Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

Big whales are why you come to Húsavík, and this fast RIB format puts you in the right places sooner. You’ll cruise Skjálfandi Bay on a modern speedboat, then head to Puffin Island during nesting season for the classic puffin show.

I like two things most about this tour. First, the boat experience is built for comfort and clear sightlines, with a smaller max group (up to 12) and live commentary while you’re scanning the water. Second, you get serious weather gear: warm safety overalls are required, so you’re not standing around cold and miserable before wildlife shows up.

One thing to consider is that nature runs the schedule. Fog, rougher seas, or changing conditions can reduce visibility, and the Puffin Island stop can be skipped at short notice depending on sea state.

Key things to know before you go

• Up to 12 passengers on the RIB for a more personal feel than big cattle-boat departures
• Puffin Island timing matters: puffins are the focus roughly April 15 to August 15, otherwise you’ll focus more on whales
• Fast positioning boosts whale odds by getting to sightings quickly and letting the captain react in real time
• Warm overalls and life jackets are part of the deal so you can concentrate on scanning, not shivering
• Skjálfandi Bay is the action zone for whales, dolphins, and other marine life in this part of Iceland
• Guides vary by personality and language comfort but the best trips still leave you feeling well informed on marine behavior

Húsavík, Skjálfandi Bay, and why a speedboat safari makes sense

Húsavík sits in northeastern Iceland, and it has earned its nickname as Iceland’s whale watching hub. The reason is simple: the water and the food chain here attract big marine animals during the season. The question is not whether you are in the right region, it is how quickly you can reach the right spot when a whale exhales, surfaces, or swims into view.

That is where this tour’s RIB approach earns its keep. A smaller, faster boat can react faster than larger ships, which matters when you are trying to watch something that is moving all the time. In the reviews, people consistently connect the close, thrilling moments to the boat’s ability to get to sightings quickly.

You also get a guide on board for the whole experience, so the trip is not just you staring at water hoping for a miracle. You’re learning what you are likely looking for, and why whales might appear where they do.

Price and value: what you really get for about $175

At $175 per person for a 2 hour outing, this is not the cheapest way to do whale watching in Iceland. But the value is tied to three practical things you feel on the water:

1) Faster access to whales and dolphins.

Multiple reviews stress that the RIB is quicker to sighting areas than larger, slower boats. That means you are spending more time actually watching, and less time steaming in between.

2) Smaller group comfort.

A max of 12 passengers is a big deal. It reduces crowding and helps everyone keep a clean line of sight when a whale surfaces. Even if you are on the move constantly, you are still in a more controlled viewing environment than you get on huge vessels.

3) Weather gear included.

Warm safety overalls are obligatory. You are also given rain jackets if needed. In Iceland, that is not a small add-on. Cold ruins concentration, and you want your attention on the water, not your layers.

A final value note: if you do not see whales (and dolphins are counted too), you are offered a voucher for a traditional whale watching tour on oak boats for free. No refund is mentioned in that specific situation, so treat it as a backup plan, not a guarantee. The upside is that the company is at least trying to make things right when you miss the main show.

Before you even leave port: check in smart and dress for speed

You meet at the Gentle Giants ticket center in central Húsavík. Look for the big blue flags. Plan to arrive at least 40 minutes early, because you’ll need time to get fitted and oriented.

What I like about the pre-departure flow is how it sets you up for the two big challenges of Iceland boat trips: weather and timing. You will get a safety briefing before the cruise, and once you’re suited up you can focus on scanning rather than scrambling for gear.

What to bring is straightforward:

• comfortable shoes with grip
• warm outdoor clothing
• waterproof layers

What not to bring: luggage or large bags. The boat environment is controlled, so keep your packing light and easy to manage.

Stop 1: Puffin Island during nesting season, and what it is really like

The Puffin Island visit is timed for nesting season, roughly April 15 through August 15. During that window, you’re looking for thousands of puffins on the island, the famous “clowns of the ocean” with their colorful beaks.

Here is the practical reality. Puffins are active and visible, but you won’t necessarily get the kind of up close views you’re hoping for. Some reviews mention that the puffins are great to see, yet not always as close as people expected. Plan to view from the water and from island viewing areas that keep distance for safety and wildlife respect.

Also, the visit is weather dependent. If sea conditions change, Puffin Island may be skipped even on short notice. That can feel disappointing if you booked for puffins, but it is the reality of northeastern Iceland in a season when winds and visibility can shift fast.

If puffins are your top priority, aim for the peak season dates and bring your expectations into line: think classic bird watching, not petting zoo close-ups.

Stop 2: Skjálfandi Bay whale watching, where the RIB earns its reputation

The heart of the tour is the time in Skjálfandi Bay. This is where you’re hunting for big whales and other marine life, usually with humpbacks on many itineraries and other species depending on what the sea is offering that day.

The RIB format matters here because whales are not stationary props. You may see:

• humpback whales surfacing and feeding or traveling
• blue whales, when conditions and luck align
• dolphins, including bottlenose dolphins in some sightings
• other smaller marine life like harbor porpoises in some trips

What makes this feel special is not just the animal list. It is the active searching and adjusting. Several reviews highlight captains and guides changing direction to chase the best viewing opportunities and getting very close for watchable time. People even describe sightings happening early, sometimes within minutes of departure.

