GENTLE GIANTS
•
HÚSAVÍK
WHALE
WATCHING THIS IS IT • WELCOME
S ALLS INA IGIN RIG OR TTH EO HE HHHHH ES SALU AL MAN
20
Akureyri
150 YEARS OF FAMILY HISTORY IN THE BAY
Húsavík
Reykjavík
Booking: www.gentlegiants.is • info@gentlegiants.is • Tel. + 354 464 1500 Húsavík
MEMBER OF ICEWHALE – THE ICELANDIC WHALE WATCHING ASSOCIATION
Húsavík
THE TRULY ORIGINAL AND EXPERIENCED FAMILY COMPANY Dear Sir or Madam!
I want to greet you with a warm welcome to Húsavík, Iceland in the 2020 season. Our family run company, Gentle Giants Whale Watching, celebrates its nineteenth year and proudly offers you our service and highly educated, experienced and fully qualified staff in our various tours and excursions.
the eighth consecutive year: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 as well as the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame recognition for the past two years. It confirms and underlines that we are surely on the right track in outstanding service and delivering a great experience.
We promise you: Less crowded boats More personal experience Higher chances of finding whales 150 years of our family history in Skjálfandi Bay The company is proud of its o riginality and Great respect to nature and minimum background and is owned by p eople with environmental impact vast experience in the field. I have p ersonally Good memories and natural happiness over 50 years of experience in the bay and like to think of myself as continuing my We hereby introduce to you our c ompany family’s 150 year long t radition started by and our new seasonal sales manual. More my great great g randfather who was a information about our company and fisherman just like my great grandfather, services is to be found on our w ebsite grandfather and father would later be… www.gentlegiants.is or by sending us a not to forget my GREAT grandmothers message directly, info@gentlegiants.is or too. Put short: We were born by the bay of by calling us at: +354 464 1500. Skjálfandi and our ancestors too. Way back! Gentle Giants’ goal is to make every guest a happy one. We are proud to receive the Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor for
Please do not hesitate to contact us – and check out our new discounts for our customers on page 23.
Welcome aboard!
Gentle Giants proudly supports Unicef Children
Stefán Guðmundsson CEO – Marketing Manager – Captain
Did you have a nice trip? Share your experience @gentlegiantswhalewatching #gentlegiantswhalewatching
2
If you did not, please let us know so that we can improve.
WE PROUDLY PRESENT OUR EXPERIENCED TEAM LET US GUIDE YOU AND TAKE CARE OF YOU
Húsavík
The Boss Stefán Guðmundsson
CEO – Marketing Manager – Captain
Miss Canada Charla Basran
Ticket Sales – Guide – Researcher
The Soccer Girl Krista Eik Harðardóttir Ticket Sales
The Recorder Nacho Oria Guide
The Journalist Mark Badalan Guide
y The Tough Gu Ingimar Eydal Óskarsson Captain
an The Country M Guðni Sigþórsson Captain
Mrs. Boss Jóhanna Sigríður Svavarsdóttir Employee Manager – Captain
The Traveller Veronica Manzano Ticket Sales
The Princess Katrín Svava Ingólfsdóttir Ticket Sales
The Observer Katrina Davies Guide
The Boyfriend Jack Cowley Guide
The Gentleman Hallgrímur Guðmundsson Captain
The Voyager Vilhjálmur Þór Ólafsson Captain
The King Daniel Annisius Assistant Manager – Sales
The Mechanic Ásdís Hulda Guðmundsdóttir Ticket Sales
The Skipper Natàlia Amigó Chaparro Head Guide
The Islander Ingibjörg Ósk Ingvarsdóttir
Guide – Ticket Sales
The Footballer Kaelon Fox Assistant
The Farmer Bjarni Eyjólfsson Captain
The Champ Hilmar Guðmundsson
arl The Spanish Pe María Torralba Escobedo
Field Manager – Ticket Sales
The Actress Karen Erludóttir Ticket Sales
The Fly Fisher Miroslav Cibul’a Guide
The Pro Golfer Hafþór Hermannsson Guide
The Mustang
The Admiral Karl Óskar Geirsson
Fleet Manager – Captain
Steve Seguna Ticket Sales
The Organizer Clément Brun Guide
The Endeavour Freyja Pétursson Guide
The Original Hermann Daðason
tan The Cosmopoli
s The Adventurou
Sarah Arndt
Daniel González
Captain – Guide – Ticket Sales
The Heavy Metalist
Kolbeinn Karlsson Maintenance
Designer
Mr. Happy
Sverrir Yngvi Karlsson
Head Captain RIB Speedboats
The Dart Player Hallgrímur Egilsson
Head Captain Oak Boats
Captain – Guide
The Dane Hanna Björk Klitgaard Ticket Sales
The Climber Theresia Ramm Guide
tic The Enthusias Serena Lagorio Guide
The Navigator Aðalsteinn Steinþórsson Captain
The Goal Maker Olgeir Sigurðsson Captain
The Motorbiker Jose Antonio Maintenance
Captain
You can read more about our team individually on our website www.gentlegiants.is/about-us/our-crew
3
GG1 • WHALE WATCHING Húsavík
“Thanks for the pleasure of being your passenger!”
