Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

Whales up close in Iceland are real. This original Big Whale Safari and Puffins outing runs from Húsavík in a RIB speedboat, with the goal of getting you eyes-on whales, porpoises, and puffins (when in season). You’re out on Skjálfandi Bay with live onboard commentary, so it’s not just driving around hoping for the best.

What I like most is the combo of speed and control: the boat can move fast enough to track wildlife, but you’re still following a guide who helps you aim your attention. I also really appreciate the practical clothing setup—mandatory warm safety overalls and rain protection if needed—because you’ll feel the cold even on a good day. One thing to consider: wildlife timing is always weather-dependent, and puffin island visits can change last minute based on sea conditions.

Key things you’ll notice on this Húsavík RIB tour

• Small max group (12 travelers) makes it easier to spot and hear the guide
• Live nature commentary while the captain searches Skjálfandi Bay
• Warm, obligatory overalls so you can actually enjoy the ride instead of shivering
• Puffin Island in breeding season (approx. April 15–August 15), but it’s not guaranteed
• RIB-style seating and motion can be intense, and standing the right moments helps your back
• Sighting outcome isn’t fully predictable, and refunds don’t apply if no whales/dolphins are seen

Húsavík’s “original” RIB whale safari: why this format works

Húsavík has the kind of whale watching reputation that makes you expect big results. Still, what matters on the water is not the brochure—it’s whether you can cover ground while staying safe and comfortable. This tour does it with a RIB speedboat, the kind of craft that can run in the real conditions you get in Iceland without feeling like a slow ferry.

The other key ingredient is that you’re not just there for motion. The plan includes searching specifically for whales and porpoises with expert guidance, plus onboard live commentary that keeps you connected to what you’re actually seeing. That’s the difference between watching for shapes and understanding behavior.

The pricing also makes more sense when you compare it to what you’re buying: a guided wildlife hunt plus the gear and a boat type built for proximity. You’re not paying for a long ride in a big vehicle. You’re paying for a focused 2-hour push to find animals and then stay with them when the opportunity appears.

The 2 hours on the water: fast, guided, and built for spotting

This experience is timed to be short on purpose. About 2 hours is enough to get out into good hunting areas, track sightings when they happen, and return without turning it into a whole-day commitment. If your schedule in Iceland is packed, that matters.

Your time generally breaks into active search plus moments of slower viewing. When the captain finds the right area, you’re typically positioned to watch carefully—surface action, spouts, movements near the boat, and body patterns in the water. That’s where the live guidance helps most. A good guide doesn’t just say what the animal might be. They help you interpret what you’re seeing right now so you don’t miss the next breath or tail flick.

Because it’s a speedboat, you’ll notice the motion more than on slower tours. The upside is that you tend to get more chances to intersect wildlife rather than waiting in one spot. The downside is you need to dress for cold and movement, not just for weather at the dock.

Getting ready: the “come 40 minutes early” mindset

You’ll meet at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center in Húsavík (Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík). The most practical advice here is simple: arrive at least 40 minutes before departure so you can get in, get geared up, and settle your nerves.

Once you’re there, you’ll be dressed in warm safety overalls. In Iceland wind, that’s not a small detail. It’s the difference between tolerating the trip and actually enjoying it. If the conditions call for it, you’ll also have rain jackets available.

Also, plan like a photographer even if you aren’t one. One review tip that’s worth copying: keep your phone in your pocket instead of out the whole time, because puffins on and around the island can be farther away, and a steady zoom camera setup tends to work better. The goal is to watch first, then capture the moment when it’s right in front of you.

Whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay: what your guide is really doing

The core of the tour is the whale watching search. In Húsavík, you’re aiming at a region where whales and porpoises can show up, and this tour leans hard into that with a boat that can reach the right zones quickly.

The tour’s promise is high—your chances of seeing whales are listed up to 99%—but the important part is how the guide and captain work as a team. The captain maneuvers the boat where conditions and sightings line up, and the onboard guide helps you focus. When you know what to look for (breathing intervals, movement patterns, and when to scan), your viewing improves immediately.

From the kinds of sightings described, you may encounter humpbacks and other whale species during the hunt. You can also see porpoises alongside the whales, and some trips include multiple whale encounters. The best experiences are usually the ones where your guide keeps you actively scanning instead of letting the group go passive.

A quick comfort tip that matters on a RIB

RIB boats have individual, seat-like positions (not a single bench), and the ride can jolt when the boat hits waves. One helpful strategy: stand when appropriate to let your body absorb the motion, and use the seating like you’re balancing. If you’re prone to back discomfort, you may want to skip this one entirely—this tour also explicitly says it’s not allowed for people with heart- or back problems or for pregnant women.

Puffin Island during breeding season: summer magic with real limits

The puffin component is the other big reason people book. The puffin season runs approximately from April 15 to August 15, and the tour includes a visit to Puffin Island during breeding season.

Here’s the practical truth: outside the puffin window, the tour focuses more on whales. Even within the season, Puffin Island can still be affected by sea and weather changes. The plan notes that if conditions shift, even with short notice, the visit may be skipped. That’s not a bait-and-switch. It’s how wildlife boat tours stay safe.

