Reykjavík
Akureyri Húsavík
TRULY
ORIGINAL AND EXPERIENCED FAMILY COMPANY
Dear Sir or Madam!
I want to greet you with a warm welcome to Húsavík, Iceland in the 2024 season. Our family run company, Gentle Giants Whale Watching, celebrates its 23rd year and proudly offers you our service and highly educated, experienced and fully qualified staff in our various tours and excursions.
The company is proud of its originality and background and is owned by people with vast experience in the field. I have personally over 50 years of experience in the bay and like to think of myself as continuing my family’s 160 year long tradition started by my great great grandfather who was a fisherman just like my great grandfather, grandfather and father would later be not to forget my GREAT grandmothers too. Put short: We were born by the bay of Skjálfandi and our ancestors too. Way back!
Gentle Giants’ goal is to make every guest a happy one. We are proud to be awarded by TripAdvisor for the 12th consecutive year: The Certificate of Excellence (2012-2019), Hall of Fame (2018-2019) and
Gentle Giants proudly supports Unicef Children
Travelers’ Choice Awards (2020-2023). Moreover, the GetYourGuide Awards in 2019, the first and only Icelandic company receiving the awards, as well as the motivational education awards in 2022 by The Confederation of Icelandic Enterprise (SA). The newest award as the Company of the Year in 2022 by Visit North Iceland, and a nomination for the safety awards by VÍS Insurance Company in 2023. This confirms and underlines that we are surely on the right track in outstanding service and delivering a great experience. Read more about our awards on page 16.
We can offer you:
Untamed and unpredictable nature
Bigger and smaller boats
More personal experience
Higher chances of finding whales
160 years of our family history in Skjálfandi Bay
Great respect to nature and minimum environmental impact
Good memories and natural happiness
Discounts for our customers by local companies in Húsavík
Please do not hesitate to contact us via e-mail info@gentlegiants.is, phone +354 464 1500 or check our website www.gentlegiants.is.
Welcome aboard!
Stefán Guðmundsson CEO – Marketing Manager – Captain
“The small speed boat is perfect because you can see on both sides and you are close enough to hear the whales move through the water. It was done respectful to the nature and the whales – I would love to do it again!”
The Boss
Húsavík
OUR GENTLE FAMILY TEAM
You can read more about our team individually on our website www.gentlegiants.is/about-us/our-crew
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
We want you to feel confident booking online with Gentle Giants and offer you this flexibility:
Free cancellation up until 24 hours before departure Choose to pay online or pay on arrival Change your booking at any time online Gift cards available
Serena Lagorio Guide
The Enthusiastic
Miroslav Cibul’a Guide
The Fly Fisher
Rui Duarte Head Guide
The Judoist
Jóhanna
Karl Óskar Geirsson Fleet Manager – Captain The Admiral María Torralba Escobedo Shift Manager
Ticket Sales
Spanish Pearl
Alberto Roldán Sastre Guide
The Divemaster
Matteo Barbarini Guide
The Adventurer Justine Bénévent Guide
The Outdoor Lover
Svavar Örn Svavarsson Maintenance The Handyman
Kinga Maria Kiszło Ticket Sales
The Crossfitter
Aleksandra Kołakowska Ticket Sales The Climber
Catarina Luís André Ticket Sales
The Economist
Laurelen Heuang-Praseuth Ticket Sales
The Linguist
Karen Linda Sigmarsdóttir Assistant
The Soccer Girl
Nikolina
Heba Soualem Guide The Smiley Girl
GG1 • WHALE WATCHING
“One of the best experiences of my life”
97–99% sightingsthe pastyearson average
Experience the traditional tour from Húsavík. Our birthplace is often considered as the Whale Watching Capital of Europe. Whale watching is a unique adventure at sea – watching the wonders of nature in the beautiful surroundings of Skjálfandi Bay,
sheltered by the stunning mountains of Vík. This is a place where our roots lie, where our ancestors used to live in peace and joy for centuries, living in total harmony with the unpredictable and untamed nature of the North Atlantic.
