole outing.

You sit in individual seats, similar to a motorcycle or snowmobile seat. The boat can move quickly across the bay, then slow down and turn with more precision when the crew spots a whale. A guide and captain work together, with the guide explaining animal behavior while the captain handles the boat.

I like this setup for people who want more than a quiet boat ride. You feel the speed, spray, and open water. On a calm day, that adds real fun. On a rough day, it can make the two hours feel more physical than expected.

The boat carries a maximum of 12 people, so you are not looking over dozens of heads. That small capacity also gives the guide a better chance to keep everyone informed and help you follow an animal as it surfaces.

Getting ready at the Gentle Giants ticket center

The meeting point is the Gentle Giants Whale Watching ticket center at Garðarsbraut in Húsavík. It is within walking distance of most Húsavík accommodations, and no transport to the harbor or back to your lodging is included.

Plan to arrive at least 40 minutes before departure. That early arrival matters because the crew fits you with the required warm safety overalls and a life vest before you board. Rain jackets are available if needed.

Bring warm, waterproof clothing even when the weather looks pleasant in town. The bay can feel much colder than the streets, and the boat moves fast enough to create its own wind. Reviews repeatedly praise the overalls, with one cold-weather outing taking place around minus 0 degrees Celsius. Still, the supplied gear is a backup, not a reason to pack lightly.

Keep your belongings simple. A phone in a secure pocket is more useful than a loose camera bag, and one useful tip from the boat is to bring a real zoom camera if close puffin photos matter to you. Puffins near the island can be visible but still too distant for a normal phone lens.

Stop 1: searching Skjálfandi Bay for whales

The official itinerary centers on whale watching, but the route is not a fixed sightseeing loop. Your guide and captain search the bay for signs of life and adjust the boat’s position as animals appear.

Humpback whales are the most celebrated sightings on this trip. You might see a back rolling through the water, a blow, a tail lift, or a full breach. Several outings have produced repeated sightings of the same animals, while others have found five or more individual whales.

The RIB helps when an animal surfaces away from the group. It can reposition faster than a large boat, though the crew still needs to follow safe distances and responsible whale-watching rules. You should not expect the captain to race directly at a whale or guarantee a close approach.

Other possible sightings include minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises. One especially fortunate outing found humpbacks, minke whales, and a large dolphin pod. A blue whale was also spotted on one early-season trip, but you should treat that as a rare bonus, not a normal expectation.

Your guide provides live commentary throughout the search. Guides named in the feedback include Nicoletta, Clara, Mario, Miro, Victoria, and Witt. The strongest praise goes to guides who combine species facts with genuine excitement, while also helping everyone see the animal when it surfaces.

Puffin Island between April 15 and August 15

During the approximate puffin season, the boat visits Puffin Island, also called Lundey in the tour information. The usual season is April 15 through August 15, though timing can shift with weather and sea conditions.

The island can hold huge numbers of nesting puffins. You may see birds flying around the island, resting on the water, or sitting on the rocky slopes. The RIB gives you a lively approach and a broad view of the colony, but it does not guarantee a close-up photography session.

This is the part of the trip where expectations matter most. Puffins can look small from the boat, especially when they are on the island. A phone may record dots rather than crisp birds. A camera with a strong zoom lens works better, and binoculars would be useful, though binoculars are not listed as supplied equipment.

Sea conditions and tides affect how close the boat can safely get. If the water turns rough, the crew may skip Puffin Island even during the normal season. Outside the season, the tour puts more emphasis on whales, so do not book an August 25 outing expecting puffins.

What the two-hour RIB ride is really like

The speed is part of the attraction. The boat can move quickly between areas of the bay, giving you a sense of travel rather than simply sitting in one spot. The ride can also be bumpy, especially when the boat meets larger waves.

Individual seats let you bend your knees or rise slightly when the RIB crosses a wave. That helps soften the impact, but it does not make the ride smooth. You need reasonable physical comfort with a moving boat and open water.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant passengers or people with heart or back problems. The minimum age is eight, and children must travel with an adult. The minimum height is 130 centimeters, so check this requirement carefully before booking for a child.

The captain’s work is a major part of the experience. Several outings received praise for calm, careful handling in challenging conditions, including waves around six feet. That does not mean every departure will encounter such water, but it shows why the crew places safety ahead of getting to Puffin Island at all costs.

