Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

Húsavík’s fast RIB boats give you a real shot at covering more of Skjálfandi Bay in two hours, with puffins and whales sharing the same trip. I like the small maximum group of 12 and the warm safety overalls, which make this a more personal and comfortable outing than a crowded boat ride.

I also like the mix of wildlife: thousands of puffins in season, plus humpback whales, dolphins, and the occasional blue whale. The main drawback is the ride itself. In rough or rainy weather, the RIB can bounce hard, and anyone prone to seasickness should take that seriously.

Key points to know before booking

• Puffin Island is seasonal: The island visit runs approximately from April 15 through August 15, when the birds are nesting.
• The boat carries up to 12 people: You get more room and a better chance of seeing around the boat than on a large vessel.
• Fast means greater range: The RIB can cover more of Skjálfandi Bay and move quickly toward whale activity.
• You receive warm protective gear: Safety overalls are required, with rain jackets available if needed.
• Wildlife is never guaranteed: You may see humpbacks, blue whales, dolphins, or nothing larger than a puffin.
• The ride can be rough: This is an active sea trip, not a gentle harbor cruise.

Why this Húsavík RIB trip is different

Húsavík is often called Iceland’s Whale Capital, and Skjálfandi Bay is a strong place to look for marine life. The water is surrounded by striking northern Iceland scenery, but the real attraction is what may appear on the surface: a blow, a dark back, a fin, or a whole pod of dolphins racing beside the boat.

This tour uses a modern RIB speedboat rather than a traditional oak whale-watching boat. That choice changes the feel of the outing. You sit closer to the water, the boat can travel quickly, and the guide can search a larger part of the bay during the two-hour trip.

The RIB is also described as more spacious than most others in the area, with room for no more than 12 passengers. That is a useful middle ground. You get the speed and excitement of a small craft without being packed tightly into an extremely narrow boat.

The trade-off is motion. A RIB is lively by nature, and the ride becomes bumpier when the sea is rough. Several outings have included warnings about roller-coaster-like conditions, especially in rain or poor weather. If you want the softest, most stable ride possible, the traditional boat option may suit you better.

Starting at the blue flags in Húsavík

You meet the guide at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center. Look for the big blue flags, which should make the starting point easy to find in Húsavík.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan to reach the meeting point yourself. Allow time before departure to check in, collect your protective clothing, and listen to the safety instructions. The tour returns to the same location after two hours.

The staff provides a warm safety overall and a life jacket. The overalls are obligatory, not an optional extra, and rain jackets are available when needed. You should still wear warm outdoor clothing beneath them. Comfortable shoes, warm socks, a hat, and a scarf are sensible choices, especially on a cold morning.

One useful cold-weather tip is to wear two pairs of socks if temperatures are low. The boat’s protective clothing helps, but your hands, feet, and face still feel the Icelandic air when the RIB is moving quickly.

Large bags and luggage are not allowed. Bring only what you need, such as a small camera or phone that you can keep secure.

Safety briefing before the open bay

After you are dressed, the guide gives a safety briefing before the boat leaves Húsavík. You learn how to sit, what to do on board, and how to prepare for the RIB’s movement.

This part matters more than it might on a slow sightseeing boat. The craft can accelerate quickly, and the sea surface may change during the trip. Listen carefully, keep your belongings secure, and follow directions when the skipper changes speed or position.

The guides provide live commentary in English throughout the outing. The style varies by guide, but the strongest part of the experience is the mix of animal facts and practical spotting advice. Guides such as Matteo, Zara, Serena, Rui, Alberto, Jo, Marc, and Miro have been praised for explaining whale behavior, identifying species, and keeping the mood light.

Matteo is a marine biologist, and Zara has also been described as a marine biologist. If you are interested in how whales breathe, rest, surface, or travel, the guide’s explanation adds real value. You are not simply waiting for an animal to appear. You are learning where to look and why the animal is behaving in a certain way.

Puffin Island from April through August

The first main stop is Puffin Island, visited during the nesting period from approximately April 15 through August 15. At the right time of year, the island can hold thousands of puffins.

The boat cruises near the island while the guide explains local birds and marine life. Puffins are small, quick, and colorful, with the bright bills that have earned them the nickname Clowns of the Ocean. Seeing a large gathering is one of the most rewarding parts of the trip, especially if you have never watched these birds in the wild.

The RIB gives you a close-feeling view while still allowing the birds to remain in their natural setting. You should expect a sightseeing pass rather than a landing. The goal is to observe the colony from the water, take photographs, and listen to the guide.

Puffin numbers and activity depend on the time of year and the conditions. Outside the nesting season, this part of the trip changes. The tour places more emphasis on whale watching instead, so do not book outside the season expecting a puffin stop.

Searching Skjálfandi Bay for whales

After Puffin Island, the skipper heads farther across Skjálfandi Bay. This is where the speed of the RIB earns its higher price. The boat can cover more water and reach possible sightings faster than a slower craft.

There is no fixed whale route because the animals move. The guide and skipper search for signs such as blows, fins, seabirds, or dolphin activity. When a whale surfaces, the boat can reposition quickly, giving people on board a better chance to see it.