RATES: INCLUDED: SEASON:
Adults: ISK 11490
Children 7-15: ISK 5990
Children 0-6: FREE
Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
A specialized guide, warm safety overalls and raincoats if needed.
April 1st – November 30th Daily departures (see timetable).
Group discounts and tailor made tours available, as well as multitrip passes. Contact us for more information.
Húsavík
“great boat and crew, plenty of whales”
TIMETABLE
GG1 • WHALE WATCHING – TIMETABLE
Whale watching timetable 2024 For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change. 20% DISCOUNT to with every ticket
Specially made safety overalls to keep you warm and safe!
Húsavík
“Amazing experience! more than expected!”
GG2 • BIG WHALE SAFARI
With our speedboats we can offer our passengers more area to cover in search for the gentle giants. A RIB is faster than the wind and makes it therefore more likely for us to find the big whales. Normally we do not have to leave our bay to look for whales of any kind, but on this tour we focus on finding the bigger ones – further out. Nothing is guaranteed but on this
tour, your chances to encounter some of the world’s biggest animals ever, increase – BIG TIME!
On this tour we also include a visit to Puffin Island, where you can experience thousands of puffins, the “Clowns of the Ocean”, during the nesting period (April 15th – August 20th).
99% pastsightingsthe averageyearson
“First rate whale watching - take a rib boat!”
Big Whale Safari & Puffins timetable 2024 For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.
Specially made safety overalls to keep you warm and safe!
GG2 • BIG WHALE SAFARI & PUFFINS – TIMETABLE
TIMETABLE
* Puffin season is from April 15th – August 20th approximately. More focus on Big Whales. ** Midnight Exclusive.
RATES:
Adults: ISK 19990
Children 8-12: ISK 13990
Minimum age is 8 years and minimum height 130 cm.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours. Minimum number of six required for the standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.
INCLUDED: SEASON:
A specialized guide and warm safety overalls.
April 1st – October 31st
See our timetable for daily tours.
Other tours, excursions and schedules can be arranged upon request. Early booking is recommended.
Not allowed for people with heart- or back problems or pregnant women.
GG3 • WHALES & HORSES
THE WHALE AND THE ICELANDIC HORSE
Experience the combination of the traditional GG1 Whale Watching and the countryside riding tour. Enjoy the great view of Skjálfandi Bay on an Icelandic horse with experienced
RATES:
Adults: ISK 21590
Children 10-15: ISK 14590 Not recommended for children under 10 years.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours whale watching and 1 hour horse riding.
riders at your side. The horse riding is suitable for beginners as well as experienced riders and starts in Saltvík Farm, which is just four minutes by car from Húsavík harbour.
INCLUDED:
A specialized guide and warm overalls and raincoats if needed during the whale watching tour.
SEASON:
May 1st – October 31st Whale watching departure at 09:45 and horse riding at 14:00. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.
Húsavík Only 35min from Húsavík
GG4 • FLATEY ISLAND
UNIQUE EXPERIENCE IN SECLUDED NATURE
Kirkjubakkar Church Banks
Hnísuvík Porpoise Creek
Leynitjörn Secret Pond
Vaðsteinanes
Þórðarsteinshorn
Rindatjarnir
Small Ridge Ponds
Teistuberg
Baldurshagi
Experience the paradise of Skjálfandi Bay in all its glory with unique nature and rich birdlife. Gentle Giants offers all kinds of private tours from Húsavík to Flatey Island. Ideal for individuals and groups on all occasions, basic or luxury high-end. The company has strong roots to Flatey Island and offers a brand new and environmental
friendly building with a large dining hall as well as outdoor BBQ facilities on the island.
