Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

Whales are only half the thrill. This two-hour RIB tour from Húsavík combines fast open-water travel with wildlife watching in Skjálfandi Bay, giving you a chance to see humpback, minke, and even blue whales, along with dolphins, porpoises, and puffins in season. I like the small group of no more than 12 people and the way the boats can turn quickly when wildlife appears. I also like that warm safety overalls are supplied, since Icelandic water is cold even on a sunny day.

The main drawback is that wildlife never follows a schedule. You could see several whales close to the boat, or only a few brief sightings. Puffins are seasonal and can sit too far away for good phone pictures, while rough seas may make the fast RIB ride uncomfortable for some people. The tour is also not suitable for pregnant women or anyone with heart or back problems.

Key points before you book

• A fast RIB boat covers more of Skjálfandi Bay than a slower vessel during the two-hour outing.
• Puffin Island is visited approximately from April 15 to August 15, with greater emphasis on whales outside that period.
• Small groups are limited to 12 people, giving you a better view and more room to listen to the guide.
• Warm survival-style overalls are mandatory, with rain jackets available if needed.
• Sightings can include humpback, minke, and blue whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins.
• You must arrive 40 minutes early at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center in Húsavík.

Why this Húsavík RIB tour is different

Húsavík is widely known as the Whale Watching Capital of Europe, and the setting does much of the work. Skjálfandi Bay opens directly from town, so you can walk to the departure point instead of arranging a long transfer. Once the boat leaves the harbor, the focus is simple: cover useful distance, search the water, and wait for a blow, a back, or a sudden tail slap.

The RIB format changes the mood. These boats are smaller and more maneuverable than the large whale-watching vessels seen farther out in the bay. That does not guarantee closer wildlife, since boats must keep safe distances and follow local conditions, but it can help the captain reposition quickly.

The boat has individual seats rather than one long bench. One useful detail from the crew is that you may need to stand slightly in the seat and bend your knees when the RIB hits a wave. Think of it as riding a horse over uneven ground. That flexibility helps absorb the motion, but it also tells you what kind of trip this is. It is not a quiet cruise.

From the harbor to the open bay

You meet at Gentle Giants Whale Watching on Garðarsbraut in Húsavík. Plan to arrive at least 40 minutes before departure. Staff help you put on the warm safety overalls and life vest, and they can provide a rain jacket if the weather calls for one.

The overalls are more than a nice extra. Reviews describe them as one-piece survival suits that help keep you warm and dry in cold conditions. Still, wear warm layers underneath and bring waterproof clothing. Your hands, face, and footwear can remain exposed to wind, spray, and low temperatures.

After a safety briefing, the RIB heads out across the bay. The speed is part of the fun. You cover more coastline and open water than you would on a slower boat, which gives the guide more area to search. The trade-off is movement. If you are prone to seasickness or dislike being jolted by waves, a traditional whale-watching boat may suit you better.

The maximum group size is 12 people. That is a strong point for photography and visibility, since you are not competing with a large crowd for a place along a rail. It also lets the guide speak directly to the group, rather than relying on a distant loudspeaker.

Stop 1: Searching for whales in Skjálfandi Bay

The main part of the tour is the whale search. A professional guide provides live commentary and helps you understand what you are seeing. Guides such as Nicoletta, Clara, Victoria, Mario, Miro, and Milo have been praised for their enthusiasm, clear explanations, and care for the people on board.

You might see humpbacks breaching, surfacing, or slapping their tails. Minke whales are also possible, as are dolphins and porpoises. On especially fortunate outings, blue whales have appeared in the bay. One reported trip followed a blue whale for about 30 minutes after also seeing humpbacks early in the tour.

The advertised chance of seeing whales is up to 99 percent, but that figure should not be read as a promise of a close encounter or a particular species. Wildlife moves freely, and sea conditions affect what the captain can safely do. Even when whales appear, you may see only a back or blow before the animal disappears.

That uncertainty is part of the appeal, but it matters when judging the price. The strongest trips include several species and repeated sightings. Other outings produce a few glimpses. The company does not offer a refund simply because no whales or dolphins are seen, though you may receive a voucher for a traditional whale-watching trip, subject to availability.

The captain and guide work as a team. The captain watches the sea and positions the boat, while the guide explains behavior, migration, and species identification. Several trips have included whales close enough to create memorable views, while others have required patience and careful scanning.

The speedboat can be especially useful when a whale surfaces in an unexpected place. A larger boat may take longer to turn, while the RIB can change direction quickly. That advantage is real, but it does not mean the boat will race directly toward animals. Respectful distance and safe navigation remain important.

Puffin Island between April and August

During the approximate puffin season, from April 15 to August 15, the tour visits Puffin Island, also known as Lundey in the bay. The island becomes a breeding site for large numbers of puffins, and you may see birds resting on the water, flying around the island, or gathered on the rocks.

This stop is best for watching behavior rather than collecting perfect close-up photographs. Puffins on the island can be distant, and phone cameras often struggle. A camera with a strong zoom gives you a better chance of useful pictures, though you should also put the phone away for part of the visit. The birds are more enjoyable when you are watching their flight and movement instead of staring at a small screen.

