Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

Húsavík’s RIB whale safari gives you two good chances for wildlife in one fast-moving trip: thousands of puffins around Puffin Island in season, then whales and dolphins across Skjálfandi Bay. The small boat covers more water than a standard vessel, which matters when wildlife may surface anywhere.

I like the maximum of 12 passengers, which keeps the outing personal, and the expert commentary from guides such as Matteo, Rui, Serena, and Zara. I also like that the boat carries warm safety overalls and can move quickly between sightings. The trade-off is clear: this is a rougher, colder ride than a large oak boat, and people prone to seasickness should take that seriously.

Key points at a glance

• Puffin Island from April 15 to August 15: See large numbers of nesting puffins when the birds are present.
• A two-hour RIB ride: The speedboat covers a broad area of Skjálfandi Bay while keeping the group small.
• Real chances of large whales: Humpback whales, blue whales, dolphins, and other marine life may appear, but sightings are never guaranteed.
• Warm protective gear included: You wear a specially made safety overall, with rain jackets available if needed.
• A lively, physical experience: The boat can bounce like a roller coaster in poor weather, especially on a rough day.
• A whale guarantee of sorts: If you see no whales or dolphins, you receive a voucher for a traditional oak-boat whale tour, not a refund.

Leaving Húsavík on a fast RIB boat

You meet your guide at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center, marked by large blue flags in Húsavík. Leave large bags and luggage behind, since they are not allowed on the boat. Wear comfortable shoes and warm outdoor clothing even though the company supplies protective overalls.

Before departure, the crew fits you with a life jacket and warm safety overall. The overall is obligatory, and it is useful protection against spray, wind, and the chill that builds quickly on open water. Bring extra layers, warm socks, a hat, and gloves if you have them. One particularly cold outing was close to minus 2 degrees Celsius on land, so Icelandic summer does not always mean mild conditions.

The safety briefing takes place before the boat heads into Skjálfandi Bay. Your guide explains how to sit, what to do while the RIB is moving, and how to watch for wildlife without creating a dangerous scramble for photographs. The skipper handles the boat while the guide provides live commentary in English.

The RIB holds up to 12 passengers. That is larger than some other local speedboats, yet still small enough for the guide to speak directly to you. The larger design also gives you more room than a tightly packed inflatable boat, though it does not turn the trip into a smooth cruise.

Puffin Island and the short summer nesting season

The first wildlife stop is Puffin Island, visited during the nesting season, roughly April 15 through August 15. This timing matters. Outside those dates, the trip puts more attention on whales, and you should not book it expecting puffins.

When the birds are present, the island can be surrounded by thousands of puffins. Their bright bills and comic expressions explain the familiar nickname Clowns of the Ocean, but the real appeal is seeing them in their own setting rather than in a wildlife park or close-up display.

The boat cruises near the island and gives you time to watch the birds while the guide explains puffin behavior and local marine life. You may see birds in the air, on the water, or around the nesting area. The boat passes by rather than landing, so this is a viewing stop, not a walk on the island.

Puffins are small and quick. A zoom lens or phone with a good camera can help, but keep your attention on the water and the island rather than spending the whole stop behind a screen. The skipper may position the RIB so different parts of the boat get a useful view, though exact sightlines depend on conditions and bird activity.

Searching Skjálfandi Bay for whales and dolphins

After Puffin Island, the main search begins across Skjálfandi Bay. The boat’s speed is the key difference from a traditional whale-watching vessel. If a whale surfaces some distance away, the RIB can reach the area more quickly and spend more of the two-hour outing looking for animals instead of simply traveling.

That advantage does not make sightings certain. Whales are wild animals, and the guide must work with wind, waves, visibility, and the animals’ movements. Some departures produce repeated sightings, while another may find only a few humpbacks. The trip’s value comes partly from the search itself, with the guide reading the water and explaining what you are seeing.

Humpback whales are a common highlight in the reported sightings. You might see one surfacing, resting, or moving more actively through the bay. A few lucky outings have included blue whales as well, while dolphins can appear in groups and may stay with the boat for a time.

The guide explains whale behavior as the trip continues. Guides named in the feedback include Matteo, described as a marine biologist, along with Rui, Serena, Zara, Alberto, Miro, and Marc. The company may assign a different guide on your departure, but the consistent feature is live interpretation rather than a silent boat ride.

The captain also plays an important part. Sarah was praised for moving smoothly and turning the boat so both sides could get views. That kind of positioning matters because a whale may surface on the opposite side from where you are sitting. Still, you should expect brief appearances, not a staged performance.

Why the small group and fast boat matter

A 12-person limit gives this outing a more direct feel. You are not one face among a large crowd, and the guide can answer questions during the ride. The smaller boat also puts you closer to the movement of the sea, which makes the experience exciting but less forgiving.

The RIB is not simply a faster way to reach whales. The ride itself is part of the outing. You skim across open water, feel the boat rise and fall, and watch the mountains and bay from a low position. Several reports describe the speedboat as an adventure in its own right.

That excitement has a downside. In rain or rough water, the ride can be very bumpy. One outing was compared to a roller coaster, with a clear warning that people prone to seasickness could feel unwell. If you know you have a sensitive stomach, bring your usual motion-sickness medicine and choose a calm-weather departure when possible.

The tour is not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people shorter than 130 centimeters, or people with back or heart problems. These limits make sense for a small boat that can bounce and move quickly. If you are unsure about your fitness for the ride, check before booking rather than assuming the protective clothing makes it gentle.