Flatey Island is a natural haven for birdlife with more than 30 different species of birds during the breeding season. The island is about 2,5 km long and 1,7 km wide. The name means “Flat Island”
RATES: INCLUDED: SEASON:
Contact us for price requests. Duration: Approximately 2-4 hours stop in Flatey Island depending on travel plans and dining options. Bookings in advance required.
Private boat transfer to Flatey Island, short whale watching if possible, guided walking tour on the island. Upon request: Two or three course meal, chef on spot and dining equipment. Other services available.
May 1st – September 30th Tours are made upon request. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.
Special arrangements are available upon request.
Grund
Miðgarðar
Sigtún
FLATEY ISLAND TAILOR MADE ADVENTURES
GUIDED TOURS • FINE DINING • BIRD WATCHING
Barnaskólinn
Útibær
Neðribær Uppibær
Garðshorn
Samkomuhús
Steinbryggjan
Neðribæjar-
Nýibær
and for a reason; its highest peak rises only about 22 m above sea level. In 1967 the last inhabitants left and it has not been permanently inhabited since but many people visit the island each summer. Most of the old homes are kept and maintained as summerhouses.
Gentle Giants cooperates with professional chefs who can serve delicious high-quality meals on all occasions.
Ingredients are locally produced. Other available services upon request include live music, bonfire, yoga instructor, qualified bird watching guide and wedding planning.
Inspired to visit Flatey Island on a private tour? Visit www.gentlegiants.is for more detailed information or contact us for price requests.
Íshús
GG5
100% CATCH GUARANTEE!
Experience the exciting feeling of catching your own meal on Skjálfandi Bay. The distance to the rich fishing grounds is very short.
At the end of the tour your captain can fillet the fish, most likely cod or haddock, and you can take it with you for your own cooking. Upon request and at a reasonable price it is also possible to either have your fish
RATES:
Private boat rental: ISK 299000 Max capacity: 12* pax.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
Bookings in advance required.
prepared in the nearby Naustið Seafood Restaurant or, if available, get it cooked in a local home in Húsavík.
Thanks to our experience as professional fishermen with historically strong roots around the bay, we provide you with a 100% CATCH GUARANTEE.
INCLUDED: SEASON:
An experienced captain, fishing equipment and rods, waterproof trousers, rubber boots and fleece jackets.
June 1st – September 30th Tours are made upon request. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.
Húsavík
GG6 • PUFFINS EXCLUSIVE
ONE HOUR EXPRESS TOUR
In this Puffins Exclusive express tour, we will take you to Puffin Island (Lundey) on a RIB boat to see one of the largest puffin colonies in Iceland. This island is only 4,5 nautical miles from Húsavík harbour and with our fast RIBs we will take you there in only a few minutes.
Puffin Island reaches 34 m above sea level and is about 200 m long and 100 m wide. During the breeding
RATES:
Private RIB boat rental:
ISK 199000
Max capacity: 12 pax.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
season thousands of puffins can be found there, close to the rich feeding grounds in the sea around. The island is privately owned by farmers nearby and we will take you there for a close look. On this tour you will get the possibility to encounter the “Clowns of the Ocean” close up.
INCLUDED: SEASON:
A specialized guide and warm safety overalls.
The tour on RIB speedboats is not allowed for passengers with heart- or back problems or pregnant women. Minimum age is 8 years and minimum height 130 cm.
April 15th – August 20th Tours are made upon request.
For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.
GG TAILOR MADE TOURS
CREATE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
THIS IS YOUR PERFECT OPPORTUNITY
As an authorized day tour provider, Gentle Giants has organized many tailor made excursions throughout the years. We would be happy to shape a unique adventure together with you, which will turn into lifetime memories for you to think back at in the future.
Welcome to give us an idea of your dream trip.