The boat cannot always approach the same distance. Tides, waves, and safe operating limits affect how close it can go. Puffins may also gather around the boat, giving you a better view on the water than on the island itself.

Outside the puffin season, the guide places more attention on whales. If seeing puffins is a main reason for booking, schedule the tour before mid-August and confirm the expected conditions. A late-August trip may still be a fine whale tour, but it should not be sold to yourself as a puffin outing.

What the two hours feel like

The tour lasts about two hours, which is long enough to reach productive parts of the bay without taking up an entire day of sightseeing. That makes it easy to pair with Húsavík’s other activities or use as one part of a larger northern Iceland route.

The ride itself is active. On calm days, the RIB can feel smooth and exciting. On rough days, you may encounter large waves and repeated jolts. One outing handled waves reported at about six feet, while the passenger still felt safe in the supplied clothing and under an experienced captain’s control. That is reassuring, but it also shows why you need to assess your own comfort with open water.

Weather can change quickly. The operator may cancel if conditions are unsafe, offering another date or a full refund. A departure can also change or be canceled if the minimum number of passengers is not reached. Keep some flexibility in your Iceland schedule rather than placing this on the final morning before a flight.

Is $180.27 a fair price?

At $180.27 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. You are paying for a small group, a two-hour guided trip, a fast and maneuverable RIB, safety equipment, and the chance to cover more of the bay than a slower outing.

I think the price makes the most sense if you value the boat as much as the wildlife. The RIB adds excitement and helps the captain respond quickly to sightings. The small group also gives the outing a more personal feel than a large vessel with many rows of passengers.

The value is harder to judge if your only goal is a guaranteed close whale photograph. No responsible operator can promise that. A blue whale, a tail slap, or a playful pod of dolphins would make the cost feel memorable, but nature may instead offer brief sightings and fine scenery.

The ticket includes discounts with selected local partners in Húsavík. Those savings may soften the cost if you plan to eat or shop at participating businesses, but check the current terms locally before counting on them.

Clothing, age limits, and comfort

The minimum age is eight, and the minimum height is 130 centimeters. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The age and height rules matter because the boat moves quickly and the safety gear must fit properly.

Bring warm, waterproof layers even though overalls are supplied. Wear clothing that lets you move your legs freely, and keep phones and cameras secure. One useful piece of advice is to leave large bags behind and keep your phone in a pocket. Spray and sudden boat movement are not kind to loose belongings.

This tour is not allowed for passengers with heart or back problems or for pregnant women. The operator also describes it as suitable for most people, but that should not override your own judgment. If you have concerns about rough water, ask before booking.

The tour is offered in English. Live commentary is part of the trip, so you get more than a simple ride out to the bay. The guide explains the animals and helps you know where to look when a whale surfaces.

How the crew affects the experience

The strongest praise goes to the guides and captains. Clara has been described as enthusiastic, while Victoria was praised for being attentive to everyone on board. Nicoletta was remembered as both fun and informative, and Mario and Miro were noted for their explanations of marine life.

That human element matters. A whale can surface for only a few seconds, and a good guide helps you understand what happened instead of leaving you wondering if you missed it. The crew also tries to position the boat so everyone gets a chance to see, not just the people in the front seats.

Captains have been praised for smooth handling, safety, and confidence in difficult water. Still, rough conditions remain rough. A careful captain may need to shorten or alter the puffin stop, change the route, or focus on whales instead.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose it if you want a small, lively wildlife trip and like the idea of moving fast across the bay. It suits adults, older children who meet the height requirement, photographers with proper zoom equipment, and anyone who prefers an active outing over a slow cruise.

It is also a good choice if your schedule is tight. The departure point is within walking distance of most Húsavík accommodations, and the entire activity takes about two hours, not counting the required early arrival.

I would think twice if you have back trouble, are pregnant, dislike cold spray, or want a calm boat ride. I would also avoid booking it solely for puffins outside the April to mid-August season. In that case, the whale search becomes the real purpose of the trip.

The tour has a 4.8 rating from 417 reviews, with 94 percent recommending it. Those figures fit the pattern of the experience: high praise for the crew, boat handling, clothing, and wildlife opportunities, balanced by the normal uncertainty of a wild-animal trip.

Should you book the Húsavík Big Whale Safari?

Book it if you want the thrill of a fast RIB, a small group, and a serious search for whales in one of Iceland’s best-known whale-watching bays. Aim for the puffin season if puffins matter, and leave room in your schedule in case weather changes the departure.

Do not book it expecting a guaranteed close encounter or perfect puffin photographs. Book it for the possibility of a humpback tail slap, dolphins around the boat, or a rare blue whale, while accepting that nature decides what appears. For the right person, that uncertainty is exactly what makes the two hours worthwhile.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart?

The tour departs from the Gentle Giants Whale Watching Ticket Center on Garðarsbraut in Húsavík, Iceland.

How long does the tour last?

The RIB whale and puffin tour lasts approximately two hours and returns to the same meeting point.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include humpback whales, minke whales, blue whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins during the breeding season.

When is puffin season?

Puffin season is approximately April 15 through August 15. Outside that period, the tour places more focus on whale watching.

Is warm clothing provided?

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

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center at least 40 minutes before departure.

Is there a minimum age or height?

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

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund. A full refund is also available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience begins.