Humpback whales are among the most frequently mentioned sightings. You may see one surfacing several times, resting at the surface, or becoming more active. A successful trip can include several different humpbacks, and some outings have reported four or five sightings during the two hours.

Blue whales are also possible. These are among the largest animals on Earth, so even a distant sighting can be memorable. Fin whales and dolphins may appear as well. One outing included a large dolphin pod, while another included humpbacks and blue whales in the same trip.

The skipper tries to turn the boat so both sides can see the animal. That sounds like a small detail, but it makes a real difference on a compact boat. You will still need patience and a little luck. A whale may surface on the far side, disappear, and never return to the same place.

The guides aim to keep the approach respectful. Whale watching is not a performance, and the animals do not follow a schedule. You may spend time scanning empty water before suddenly seeing a blow or a broad back close by.

What the speedboat ride feels like

The RIB is not just transportation between wildlife stops. For many people, the boat ride is one of the main attractions.

On calm water, the speed feels playful and exciting. You move rapidly across the bay, with open views in every direction. When the skipper slows near wildlife, the change in pace makes the sighting feel more focused.

On rough water, the same speed becomes demanding. Rain, wind, and cold can make the ride feel far less comfortable. One outing in poor conditions was described as very bumpy, with a motion similar to a roller coaster. Sea sickness is a genuine possibility, even for people who normally manage boat trips well.

This tour is not suitable for children under eight, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, wheelchair users, or anyone under 130 centimeters tall. Those limits reflect the boat’s size, seating position, and movement. If you are unsure about your physical ability, choose a gentler whale-watching boat instead.

The guides make the difference

The guide is not only there to point out whales. A good guide helps you understand what you are seeing and keeps the group alert during quiet stretches.

Jo has been praised for explaining clearly and keeping an eye on passengers, even checking that a phone was safely stored. Serena has been noted for reading whale behavior and finding good viewing positions. Alberto has worked well with children, making the two-hour outing easier for younger passengers who might lose interest.

Miro has been described as both warm and funny, with a broad grasp of whale species and local wildlife. Marc has added humor while explaining whale facts. These details matter because wildlife trips include pauses. You may spend several minutes looking at open water, and an engaging guide keeps that time useful.

The family ownership of Gentle Giants is another appealing point. You are choosing a locally owned Húsavík company rather than a distant booking operation. That connection to the town gives the experience a more personal feel and supports a business rooted in the bay.

Is $159 a fair price?

At $159 per person, this is not Iceland’s cheapest whale-watching option. The price reflects the RIB boat, small group size, protective equipment, guide, and the ability to travel farther across the bay.

I think the value is strongest for you if the speed and adventure matter as much as the animals. You are paying for a more active outing and a better chance of reaching whale activity quickly, not for a guaranteed number of sightings.

If you only want to see whales from a stable platform, a traditional oak boat may be a better use of your money. The no-whale policy is also important to understand. If no whales or dolphins are seen, you receive a voucher for a traditional whale-watching tour, but not a cash refund. Puffins may still provide a worthwhile sighting during their season, but puffins are not a substitute for a whale if that is your main goal.

The company does offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Weather can cancel the trip. If that happens, you receive the choice of another date or a full refund.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this trip if you want a compact, energetic wildlife outing and you are comfortable with a rough ride. It suits couples, families with older children, photographers who want a small group, and anyone who likes the idea of speeding between wildlife areas rather than drifting slowly offshore.

It is especially attractive from April 15 through August 15, when Puffin Island adds a second major reason to go. Outside that period, the experience focuses more heavily on whales and dolphins.

I would think twice if you have back trouble, motion sickness, a heart condition, or a strong dislike of cold and spray. The provided overalls help, but they cannot turn a fast RIB into a calm boat.

Final decision: book for adventure, not certainty

Book this Húsavík RIB tour if you want the best mix of speed, small-group atmosphere, puffins in season, and a serious search for large whales. The chance to see humpbacks, blue whales, dolphins, and fin whales in one outing makes the $159 worthwhile for many people.

Choose the slower traditional boat instead if comfort comes first or if the weather looks rough. Either way, keep your expectations realistic. Nature controls the schedule, but the RIB gives you a strong platform for finding it.

FAQ

How long is the Húsavík RIB tour?

The tour lasts two hours, including the boat cruise around Puffin Island and the whale-watching search across Skjálfandi Bay.

Where does the tour begin?

Meet your guide at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center in Húsavík. Look for the large blue flags.

Where does the tour finish?

The boat returns to the same Gentle Giants meeting point.

Is Puffin Island visited all year?

No. Puffin Island is visited during the nesting season, approximately from April 15 through August 15. Outside that period, the tour focuses more on whales.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include puffins, humpback whales, blue whales, fin whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if no whales or dolphins are seen?

You are offered a voucher for a traditional whale-watching tour on an oak boat at no charge. A cash refund is not provided for a trip with no whale or dolphin sightings.

What clothing is provided?

Warm safety overalls are provided and must be worn. Rain jackets are available if needed.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and outdoor clothing. You should not bring luggage or large bags.

Is the RIB suitable for young children?

The activity is not suitable for children under eight years old or for anyone under 130 centimeters tall.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later. Weather cancellations offer a different date or a full refund.