Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

RIB speedboats turn whale watching into a sprint. This original Húsavík safari uses a modern RIB to cover more of Skjálfandi Bay, giving you a better shot at big whales while you also hit Puffin Island during nesting season. The idea is simple: move fast, listen closely, and stay warm so you can enjoy what the sea decides to show you.

I especially love two things. First, the tour is built around comfort and cold-weather focus, with warm safety overalls that are obligatory. Second, you get live commentary from an expert guide who helps you read whale and seabird behavior in real time.

One drawback to think about: this is a speedboat ride. It can feel bumpy, and it is not suitable for some health needs and mobility situations, so it’s worth checking the limits before you book.

Key highlights that matter

• RIB speedboat coverage: a larger area of Skjálfandi Bay than you’ll get on slower boats
• More whale time, better positioning: higher speed can help the crew reach sightings quickly
• Puffin Island stop in-season: April 15 to around August 15, often with thousands of puffins
• Small group feel: maximum of 12 passengers on board, so you’re not shouting over crowds
• Warm, safe gear included: overalls (required) plus life jacket and rain jackets if needed
• Real marine expertise on board: guides like Matteo and Zara are described as marine biologists in reviews

Why Húsavík’s RIB safari is built for big whales

Húsavík is Iceland’s Whale Capital for a reason, but the sea is still the boss. What I like about this tour is the strategy: you’re on a modern RIB, so you spend more time working the water and less time stuck waiting. That matters because whales don’t follow a schedule. They appear, move, and disappear.

The tour also combines two different kinds of wildlife luck. Puffins are easier to find during nesting season, since the island can host enormous numbers at once. Big whales are the variable. The RIB helps you chase that variable with better reach and flexibility, especially when you’re spotting acrobatic humpbacks or giants like blue whales.

You’re not just looking out a windshield, either. You have an onboard guide with live commentary, so you’ll know what you’re seeing instead of guessing. Guides in reviews include Matteo, Jo, Serena, Rui, Marc, Miro, Alberto, and Zara, with multiple people specifically praising deep whale behavior explanations.

Puffin Island stop: Clowns of the Ocean, in-season

The tour’s first wildlife-focused stop is Puffin Island during the nesting period, roughly April 15 to August 15. In that window, your job is basically to pay attention and look sharp: puffins show up in large numbers, with colorful beaks that give the island a circus-like vibe people often describe as Clowns of the Ocean.

What makes this stop valuable is the pacing. It gives you a concrete target early, so your day doesn’t depend entirely on whale sightings. That is a big deal in the North Atlantic, where weather can change quickly and sightings can be spread out.

There is a practical trade-off, though. The tour itself is whale-first, and the information notes that there is more emphasis on whales outside the puffin season. So if your travel dates fall outside April 15 to August 15, you may still see puffins, but the whole day’s rhythm may tilt more toward whales and other marine life.

Skjálfandi Bay: dolphins, marine life, and the hunt for whales

After Puffin Island, you head into Skjálfandi Bay, where the crew works for whales and watches for dolphins and other marine life along the way. The tour runs about 2 hours, so it’s not a long drift. It’s a concentrated safari with multiple passes and frequent opportunities to scan for blows, flukes, and sudden changes at the surface.

This part of the itinerary is also where the RIB advantage shows. Faster boat speed and quicker repositioning can help you get into the best viewing moment when a whale comes up. Reviews repeatedly mention that the RIB makes it easier to reach a whale sighting quickly, and that watching from a speedboat feels more like an action encounter than a slow cruise.

You’ll also likely get more than one type of animal. Reviews mention humpback whales, blue whales, and lots of dolphin encounters, plus memorable moments like what people describe as SUPER POD dolphin sightings. Naturally, the sea doesn’t guarantee species. That’s why the tour includes a follow-up option if whales (and dolphins) don’t show.

Safety briefing, overalls, and why you’ll feel it in your bones

You’ll start with a meet-up at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center, then you’ll get geared up with a warm safety overall and a life jacket. Overalls are obligatory, and that’s a detail I appreciate because it removes some guesswork. The goal is simple: keep you warm enough to enjoy the ride instead of hunching and shaking through the whole thing.

The tour also notes that rain jackets may be included if needed, and you should bring warm outdoor clothing. In cold conditions, you’ll want real layers, not just a light jacket over a T-shirt. One helpful tip from reviews: on a very cold day, people recommended extra socks, plus hat and scarf.

Now for the body part. Several reviews mention that the ride can feel bumpy and like a roller-coaster motion. If you’re sea-sickness-prone, plan ahead. That’s not a moral failing; it’s physics. Bring what you use to stay comfortable, and expect the boat to move.

The boat experience: spacious RIB, small groups, and smoother viewing

This RIB tour is capped at a maximum of 12 passengers. In practice, that small number matters because it makes the ride feel personal. You can actually point, lean, and watch without people constantly blocking your view.

The boat is described as more spacious than most others in the area, which helps on a cold day. You also get a personal atmosphere instead of the vibe of a cattle call. When you’re scanning for whales, having room to shift position is more useful than you’d think.

