Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Join Iceland's original RIB whale watching tour on modern speedboats
Cover a wide area of Skjálfandi Bay aboard a fast, modern RIB speedboat to maximise your chances of spotting large whales in the wild
Learn about Iceland's nature and wildlife from an expert guide
Stay warm in safety overalls provided by the crew
Choose a truly locally owned family company in Húsavík
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Subject to favourable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
Please bring warm and waterproof clothing
Minimum age is 8 years and minimum height 130 cm
The puffin season is from April 15th – August 15th approximately. More focus on whales outside the puffin season. Should weather or sea conditions change, even with short notice, this may include skipping the visit to Puffin Island
A minimum number of passengers is required for all our tours. If the minimum number is not reached, we reserve the right to change or cancel departures, even with short notice. In such cases, customers are offered alternative options or full refund
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Unfortunately, if no whales or dolphins are sighted on the tour, passenger refunds are not permitted. However, customers can receive a voucher to join a traditional whale watching tour free of charge, depending on availability
Please arrive at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center in Húsavík at least 40 minutes before departure
The tour on RIB speedboats is not allowed for passengers with heart- or back problems or pregnant women
Not allowed for passengers with heart- or back problems or pregnant women
What To Expect
Experience Iceland's original Big Whale Safari & Puffins from Húsavík – the Whale Watching Capital of Europe. Welcome aboard a RIB speedboat for a 2 hour fully guided adventure in search of the gentle giants of the ocean. Your chances of seeing whales are up to 99%.
Options
GG2 Big Whale Safari
Experience the Big Whale Safari & Puffins tour from Húsavík on board a RIB speedboat, with higher chances of finding the big whales. A visit to Puffin Island is included during the nesting period.
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Warm safety overalls (obligatory), and rain jackets if needed
Live commentary on board
Exclusive discounts with selected local partners in Húsavík
Transportation to/from attractions (Tour departure is within walking distance from most accommodations in Húsavík)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
441 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Exciting
584josemiguelb,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved the tour. Additionally, we were lucky and saw everything: whales, dolphins, puffins, all with our guide Clara, who explained her extensive knowledge with enthusiasm and joy. I recommend it 100%.
Very nice experience
hasenaj2026,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice experience, we were able to see whales. A very attentive team
Best Whale Watching and Puffin Tour
lauracT3737SZ,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whale watching and puffin tour was amazing and we have never seen anything like it. On our tour we had a unique experience of seeing over 20 humpback whales. Our boat captain, Josephine, and guide, Jelmer, were so informative and were also amazed of our sightings. We saw several puffins and the boat ride was enjoyable as well. Overall, 10 out of 10 experience.
Amazing experience with whales
JuliaS616,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super comfortable tour, they provide very warm Suits. We didn’t get wet or cold. We were very close to whales but not too close to disturb them. We had a very enjoyable experience.
A wonderful expierence
giedr f2023,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was wonderful expierence. The staff and especially Fabio were perfect. We saw five different humpach wales and dolphins.
Layer up for the cold...
Christina A,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Layer up for the cold weather and sea spray. The tour guide didn't talk too much, and the captain did a great job getting us near the whales quickly. Originally, I debated between this type of boat and the traditional oak boats, but my daughter and I were so happy that we went with this one. It was an unforgettable experience, and Puffin Island was the "icing on the cake."
Terrific
Sandersandco,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A truly wonderful experience. Saw humpback whales within the first half an hour. The crew were very informative and knew their stuff. Great experience.
Great!
DBauters,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We could rely on the captain's determination to show us a dozen times whales coming to the surface, all executed with respect for the animal. An excursion to do without hesitation.
So Nice
Freedom121961,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was wonderful , no other Words for it .
To do again
jeanlouisdenis,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Easy reservation online one day in advance. On-site, the agency team was able to change our departure time at sea upon our request. A young, smiling team, and we saw the whales. Awesome.
Related Experiences
Operated by Gentle Giants Whale Watching