You’ll also get live commentary on board as you move through the bay. The best trips are the ones where you feel like the guide is helping you interpret what you’re seeing. Reviews repeatedly call out guides such as Clara, Matteo, and Beatriz for strong explanations and a real sense of care for the wildlife and the passengers. Jo and other guides are also mentioned for actively guiding guests to the right angles so everyone gets a decent look.

What the guides do on the water, and why it improves your odds

On a whale safari, it is easy to think your odds are purely luck. Luck matters. But guidance matters too, especially when visibility changes or when the whale is surfacing briefly.

Good guides help you do three things:

1) know what to look for (behavior, surfacing patterns, blow locations)

2) know when to pause and scan rather than rush forward

3) know how to position your viewpoint so the whale is not blocked

In reviews, guide language ranges from crystal clear to a bit challenging depending on the guide’s English comfort. For example, one review notes an English language barrier with the guide being hard to understand. That’s not something you can control, but if English clarity is a must for you, you may want to mentally prepare for Icelandic guide accents and ask questions if you get a moment.

The crew quality still tends to shine through. Even when people had fog or rough conditions, the staff-focused approach is consistent: safety first, then persistent searching, then making the most of whatever appears.

Comfort and safety: overalls help, but expect bouncy water

RIB speedboats are thrilling, but they are not a smooth cruise ship. You’re moving fast, and you may get real waves and spray depending on wind and sea state.

That is exactly why warm safety overalls are obligatory here. They do two jobs at once: warmth and grip for a wet, windy deck. You’ll also have life jackets on. If you’ve ever been cold on a windy boat, you’ll appreciate not having to gamble with your own gear.

One review specifically warns that the ride can feel bumpy, like a roller coaster, and that sea sickness prone passengers should take that seriously. So if you are sensitive to motion, consider whether you need motion sickness prevention ahead of time, not after the first big swell hits.

Also, this tour is not suitable for everyone. It is listed as not suitable for:

• children under 8
• pregnant women
• people with back problems
• people with heart problems
• wheelchair users
• people under 4 ft 3 in (130 cm)

If any of those apply, skip this specific RIB option and look for a more suitable vessel type.

Group size, viewing angles, and the best way to watch

With a small max group, you get a better shot at seeing more than one animal and not missing the moment someone spots a blow. Reviews repeatedly emphasize that passengers were able to get good views without crowd blockages, which is a big problem on larger boats.

You’ll also want your camera ready but hands free. If you bring your phone, keep it secured. One reviewer humorously mentions a guide checking pockets twice, which tells you the staff really is watching for secure storage and safe movement.

A practical viewing tip:

• stay focused forward when the captain is scanning
• rotate your attention around the boat, because the captain may position to give both sides viewing chances
• don’t freeze after the first sighting. Many of the happiest reviews describe multiple appearances, not just one lucky surface

Seasons and expectations: puffins, whales, and why timing changes the trip

Puffin Island is the big bird stop, but it is seasonal. During the puffin nesting window (roughly April 15 to August 15), you should expect the island visit to be a key part of the itinerary.

Outside that window, the tour places more emphasis on whales. Puffins may still be seen as part of the marine bird picture in the area, but the “thousands of puffins on the island” moment is not the same outside the breeding season.

Weather can also shift priorities. If the sea state makes an island stop unsafe, the team may skip it and keep the focus on marine viewing. That is not a failure, it is a safety tradeoff, and the best goal is still a successful whale search.

How to decide: who this tour fits best

This is a strong match if you want:

• maximum excitement from a fast RIB ride
• the chance at close viewing and frequent repositioning
• an expert guide with live commentary
• a smaller boat experience (up to 12)

It may not be the best match if you:

• need a very gentle, low-motion ride
• have mobility or health limitations listed for the tour
• expect guaranteed puffin closeness on the island

Also, if you are chasing a specific whale species like blue whales, understand that nature decides. But the RIB approach gives you more chances to reach sightings quickly when they happen.

Should you book Gentle Giants Original Big Whale Safari and Puffins?

If you are choosing one whale watching outing in Húsavík, I’d lean toward booking this one. The combination of RIB speed, smaller group size, included cold weather gear, and guides who actively help you watch is exactly what turns a boat trip into a real wildlife experience.

Book it if you can handle a bouncy ride and you dress warm and waterproof. If you’re booking mainly for puffins, pick the April to August nesting window and keep your expectations realistic about distance. And if you’re worried about missing whales, remember there is a voucher backup when whales and dolphins are not seen on the tour, which adds a layer of comfort to the risk.

In short: you are paying for smarter positioning and better viewing comfort. In a place where the animals move faster than any schedule, that is the kind of value that makes sense.

FAQ

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

The tour duration is 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at the Gentle Giants ticket center in central Húsavík. Look for the big blue flags.

Are warm overalls provided?

Yes. Warm safety overalls are provided and are obligatory, and rain jackets are provided if needed.

Do I get pickup from my hotel?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

When does the Puffin Island visit happen?

Puffin Island is part of the experience during the puffin nesting period, roughly April 15 to August 15. Outside that time, the tour focuses more on whales, and Puffin Island may also be skipped if sea or weather conditions change.

What happens if no whales are seen on the tour?

If no whales are seen (dolphins included), you will be offered a voucher for a traditional whale watching tour on oak boats free of charge. No refund is given for that situation.