Gentle Giants Sales Manual 2022 - Húsavík Whale Watching

GENTLE GIANTS

•

HÚSAVÍK

WHALE

WATCHING THIS IS IT • WELCOME

160 YEARS OF FAMILY HISTORY IN THE BAY

ES SALU AL MAN

22

Akureyri

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 2022 s­ eason. Our ­family run ­company, ­Gentle ­Giants Whale ­Watching, ­celebrates its 21st 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 o ­ riginality and background and is owned by p ­ eople with vast experience in the field. I have ­personally over 50 years of experience in the bay and like to think of myself as c­ ontinuing 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 tenth consecutive year: The Certificate of Excellence (20122019), Hall of Fame (2018-2019) and

Travelers’ Choice Awards (2020-2021).

Moreover, the GetYourGuide Awards in 2019, the first and only Icelandic company receiving the award. This confirms and underlines that we are surely on the right track in outstanding service and delivering a great experience.

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 We hereby introduce to you our c­ ompany and our new ­seasonal sales manual. More ­information about our company and services is to be found on our w ­ ebsite ­www.gentlegiants.is or by sending us a ­message ­directly, ­info@gentlegiants.is or by ­calling us at: +354 464 1500.

Please do not h ­ esitate 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

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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

The Skipper Natàlia Amigó Chaparro Head Guide – Shift Manager

The Fly Fisher Miroslav Cibul’a Guide

r The Photographe Koen Hoekemeijer Guide

n The Country Ma Guðni Sigþórsson Captain

y The Tough Gu Ingimar Eydal Óskarsson Captain

Mrs. Boss Jóhanna Sigríður Svavarsdóttir Employee Manager – Captain

rl The Smiley Gi Heba Soualem Ticket Sales

The Recorder Nacho Oria Guide

The Nice guy Henrik Christoph Cater Guide

The Biker Garðar Héðinsson Captain

The Goal Maker Olgeir Sigurðsson Captain

The King Daniel Annisius Assistant Manager – Sales

The Passionate Aleksandra Lechwar Ticket Sales

tic The Enthusias Serena Lagorio Guide

The Soccer Girl Hrefna Björk ­Hauksdóttir Assistant

arl The Spanish Pe María Torralba Escobedo Shift Manager – Ticket Sales

n The Art Historia Giulia Leardini Ticket Sales

The Judoist Rui Duarte Guide

The Mustang Sverrir Yngvi Karlsson

Head Captain RIB Speedboats

er The Horse Breed Haukur Laxdal Baldvinsson Captain

The Champ Hilmar ­Guðmundsson Captain

The Fisher Kjartan Jakob Valdimarsson Captain

The Farmer Bjarni Eyjólfsson

The Admiral Karl Óskar Geirsson

Fleet Manager – Captain

The Lecturer Hella Martens Ticket Sales

The Gondolier Vittoria Sesani Guide

The Gentleman Hallgrímur ­Guðmundsson Captain

tan The Cosmopoli Sarah Arndt

Captain – Guide – Ticket Sales

The Dart Player Hallgrímur Egilsson Designer

Miss Canada Charla Basran

Ticket Sales – Guide – Researcher

The Mechanic Ásdís Hulda ­Guðmundsdóttir Guide

The Original Hermann Daðason

Head Captain Oak Boats

The Navigator Aðalsteinn Steinþórsson Captain

You can read more about our team individually on our website www.gentlegiants.is/about-us/ our-crew

Captain

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE In times of uncertainty 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

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GG1 • WHALE WATCHING Húsavík

“Thanks for the pleasure of being your passenger!”

9% the 97ig–ht9 g in s on s s year past rage e v a

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 10790 Children 7-15: ISK 4490 Children 0-6: FREE Duration: Approximately 3 hours.

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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, warm overalls and ­raincoats if needed.

SEASON: April 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”

Whale watching timetable 2022. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.

Due to COVID-19 and travel restrictions, we may have to change the timetables with short notice. If your booking is affected we will inform of any changes. We apologize for any inconvenience. You can find ­updated schedule on our website by scanning the QR code.

you theeralls Warm ov available FREE every day!

TIMETABLE GG1 • WHALE WATCHING – TIMETABLE APRIL th

1 -15

09:45

st

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

SEPT.

OCT.

NOV.

16 -30

1 -31

1 -30

1 -31

1 -31

1 -30

1 -31

st

1st-30th

08:45

08:45

09:45

09:45

09:45

09:45

09:45

09:45

09:45

10:45

12:00

12:00

13:15

13:15

13:15

13:15

13:15

13:15

13:15

15:35

15:35

17:30

17:30

th

th

st

st

st

th

17:30

st

st

st

st

st

th

st

20% DISCOUNT to

with every ticket

Blue whale skeleton exhibition ©The Whale Museum

www.whalemuseum.is

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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,

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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%

sightin gs past ye the ars on averag e

“First rate whale watching take a rib boat!”

Big Whale Safari & Puffins timetable 2022. For your safety and comfort, we ­reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.