9% the 97h–t9 ings s sig t year pas
Experience the traditional tour from Húsavík. Our birthplace is often considered as the Whale W atching Capital of Europe. Whale watching is a unique adventure at sea – w atching the wonders of nature in the b eautiful surroundings of S kjálfandi Bay, s heltered
RATES: Adults: ISK 10490 Children 7-15: ISK 4400 Children 0-6: FREE Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
4
by the s tunning m ountains 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 u ntamed n ature of the North Atlantic.
INCLUDED: A specialized guide, light refreshments (hot c hocolate and an Icelandic traditional t wisted donut, kleina), warm overalls and raincoats if needed.
SEASON: March 1st – November 30th. Daily departures (see timetable). Group discounts and tailor made tours available, as well as multi-trip passes. Contact us for more information.
EXPERIENCE THE MAMMALS OF THE OCEAN Húsavík
“great boat and crew, plenty of whales”
GG1watching · WHALE WATCHING - TIMETABLE Whale timetable 2020. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.
2017
Warm overalls available FREE every day!
TIMETABLE GG1 • WHALE WATCHING – TIMETABLE MARCH 1 -15 st
th
16 -31 th
st
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
1 -30
1 -31
1 -30
1 -31
st
th
st
st
st
th
st
st
AUGUST 1 -20 st
th
SEPTEMBER
21 -31 st
st
1 -20 st
th
21 -30 st
th
OCT.
NOV.
1 -31
1st-30th
st
st
08:45 08:45 08:45 08:45 08:45 08:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 10:45 12:00 12:00 12:00 12:00 12:00 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 15:15 15:15 15:15 16:45 16:45 16:45 16:45 16:45 16:45 16:45 20:00 20:00 20:00
20% DISCOUNT to
with every ticket
Blue whale skeleton exhibition ©The Whale Museum
www.whalemuseum.is
5
GG2 BIG WHALE SAFARI Húsavík
“Amazing experience! more than expected!”
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 b igger o nes – f urther out. Nothing is g uaranteed but on this tour,
6
your chances to e ncounter some of the world’s biggest a nimals ever, increase – BIG TIME! On this tour we also include a visit to Puffin Island, where you can experience thousands of p uffins, the “Clowns of the Ocean”, during the nesting period (April 15th – August 20th).
FOR MORE EXCITEMENT Húsavík
99,9%
sightin gs past ye the ars
“First rate whale watching take a rib boat!”
Big Whale Safari & Puffins timetable 2020. 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 APRIL 1 -15 st
th
MAY
16 -30 th
th
1 -31 st
st
JUNE 1 -15 st
th
JULY
16 -30 th
th
1 -31 st
st
AUGUST 1 -20 st
th
SEPTEMBER
21 -31 st
st
1 -20 st
th
21 -30 st
th
OCTOBER 1 -15th 16th-31st st
08:30 08:30 08:30 09:30* 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 10:00 10:00 10:00 10:00* 10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30* 10:30* 10:30* 10:30* 11:00 11:00 11:00 11:00 11:00* 11:00* 12:30* 12:30 12:30 12:30 12:30 12:30 12:30 12:30* 12:30* 12:30* 12:30* 13:00 13:00 13:00* 13:30 13:30 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00* 14:00* 15:30 15:30 15:30 15:30 15:30 15:30 15:30* 15:30* 15:30* 17:00 17:00 17:00* 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00* 21:30** 21:30**
RATES: Adults: ISK 18990 Children 7-12: ISK 12900 Not recommended for children under 7 years or < 140 cm in height. Duration: Approximately 2,5 hours. Minimum number of six r equired for the standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.
