Húsavík’s whale chase is all about speed and focus. The RIB speedboat helps you cover more of Skjálfandi Bay quickly, while an expert guide calls the wildlife as you go.

What I like most is the feel of the tour: max 12 passengers and a quick, purposeful route toward sightings, so you spend less time waiting and more time watching. If you’re lucky enough to have guides such as Clara, Matteo, or Beatriz, you’ll get clear explanations and a game plan that adjusts when animals show up.

My main caution is weather (or sea conditions). If visibility drops, or if conditions change, you may spot fewer whales, and Puffin Island can even be skipped on short notice.

Key things to know before you go

• RIB (rubber inflatable boat) speed means you can reach whale areas fast.
• Small group size (up to 12) helps everyone actually see, not just stand at the edge.
• Puffin Island during nesting season (roughly Apr 15–Aug 15) is where you can see thousands of puffins.
• Warm, obligatory overalls keep you comfortable even when the wind picks up.
• If no whales/dolphins are seen, you’re offered a voucher for a traditional oak-boat whale tour.

Gentle Giants RIB safari: why this whale watch feels different in Húsavík

In Húsavík, whale watching can be a waiting game—unless your tour has the legs to move fast. This is exactly what you get with an original RIB speedboat format from Gentle Giants Whale Watching. Instead of being stuck with a slower cruise, you’re on a modern RIB built for quicker repositioning across Skjálfandi Bay, where whales feed and surface unpredictably.

The second thing that matters a lot is comfort and visibility. A larger RIB (with roomier seating than many options) plus a strict 12-passenger cap keeps the boat from turning into a crowded viewing platform. That’s not just nicer—it helps your sightlines when a humpback exhales, rolls, or takes off, and you want everyone on board to get a clean look.

The third reality is nature. Even with fast boats and good guiding, you can’t force whales to breathe. You’re buying a serious search effort—then you let the sea decide how the day plays out.

Meeting point and timing: how to start the tour on the right foot

This tour starts at the Gentle Giants ticket center in central Húsavík. Look for the big blue flags. Do not stroll over at the last minute. You’ll want time to get checked in, get your gear sorted, and be ready for a safety briefing before the boat leaves.

Arriving 40 minutes early is smart because Iceland weather can change fast. Even if the day starts calm, you’ll be glad you had time to get your rain gear sorted over your clothes. Also, bring your patience: the tour runs when it’s safe to run.

One practical detail that catches people off guard: no luggage or large bags are allowed. If you’re carrying a daypack, keep it small and manageable, so you’re not wrestling gear while everyone else is lining up.

The first stop: the Puffin Island push during nesting season

The tour’s first major wildlife target is Puffin Island. When puffins are in the nesting window (roughly April 15–August 15), you can often see thousands of puffins, nicknamed the clowns of the ocean for a reason. They move around in busy bursts, and when they’re active, the island view can be surprisingly lively.

What you should expect here is “close-from-land” watching. You’re touring by speedboat, you’ll pass the island, and then you get a guided visit. You’ll learn how the puffins use the island during nesting time and what to look for while you’re there.

Now the balance: Puffin Island can be amazing for sheer numbers, but it’s not the same as getting puffins right beside the boat. Some days they look more like a distant field of movement than individual birds perched in your line of sight. If seeing birds up close is your top goal, treat puffins as a great add-on—then let whales be the headline.

Skjálfandi Bay whale search: where the RIB speed pays off

After Puffin Island (when included), the focus shifts to Skjálfandi Bay—where the big-wildlife payoff usually happens. This is where the RIB format becomes more than a marketing term.

A speedboat can do three valuable things during a whale watch:

• Reposition fast when a surface event is spotted.
• Stay responsive as whales change location between breaths.
• Give everyone time on a good viewing angle, rather than bouncing slowly from one distant spot to another.

The tour also uses live onboard commentary, so the search isn’t just blind scanning. Your guide is continuously reading the water and explaining what you’re likely looking at—plus how whales use the area. That context helps you notice smaller moments, like a spout appearing, a tail flick, or the surfacing rhythm that tells you whether it’s a brief pass or a longer encounter.

And yes, dolphins can show up here too. Many people come out of Húsavík expecting whales—and then end up with extra sightings like bottlenose dolphins or other marine life.

The whale species you’re hoping for (and what sightings tend to feel like)

This tour is designed to maximize your odds of seeing large whales. On paper, the “headline” possibilities include species such as blue whales and humpback whales, plus other whales and dolphins depending on the day.

When sightings happen, the experience tends to follow a pattern:

• A quick flurry of scanning and then that moment where everyone’s posture changes.
• A short burst of close, watchable behavior (a surfacing sequence, a roll, or a breach).
• Then a shift into tracking mode, because whales don’t stay put.

Some memorable encounters include multiple humpbacks over the course of the tour and even moments where whales are unusually close to the RIB. That closeness isn’t guaranteed—but the combination of speed and guidance is what makes those “this is real” moments possible.

