Big whales near the Arctic, fast. This original Húsavík safari is built for spotting whales from a RIB speedboat, with expert live guidance and a real shot at close encounters. I like that it also targets puffins during breeding season, so you get more than one kind of wildlife moment. The overalls and rain gear matter too, because you’ll be out on the water in cold conditions. One possible drawback: the Puffin Island stop depends on season and sea/weather conditions, so it’s not guaranteed year-round.

I also love how the tour is kept to about 2 hours, which feels like the right length for staying sharp in the cold without dragging the day. The small maximum group size (12 travelers) makes it easier to hear the guide and keep everyone together when the captain hunts for sightings. If you’re chasing specific photo moments, consider that some puffin areas can be farther from the boat depending on tides and what’s safe.

If the sea turns rough, plan to be flexible. The operator requires good weather, and they may offer a different date (or full refund) if they have to cancel, and they may even skip Puffin Island if conditions change at short notice.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Up to 99% whale-sighting odds: they advertise very high chances, and the boat is designed to get to the right places quickly.
• Small-group RIB ride: max 12 travelers means more personal attention and less crowding in a fast-moving vessel.
• Whale-first focus: outside the puffin window, the day leans heavily toward whales and porpoises.
• Puffin Island is seasonal: April 15 to about August 15, and even then it can be adjusted for safety and sea state.
• Warm safety overalls are part of the deal: keep you dry and warm, so you can actually enjoy scanning the water.
• Guide teamwork is real: names you may hear include guides like Nicoletta, Witt, Mario, Clara, Victoria, Milo, and Miro.

Why Húsavík and a RIB Boat Work So Well

Húsavík is often called the whale watching capital of Europe for good reason. You’re sailing in Skjálfandi Bay, where the search patterns and timing line up with how whales move through the area. A smaller speedboat setup also helps you spend more time where whales are, instead of wasting it traveling slow.

The RIB format is a big part of the appeal. In plain terms, you trade a smooth cruise for a quicker “get there, look hard” approach. That speed matters when you’re trying to find animals that surface, breathe, and move on.

I like that this is an “original” Big Whale Safari style: it’s not dressed up as a vague nature stroll. You’re hunting whales and porpoises with guidance, and you’re doing it in a way that’s built for reaching productive spots fast.

What the 2-Hour RIB Ride Feels Like on the Water

This tour runs about 2 hours, and it stays focused. You’re not stuck on the water all day waiting for one perfect sighting. Instead, you get a short window where the captain and guides can reposition based on what the crew is seeing.

You’ll be riding in a cold environment. Iceland weather is famous for shifting, and reviews show people going out in near-freezing temps and still feeling comfortable thanks to the protective suit system. Expect wind chill, spray, and the occasional hard wave hit.

One practical tip you’ll be glad you follow: don’t fuss with heavy stuff on your lap. The boat experience is easier when you leave bags behind and keep your phone secure and minimal. When you want photos, remember that steadier zoom shots tend to work better than trying to frame everything while the boat bounces.

How Whale Spotting Actually Works Here

You don’t just “go look.” You go with a professional guide and live commentary on board, which changes everything about what you notice. A good whale guide teaches you how to scan: where to watch, what behavior to look for, and how to interpret quick surface blows.

The operator advertises chances of seeing whales up to 99%, and many departures are reported as highly successful. You may see humpbacks, minke whales, porpoises, and dolphins. If conditions line up, some tours get very exciting fast.

In real-world terms, this kind of guided search often means you’ll get multiple sightings rather than one long stare. People report everything from a humpback appearing within the first part of the trip to different whale species showing up over the journey.

Puffin Island: Timing Is Everything (and Safety Can Change Plans)

If your dates fall in the puffin breeding season—roughly April 15 to August 15—you may visit Puffin Island. During that window, the stop is a real highlight because puffins are active and visible around nesting areas.

But there’s an important reality check: Puffin Island is not the same thing as a guaranteed close-up photo spot. Even when you see lots of puffins, some of them may be farther from where the boat can safely approach. Some sightings are easier to enjoy with your eyes than to capture on a phone.

Reviews also point out that puffin sightings can feel more distant than people expect, especially when the island area is far enough that you can see movement but not perfect details. If you want crisp shots, a zoom lens helps, and you’ll likely get better results with patience and fewer phone attempts.

Also keep in mind the tour may skip Puffin Island if sea conditions change, even with short notice. Outside the puffin window, the tour shifts toward whales and porpoises, not puffins.

Gear and Comfort: Overalls, Rain Jackets, and Staying Warm

The tour includes warm safety overalls (obligatory) and rain jackets if needed. That’s not just comfort—it’s safety. Cold water and wind chill can drain your attention fast, and whale watching needs your focus.