INCLUDED: A specialized guide, warm safety overalls and a little surprise from a local winemaker.
* Puffin season is from April 15th – August 20th. More focus on Big Whales. ** Midnight Exclusive.
SEASON: April 1st – October 31st. Daily departures (see timetable). Other tours, excursions and schedules can be arranged upon request. Early booking is recommended.
Not allowed for people with heart- or back problems or p regnant women.
7
GG2 DAY TOUR FROM REYKJAVÍK BIG WHALE SAFARI & PUFFINS
Húsavík
N
Húsavík
Akureyri
Reykjavík
Höfn ORIGINAL BIG WHALE SAFARI & PUFFINS DAY TOUR FROM REYKJAVÍK WITH EAGLE AIR
Only
in 50frm om
The day tour is booked through Eagle Air.
vík
Reykja
Eagle Air flies on selected days to and from Reykjavík and Húsavík. More information about schedule and bookings on www.eagleair.is.
Do you have little time in Iceland but dream of the chance to encounter big whales from on board a RIB in the north? Then this is the tour for you!
During the nesting period (April 15th – August 20th) we will also pass Lundey (Puffin Island) which is one of the largest puffin colonies in Iceland.
This day package takes you by flight from R eykjavík to Húsavík. You arrive to our fishing village which is sometimes called “The Whale Watching C apital of Europe”. After having lunch at a restaurant of your choice, you will board a RIB. As this boat is faster than the wind, we are more likely to find the big whales.
During your stay in Húsavík you get the chance to visit the Húsavík Whale M useum. This gives an extra dimension to your experience at sea. In the afternoon you return by flight to Reykjavík, full of m emories to think back at when your holiday is over.
RATES: Adults: EUR 650 Children 7-11: EUR 325 The boat tour is not recommended for children under 7 years or < 140 cm in height. Duration: Approximately 10 hours.
8
INCLUDED: Return flights from Reykjavík domestic airport to Húsavík with Eagle Air. All transportation on site including an English-speaking driver / guide. GG2 Big Whale Safari & Puffins with Gentle G iants (duration approximately 2,5 hours). Admission to the Húsavík Whale Museum. Not included: Food during the day.
SEASON: April 1st – October 31st. Other tours, excursions and schedules can be arranged upon request. Contact us for more information. Early booking is recommended. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change. The day tour is booked through Eagle Air.
Not allowed for people with heart- or back problems or pregnant women.
GG3 • SEA ANGLING CATCH YOUR OWN MEAL
Húsavík
10CA0TC% H
NTEE!
GUARA
Experience the exciting feeling of catching your own meal on Skjálfandi Bay. The distance to the rich fishing grounds is very short. On board you will be offered a sashimi taste from the catch – as fresh as it gets. 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 RATES: Adults: ISK 16990 Children 7-12: ISK 7990 Children 0-6: FREE Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours. Due to different variable current and wind conditions in the bay, we may limit the number of fishing rods being used at the same time. Therefore passengers can be asked to share rods and switch places on board.
reasonable price it is also p ossible to either have your fish 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 For information and bookings GUARANTEE. www.gentlegiants.is
INCLUDED: An experienced captain, fishing equipment and rods, waterproof trousers, rubber boots, fleece jackets, light refreshments (hot chocolate and a traditional Icelandic twisted donut, kleina) and a sashimi taste from the catch.
Daily departures 16:00
SEASON:
BOOK NOW!
June 1st – September 30th. Daily departures at 16:00. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change s chedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change. Minimum number of four required in a standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.