RIB ride reality check: bumpy seas, sickness risk, and how to stay warm

This is the part nobody should skip. RIB tours move fast over real ocean water, and Iceland doesn’t always deliver flat calm seas. One clear takeaway: when conditions get choppy, the ride can feel like a roller coaster.

The good news is gear. You’ll be fitted with warm safety overalls (required) and given rain jackets if needed, plus you’ll have a life jacket onboard. That means you’re not just dressed for sightseeing—you’re dressed for staying comfortable while you’re jostled for extended periods.

Still, there are two important considerations:

• If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan accordingly. This is an active boat experience.
• If you have medical limitations (back or heart issues), this kind of ride may not be a fit.

On the comfort side, people consistently appreciate that the boat setup and smaller group format mean fewer people blocking each other’s views. That matters when the whales surface without much warning.

Who should pick this speedboat tour (and who should skip it)

This tour isn’t for everyone. It’s specifically marked as not suitable for:

• Children under 8
• People with back problems
• People with heart problems
• Pregnant women
• Wheelchair users
• People under 130 cm (4 ft 3 in)

The reasoning is mostly about safety and the nature of the ride—overalls are provided, but the boat still has speed, movement, and a certain physical demand when boarding and changing positions to look.

Who it suits best:

• Adults who want the best chance at multiple sightings
• People who hate waiting for a slow ship to catch up
• Anyone who enjoys guided wildlife learning, not just scenic cruising

If you’re traveling as a couple or small group and want a high-energy wildlife hunt, this RIB format is a very strong match.

Value for the price: is $175 per person worth it?

At about $175 per person for a roughly 2-hour tour, you’re paying for three things: boat performance, a small-group setup, and specialized guiding.

Here’s how that value usually pencils out in real life:

• You’re not just buying “whale watching.” You’re buying the ability to reach whale areas quickly, which is the biggest difference between a great day and a frustrating one.
• You’re also buying time efficiency. When you can reposition in minutes, the odds of multiple sightings go up, especially when whales surface briefly.
• The small-group format (max 12) reduces the “crowd problem.” Even if sightings aren’t constant, the viewing experience stays better because you aren’t squeezed into a tight deck.

One more value note: you’ll get discounts with selected local partners in Húsavík. It won’t make the whale tour “cheap,” but it can soften the total trip cost.

The fairness piece: no price can guarantee whales. But for many people, the RIB format is worth it precisely because the staff puts more effort into chasing real, living wildlife rather than drifting.

What happens if you don’t see whales (or dolphins)?

Plan for a worst-case scenario in Iceland: nature can still be nature. If no whales (and dolphins are included) are seen, you’ll be offered a voucher for a traditional whale watching tour on oak boats free of charge. No refund is given in that specific situation.

Also, puffins and whales don’t always line up perfectly. The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions, and if sea or weather conditions change, Puffin Island may be skipped even with short notice. That doesn’t mean it’s a failure—it means the captain and crew keep the trip within safe limits.

The best mindset: you’re paying for a search effort and expert guidance, not a promise of perfect wildlife sightings.

Smart tips that make a difference on this RIB tour

These aren’t fancy. They’re the stuff that keeps the day smooth.

• Bring warm and waterproof layers, not just a jacket. The overalls help, but you’ll still want warm clothing underneath.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You may be standing and moving around as you board, view, and re-position.
• Expect wind. Even when the sky looks okay, the ocean air can sting.
• Keep your bag small. Since large bags aren’t allowed, plan for what you’ll carry.
• If you’re hoping for puffins and whales, remember they happen on their schedules. A calm day can still end with only a few sightings, and a rough day can still deliver a late surprise.

And if you get onboard with a guide like Clara, Matteo, or Beatriz, pay attention when they explain what you’re seeing. That’s when the tour stops being only a photo hunt and becomes real wildlife learning.

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

If you want the best shot at big whales from Húsavík, and you like the idea of a fast, small-group RIB search rather than a slow cruise, I think this is an easy “yes.” The biggest selling points are practical: speed to sightings, small-group viewing, and active guidance—plus the built-in Puffin Island stop when conditions allow.

I’d skip it only if you know the physical ride is a problem for you (motion sickness, back or heart concerns, pregnancy, or mobility limits). Also, if puffins up close are your main goal, manage expectations: you’ll see plenty of puffins during nesting season, but the experience is still island-view watching.

Booked right, on a day when the sea cooperates, this is the kind of Húsavík outing that can turn into a real story you tell for years.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Gentle Giants tour?

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

How long is the whale safari and puffins experience?

The duration is 2 hours.

Is the guide English-speaking?

Yes, the live tour guide provides commentary in English.

Are warm overalls provided?

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

What wildlife stops are included?

You’ll go to Puffin Island (guided viewing during nesting season) and then out in Skjálfandi Bay for whale watching and marine life viewing.

What if no whales or dolphins are seen?

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

When is Puffin Island best for puffin viewing?

Puffin season is approximately April 15 to August 15, with more focus on whales outside that time. If sea conditions change, Puffin Island may be skipped.

What should I bring, and what can’t I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and warm outdoor clothing (warm and waterproof is important). Luggage or large bags are not allowed.