You’ll meet at the Gentle Giants ticket center area in Húsavík and should arrive early—40 minutes before departure. That gives time to get fitted into the overalls and settle before the RIB ride starts.

Dress smart for layers. Even with the suit system, you’ll want warm and waterproof clothing underneath as your baseline plan. If you run cold easily, treat this as a winter outing first, not a summer activity.

One more RIB-specific comfort note: individual seating can mean more movement through waves. Some people find it helps to stand at times to reduce jolts when the boat hits a wave hard—like adjusting your posture to keep your body comfortable. If you’re not sure what to do, listen to the crew on the day and follow their instructions.

Guides and Captains: The Difference Between Seeing and Missing

Whale watching often boils down to two jobs: find them and react fast. This tour pairs a guide on board with a skilled captain, and multiple review comments highlight that teamwork.

You might hear guides like Nicoletta, Witt, Mario, Clara, Victoria, Milo, and Miro mentioned in different departures. Even with different guide personalities, the common thread is knowledge and active scanning—explaining behavior, pointing out what to watch for, and adjusting the hunt as sightings appear.

If you want the most value, show up ready to focus. Put your phone away when you’re not using it. Keep your eyes on the water, and let the guide call out what matters. The biggest “wow” moments tend to happen when you’re watching immediately after a guide spots something.

Value Check: Is $180.27 Worth It?

At $180.27 per person, this is not a cheap activity. It’s also not trying to be. You’re paying for a purpose-built RIB hunt, small group size (max 12), and live guiding in a high-cost environment.

So how do you judge value?

• Time efficiency: two hours is a tight, high-impact wildlife window. You’re not spending half a day doing just “scanning.”
• Chance of sightings: they advertise up to 99% for whales, and many departures are reported as multi-sighting successful.
• What’s included: guidance, warm overalls, and rain gear if needed reduces your pre-trip hassle and helps you stay comfortable.
• The possibility of Puffin Island: during the season, it adds another wildlife goal beyond whales.

If your priority is a once-in-a-lifetime whale experience in Húsavík, this pricing can make sense. If you’re on a tight budget, you might compare it with a slower boat tour. But the core advantage here is mobility—getting to active areas where animals surface.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour fits best if you’re:

• Comfortable with cold weather and being out on the water for a short, fast outing
• Interested in expert wildlife interpretation, not just sightseeing from a distance
• Traveling as a small group (max 12) and want to hear the guide clearly

There are also clear limits. The minimum age is 8 years, and the minimum height is 130 cm. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is not allowed for passengers with heart- or back problems or for pregnant women. If any of those apply to you, you’ll want to choose a different type of whale watching that matches medical comfort.

If you’re traveling with teens who like action, the RIB speed can feel like part of the fun. If you’re very sensitive to motion, consider how you handle boat rides in general.

Should You Book Gentle Giants Big Whale Safari & Puffins?

If you want the best shot at whales from Húsavík with expert guidance and a ride that gets you into productive areas quickly, I think this is a strong booking. The small group size, included warmth gear, and live commentary make it feel like a real wildlife experience, not a casual outing.

Book it especially if your dates fall within the puffin breeding window (roughly mid-April through mid-August), and you’re comfortable that Puffin Island may be adjusted or skipped for safety. If your travel dates are outside puffin season, you should still know the tour is geared more toward whales and porpoises, which can still make for a top-tier outing.

My bottom-line advice: bring warm waterproof layers, arrive early, and be ready for a fast Arctic adventure where sightings depend on nature. If your schedule is flexible and your goal is high-quality whale hunting, this one is worth your time.

FAQ

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

It lasts about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Gentle Giants – Husavík Whale Watching on Garðarsbraut, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What time should I arrive before departure?

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

What clothing do I need to bring?

Bring warm and waterproof clothing. The tour provides warm safety overalls (obligatory), and rain jackets if needed.

When is Puffin Island usually visited?

The puffin season is approximately April 15 to August 15. Outside that period, the tour focuses more on whales, and Puffin Island may be skipped if sea or weather conditions change.

Who can join the tour (age and height limits)?

The minimum age is 8 years, and the minimum height is 130 cm. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Are there health restrictions?

Yes. It is not allowed for passengers with heart- or back problems, or for pregnant women.

What happens if no whales or dolphins are sighted?

Refunds are not permitted if no whales or dolphins are sighted. You can receive a voucher to join a traditional whale watching tour free of charge, depending on availability.

What if the weather is poor?

This experience requires favourable weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.