9
GG4 FLATEY ISLAND PUFFINS BIRD WATCHING WHALES
Húsavík
Only
in 35frm om ík
Húsav
For more info about our s pecial bird watching packages: · Visit www.wildlifeiceland.is · E-mail wildlife@wildlifeiceland.is · Call +354 464 3504
On our way to Flatey Island, experience the beautiful surroundings of Skjálfandi Bay on board our RIB speedboats. Flatey Island is a natural h aven for birdlife and is e xtremely rich and diverse. It therefore a ttracts many people each year. The island offers more than 30 d ifferent species of birds during the breeding season. Flatey is about 2,5 km long and 1,7 km wide. The name means “Flat Island” and for a reason; its highest peak rises only about 22 m above sea level. In 1967 the last inhabitants left. It has not been permanently inhabited since RATES: Adults: ISK 29900 Children 7-12: ISK 13900 Not recommended for children under 7 years or < 140 cm in height. Duration: Approximately 4-5 hours. Minimum number of two required in a standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.
10
but many people visit the island each summer. Most of the old homes are kept and maintained as summerhouses. We offer guided excursions through F latey’s beautiful n ature. The island is home to the arctic tern and puffins, which you may watch up close. This is a unique opportunity to commune with nature. From Flatey we head back to Húsavík and sail by the awesome mountains of Vík. If Mother Nature is feeling generous, we may even be able to do some whale w atching on our way back.
INCLUDED: A specialized guide, warm safety overalls, and a little surprise from a local winemaker.
Saturdays 17:00
SEASON: May 10th – August 10th. Saturdays at 17:00. 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.
Not allowed for people with heart- or back problems or pregnant women.
GG5 YOGA RETREAT FLATEY ISLAND MINDFUL DAY IN SECLUDED NATURE
Húsavík
NEW 2020
Practise yoga in Icelandic wilderness in 66°09’ just below the Arctic Circle, enjoy healthy food and meditate on a remote island during this restorative retreat. We leave at 08:00 from Húsavík aboard a RIB speedboat and go whale w atching on the way to Flatey Island. Upon arrival participate in the first outdoor yoga flow, led by an experienced yoga teacher, where we connect to n ature and our inner peace. A delicious, vegetarian lunch is served, followed by a guided tour among the island’s stunning scenery, its exciting history and colonies of nesting birds. This easy walk ends with Chai tea and another outdoor teacher-led yoga class or guided meditation.
Allow yourself a mindful and restorative break in the island’s wilderness before heading back For information and bookings to Húsavík around 17:00. www.gentlegiants.is BOOK NOW!
RATES: ISK 22900 Minimum number of six required in a standard tour, maximum twelve. Bookings in advance required. Duration: Approximately 10 hours.
DEPARTURES 2020: From Húsavík June 20th – 08:00 (summer solstice) August 15th – 08:00
INCLUDED: Return RIB boat transfer and safety equipment, yoga flow classes and guided meditation led by an experienced yoga teacher, guided walking tour, vegetarian lunch and Chai tea.
Not allowed for people with heart- or back problems or pregnant women.
NOTE: Suitable for yogis of all levels. Expect any kind of Icelandic weather as this tour is mainly outdoors and be well prepared with comfortable and warm clothing. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.
11
GG6 SEA KAYAKING Húsavík
CERTIFIED BY
Visit www.gentlegiants.is for more detailed info about our kayak tours
Paddle along the breathtaking coast of Skjálfandi Bay in a sit-on-top sea kayak and be one with Icelandic wilderness. For the ultimate combination of adventure and peace, experience the stunning nature while stroking yourself along our bay’s coastline. Hear nothing but the dripping of water from your paddle, the sound of sea birds and possibly even a whale blow.
12
TOUR B Drift on the glacial river Skjálfanda fljót and continue paddling into the spectacular view of Skjálfandi Bay. • Duration: Approx. 4-5 hours • Departure: Fridays at 09:00 & 20:00 • Note: Return car transfer Húsavík to Skjálfandafljót included
TOUR A
TOUR C
Explore the unspoiled nature along the coast where the majestic mountains of Kinn meet the sea.
Paddle up-close around Puffin Island, one of Iceland’s biggest puffin colonies.
• Duration: Approx. 5-6 hours • Departure: Saturdays at 09:00 & 20:00 • Note: Return boat transfer Húsavík to mountains of Kinn included
• Duration: Approx. 2-3 hours • Departure: Thursdays at 09:00 & 20:00 • Note: Return car transfer Húsavík to shore departure point included
PEACEFUL ADVENTURE INTO THE WILD Húsavík
Tour C
NEW 2020
Tour A
Tour B
For information and bookings
www.gentlegiants.is
BOOK NOW!