SCHOOL GROUPS WEDDING PLANNING
Bachelor and bachelorette tours
CORPORATE TOURS
STAFF TOURS
Hrísey Island tours
Diving tours
CAMERA & FILMING TOURS
AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST:
Grímsey Island Adventure
• Arctic Circle Crossing
Hiking the Mountains of Skjálfandi Bay • Beautiful Hiking Tour
Pro-Fishing • Hardcore
Fishing Experience
Sea Kayaking • Peaceful Adventure Into the Wild
BBQ tours
History and eDucational tours
Scientific & research tours
BIRTHDAY TOURS
Family reunion tours
And more…
Húsavík
GENTLE GIANTS’ PROUD
FLEET
YOU CAN RENT A BOAT FOR A PRIVATE TOUR
m/v
Sylvía
Built: 1976 in Akureyri • Tonnage: 30 • Length: 17,5 m •
Beam: 4,3 m • Capacity: 70 pax
ISK 599000 for 3 hours with captain and guide.
RIB Amma Jóhanna
Built: 2017 • Length: 12 m • Beam: 4 m
Engines: 2 x 400 hp • Max speed: 52 knots
Capacity: 12 pax
ISK 199000 pr. hour with captain and guide.
RIB Amma Sigga
Built: 2015 • Length: 12 m • Beam: 4 m
Engines: 2 x 400 hp • Max speed: 52 knots
Capacity: 12 pax
ISK 199000 pr. hour with captain and guide.
m/v
Athena
Built: 2000 in Hafnarfjörður • Tonnage: 8 • Length: 9,5 m • Beam: 3 m • Capacity: 24 pax
ISK 299000 for 3 hours with captain. Specialized for sea angling and smaller groups in various activity.
m/v
Faldur
Built: 1972 in Westman Islands • Tonnage: 26 •
Length: 14,5 m • Beam: 4 m • Capacity: 45 pax
ISK 499000 for 3 hours with captain and guide.
RIB VIP Amma Helga
Built: 2016 • Length: 13 m • Beam: 4 m
Engines: 2 x 420 hp • Max speed: 52 knots
Capacity: 12 pax
ISK 225000 pr. hour with captain and guide.
RIB Amma Kibba
Built: 2013 • Length: 12 m • Beam: 4 m
Engines: 2 x 400 hp • Max speed: 52 knots
Capacity: 12 pax
ISK 199000 pr. hour with captain and guide.
Boats with modern eco-friendly engines
Fully licenced by the Icelandic Transport Authority
Very high safety standards
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
SAFETY FIRST
GENTLE GIANTS ENSURES THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF ITS PASSENGERS
Gentle Giants has an active safety plan according to local rules and regulations for tourism businesses. It covers all aspects of emergency and standard operation procedures. The safety plan consists of four aspects: Risk assessment, rules on work procedures, contingency plan and incident report.
All our RIB speedboats are equipped with a very high standard of modern safety and emergency equipment. All passengers are dressed in warm floatation suits and life vests. Our oak boats and fibreglass boat are equipped with all the safety and
emergency equipment in accordance with the regulations by the Icelandic Transport Authority. Passengers are dressed in warm floatation suits. Life vests are available for all passengers and crew. The crew explains the safety on board in the beginning of all tours, including demonstrating the use of life vests.
The crew on board is there for your safety and operates according to our safety plan. All crew members are fully authorised by the Icelandic Transport Authority. The crew regularly participates in rescue drills on board our boats.
SINCE 1861
FIVE GENERATIONS OF PIONEERING IN THE BAY
Árni Tómasson, fisherman and farmer in Flatey Island Valley (great grandfather of Gentle Giants’ owner Stefán Guðmundsson), with his wife Jóhanna Jónsdóttir and 14 of their children.
Jón Ármann Árnason (great great grandfather of Gentle Giants’ owner) and his second wife Karen Halldórsdóttir with their five children, who were actually the children of his former wife Kristbjörg Sigurðardóttir who passed away young. All of them lived their lives by Skjálfandi Bay with their families. Until this day the ancestors still live in Húsavík making the roots stronger year by year. Jón Ármann was the head mason of the Húsavík Church and laid the foundation for it – built in 1907.
