Big whales in the clamor of Húsavík.

This is the original RIB speedboat outing from Gentle Giants, built for fast access to wildlife in Skjálfandi Bay while you get on-the-spot info from a guide.

I especially like two things: the small group setup (max 12) and the live commentary that helps you understand what you’re actually seeing out on the water.

One consideration: this tour can be rough. If you’re motion-sick prone, the RIB ride may feel like a fast, bumpy roller coaster, even with warm gear and life jackets.

Key highlights that matter in real life

• Fast RIB access over a larger bay area: you spend less time idling and more time where wildlife tends to show up.
• Puffin Island in nesting season: when it runs (roughly Apr 15 to Aug 15), you can expect thousands of puffins on the island.
• Safety overalls are the secret weapon: they’re obligatory, warm, and built for Iceland’s wet wind.
• Guides push for close views when conditions allow: the skipper and guide work together to position the boat for sightings.
• A safety net if whales are missed: if no whales (dolphins included) are seen, you’re offered a free voucher for a traditional oak-boat whale tour.

Húsavík RIB whale watching: why speed changes everything

Húsavík earns the whale-capital nickname for a reason. The town sits in a prime stretch of water, and the action can happen quickly—one pod shows up, then shifts location, then it’s gone.

That’s where a modern RIB speedboat earns its price. With higher speeds and the ability to cover more of Skjálfandi Bay, you’re better positioned to react to what the sea decides to do that day. Even when weather turns moody, the faster boat generally means you’re not stuck watching the same distant horizon for too long.

Gentle Giants meeting point and the gear that actually keeps you comfortable

You meet at the Gentle Giants ticket center in central Húsavík. Look for the big blue flags, and plan to arrive early—40 minutes before departure is the right move.

Before you head out, you’ll get equipped with warm, waterproof safety overalls (mandatory) and a life jacket. If you’re catching rain later, you may also be given rain jackets. This matters because most people underestimate how cold and windy it gets the second you’re out on open water.

Also note the practical stuff: comfortable shoes help for walking around on boats and docks, and you’ll want warm outdoor clothing. If you have luggage or large bags, you’ll need to leave them behind—this is a no-bulk-baggage type of day.

Safety briefing first, then the ride: what to expect from a RIB

You start with a safety briefing at the dock. It’s not just a formality—on a fast RIB, everyone needs to know how things work before the boat accelerates.

Once you’re geared up, the ride can feel intense. Reviews describe the experience as fast and bouncy, especially when Iceland’s wind and wave chop pick up. If you’re someone who gets queasy on small craft, don’t ignore that risk—this tour isn’t built for calm, floating comfort.

If you have back problems, heart problems, are pregnant, use a wheelchair, or are under 8, this activity is listed as not suitable. In other words, treat the boat’s excitement like a real physical factor, not just a fun detail.

Puffin Island (when it’s on): thousands of colorful birds, with real limits

This tour includes a stop at Puffin Island, during nesting season roughly Apr 15 to Aug 15. That’s when you can see huge numbers of puffins—often described as the clowns of the ocean because of their bright beaks and busy behavior.

Here’s the key timing nuance: outside puffin season, the trip puts more emphasis on whales. And even in season, if weather or sea conditions change at short notice, the visit to Puffin Island may get skipped.

One more thing to calibrate expectations. Some people find puffin viewing great for sheer volume, but not always the same as getting puffins right up in your face. You’re there to see the island population, not to hunt for selfies at beak-level.

Skjálfandi Bay whale search: how the boat, guide, and sea team up

The heart of the experience is the wildlife chase in Skjálfandi Bay. You’ll cruise a larger area than you’d get from slower operations, while your guide provides live commentary and points out what’s worth watching for.

The goal is “big whales,” and the tour is set up to improve your odds. High speed means you can get to a sighting faster, and the boat can reposition when whales surface in different parts of the bay.

What you might see depends on the day, but the tour is designed for species like blue whales and humpback whales. Dolphins also show up often, and harbor porpoises have been mentioned on departures as well. The best days tend to bring multiple encounters, and sometimes the type of movement changes the whole vibe—resting behavior is one kind of wonder, and active breaching is another.

Live English commentary that helps you spot more than silhouettes

What makes this tour feel educational (not just scenic) is how the guide narrates the wildlife in real time. You get live commentary onboard as you travel, not a lecture after the fact.