If you like speed and movement, the tone here matches your taste. Reviews say the RIB is far more fun than traditional whale boats, with the speed itself adding to the thrill. If you dislike motion, the same speed can feel like a trade you’re not interested in making.

What the guides do (and why their names keep showing up)

The onboard guide is the engine of this tour. You’ll get live commentary as you cruise, and the guide’s job is to help you see what you’re looking at and understand whale behavior. Reviews repeatedly praise guides for being fun, engaging, and able to answer questions.

A few guide details that come through clearly from reviews:

• Matteo is praised for strong knowledge and marine background, with people describing him as a marine biologist.
• Zara is also described as a marine biologist, and people highlight how well she explains whale behavior and spotting multiple humpbacks.
• Jo is mentioned alongside skipper Sarah, with compliments for information and even small attentiveness like checking for phones.
• Serena and Rui get credit for helping people find the right spots and for detailed whale behavior explanations.
• Marc, Miro, and Alberto also appear in reviews, with multiple comments about competence and humor.

Even if you don’t catch a whale every time, a strong guide can turn “nothing happened” into “I understand what I missed and why.” That’s the real value of live commentary: it turns wildlife watching into wildlife learning.

Price and value: is $159 worth it?

At $159 per person for a roughly 2-hour RIB safari, you’re paying for three things that actually change your outcome.

First, you’re paying for the boat type. A RIB’s speed and maneuverability can improve how quickly you reach a sighting, and that affects whale-watching odds. Second, you’re paying for guided wildlife interpretation. The tour includes live commentary and an expert guide, not just a driver doing a loop. Third, you’re paying for comfort elements like warm overalls and a small onboard maximum.

Yes, it’s pricey. But if your time in Iceland is limited and you’re prioritizing whales and puffins, it can be one of the highest-impact activities you book. The tour’s structure also protects you somewhat: if whales and dolphins aren’t seen, you’ll be offered a voucher for a traditional whale watching tour on oak boats free of charge. That doesn’t bring back the disappointment of not seeing whales on your day, but it does reduce the sense of a total loss.

If your budget is tight and you don’t mind slower boats, you might choose a cheaper option. But if you want the best shot at big whales plus the extra energy of a RIB, this price starts to make more sense.

Who should book this Húsavík tour, and who should skip it

I think this tour fits best if you:

• want the speedboat style of whale watching rather than a slow cruise
• enjoy learning what you’re seeing, not just taking photos
• travel with a group size you won’t find overwhelming (it’s capped at 12)
• plan to dress for real cold weather

It may not fit you if:

• you’re prone to severe motion sickness and you don’t have a plan for it
• you need a wheelchair-accessible option (this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users)
• you have back problems, heart problems, or you’re pregnant
• you’re traveling with young kids (it’s not suitable for children under 8 years)
• you’re under 4 ft 3 in / 130 cm in height

That list isn’t meant to be annoying. It’s meant to keep people safe in rougher sea conditions where speed and movement matter.

Practical tips to get the best day on the water

A few small choices can make the difference between a great day and a cold, blurry one.

Dress for warmth first. Warm clothing matters because you’ll be outside and exposed while scanning the water. Bring layers and cover your extremities. Overalls help a lot, but warmth is still warmth.

Wear shoes that stay grippy on wet surfaces. Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially around docks and boarding areas.

Travel light. Luggage or large bags are not allowed. Plan for a small bag, keep essentials accessible, and avoid anything bulky that can be a hassle on a small boat.

Bring your phone and camera—but keep it secure. One review mentions the crew checking pockets twice for a phone. That’s a reminder to secure your gear and listen for the quick safety instructions.

When you board, focus early. Puffins are often the payoff that comes through during puffin season, so take the island stop seriously. Then keep scanning during Skjálfandi Bay for whale blows and surface activity.

Should you book this Original Big Whale Safari?

If your priority is whales plus puffins, and you want the extra odds that come with a RIB speedboat and a small, guided group, I’d book it. The route makes sense in a short time window: Puffin Island gives you early wildlife payoff, while Skjálfandi Bay is where the crew works hard for whales, dolphins, and other marine life.

Skip it only if you know you can’t handle bumpy motion, or if any of the health and mobility limitations apply to you. If cold-weather gear and wind sound like your idea of an unpleasant day, this tour may feel like too much.

FAQ

How long is the Húsavík whale safari by speedboat?

The tour duration is 2 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet your guide at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center. Look out for big blue flags.

What wildlife stops are included?

You visit Puffin Island (during the puffin nesting season) and then cruise in Skjálfandi Bay for whale watching, marine life viewing, and possible dolphin sightings.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Included are the round-trip RIB speedboat cruise, a specialized guide, live commentary on board, warm safety overalls (obligatory), and rain jackets if needed.

Do I need hotel pickup?

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

What should I wear or bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and outdoor clothing. Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for kids or families?

It is not suitable for children under 8 years.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour or if no whales are seen?

If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. If no whales (dolphins included) are seen, you’ll be offered a voucher for a traditional whale watching tour on oak boats free of charge, with no refund.