The value of paying about $180.27

At about $180.27 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. You are paying for a two-hour wildlife trip, a small group, professional crew, live guiding, safety equipment, and the maneuverability of a RIB.

The price makes more sense if you value the boat itself as part of the outing. A larger traditional whale-watching boat may suit you better if you want a steadier platform or more room to move. The RIB is the better fit if you want speed, a small group, and the chance to change position quickly when wildlife appears.

The whale sighting potential is strong, but wildlife is never a fixed performance. The operator gives sighting chances of up to 99 percent, yet no company can control the bay. If you see no whales or dolphins, there is no cash refund for that reason. Depending on availability, you may receive a voucher for a free traditional whale-watching trip instead.

That policy makes the tour a better choice for someone who accepts nature on its own terms. If a whale sighting is the single reason you came to Iceland, consider booking early enough in your stay to leave room for another attempt.

Weather, cancellations, and the best time to go

The tour requires favorable weather and sea conditions. If poor weather cancels your departure, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same options apply if the minimum number of passengers is not reached and the company cancels the trip.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted.

For puffins, aim for the April 15 to August 15 period, with earlier summer dates giving you the clearest reason to combine both wildlife goals. Late August and later departures focus mainly on whales.

Conditions can vary even within the same day. A calm, sunny trip may offer a comfortable ride and clear views. A colder or rougher trip can still produce whales, but you will appreciate the provided suit and waterproof layers much more.

How the crew shapes the experience

The crew is not just there to drive the boat. The strongest part of the outing is the partnership between captain and guide. The guide watches for wildlife, explains what you are seeing, and tries to direct attention so everyone gets a fair chance at a sighting.

Guides such as Nicoletta, Clara, Mario, Miro, and Victoria have been singled out for lively, clear explanations and care for the group. The exact guide depends on the departure, so you cannot book a specific person based on the published tour details.

The crew may also share practical advice about animal behavior, migration, and species identification. That turns a quick glimpse into something more useful. You learn why a minke whale can be harder to spot, how dolphins move around the boat, or why a humpback’s tail is such a helpful field mark.

I also value the fact that guides show excitement without turning the trip into a staged show. A blue whale sighting, for example, left one guide briefly speechless. That kind of genuine reaction can make a rare moment feel even more special.

Who should book this speedboat tour

I would choose this outing if you want an active whale safari, a small group, and a fast boat. It suits couples, families with older children who meet the age and height rules, and photographers who bring suitable zoom equipment.

You should also book it if you want to see more of the bay in a short period. The two-hour length fits neatly into a day in Húsavík, and the meeting point is walkable from many local accommodations.

I would think twice if you have back or heart problems, are pregnant, dislike bumpy rides, or need a calm, spacious boat. Puffin photographers may also find the island frustrating if they arrive with only a phone camera.

The tour is offered in English. Since the activity finishes back at the meeting point, you can plan other Húsavík activities afterward without arranging a separate return transfer.

Should you book the Original Big Whale Safari?

Yes, if the RIB ride appeals to you as much as the animals. The small boat, individual seating, quick handling, warm safety gear, and strong guiding make this a lively way to search Skjálfandi Bay.

Book during puffin season if you want the best chance of seeing both puffins and whales, but keep the whale search as your main goal. If you prefer a gentle, stable ride, choose a traditional whale-watching boat instead.

For most visitors who can handle the speed and cold, this is a worthwhile splurge. Just arrive early, dress warmly, secure your phone, and remember that nature decides how much of the show you get.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at the Gentle Giants Whale Watching ticket center on Garðarsbraut in Húsavík, Iceland.

How long does the experience last?

The RIB whale and puffin tour lasts approximately two hours and ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 12 travelers.

When can I see puffins?

Puffin season runs approximately from April 15 through August 15. Outside that period, the tour focuses more on whale watching.

Are warm clothes provided?

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

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins during the nesting season. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum age is eight years, and the minimum height is 130 centimeters.

Can I join if I am pregnant or have a back problem?

No. The tour is not allowed for passengers with heart or back problems or for pregnant women.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered an alternative date or a full refund. The same options apply if the minimum number of passengers is not reached and the departure is canceled.