Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

Discover Iceland’s Marine Wildlife on a Speedboat Adventure from Húsavík

The Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík offers a fast-paced, exhilarating way to explore Skjálfandi Bay and its abundant marine life. For $162.20 per person, this 2-hour tour takes you aboard a high-powered RIB speedboat, designed to cover more territory than traditional boat trips and get you closer to the action. With an average booking time of 52 days in advance and a rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 357 reviews, it clearly appeals to those eager to see whales and puffins in their natural environment.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want an up-close wildlife experience combined with the thrill of a speedboat ride. While the puffin island visit is seasonal, from mid-April to mid-August, the chance to see blue whales, humpbacks, and other cetaceans makes this adventure stand out. It’s a great choice for those comfortable with fast-paced trips willing to wear warm, waterproof gear.

Key Points

• Two-hour whale and puffin speedboat tour departing from Húsavík
• Up to 99% chance of whale sightings, including blue whales and humpbacks
• Visit Puffin Island during breeding season (April 15 to August 15)
• Tours are limited to 12 participants for a more personalized experience
• Expert guides provide live commentary and share fascinating facts
• Weather-dependent, with options for rescheduling or full refund if canceled due to poor conditions

Meeting Point and Group Size in Húsavík

The tour departs from Gentle Giants – Husavik Whale Watching at Garðarsbraut. The meeting point is conveniently located within walking distance from most accommodations in Húsavík, making transportation simple. The group size is capped at 12 travelers, fostering a more intimate and engaging atmosphere. This smaller size allows guides to give more personalized attention and enhance the overall experience.

The Speedboat: A Thrilling Choice for Marine Exploration

Travelers board a robust RIB speedboat, which is designed for speed and agility in open waters. The boat offers individual seats similar to motorcycle or snowmobile seats, giving passengers the ability to stand or bend knees comfortably, especially during fast maneuvers or when hitting waves. The size and maneuverability of the boat make the trip lively and exciting, with many reviews praising the sense of adventure.

The boat is well-maintained, with comfortable seating and safety gear provided, including warm safety overalls and rain jackets if needed. The high-speed ride allows for covering a large area of Skjálfandi Bay, increasing chances of whale sightings and making the trip feel dynamic and engaging.

Expert Guides and Live Commentary

The tour is led by professional guides who are knowledgeable about marine life and passionate about sharing their insights. They provide live commentary throughout the trip, explaining whale behaviors, migration patterns, and puffin habits. Many reviews highlight the friendly, approachable guides, like Victoria and Mario, who enhance the trip with informative stories and personal enthusiasm.

Guides also pay close attention to passenger comfort, checking on guests with seasickness concerns or offering assistance as needed. Their expertise significantly boosts the enjoyment and educational value of the experience.

Whales: From Humpbacks to Blue Whales

The primary goal of this tour is whale watching, with up to 99% of trips resulting in sightings. Common species include humpback whales and blue whales, with occasional sightings of minkes, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. The size of the speedboat and the guides’ knowledge enable travelers to get close enough to observe these giants comfortably.

Many reviews mention seeing multiple whales within the first 20 minutes, with some reports of being stunned by the number and size of the creatures. Sightings of blue whales, the largest animals on Earth, are rare but not uncommon on this tour, especially during peak whale season.

Puffin Island: A Seasonal Highlight

During the breeding season (mid-April to mid-August), the tour includes a visit to Puffin Island (Lundey). Here, travelers can expect to see a colony of brightly-colored puffins, often in flight or resting on the water. However, many reviews note that puffins are viewed from a distance, and close-up sightings can be limited depending on tides and weather conditions.

If visiting outside the breeding season, the focus remains on whale sightings, but the puffin island visit remains a seasonal feature that adds a charming birdwatching element to the trip.

Weather and Safety Precautions

Since the tour is weather-dependent, poor conditions can lead to cancellations, with full refunds or alternative dates offered. Travelers should bring warm and waterproof clothing to cope with the cold and often wet conditions on the water.

The minimum age for participation is 8 years, with a minimum height requirement of 130 cm. The trip is not suitable for pregnant women or those with heart or back problems. Seasickness is always a possibility, so guests are advised to prepare accordingly.

Additional Benefits and Customer Service

The desk staff at Gentle Giants is praised for being helpful and efficient, simplifying the booking process. Many reviews commend the professionalism of the crew, including the captain and guides, for their knowledge, friendliness, and dedication.

Participants also appreciate the live commentary, which enhances understanding of the marine environment, and the small group size that ensures a more personalized experience.

Responsible Wildlife Viewing and Ethical Concerns

While most reviews are highly positive regarding whale sightings and wildlife interactions, at least one comment highlights the importance of responsible ecotourism. The captain’s approach to whale proximity is monitored to prevent disturbance, with the tour operators committed to following the code of conduct. The company actively evaluates policies to ensure animal safety and respect.

Booking and Cancellation Flexibility

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility in case of bad weather or unforeseen circumstances. If the weather turns poor on the day of the trip, full refunds or alternative scheduling are available, making it a low-risk option for travelers concerned about Iceland’s unpredictable weather.

Final Thoughts on the Speedboat Whale and Puffin Tour

This 2-hour adventure delivers a thrilling way to observe Iceland’s marine wildlife. The speedboat design maximizes coverage of Skjálfandi Bay, increasing the likelihood of spectacular whale sightings. The knowledgeable guides and personalized small-group experience elevate the trip from a simple boat ride to a memorable adventure.

The seasonal puffin island visit adds a charming birdwatching component, although viewing puffins can be somewhat distant. The weather sensitivity requires travelers to come prepared with warm, waterproof clothing and a flexible attitude.

This tour is highly recommended for those seeking an active, engaging wildlife outing. It combines adventure, education, and nature encounters into a compact experience that many reviews describe as a trip of a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, providing a focused but comprehensive wildlife experience.

What species of whales can I expect to see?
Sightings often include humpback whales and blue whales, with potential sightings of minke whales, harbor porpoises, and dolphins.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but participants must be at least 8 years old and 130 cm tall. Children should be comfortable with boat rides and cold weather.

What should I wear?
Guests are advised to bring warm and waterproof clothing, as conditions can be cold and wet on the water.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour is subject to weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, full refunds or alternative dates are offered.

Can I visit Puffin Island outside the breeding season?
No, the puffin island visit runs from April 15 to August 15. Outside this period, the focus remains on whale sightings.

How close do the boats get to the whales?
The guides aim to maintain respectful distances to avoid disturbing the animals, but close enough to observe whales comfortably.

Is there a risk of seasickness?
Seasickness can occur, so preparation is recommended. The boat has seats that allow you to stand or sit as needed.

How many people are on each tour?
The small group size of 12 ensures a more personal experience and better interaction with guides.

What is the price of this tour?
The cost is $162.20 per person, offering a value-packed wildlife adventure in Iceland.