RATES: Tour A: ISK 24900 Tour B: ISK 19900 Tour C: ISK 14900 Not recommended for children under 16 years. Minimum number of four required in a standard tour, maximum eight.
INCLUDED: Sea kayaks and all related equipment, two certified kayak guides, all transfers by boat or car from Húsavík when needed. Suitable for kayakers of all levels. Tailor made tours can be made upon request.
SEASON: June 1st – August 20th. Meeting point 1 hour prior to departure. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change. In case of bad weather or rough sea conditions, we can offer an option of kayaking in a nearby lake.
13
GG7 PUFFINS EXCLUSIVE Húsavík
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 c olonies 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 season RATES: Adults: ISK 8990 Children 7-12: 4990 Not recommended for children under 7 years or < 140 cm in height. Duration: Approximately 1 hour. Minimum number of five required in a standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.
14
thousands of puffins can be found there, close to the rich feeding grounds in the sea around. The island is p rivately 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: A specialized guide, warm safety overalls, and a little surprise from a local winemaker.
SEASON: 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.
Not allowed for people with heart- or back problems or pregnant women.
GG8 WHALES & HORSES THE WHALE AND THE ICELANDIC HORSE
Húsavík
For information and bookings
www.gentlegiants.is
BOOK NOW!
Experience the c ombination of traditional whale watching (GG1) and the Icelandic horse. Explore the countryside close to Húsavík on an Icelandic horse with e xperienced riders RATES: Adults: ISK 19900 Children 10-15: ISK 9900 Not recommended for children under 10 years. Duration: Approximately 3 hours whale watching and 2 hours horse riding.
at your side. The riding trip begins in Saltvík, which is just four minutes by car from Húsavík h arbour, and can be taken either before or after your whale watching tour.
INCLUDED: A specialized guide, light refreshments (hot chocolate and an Icelandic traditional twisted donut, kleina) and warm overalls and raincoats if needed during the whale watching tour.
SEASON: April 1st – October 31st. See our GG1 timetable on page 5 for daily tours. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.
15
GG TAILOR MADE TOURS CREATE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE Húsavík
THIS IS YOUR PERFECT OPPORTUNITY
AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST:
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.
Grímsey Island Adventure • Arctic Circle Crossing
Welcome to give us an idea of your dream trip.
Pro-Fishing • Hardcore Fishing Experience
SCHOOL GROUPS
BBQ tours
WEDDING PLANNING Bachelor and bachelorette tours
History and eDucational tours
CORPORATE TOURS STAFF TOURS
Hrísey Island tours Diving tours
16
Hiking the Mountains of Skjálfandi Bay • Beautiful Two Day Tour
CAMERA & FILMING TOURS
Scientific & research tours BIRTHDAY TOURS
Family reunion tours And more…
GENTLE GIANTS’ PROUD FLEET
YOU CAN RENT A BOAT FOR A PRIVATE TOUR
m/v Sylvía
m/v Faldur
RIB Amma Jóhanna
RIB VIP Amma Helga
RIB Amma Sigga
RIB Amma Kibba
RIB Amma Sigga II
m/v Athena
Built: 1976 in Akureyri • Tonnage: 30 • Length: 17,5 m • Beam: 4,3 m • Capacity: 70 pax ISK 485000 for 3 hours with captain and guide.
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.
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.
Built: 2011 • Length: 11,5 m • Beam: 3 m Engines: 2 x 300 hp • Max speed: 52 knots Capacity: 12 pax ISK 199000 pr. hour with captain and guide.
Húsavík
Built: 1972 in Westman Islands • Tonnage: 26 • Length: 14,5 m • Beam: 4 m • Capacity: 45 pax ISK 385000 for 3 hours with captain and guide.
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.
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.
Built: 2000 in Hafnarfjörður • Tonnage: 8 • Length: 9,5 m • Beam: 3 m • Capacity: 24 pax ISK 187000 for 3 hours with captain. Specialized for sea angling and smaller groups in various activity.
Zodiac Axel Built: 2007 Length: 4,5 m • Beam: 2 m Capacity: 8 pax ISK 42000 pr. hour with captain. Only used together with other boats – ideal for coastal transport and beaches.
