Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

Discover Iceland’s Marine Wonders with the Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

If you’re visiting Iceland and want to see some of the country’s most iconic wildlife, this 2-hour speedboat tour from Húsavík hits the spot. Priced at around $162, it offers a close-up look at whales, puffins, and the stunning coastline of Skjálfandi Bay. Led by knowledgeable guides, this adventure uses a high-powered RIB speedboat that zips along the waters, giving you a broad view of the marine life and coastal scenery.

What stands out most are the chance to see multiple whale species—including humpbacks and blue whales—and the opportunity during puffin season to visit Puffin Island, a lively colony with brightly-colored birds. The tour is recommended by 94% of travelers, many of whom praise the guides for their expertise and the thrill of the fast-paced ride.

A key consideration is the weather dependence—since the tour is outside, rough seas or rain can sometimes lead to cancellations. Also, the group size is limited to 12, making it more personal than larger boat tours. This experience is ideal for adventure lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those looking for a more dynamic way to explore Iceland’s marine ecosystem.

Key Points

• Close encounters with whales: Up to a 99% chance of spotting humpbacks, blue whales, and other cetaceans.
• Speedboat thrill: The RIB boat offers a fast, exhilarating ride along the coast, providing a unique perspective.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable staff enhance the experience with informative live commentary.
• Puffin Island: Visit during the breeding season (mid-April to mid-August) for a chance to see puffins in their natural colony.
• Weather-dependent: Cancellations are possible in poor weather, but full refunds or alternative dates are provided.
• Limited group size: Smaller groups mean more personalized attention and better wildlife viewing.

The Experience: What to Expect on the Tour

This tour begins at Gentle Giants, conveniently located within walking distance from most accommodations in Húsavík. Setting out on a high-speed RIB boat, you’re immediately set for a up-close, fast-paced adventure. The two-hour journey is fully guided, with live commentary about the wildlife, the bay’s geography, and Icelandic maritime ecology.

From the start, you’ll notice how much ground the speedboat can cover. Unlike traditional larger whale-watching boats, the RIB swiftly traces along the coast, increasing your chances of seeing whales in their natural habitat. Many reviews mention spotting multiple whale species, including humpbacks and even blue whales—some as early as the first 20 minutes of the trip. One traveler shared, “We saw a couple of humpback whales within the first 20 mins, then a blue whale—our guide was just as amazed as we were,” highlighting how extraordinary these encounters can be.

The guides are praised repeatedly for their knowledge and friendliness. They’ll point out marine mammals, explain their behaviors, and share insights into their migration patterns. One reviewer noted, “Our guide was very knowledgeable and the guide’s love for whales was unmistakable,” adding an authentic, passionate touch to the experience.

The speedboat ride itself is part of the fun—some reviews describe feeling safe and comfortable despite the boat’s speed. The boat is equipped with warm safety overalls (which are obligatory), and rain jackets if needed, meaning you’ll stay warm even if the weather is chilly or rainy. Many travelers mention the thrill of riding on the waves, with one saying, “The size and maneuverability of the RIB boat sets it apart”—you’ll get a sense of adventure while still being secure.

During puffin season (mid-April to mid-August), the tour visits Puffin Island (Lundey). You might not get close-up views of puffins—they tend to stay on the island or in the water—but many guests enjoy watching the brightly-colored birds flutter around from the boat. Some reviewers mention seeing puffins in the water, giving the experience a wonderful mix of sea life.

A notable aspect is the small group size—max 12 travelers—allowing for better wildlife sightings and more personalized attention. This is appreciated by many, who say the guides “knew exactly where to go,” which significantly enhances the chances of a memorable whale encounter.

The Detailed Itinerary and Why It Matters

The tour begins at Gentle Giants, a well-organized meeting point in Húsavík. After a safety briefing, you’ll don warm overalls and rain jackets, preparing for whatever weather Iceland throws at you. Once aboard, the 2-hour adventure kicks off, covering a broad stretch of Skjálfandi Bay. The boat’s speed allows you to cover more ground than traditional whale watching boats, which often stick close to the harbor.

