Whale season in Iceland is already special, and this RIB tour adds speed.

From Húsavík, the Whale Capital, you head out on a modern RIB speedboat with a small group and live onboard talk, aiming for big whales and plenty of wildlife. It is also one of the most practical ways to cover Skjálfandi Bay efficiently when conditions are right.

Two things I really like are the focus on getting you into the right viewing areas fast, and the fact that you get warm safety overalls that make a cold day way more doable. The tour also feels like a real local operation, with guides and captains who know where the action tends to be, including names like Matteo, Serena, Rui, and captain Sarah showing up in past guest stories.

One drawback to consider: the ride can feel bumpy. On reviews, people prone to motion sickness are told to expect a more roller-coaster style experience, so it is not the best fit if you need very calm water.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Original RIB format in Húsavík for faster access to whale sightings
• Max 12 passengers for a more personal feel than bigger boats
• Puffin Island viewing during nesting season (April 15 to August 15, approx.)
• Skjálfandi Bay coverage that includes whales, dolphins, and marine life
• Warm overalls and life jackets made for Iceland weather
• Locally owned family company energy with expert live English commentary

Húsavík’s whale route, and why a RIB changes the odds

If you are going to chase whales in northern Iceland, you want three things: the right water, real spotting skills, and the ability to move quickly when animals surface. This tour is built around that logic. You cruise Skjálfandi Bay on a modern RIB, where you can cover more area than you would on slower boats and reach sightings faster.

That speed matters because whale watching is partly luck and partly timing. A whale can surface, breathe, and disappear in minutes. Past guest notes highlight how the captain works the area when whales appear, with the boat repositioning so people on different sides get a shot at the animal. In real terms, this means less staring at open water, more active searching with the goal of more sightings.

This is also one of the better formats for combining whales with puffins. You start with Puffin Island during the nesting period, then shift into broader wildlife spotting in Skjálfandi Bay.

Gentle Giants ticket center to life jacket time

The tour starts at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center in Húsavík. You meet your guide at the meeting point and look for the big blue flags, then you move into the pre-ride routine.

Before you head out, you get a safety briefing. Expect the guide to go over onboard rules and how to behave while the boat is moving and when spotting wildlife. Then comes the gear moment: you are equipped with a warm safety overall (this part is obligatory) and a life jacket. If rain is in the forecast, rain jackets may be provided.

This setup is not just “nice to have.” In Iceland, wind plus spray equals cold fast. The overalls are a major part of why this tour feels comfortable enough for a 2-hour outing, even when the air temperature is doing its best impression of winter.

Size also plays a role here. The boat carries up to 12 passengers, so you do not feel packed in. You also get more of the guide’s attention when they point things out during the ride.

Puffin Island during nesting season: what you actually see

Your first wildlife stop is Puffin Island in the nesting period, roughly April 15 to August 15. This is the time when you can often spot thousands of puffins gathered for nesting, with their bright beaks earning them nicknames like the clowns of the ocean.

On the water, you can expect guided viewing and sightseeing around the island. The key value here is timing: puffins are most visible during nesting season, and this is when your “guaranteed-ish” wildlife highlight usually comes first. Even when whales are less cooperative, puffin season gives you that early payoff.

Also note the tour changes emphasis by season. Outside the puffin window, you are still on a whale-focused mission, but the puffin component tends to matter less. So if you are visiting in, say, late winter or early spring, keep your mindset on whales first and puffins as a bonus if conditions line up.

Skjálfandi Bay: dolphins, big whales, and quick repositioning

After Puffin Island, the tour turns toward the wider Skjálfandi Bay area. This is where you can score dolphin sightings, marine life viewing, and of course whale watching. The itinerary specifically calls out whale watching and dolphin watching during this phase, plus scenic views while you cruise.

What to expect in practice: you are not just riding from one point to another. You are actively looking. With a RIB, your guide and captain can shift your position as soon as they spot movement, surfacing, or signs of feeding.

Past guest experiences mention multiple whale species, especially humpback whales, and also stories that include blue whales. Dolphins show up too, with some guests describing what they saw as super-pod level action. While you cannot control wildlife behavior, the route and the boat format aim to improve your odds.

Another detail I like is the onboard commentary. You get live guidance as the boat moves, so you are not just watching water. The guide explains behavior and what you are seeing, including how whales move and why certain areas can be productive.

Some guide names that come up in guest stories include Matteo, Serena, Rui, Alberto, and Zara. Even when the guide is different each trip, the common thread is clear: guests repeatedly point out that the guide does the explanation part well, not just the driving part.

RIB speedboat comfort: warm overalls, big motion, and photo-friendly turns

Let’s talk about the part that decides whether you enjoy the ride or spend it regretting your life choices: the motion.