17
SINCE 1861 Húsavík
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.
18
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.
MORE THAN 150 YEARS OF FAMILY HISTORY IN THE BAY
150 YEARS OF FAMILY HISTORY IN THE BAY
ANNO 1861 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.
With time the boats became bigger, steadier and safer. Today Gentle Giants is using oak boats similar to these for whale watching.
Generation to generation, the knowledge about the bay is passed down. In the p icture on the left is Héðinn M aríusson great grandfather of Stefán Guðmundsson, owner of Gentle Giants, on the right.
19
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY Húsavík
SUPPORT TO NATURE
Our environmental policy reflects Gentle Giants’ long-time experience and commitment to all aspects of c onservation, protecting the environment and treating nature with respect. This policy is our answer to the increasing demand from our customers and global o rganizations 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 p resent 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 m aintenance 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 p recautions 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 f actor, the e conomic 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.
simply natural On behalf of Gentle Giants Whale Watching Stefán Guðmundsson – CEO – Marketing Manager – Captain
20
Code of Conduct for responsible whale watching CODE OF CONDUCT We have to remember that these are wild animals and to enjoy them for the
future we need to show them patience and WATCHING respect. We will try to get you close FOR RESPONSIBLE WHALE but how close we get is always on the animal’s terms as we aim to minimise disturbance.
This is a Code of Conduct we aim to abide by, however, t variables to consider when out at sea, such as the weather, nu prey availability, if there are calves present, animal behaviour a forth.
Húsavík
Searching-Zone (3000m >)
Keep a dedicated lookout and stay in radio contact with other vessels 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 wi showing signs of distress.
No Head-On Approach Zone 300 m >
50 m >
Ca
u tio n-Z o n
ope
e
e ll e r s t o p p
d
du
es
App
c
pe
ed
Red uce sp
to
~ 5-6
ro a c hi n g-Z o n e
m p h , li
m it n u m
ve b er of
mi
n
Pr Re
Aim at maintaining a distance of 300 m at the beginning of the encounte 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 direc movements should parallel them by approaching cautiously at an oblique Don’t come closer if there is another boat in the approaching zone, unless t away or signals that it safe to approach. Take turns if there are more boats in the area, preferably each boat sho 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.
sse
l s,
S e a rc h in g - Z o n e e ed ,
0-
30
3000 m >
Approaching-Zone (300m >)
r a d io keep a l ookout and stay in
~2
Caution-Zone (50m >)
t tac con
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.
ΖI \RX WKLQN WKDW WKLV &RGH RI &RQGXFW KDV QRW EHHQ IXOȴOOHG SOHDVH GLVFXVV LW ZLWK WKH FUHZ DQG RU FRQWDFW WKH ΖFH:KDOH RɝFH H PDLO LQIR#LFHZKDOH LV
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 c onsider when out at sea, such as the w eather, number of whales, prey availability, if there are calves p resent, 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.
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).
GENTLE GIANTS ENSURES THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF ITS PASSENGERS VISIT Gentle Giants is a member of Visit North Iceland
Gentle Giants uses eco-labelled printing for all marketing material
Icelandic Transport Authority
Húsavík
Gentle Giants is a member of Visit Húsavík
Gentle Giants is an author ized day tour provider by the Icelandic Tourist Board
Gentle Giants is a partner in the Wild North project of sustainable tourism
Gentle Giants is an official partner of the Inspired by Iceland campaign
Gentle Giants is a member of IceWhale, the Icelandic Whale Watching Association
Gentle Giants is a member of SAF, the Icelandic Travel Industry Association
Gentle Giants staff is trained by the Maritime Safety and Survival Training Centre of Iceland
Gentle Giants boats and staff are fully licenced by the Icelandic Transport Authority
Gentle Giants is insured by VÍS Insurance Ltd
21
HÚSAVÍK Húsavík
OUR HOMETOWN
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 s ettler. 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 coop was founded in Húsavík in 1882. In recent years, yet another trade has
grown in Húsavík – the t ourism industry. The biggest visitor attraction is whale watching and our hometown has in fact become known as the Whale Watching Capital of Europe. T housands of tourists visit Húsavík annually in hope of seeing the gentle giants of the ocean. Despite a total population of only 2,430 (2019), 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.
