Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat — A Deep Dive into Iceland’s Marine Magic

Húsavík, often called the Whale Capital of Iceland, offers this exciting 2-hour speedboat tour that combines whale watching with puffin sightings. It’s a lively, fast-paced adventure that promises a close-up look at some of the North Atlantic’s most captivating creatures. From majestic whales to colorful puffins, this tour is designed for nature lovers looking for an authentic, intimate experience.

One of the things we love most about this trip is the small group size—only 12 passengers—ensuring comfort and a more personal connection with your guide. Plus, the modern RIB speedboats let you cover more ground and get closer to marine life than traditional boats. On the downside, the speedy ride isn’t for everyone, especially if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer a calmer cruise.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy adventure, wildlife, and learning from guides passionate about Iceland’s marine environment. If you’re after a fun, educational outing that combines scenery with wildlife spotting, this experience is a perfect fit. But if you’re looking for a very relaxed, stationary cruise, you might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Intimate Experience: Small groups of up to 12 passengers keep the trip cozy and personalized.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides offer engaging commentary, enhancing your understanding of marine life.
• Versatile Viewing: The RIB speedboats allow you to cover a larger area and get closer to whales and puffins.
• Seasonal Focus: Puffin sightings are seasonal (April 15 – August 15), with more emphasis on whales outside this period.
• Weather-Dependent: Tours depend on favorable weather; cancellations are possible but can be rescheduled or refunded.
• Authentic Local Operation: The family-owned company adds a genuine, local touch to your adventure.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This tour is a fantastic choice for anyone eager to see Iceland’s marine life in a dynamic and engaging way. The speedboat format isn’t just about thrill; it’s primarily about getting closer to whales and puffins than larger, slower boats often allow.

The modern RIB boats used here are more spacious and comfortable than many others, offering a better experience even if the ride gets bumpy or windy. Expect the boat to be equipped with specialized safety overalls (they’re obligatory) and rain jackets if the weather turns wet. The guides are well-versed and passionate, often sharing fascinating insights and stories about the wildlife you’re viewing—something that adds meaningful context to what might otherwise be just a quick glimpse.

The Itinerary

The tour begins at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center in Húsavík, where you’ll meet your guide and receive a safety briefing. This quick intro sets the tone, emphasizing safety and what to expect during your adventure.

Puffin Island is your first stop, especially during the puffin nesting season (April 15 – August 15). Here, you’ll see thousands of puffins, affectionately called “the Clowns of the Ocean” for their bright beaks and playful manner. Reviews mention that while some find puffin watching “so-so,” the sheer number of them makes up for it, with one reviewer noting, “they are so cute and numerous.”

Next, you’ll head to Skjálfandi Bay for about two hours of whale watching. This is where the experience really shines, as many travelers have reported sightings of humpback whales, blue whales, and harbor porpoises. One guest shared, “We saw 5-6 humpback whales and they jumped several times,” proving just how interactive the experience can be. Guides like Mateo, a marine biologist, add depth to the trip with detailed explanations about whale behavior and marine ecology.

The speed of the boat means you’re likely to see more whales than on traditional tours—some reviewers mention seeing 3 to 7 whales—and the boat’s design allows you to follow the whales’ movements closely, offering excellent photo opportunities. One guest praised, “Going on a speedboat is a little expensive, but it’s totally worth it because you get closer and see more.”

After this marine quest, you’ll return to Gentle Giants in Húsavík, often feeling exhilarated and richer in knowledge.

What to Expect During the Tour

Starting Point & Safety Briefing
Your adventure kicks off at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center. Expect a quick safety overview, including instructions on how to stay warm and secure during the ride. The guides emphasize safety but also keep the tone light and engaging, sharing fun facts about marine life.

Puffin Island
During the puffin season, this stop offers a fantastic photo op with thousands of puffins. The guides are happy to point out different bird species and share stories about their nesting habits. You might not get incredibly close, but the sight of so many colorful puffins is unforgettable, especially in good weather.

Whale Watching in Skjálfandi Bay
This is the core of the tour. The speed of the boat allows for a wide sweep of the bay, increasing your chances of spotting whales. Many reviews highlight the expert guidance—guides like Jo, Mateo, Miro, Serena, and Rui—who are praised for their knowledge and friendliness. They’ll offer live commentary on the sightings, explaining whale behaviors and answering questions.