Húsavík
160 YEARS OF FAMILY HISTORY IN THE BAY
With time the boats became bigger, steadier and safer.
Today Gentle Giants is using oak boats similar to these for whale watching.
Not ideal for whale watching, but boats like these made it possible to catch the fish necessary to feed a big family of nine. Hólmgeir Árnason, grandfather of Gentle Giants’ owner, fishing close to his home in Flatey Island in Skjálfandi Bay.
Generation to generation, the knowledge about the bay is passed down. In the picture on the left is Héðinn Maríusson great grandfather of Stefán Guðmundsson, owner of Gentle Giants, on the right.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
Our environmental policy reflects Gentle Giants’ long-time experience and commitment to all aspects of conservation, protecting the environment and treating nature with respect. This policy is our answer to the increasing demand from our customers and global organizations for companies like Gentle Giants Whale Watching who support and contribute to the eco-system and sustainable tourism worldwide.
GG is willing to fulfil every customer’s needs, without threatening nature’s present and future possibilities.
GG operates traditional Icelandic fishing boats that have been renovated for their current purpose. We make a special effort to protect and maintain vessels with cultural and historical importance.
GG uses environmentally friendly products and eco-labels are preferably used for repair and maintenance of hulls and engines.
GG uses recyclable products. The use of single use products is avoided as much as possible.
GG puts great emphasis on delivering all hazardous and toxic waste such as oil, paint and used batteries to assigned official collecting sites.
GG immediately notifies the relevant authorities about any accidents that might cause environmental damage from our boats or from others.
GG staff is updated regularly about the environmental policy of the company to include all new aspects of protecting the environment.
GG puts effort in energy efficiency regarding the output and speed of our engines, in order to minimize pollution and disturbance in wildlife. Special precautions are taken near whales and breeding birds.
GG shows great caution when leaving and entering the harbour area.
GG believes that principles in sustainability refer to three major factors: the environmental factor, the economic factor and social cultural aspects of tourism development. A suitable balance must be established between these factors in order to reach a long-term optimal use of nature’s resources in the ecological process.
GG informs passengers on its vessels of the great importance of protecting the environment in the area, its outstanding marine wildlife, stunning scenery and the air that we breathe.
GG is a proud partner of The Wild North – a project with the aim of finding ways to contribute to the sustainable development of wildlife tourism such as whale watching.
Stefán Guðmundsson – CEO – Marketing Manager – Captain
On behalf of Gentle Giants Whale Watching
Húsavík
CODE OF CONDUCT
Code of Conduct for
We have to remember that these are wild animals and to enjoy them for the future we need to show them patience and respect. We will try to get you close but how close we get is always on the animal’s terms as we aim to minimise disturbance.
We have to remember that these are wild animals and to enjoy them for the future we need to show them patience and respect. We will try to get you close but how close we get is always on the animal’s terms as we aim to minimize disturbance.
This is a Code of Conduct we aim to abide by, however, there are many variables to consider when out at sea, such as the weather, number of whales, prey availability, if there are calves present, animal behaviour and so on and so forth.
Searching-Zone (3000 m >)
Keep a dedicated lookout and stay in radio contact with other vessels (approaching and departing).
Avoid making sudden or excessive noises and disturbance for the cetacean. Avoid sudden speed or course changes (approaching and departing).
Assess the cetacean behaviour and avoid repeated attempts to interact with animals that are showing signs of distress.
Approaching-Zone (300 m >)
Aim at maintaining a distance of 300 m at the beginning of the encounter and gradually get closer with time.
Stop the main propeller (max speed ~5-6 mph). If the cetacean is travelling fast you can speed up a little (up to ~8 mph) but not directly towards the animal.
This is a Code of Conduct we aim to abide by, however, variables to consider when out at sea, such as the weather, number prey availability, if there are calves present, animal behaviour and forth.
Searching-Zone (3000m >)
Keep
Avoid
distress.
Approaching-Zone (300m >)
Aim at maintaining a distance of 300 m at the beginning of the encounter closer with time.