If you’re going specifically for puffins, aim for the middle of the season rather than the edges. Several people noted puffin opportunities can taper off as summer winds down. Also, puffins on the island may sit farther from the boat than you’d expect, so you might not get crisp close-up shots unless you have a stronger zoom setup and steady timing.

That said, the puffin experience is still worth it for most people because the activity around the island is constant during breeding time. Even when the photo is tricky, the sight of lots of puffins in flight and on the water tends to land as memorable.

RIB reality check: warm suits, fast turns, and safety first

This tour’s comfort system is unusually clear: warm safety overalls are obligatory, and rain jackets are provided when needed. Icelandic cold gets in fast, especially on water, so that gear is a major part of the value.

From reviews, the overalls are described as one-piece survival suits, and people specifically felt warm enough even in near-freezing conditions. That lines up with what I’d expect: you’re in windchill, sitting still at times, and moving across waves. Proper insulation matters.

The speedboat feel can be a little intense, though. If you dislike rough rides, you’ll want to dress for both cold and impact. You can also help yourself by listening to the crew and using the standing/sitting technique when the boat hits waves. The crew’s job is not just to drive—it’s to get you through the ride safely while staying positioned for wildlife.

And on safety: your tour is capped at a small group size (maximum 12), which helps everyone get organized quickly when conditions change.

Chances of sightings and what happens if you don’t see whales

This is wildlife. Even with a great crew, animals don’t always show up on schedule. The tour notes that if no whales or dolphins are sighted, passenger refunds aren’t permitted. Instead, you can receive a voucher to join a traditional whale watching tour free of charge, depending on availability.

That policy affects your decision. If seeing whales is your only goal, you’ll still want to book—because the overall success rate is high, and many trips report multiple sightings. Just don’t treat it like a guaranteed show.

The same is true for puffins. Even in season, Puffin Island can be skipped due to weather or sea conditions. So if puffin is your must-have, plan on the idea that whales are the real backbone of the outing.

Price and value: does $180.27 feel fair for 2 hours?

At $180.27 per person for about 2 hours, this tour isn’t cheap. The value comes from what’s included and what’s provided for your money.

You’re paying for:

• a RIB speedboat built for wildlife searching
• a professional guide with live commentary
• mandatory warm overalls and rain protection as needed
• a small group size
• and local partner discounts in Húsavík

Also, the time cost is reasonable. You’re not losing a full day, and you’re getting a high-intensity wildlife experience that makes sense in Húsavík, where boat tours are a big part of the local itinerary.

If you compare this to longer tours that include less guidance or don’t provide the right cold-weather gear, this starts to look like a practical spend. The boat format and the included equipment are not add-ons—they’re central to how the experience works.

One more value point: this tour is booked quite far in advance on average (about 50 days). That’s usually a good sign for demand, but it also means you should reserve early when your dates are set.

Who should book this RIB whale and puffin tour—and who should skip it

This tour fits best if you:

• want the RIB speedboat style of wildlife searching
• like small groups and clear guidance
• plan to dress warmly and accept that sea conditions can change
• are traveling during puffin season and want the option of Puffin Island

It may not fit if you:

• have heart or back problems, or are pregnant (this tour says it’s not allowed)
• hate cold weather rides and won’t follow the clothing advice
• need fully calm, gentle motion (RIB rides can be jolty when waves hit)

Age and height matter, too: the minimum age is 8 years, and the minimum height is 130 cm. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Should you book it? My simple decision rule

I’d book this tour if you want Húsavík’s best shot at whales in a compact, guided package—and you’re okay with the reality that Iceland weather can change the plan. The small group size, the mandatory warm overalls, and the guided scanning approach make it feel like your money goes toward improving your odds, not just paying for transportation.

I might skip it if you’re traveling with health constraints that the operator lists as disallowed, or if you need a totally low-motion experience. Also, if you’re traveling right after puffin season ends, you should treat Puffin Island as a bonus, not the main event.

If whales are your priority and you’re dressed for real North Atlantic conditions, this is a strong Húsavík choice.

FAQ

How long is the Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins speedboat tour?

It runs for about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start, and is it walkable?

The meeting point is Gentle Giants – Husavík Whale Watching at Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík. The departure is within walking distance from most accommodations in Húsavík.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What should I wear on the boat?

Bring warm and waterproof clothing. Warm safety overalls are provided and rain jackets are provided if needed.

When is Puffin Island usually visited?

Puffin season is approximately April 15 to August 15. Outside that window, the tour focuses more on whales.

What if sea conditions change during the trip?

The visit to Puffin Island may be skipped if weather or sea conditions change, even with short notice.

What happens if no whales or dolphins are sighted?

Passenger refunds are not permitted if no whales or dolphins are sighted. You may be offered a voucher to join a traditional whale watching tour free of charge, depending on availability.

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Who can and can’t join?

Minimum age is 8 years and minimum height is 130 cm, with children accompanied by an adult. It is not allowed for passengers with heart- or back problems or pregnant women.