r our Look fo
E WHAL ING WATCH TICKET R CENTE
N
22
66° 02’ 47”N 17° 20’ 36”W
DISCOUNTS IN HÚSAVÍK BENEFITS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS
Húsavík
MUSEUM
ATTRACTION
RESTAURANT
20%
10%
15%
Húsavík Whale Museum
GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths
Fosshótel Húsavík
discount on entrance ticket Hafnarstétt 1 www.whalemuseum.is +354 414 2800 RESTAURANT
discount on entrance ticket
Vitaslóð 1 – www.geosea.is +354 464 1210 RESTAURANT
discount at the restaurant & bar Ketilsbraut 22 www.fosshotel.is +354 464 1220 RESTAURANT
10%
10%
1700 isk
Naustið Seafood Restaurant
Salka Restaurant
Fish & Chips
Garðarsbraut 6 www.salkarestaurant.is +354 464 2551
Hafnarstétt 21 Facebook: Fish&Chips +354 464 2099
discount on food menu
Ásgarðsvegi 1 – Faceb: Naustið +354 464 1520 RESTAURANT
discount on food menu
RESTAURANT
Fish & Chips portion
CAFÉ
The discounts cannot be combined with other discounts or offers. Valid for the 2020 season.
Show your Gentle Giants boarding pass and get the following discounts by local companies in Húsavík.
H Ú S A V Í K
10%
10%
10%
Lókal Café & Bistro
Olís Húsavík
Heimabakarí – Bakery & Café
discount
Hafnarstétt 1 Facebook: Lókal/Bistró +354 680 9790
discount at restaurant Grill66 Garðarsbraut 64 www.olis.is +354 464 1040
discount
Garðarsbraut 15 Facebook: Heimabakarí +354 464 2900
CLOTHING
CLOTHING
10%
15%
10%
Húsavík Öl
Icewear Clothing Store
Skóbúð Húsavíkur
Héðinsbraut 4 Facebook: Húsavík Öl +354 789 0808
Suðurgarði 2 Facebook: Ísfell verslun +354 660 8859
Garðarsbraut 13 Facebook: Skóbúð Húsavíkur +354 464 1337
SOUVENIRS & GIFTS
SOUVENIRS & GIFTS
BREWERY & BAR
discount
discount
discount
SOUVENIRS & GIFTS
10%
discount on souvenirs and clothing branded Húsavík GENTLE GIANTS
10%
10%
Salvía
Garðarshólmi
Gentle Giants Ticket Center
Stóragarði 11 Facebook: Salvía +354 898 8328
Garðarsbraut 18 Facebook: Garðarshólmi +354 464 2325
Big Blue Flags in town center www.gentlegiants.is +354 464 1500
discount
discount
23
DIAMONDS AROUND THE CORNER Húsavík
EXPERIENCE SOME OF ICELAND‘S TOP HIGHLIGHTS
N
SKJÁLFANDI BAY Flatey
1 66° 02’ 47”N 17° 20’ 36”W
85
HÚSAVÍK
2
HERE WE ARE 85
ÁSBYRGI
- LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!
862
864
DETTIFOSS
3
845
85
KRAFLA 1
863 GOÐAFOSS 1
1
5
848 MÝVATN
F-26 ROAD TO SPRENGISANDUR
1 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.
2 Ásbyrgi Canyon (40 minutes)
A natural marvel, Ásbyrgi is surrounded by 90 to 100 m cliffs. A ccording 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 h iking. In fact it cannot be e xplored to its full extent except by foot.
3 Dettifoss Waterfall (65 minutes)
24
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
4
4
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 waterbirdsin the summer. Frequent lava flows have left the lake irregular in shape and dotted with stunning islets and rock f ormations.
5
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.