Stop the main propeller (max speed 5-6 mph). If the cetacean is travelling up a little (up to 8 mph) but not directly towards the animal.
Avoid following behind cetacean and never deliberately approach directly movements should parallel them by approaching cautiously at an oblique
Don’t come closer if there is another boat in the approaching zone, unless the away or signals that it safe to approach.
Take turns if there are more boats in the area, preferably each boat shouldn’t than 20-30 minutes within the area at once.
Never (deliberately) sail through pods of concentrated cetacean.
Keep a steady speed if dolphins approach the vessel and start bow-riding let them pass.
Ekki skal gera tilraunir til að hvetja höfrunga til að synda í bógöldu skipsins.
Ensure that the vessel does not disturb nesting or resting birds.
Caution-Zone (50m >)
When possible, stop the propeller if cetacean approaches the vessel and propulsion until the cetacean is observed well clear of your vessel.
Do not touch, swim with or feed cetacean.
Avoid following behind cetacean and never deliberately approach directly in front. Vessel movements should parallel them by approaching cautiously at an oblique angle (from behind).
Do not come closer if there is another boat in the approaching zone, unless the other boat gives away or signals that it safe to approach.
Take turns if there are more boats in the area, preferably each boat should not spend more than 20-30 minutes within the area at once.
Never (deliberately) sail through pods of concentrated cetacean.
Keep a steady speed if dolphins approach the vessel and start bow-riding or slowly stop and let them pass.
Do not attempt to encourage dolphins to bow-ride. Ensure that the vessel does not disturb nesting or resting birds.
Caution-Zone (50 m >)
When possible, stop the propeller if cetacean approaches the vessel and do not re-engage propulsion until the cetacean is observed well clear of your vessel.
Do not touch, swim with or feed cetacean.
If you think that this Code of Conduct has not been fulfilled, please discuss it with the crew, send an e-mail to Gentle Giants (info@gentlegiants.is) and / or contact the IceWhale office (info@icewhale.is).
SUPPORTING ACADEMIC RESEARCH
Gentle Giants has good cooperation with the University of Iceland’s Research Centre in Húsavík, offering our boats as a platform for marine biology research. Feel free to ask about their research if you see them on board.
Húsavík
Húsavík means “The House Bay” and is a town in northern Iceland, located on the eastern shore of Skjálfandi Bay. It was first settled in 870 AD by a Swedish Viking, Garðar Svavarsson. According to the Book of Settlement, he circumnavigated Iceland and was the first one to discover it is an island. Garðar spent one winter in Húsavík before returning to Sweden, leaving one of his men, Náttfari, behind. He stayed in Iceland until he died and is therefore considered to be the very first Nordic settler. Húsavík is one of Iceland’s oldest local names.
Like many other towns on the coast, the fishing industry has played a vital part for Húsavík’s local development. Agriculture and farming have also been important for the inhabitants. Moreover, Iceland’s first co-op was founded in Húsavík in 1882. In recent years, yet another trade has
grown in Húsavík – the tourism industry. The biggest visitor attraction is whale watching and our hometown has in fact become known as the Whale Watching Capital of Europe. Thousands of tourists visit Húsavík annually in hope of seeing the gentle giants of the ocean.
Despite a total population of only 2,449 (2024), Húsavík is rich with culture and activities. Our top museums are the Húsavík Whale Museum and the Culture House. Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths offers a unique bathing experience overlooking Skjálfandi Bay. Our church, built in 1907, is one of the main symbols of Húsavík, located in the heart of the town. A local and colourful festival called Mærudagar (Candy Days) is held in Húsavík in the end of July every year. For more information about Húsavík, please visit www.visithusavik.com.
DISCOUNTS IN HÚSAVÍK
Show your Gentle Giants boarding pass and get the following discounts by local companies in Húsavík.