This is a speedboat. Reviews mention smooth movement when conditions are good, but also warn that if the sea is rough, it can feel like a roller coaster. If you are someone who gets seasick easily, plan for it. One practical tip from reviews: people recommended taking sea sickness pills in advance. You should also wear plenty of warm layers under the overall, and many guests suggest bringing an extra warm hat and scarf even when you think you are dressed enough.

On the positive side, the boat design and size help. The itinerary notes that the RIB is more spacious than most in the area, and the limit of 12 passengers keeps it from turning into a tight squeeze. That makes a difference when you want to stand, point, and take photos without everyone bumping everyone else.

There is also a photo factor. Multiple guests mention that the captain tries to reposition the boat so different sides of the group have whale views. That means you are more likely to get usable pictures instead of seeing the action disappear behind a shoulder.

Who this tour fits best, and who should skip it

This is a thrilling tour, but it is not for every body.

The activity is not suitable for children under 8 years old, and it also lists a minimum height of 4 ft 3 in (130 cm). It is not recommended for pregnant women, and it is also flagged for people with back problems or heart problems. Wheelchair access is not supported, and luggage or large bags are not allowed.

Why the restrictions matter: a RIB ride involves motion and fast turning, plus you must wear an overall and life jacket. If you have balance issues, you may find it harder than you expect.

Who will likely love it:

• Adults and older kids who want speed, wildlife, and guided interpretation
• People comfortable with cold weather who do not mind wind and spray
• Travelers who want to maximize chances of whale sightings through quick repositioning

Who might choose a slower option instead:

• Anyone with significant medical limitations (heart or back issues are explicitly listed)
• Pregnant travelers
• People who get motion sickness unless they take precautions and know they can handle it

Price and value: is $159 worth it for 2 hours?

The price is listed as $159 per person for a 2-hour tour. Is that “worth it”? In this specific case, I think the value depends on your goal.

If your priority is seeing whales, the RIB approach is part of what you are paying for. The smaller group size, the more spacious boat, and the ability to move quickly all support your main objective: more time looking, less time stuck, and better odds of matching a whale sighting with a good viewing angle.

You also get real-time benefits that are included in the ticket:

• Round-trip RIB cruise
• A specialized guide with live onboard commentary
• Warm safety overalls (obligatory), plus rain jackets if needed

So you are not paying only for transportation. You are paying for guidance plus weather-proofing plus the operational style that tries to improve sighting outcomes.

On the downside, weather plays a role. If conditions are not favorable, the tour may be canceled, and you will get an option for another date or a full refund. And if no whales are seen, you are offered a voucher for a traditional whale watching tour on oak boats for free, with no refund for the original tour.

That last point is important for expectations. Wildlife is not a vending machine. The voucher helps, but it still means your first outing might feel like a workmanlike mission rather than a guaranteed giant encounter. Still, the puffin stop during nesting season often gives you a strong wildlife highlight even when whales are harder to find.

Should you book this Húsavík Big Whale Safari and Puffins trip?

I would book it if you want the best mix of speed, guided viewing, and serious wildlife focus in a short window. It is especially compelling during puffin nesting season when you can usually stack sightings by starting with Puffin Island, then moving into wider Skjálfandi Bay whale and dolphin searching.

Book with extra confidence if you:

• Want a small-group RIB experience (max 12)
• Are comfortable with cold weather and prepared to bundle up
• Prefer a fast, active boat format over slow drifting

Skip or rethink it if:

• You need a very calm ride (motion can be intense in rough conditions)
• You fall into the stated unsuitability categories, including heart or back problems, pregnancy, or wheelchair needs
• Your height or age is below the listed minimums

If you do book, show up ready for Iceland wind. Bring warm layers, wear comfortable shoes, and if you are prone to motion sickness, plan for that before you leave shore. When conditions cooperate, this is the kind of tour that can turn an already famous destination into a memory you keep talking about long after you’re back home.

FAQ

How long is the Húsavík Original Big Whale Safari and Puffins by speedboat?

It runs for about 2 hours. Starting times vary, so you should check availability for the schedule.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet your guide at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center in Húsavík. Look for the big blue flags. The tour returns to the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What is included in the tour price?

You get a round-trip RIB speedboat cruise, a specialized guide with live onboard commentary, and warm safety overalls. Rain jackets may be provided if needed.

Is there a puffin stop, and when?

Yes. The tour visits Puffin Island during the nesting season, approximately from April 15 to August 15. The focus is more on whales outside the puffin season.

What if we do not see whales?

If no whales are seen on the tour (dolphins included), you will be offered a voucher for a traditional whale watching tour on oak boats for free. No refund is given.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and warm outdoor clothing. Dress for being on the water in cold conditions.

Is it suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for children under 8 years, people under 4 ft 3 in (130 cm), pregnant women, people with back problems, people with heart problems, or wheelchair users. It also does not allow luggage or large bags.