Staying warm while the bay stays wild

The supplied safety overall helps, but it does not replace proper clothing. Wear warm layers beneath it, plus comfortable shoes and outdoor clothing. A hat, scarf, and spare socks are sensible choices, particularly on early or windy departures.

Rain jackets are available if needed. The boat may still be wet and cold even without rain because of spray and wind. Your hands can become uncomfortable while you wait for a whale to surface, so gloves are worth packing if allowed by the operator.

The crew’s attention to clothing is part of the practical strength of the trip. Guides have helped people add layers before leaving, and the safety equipment is included in the $159 price. You still need to prepare yourself. The warm suit is a safety measure and a comfort aid, not a promise that you will feel warm for the entire two hours.

Is $159 a fair price?

At $159 per person, this is not the cheapest way to look for whales in Húsavík. You pay for the small group, RIB speed, protective gear, guide, skipper, and the chance to combine Puffin Island with a broad search of the bay in two hours.

The price makes more sense if you value an active ride and want to reach distant sightings quickly. It is also good value if your schedule is tight, since the boat spends less time plodding between areas. You receive a guide with live commentary rather than simply a seat on a fast vessel.

A traditional oak-boat trip may suit you better if you want more room, a steadier ride, or a calmer way to spend time on the water. This RIB tour is for you if speed, close contact with the sea, and a small group matter more than comfort.

There is a useful fallback if the wildlife is uncooperative. If you see no whales or dolphins, the company offers a voucher for a traditional whale-watching tour on an oak boat. That is not a cash refund, and the voucher does not solve the disappointment of a quiet trip on the day you planned it. It does show that the operator gives you another chance to search.

Weather, timing, and realistic expectations

The tour runs only in favorable weather conditions. If bad weather cancels it, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Check the forecast, but remember that a forecast can change quickly in Iceland.

Wildlife conditions matter just as much as weather. A calm day may make the ride pleasant, but it cannot order whales to surface. One trip may produce three humpbacks, dolphins, and thousands of puffins. Another may see only a few whales or none at all. The guide can search hard, but nature keeps the final say.

If puffins are your main goal, book between approximately April 15 and August 15. Outside that period, the focus shifts toward whales, dolphins, and other marine life. If whales are your priority, the puffin season is not essential.

The two-hour length is enough to feel substantial without taking up an entire day. You return to the same Húsavík meeting point, so it is easy to fit the outing around other plans in town. The tour starts and ends at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center, with no hotel pickup or drop-off.

What makes the guides important

A good whale trip needs more than a fast boat. The guide must explain what you are seeing, keep the group safe, and make the waiting between sightings interesting. The strongest guide feedback centers on clear explanations, humor, and an ability to identify good viewing spots.

Matteo received special praise for his marine biology background and his answers to questions. Rui and Zara were also described as strong sources of information about whale behavior, while Alberto was praised for his broad knowledge of whales. Miro was singled out for humor and a friendly manner.

You should expect the exact guide to vary. What you can count on is an English-speaking guide and live commentary. The best part of that commentary is not a string of trivia. It gives you a better chance to recognize a whale’s behavior, understand why the boat slows or turns, and appreciate a sighting that may last only a few seconds.

Who should book this Húsavík whale safari?

I would choose this trip for an active couple, family with older children, or anyone who wants wildlife watching with a little adrenaline. It also suits photographers who prefer a small boat and the ability to move quickly between sightings, though rough water can make steady photos difficult.

It is less suitable if you dislike cold, motion, spray, or sudden changes in speed. A large boat will be a better choice for a quieter ride, and the oak-boat voucher is worth keeping in mind if you prefer comfort over excitement.

The tour is also a strong choice for a short Húsavík visit. In two hours, you can see the bay, pass Puffin Island in season, and search for several kinds of marine life without committing most of your day.

Should you book the Gentle Giants RIB tour?

Book it if you want the most active version of whale watching in Húsavík and accept that the sea controls the result. The small group, fast boat, warm protective gear, and skilled guides give you a good setup for seeing humpbacks, dolphins, puffins, and possibly blue whales.

Skip it if you need a smooth, dry ride or have back, heart, pregnancy, mobility, or seasickness concerns. For everyone else, the $159 price is reasonable for a two-hour wildlife outing that feels more personal and adventurous than a standard boat trip. Check the puffin dates, dress warmly, leave large bags behind, and give yourself the best chance of enjoying the ride as much as the sightings.

FAQ

How long is the Húsavík RIB whale safari?

The activity lasts two hours, including the boat cruise through Skjálfandi Bay and the visit near Puffin Island.

Where does the tour start?

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 meeting point at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center.

Is Puffin Island visited all year?

No. Puffin Island is included during the nesting period, approximately April 15 through August 15. Outside that season, the focus is more strongly on whales.

What whales and wildlife might I see?

The trip may include humpback whales, blue whales, dolphins, puffins, and other marine life in Skjálfandi Bay. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

What clothing is provided?

A warm safety overall is provided and required. Rain jackets are available if needed. You should still bring warm clothing, outdoor clothing, and comfortable shoes.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children under 8 are not permitted. The activity is also not suitable for people under 130 centimeters tall.

Is the RIB tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

The ride can be bumpy, particularly in poor weather, and has been compared to a roller coaster. If you are prone to seasickness, take that risk seriously and consider suitable preparation.

What happens if I do not see a whale?

If no whales or dolphins are seen, you receive a voucher for a traditional whale-watching tour on an oak boat. No refund is given for a wildlife-free trip.