Húsavík Whale Museum Hafnarstétt 1 www.whalemuseum.is
Naustið Seafood Restaurant Ásgarðsvegi 1 Facebook: Naustið
Lókal Café & Bistro Garðarsbraut 7 Facebook: Lókal/Bistró
JaJa
Dingdong
Jaja Ding Dong Höfði 24 jajahusavik.com
Húsavík Öl Héðinsbraut 4 Facebook: Húsavík Öl
Also bookable online with promo code GG2024
Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths Vitaslóð 1 www.geosea.is
Fosshótel Húsavík Ketilsbraut 22 www.islandshotel.is
Salka Restaurant Garðarsbraut 6 Facebook: Salka Restaurant
Fish & Chips Hafnarstétt 21 Facebook: Fish&Chips
Grill 66 Húsavík Garðarsbraut 64 www.grill66.is
Hlöðufell Restaurant & Bar Héðinsbraut 3 Facebook: Hlöðufell Restaurant
66°N Clothing Store
Suðurgarði 2 Facebook: Ísfell verslun
Garðarshólmi Garðarsbraut 18 www.gardarsholmi.is
Lemon Mini Sandwich & Juice Bar Garðarsbraut 64 www.lemon.is
Heimabakarí Bakery & Café Garðarsbraut 15 Facebook: Heimabakarí
Skóbúð Húsavíkur Garðarsbraut 13 Facebook: Skóbúð Húsavíkur
Please show your Gentle Giants boarding pass before payment. The discounts cannot be combined with other discounts or offers. Valid for the 2024 season.
GIANTS
DIAMONDS AROUND THE CORNER
Flatey Island (35 minutes)
Flatey Island is situated in Skjálfandi Bay, only 14,7 nautical miles from Húsavík. The island is about 2,5 km long and 1,7 km wide and is low-lying. The highest peak rises only about 22 m above sea level, which has given its name “Flat Island”. This secluded and peaceful paradise is home to more than 30 different species of birds during the breeding season.
Ásbyrgi Canyon (40 minutes)
A natural marvel, Ásbyrgi is surrounded by 90 to 100 m cliffs. According to legend, Ásbyrgi is a hoof print made by Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse of the greatest of all the Norse gods, Óðinn. Ásbyrgi is a part of the Vatnajökull National Park and makes an ideal territory for walking and hiking. In fact it cannot be explored to its full extent except by foot.
Dettifoss Waterfall (65 minutes)
Dettifoss is considered to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. It is 45 m high and 100 m wide. Below it in the Jökulsá river is Hafragilsfoss (27 m) and above it is Selfoss (10 m). These waterfalls together form a unity unparalleled in the world. There is a marked walking path from Dettifoss to Hafragilsfoss.
Gentle Giants and Húsavík are part of the new Arctic Coast Way touring route
Lake Mývatn (40 minutes)
Lake Mývatn is a unique source of endless discoveries and no visitor to Iceland should leave without exploring the area. It is the fourth largest lake in Iceland, measuring 37,3 km2, with an exceptionally rich fauna of waterbirds in the summer. Frequent lava flows have left the lake irregular in shape and dotted with stunning islets and rock formations.
Goðafoss Waterfall (30 minutes)
The name literally means Waterfall of the Gods and is a part of the glacier river Skjálfandafljót, located right by route 1. This magnificent waterfall is 12 m high, 30 m wide and can be viewed both from the east and west side all year around.
“This was one of the highlights of our entire trip around the country. Our guide was a marine biologist, so we learned a lot while we were speeding along getting great shots of the whales. Highly recommend it”
BEST fish&chips EVERRRR !!!!
I have tried many fish&chips places in Reykjavík and abroad but this one in Mývatn, omg, I need to buy another portion straight away or even just move to Mývatn because this was mouthwatering, deliciously good.
So delicious after nature bath
This place is so cute, convenient (right next to grocery and gas) and perfect teaser for right after a day of driving, hiking, bathing, exploring in Iceland. Food was delicious and portions can be tailored to whatever you desire.