You can also get genuinely tailored attention from the crew. Different departures have been led by guides such as Clara, Karla, Louisa, Fiona, Beatriz, Fabio, and others. One guide, Matteo, has been described as a marine biologist in customer feedback, and that kind of background tends to translate into answers that go beyond basics.

A small but telling detail: one guide helped people get ready for photos and even checked that phones were secured in their pockets. That’s the practical version of good guiding—less random chaos, more time looking out at the sea.

Comfort and photos: staying warm without turning the day into a chore

I like that the overalls are obligatory, because that cuts down on the biggest cold-weather mistake: showing up in the wrong layer mix. When everyone’s similarly dressed, you’re not stuck managing how cold you feel between sightings.

For comfort, aim for layers you can move in. Bring warm outdoor clothing, and assume you’ll get spray or mist at some point. When you’re watching whales, you’ll often be looking in short bursts—up, then down, then out again—so you don’t want stiff, bulky clothing that makes it hard to shift your stance.

For photos, plan for motion. The RIB is fast, and the crew may reposition quickly. A secure phone pocket (or keeping your phone where it won’t slide out) is smarter than holding it in gloved hands.

Price and value: is $175 for two hours a smart buy?

$175 per person is not cheap for two hours. But with whale watching, value often comes down to one thing: probability and quality of access.

This tour gives you a modern RIB, a smaller maximum group, and a guide who’s actively searching with you rather than just driving a set route. In practice, the speed advantage matters when whales surface, move, or decide to be camera-shy.

There’s also a value safety net. If no whales are seen—dolphins included—you’ll receive a voucher for a traditional whale watching tour on oak boats free of charge. And at least some departures have reported follow-up options after low-visibility conditions like fog, which is worth noting because Iceland weather can turn unpredictably.

So the real question isn’t just the price tag. It’s whether you want the faster, more responsive option that can put you near sightings sooner.

Who this RIB safari fits best (and who should think twice)

This tour is a strong match if you:

• want close, quick repositioning rather than sitting on a slow boat for long stretches
• can handle cold, wind, and some rough water
• want a guide who helps you track what you’re seeing in English
• are traveling in a small group setting (max 12)

It may not be a good fit if you’re:

• motion-sick prone (the ride can be bumpy)
• dealing with heart problems, back problems, or pregnancy
• needing wheelchair access (it’s not suitable)

If you’re in any of those categories, don’t “tough it out.” Iceland is beautiful, but you don’t have to make your body regret it.

Puffin-season strategy: when you’ll get the island, and when you’ll get whales

If your priority is puffins, aim for the rough window of Apr 15 to Aug 15. That’s when Puffin Island is typically included during nesting.

If your priority is big whales, you can still book any time, but the tour is clear that outside puffin season there’s more focus on whales. Sea conditions can also change plans quickly, including skipping Puffin Island even during season.

My rule of thumb: choose based on what you can live without. If puffins are your dream, don’t wait for perfect weather. If whales are your main goal, focus on the wildlife search and accept that the sea writes the itinerary.

Should you book Gentle Giants Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat?

Book it if you want the best chance to react fast, see wildlife with less crowding, and get guided interpretation while you’re on the water. The smaller setup, the RIB speed, and the focus on positioning for sightings are the big reasons this works.

Skip or reconsider if you know you get very seasick, or if you fall into the listed “not suitable” categories like heart/back issues, pregnancy, wheelchair use, or the minimum height/age limits.

If you can handle cold and motion, this is the kind of outing that turns a landscape of water into a live wildlife event—sometimes with puffins on one stop and serious whale energy on the next.

FAQ

How long is the Gentle Giants RIB whale safari?

It lasts 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at the Gentle Giants ticket center in central Húsavík. The meeting point is marked with big blue flags.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What language is the guide?

The tour guide provides live commentary in English.

What should I bring to stay comfortable?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and outdoor clothing. Warm and waterproof clothing is especially important.

Are warm clothes provided?

Yes. Warm safety overalls are included and are obligatory. Rain jackets may also be provided if needed.

Can I bring luggage or large bags?

No. Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour is subject to favorable weather. If it’s canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

What if no whales (or dolphins) are seen?

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

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, and people under 4 ft 3 in (130 cm).

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