Your guide’s primary focus is locating whales—and they are remarkably good at it. Depending on the season and weather, your chances of seeing humpbacks, blue whales, minke whales, or even dolphins are high. Several reviews describe seeing multiple whale species, sometimes with spectacular close-up views. One traveler mentioned, “We saw 15 whales, including humpbacks, and the guide was so passionate about sharing their stories,” emphasizing the educational value.

In the puffin season, you’ll visit Puffin Island, which hosts a large colony of these colorful birds. While puffins are often observed from the boat or in the water, the main highlight is witnessing the colony in their natural habitat, especially during breeding season. Some guests find this a charming contrast to the marine mammal sightings.

Throughout the trip, you’ll benefit from expert commentary, which adds layers of understanding about the animals’ behaviors, migration habits, and conservation. One reviewer said, “Our guide was very knowledgeable about maritime life, and the passion was contagious.”

Weather conditions are a critical factor—poor weather may lead to cancellations, but the tour provider offers full refunds or alternative dates. Many travelers appreciate the transparent communication about weather-related issues, which helps set expectations.

The small group size enhances the experience, allowing guides to better locate whales and tailor the trip to the conditions. This intimacy often results in more frequent sightings and a more relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere.

Value and Practical Considerations

When weighing the cost of $162, consider the value of seeing multiple whale species up close in a fast, agile boat. Compared to larger, slower whale-watching vessels, the RIB provides a more dynamic experience. Many reviews highlight seeing whales early in the trip, sometimes within the first 20 minutes, which amplifies the value of the tour.

The included safety gear—warm overalls and rain jackets—means you’re prepared for Iceland’s unpredictable weather. Since the tour departs within walking distance from most accommodations, you save time and money on transportation.

The maximum group size of 12 ensures a more personal experience, which is especially valuable for wildlife viewing, as guides can navigate more effectively. However, because it’s weather-dependent and has a minimum number of participants, it’s wise to book well in advance—many travelers book 52 days ahead.

In terms of reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 357 reviews. Travelers cherish the knowledgeable guides, incredible sightings, and the thrill of the speedboat ride. Some mention that if no whales are seen, you might receive a voucher for a future trip, which is a nice reassurance.

The Sum Up

This Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík offers an exciting, intimate way to experience Iceland’s marine life. The combination of fast-paced boat travel, expert guides, and the chance to see several whale species and puffins makes it a standout choice for adventure-minded wildlife enthusiasts. It’s particularly well-suited for those comfortable with outdoor, slightly chilly conditions and looking for a more dynamic alternative to traditional whale-watching tours.

While weather can influence the experience, the company’s clear communication and flexible policies help manage expectations. The small group size and high success rate of sightings make this trip both engaging and rewarding. If you’re keen on marine wildlife, enjoy fast rides, and want to maximize your chances of seeing whales, this tour should be high on your list.

For travelers seeking a combination of adventure and education, with a focus on authentic wildlife encounters, this is a fantastic choice. It’s an adventure that leaves many saying it was a trip of a lifetime—and with good reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, offering a compact but comprehensive wildlife experience.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Gentle Giants in Húsavík, which is within walking distance from most accommodations.

What is included in the price?
The price covers a professional guide, live commentary, and warm safety overalls (and rain jackets if needed). Transportation is not included as the meeting point is centrally located.

What animals might I see?
Expect to see whales like humpbacks and possibly blue whales, along with puffins during season, and often dolphins or other cetaceans.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but the minimum age is 8 years, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum height is 130 cm.

What should I wear?
Bring warm, waterproof clothing—the tour provides overalls and rain jackets, but layering is recommended.

Can I cancel if weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations due to poor weather are free, and you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

What if no whales are seen?
If no whales are sighted, you may receive a voucher to join a traditional whale-watching tour later, depending on availability.

How many people are on each boat?
The tour is limited to 12 travelers, creating a more intimate wildlife viewing environment.

When is puffin season?
From mid-April through mid-August, during which visiting Puffin Island is included in the experience.

This tour balances thrilling speed, expert guidance, and the chance to witness remarkable Icelandic wildlife—a truly memorable way to connect with nature in the North Atlantic.