WILDLIFE IN SKJÁLFANDI BAY
OUR WHALES
Blue whale • Steypireyður • Balaenoptera musculus • Blauwal • Rorqual bleu
Max: 33 m & 190 t
Fin
Minke whale • Hrefna • Balaenoptera acutorstrata • Zwergwal • Petit rorqual
Max: 11 m & 10 t
Harbour porpoise • Hnísa • Phocoena phocoena • Schweinswal • Marsouin commun
Max: 2 m & 70 kg
Humpback whale • Hnúfubakur • Megaptera novaeangeliae • Buckelwal • Baleine à bosse
Max: 17 m & 40 t
White-beaked dolphin • Hnýðingur • Lagenorhynchus albirostris • Weißschnauzendelfin • Dauphin à bec blanc
Max: 3 m & 350 kg
COMMON WHALE SURFACE BEHAVIOURS
OUR PUFFINS
Atlantic puffin • Lundi • Fratercula arctica • Papageientaucher • Macareux
Max: 30 cm & 500 gr
Photos/illustrations in this brochure by: ©Jón Baldur Hlíðberg, ©Koen Hoekemeijer, ©Jóhann Óli Hilmarsson, ©Stefán Guðmundsson, ©Alexia Askelöf, ©Daniel Annisius, ©Sarah Arndt, ©OZZO Photography, ©Anton Í. Óskarsson, ©Charla Basran, ©Daniel González, ©Clément Brun, @Rui Duarte, ©Friðþjófur Helgason, ©Natàlia Amigó Chaparro, ©Jesse Flores, ©Halli Egils, ©Saltvík, ©Húsavík Whale Museum
Dorsal
Flukes
•
•
Orca / Killer whale • Háhyrningur • Orcinus orca • Schwertwal • Orque
Max: 9 m & 9 t
Sperm whale • Búrhvalur • Physeter macrocephalus • Pottwal • Cachalot
Max: 18 m & 50 t
Sei whale • Sandreyður • Balaenoptera borealis • Seiwal • Rorqual de Rudolphi
Max: 20 m & 30 t
Northern bottlenose whale • Andarnefja • Hyperoodon ampullatus • Nördlicher Entenwal • Hyperoodon boréal
Max: 9 m & 8 t
Pilot whale • Grindhvalur • Globicephala melas • Grindwal • Globicéphale noir
Max: 8 m & 5 t
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the best time to see whales?
There is no time of the day when we are more likely to encounter whales. Nature is unpredictable and no two tours are the same – every trip is a new adventure.
Are whales seen on all tours?
Our whale watching tours take place in wild nature, which is very unpredictable. The chances of seeing whales are very high, but sightings cannot be guaranteed. If no whales (dolphins included) are seen on the tour, passengers are welcome to join a GG1 Whale Watching tour free of charge, depending on availability. Passengers can get a voucher for a free GG1 Whale Watching tour that is valid for the passengers of the original booking. The voucher is valid on tours where availability and bookings in
advance cannot be made. The voucher is valid unlimited. We do not refund tickets if no whales (dolphins included) are seen on the tour.
Do I need to book in advance?
It is always a good idea to book the tours well in advance so that you have a secure place on the departure you want, especially during high season June-August.
How do I book a tour?
The easiest way to book a tour is on our website, www.gentlegiants.is, where you can choose if you want to pay online or pay on arrival. It is also possible to send an e-mail to info@gentlegiants.is or call +354 464 1500. Visit our Ticket Center in Húsavík – look for the big blue flags. 27
Fin whale
Langreyður
Balaenoptera physalus • Finnwal • Rorqual commun
Max: 25 m & 80 t
GG1 • Whale Watching
GG2 • Big Whale Safari & Puffins
GG3 • Whales & Horses
GG4 • Flatey Island
GG5 • Sea Angling
GG6 • Puffins Exclusive GG1 • WHALE WATCHING – TIMETABLE