Wildlife & Marine Life Viewing
Expect to see dolphins, harbor porpoises, and various whale species. Some guests have been lucky enough to see up to seven whales at once. The dynamic nature of the ride, combined with the boat’s ability to follow the whales’ movements, makes for a much more interactive and exciting experience.

Duration & Group Size
The tour lasts about 2 hours, making it a compact but fulfilling experience. The small group size ensures everyone gets a good view and personal attention from guides.

Return & Reflection
Back at the starting point, many travelers feel that the value for money is high, especially given the quality of sightings and the personalized service.

Price, Value, and Practical Tips

While the tour isn’t the cheapest option, many guests agree it’s worth the cost due to the quality of experience and closer encounters with whales. The small group size and expert guides deliver a level of intimacy and knowledge that larger boats often lack.

Remember, weather plays a crucial role—favorable conditions mean a smoother ride and better chances of sightings. The tour’s policy is to reschedule or refund if canceled due to weather, but it’s good to keep this in mind for planning.

What to bring:
– Comfortable shoes for walking on the boat and possible wet conditions
– Warm clothing and outdoor gear—it can get chilly even in summer
– A camera or smartphone for photos
– Sea sickness medication if you’re prone to seasickness (the ride can be bumpy!)

What’s not included:
– Hotel pickup or drop-off (you’ll need to get to the meeting point)

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Guests rave about guides like Matteo, Miro, Serena, and Rui, describing them as knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate. One reviewer mentioned they saw seven whales and appreciated the personalized approach, where the guides tried to follow the whales’ behavior closely.

Others highlight the exhilaration of the speedboat ride: “This is a little more expensive but so much more fun and closer than traditional boats,” noted a visitor. Several reviews also mention the seamless organization and timely departures, making the experience smooth and enjoyable from start to finish.

Some travelers pointed out that puffin sightings can be “so-so” outside the nesting season, but during the season, the number of puffins makes it a delightful spectacle.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This adventure is perfect for active travelers who want more than just a slow cruise. If you love wildlife, speed, and learning, you’ll be delighted. The small group setting is ideal for those who prefer a more personalized experience.

However, if you’re sensitive to rough rides or seasickness, it’s worth considering that the speedboat can get bumpy, especially in bad weather. The tour is also not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or those with certain health conditions, including back or heart issues.

If your goal is to see whales in their natural environment with knowledgeable guides, and you’re keen on a more adventurous approach, this tour delivers excellent value and memorable encounters.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
No, the tour begins at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center in Húsavík, and guests are responsible for their own transportation to the meeting point.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, warm outdoor clothing, and possibly rain jackets. A camera or phone for pictures is recommended. Remember, large luggage or bags are not allowed onboard.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is not recommended for children under 8 years old due to safety and comfort concerns on the speedboat.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to unfavorable conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Can I see puffins outside the season?
Puffin sightings are seasonally focused (April 15 – August 15). Outside this period, the trip will mainly focus on whale watching.

Are whales guaranteed to be seen?
While many guests do see whales, sightings can never be guaranteed due to the unpredictable nature of wildlife. However, guides aim to maximize your chances and will offer a voucher for a traditional whale cruise if no whales are seen.

What’s the maximum number of passengers onboard?
The RIB speedboats accommodate up to 12 guests, making for a more personal and comfortable experience.

To sum it up, this tour from Húsavík offers an exciting, authentic look at Iceland’s whales and puffins, led by knowledgeable guides in a small-group setting. The use of speedboats makes for a more dynamic, closer, and more interactive experience than traditional cruises, which is highly valued by travelers. The seasonal puffin sightings add a colorful touch, especially during spring and summer.

While the cost might seem high compared to larger tours, the quality of sightings, personalized guiding, and adventure justify the price for most wildlife enthusiasts. Keep in mind the weather dependence, and prepare accordingly to enjoy every moment of this marine adventure.

If you’re after a memorable, energetic, and educational wildlife experience in Iceland, this tour is definitely worth considering. It suits those who want a more intimate connection with nature and don’t mind a bumpy, exhilarating ride to get closer to Iceland’s incredible marine life.