ROAD DISTANCES IN KM TO HÚSAVÍK Mývatn 54
Höfn 473
Akureyri 75
Selfoss 504
Seyðisfjörður 246
Vík 633
Egilsstaðir 219
Gullfoss 546
Reykjavík 463
Keflavík 505
Borgarnes 390
Þingvellir 480
Ísafjörður 633
Grundarfjörður 449
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR RESPONSIBLE WHALE WATCHING
Húsavík
“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”
“Whale watching was such a beautiful experience with Gentle Giants! After seeing these beautiful animals, we were surprised with warm hot chocolate and Icelandic donuts. The staff was super friendly throughout the entire trip”
25
WILDLIFE IN SKJÁLFANDI BAY Húsavík
OUR WHALES Blue whale • Steypireyður • Balaenoptera musculus • Blauwal • Rorqual bleu Max: 33 m & 190 t
Humpback whale • Hnúfubakur • Megaptera novaeangeliae • Buckelwal • Baleine à bosse Max: 17 m & 40 t
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
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 ©Peter Waltl Jr. & Sr., ©Jóhann Óli Hilmarsson, ©Stefán Guðmundsson, ©Alexia Askelöf, ©Daniel Annisius, ©Sarah Arndt, ©Anton Í. Óskarsson, ©Charla Basran, ©Belén Garcia Ovide, ©Daniel González, ©Clément Brun, @Stefano del Negro, ©Friðþjófur Helgason, ©Emme MacDonald, ©Halli Egilsson,
26
©Rebekka K., ©Saltvík, ©Húsavík Whale Museum
WHAT WILL YOU ENCOUNTER ON YOUR TOUR? Húsavík Fin whale • Langreyður • Balaenoptera physalus • Finnwal • Rorqual commun Max: 25 m & 80 t
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.
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.
Are whales seen on all tours? Our whale watching tours take place in unpredictable, wild nature. The chances of seeing whales are up to 99%, but if no whales (dolphins included) are seen on a tour, passengers are welcome to join a GG1 Whale Watching tour free of charge, depending on availability.
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
SKJÁLFANDI BAY GENTLE GIANTS' ROUTES
Akureyri
GRÍMSEY ISLAND
Húsavík
THE ARCTIC CIRCLE
GG1 • Whale Watching
66° 32’ N 18° 01’ W Höfn
Reykjavík
GG2 • Big Whale Safari & Puffins GG3 • Sea Angling
The map shows the maximum possible search area of each route
GG4 • Flatey Island GG5 • Yoga Retreat Flatey Island GG6 • Sea Kayaking: Different routes available. See page 12. GG7 • Puffins Exclusive GG8 • Whales & Horses
FLATEY ISLAND PUFFIN ISLAND (LUNDEY)
GG1 · WHALE WATCHING - TIMETABLE 2017
HÚSAVÍK 66° 02’ 47”N 17° 20’ 36”W
GG1 • WHALE WATCHING – TIMETABLE MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
See p. 4
SEPTEMBER
OCT.
NOV.
1st-15th 16th-31st 1st-30th 1st-31st 1st-30th 1st-31st 1st-20th 21st-31st 1st-20th 21st-30th 1st-31st 1st-30th
08:45 08:45 08:45 08:45 08:45 08:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 10:45 12:00 12:00 12:00 12:00 12:00 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 15:15 15:15 15:15 16:45 16:45 16:45 16:45 16:45 16:45 16:45 20:00 20:00 20:00
GG2 • BIG WHALE SAFARI & PUFFINS – TIMETABLE APRIL
MAY
1st-15th 16th-30th 1st-31st
JUNE
JULY
1st-15th 16th-30th 1st-31st
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
See p. 6
OCTOBER
1st-20th 21st-31st 1st-20th 21st-30th 1st-15th 16th-31st
08:30 08:30 08:30 09:30* 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 10:00 10:00 10:00 10:00* 10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30* 10:30* 10:30* 10:30* 11:00 11:00 11:00 11:00 11:00* 11:00* 12:30* 12:30 12:30 12:30 12:30 12:30 12:30 12:30* 12:30* 12:30* 12:30* 13:00 13:00 13:00* 13:30 13:30 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00* 14:00* 15:30 15:30 15:30 15:30 15:30 15:30 15:30* 15:30* 15:30* 17:00 17:00 17:00* 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00* 21:30** 21:30**
* Puffin season is from April 15th – August 20th. More focus on Big Whales. ** Midnight Exclusive.
For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.
Booking: www.gentlegiants.is • info@gentlegiants.is • Tel. +354 464 1500
Húsavík
MEMBER OF ICEWHALE – THE ICELANDIC WHALE WATCHING ASSOCIATION