Due to COVID-19 and travel restrictions, we may have to change the timetables with short notice. If your booking is affected we will inform you of any changes. We apologize for any inconvenience. You can find the updated schedule on our website by scanning the QR code.

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 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* 13:30 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 19790 Children 7-12: ISK 12990 Not recommended for children ­under 7 years or < 130 cm in height.

Duration: Approximately 2-2,5 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 and warm safety overalls.

* Puffin season is from April 15th – August 20th approximately.

More focus on Big Whales. ** Midnight Exclusive.

SEASON: 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 p ­ reg­nant women.

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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: Please visit www.eagleair.is for rates and schedules.

The boat tour is not ­recommended for children under 7 years or < 130 cm in height.

Duration: Approximately 10 hours.

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INCLUDED: Return flights from Reykjavík d ­ omestic airport to Húsavík with Eagle Air. All transportation on site including an English-speaking driver / guide. GG2 Big Whale S­ afari & ­Puffins with Gentle ­Giants ­(duration ­approximately 2-2,5 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.

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 prepared in the RATES: Adults: ISK 17990 Children 7-12: ISK 8990 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.

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: An experienced captain, fishing equipment and rods, waterproof trousers, rubber boots and fleece jackets.

For information and bookings

www.gentlegiants.is

SEASON:

BOOK NOW!

July 1st – August 31st.

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. Minimum number of six adults required in a standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.

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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 < 130 cm in height.

Duration: Approximately 4-5 hours.

Minimum number of six adults required in a standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.

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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 and warm safety overalls.

SEASON: May 10th – August 10th.

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.

Not allowed for people with heart- or back problems or pregnant women.

GG5 YOGA RETREAT

FLATEY ISLAND MINDFUL DAY IN SECLUDED NATURE

Húsavík

NEW

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 24900 Minimum number of eight required in a standard tour, maximum twelve.

Bookings in advance required.

Duration: Approximately 10 hours.

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.

SEASON: June 1st – August 20th.

Tours are made upon request.

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.

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GG6 SEA KAYAKING Húsavík

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.

CERTIFIED BY

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.

TOUR A – MOUNTAINS OF KINN

TOUR B – PUFFIN ISLAND

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: Upon request • Note: Return boat transfer Húsavík to mountains of Kinn included

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• Duration: Approx. 2-3 hours • Departure: Upon request • Note: Return boat transfer Húsavík to Puffin Island included

PEACEFUL ADVENTURE INTO THE WILD Húsavík

NEW

Tour B

Tour A

For information and bookings

www.gentlegiants.is

BOOK NOW!

RATES: Tour A: ISK 29900 Tour B: ISK 19900 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 from Húsavík.

Suitable for kayakers of all levels. Tailor made tours can be made upon request.

SEASON: June 1st – August 20th.

Tours are made upon request.

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.

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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 9990 Children 7-12: 5990 Not recommended for children under 7 years or < 130 cm in height.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Minimum number of six adults ­required in a standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.

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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 and warm safety overalls.

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 19990 Children 10-15: ISK 9990 Not recommended for children under 10 years.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours whale watching and 1,5 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 and warm overalls and raincoats if needed during the whale watching tour.

SEASON: May 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.

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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

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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 499000 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 399000 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 199000 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 49000 pr. hour with captain.

Only used together with other boats – ideal for coastal transport and beaches.

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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.

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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.

160 YEARS OF FAMILY HISTORY IN THE BAY

160 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.

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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 >

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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.

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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.

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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 Icelandic Transport Authority Gentle Giants is a member of Visit North Iceland

Gentle Giants uses eco-labelled printing for all marketing material

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 2,411 (2021), 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

RESTAURANT

15%

10%

GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths

Fosshótel Húsavík

Naustið Seafood Restaurant

Hafnarstétt 1 www.whalemuseum.is +354 414 2800

Vitaslóð 1 www.geosea.is +354 464 1210

Ketilsbraut 22 www.fosshotel.is +354 464 1220

Ásgarðsvegi 1 Facebook: Naustið +354 464 1520

RESTAURANT

RESTAURANT

RESTAURANT

RESTAURANT

10%

5%

10%

20%

Salka Restaurant

Fish & Chips

Olís Húsavík

Garðarsbraut 6 www.salkarestaurant.is +354 464 2551

Hafnarstétt 21 Facebook: Fish&Chips +354 464 2099

Garðarsbraut 64 www.olis.is +354 464 1040

Lemon Sandwich & Juice bar

BAKERY

BREWERY & BAR

CLOTHING

CLOTHING

10%

10%

15%

10%

Húsavík Öl

Icewear Clothing Store

Skóbúð Húsavíkur

ATTRACTION

20%

10%

Húsavík Whale Museum

discount on ­entrance ticket

discount on food menu

discount on own locally baked bread and pastries

discount on ­entrance ticket

Also bookable online with promo code GG2022

RESTAURANT

MUSEUM

discount on Fish & Chips portion

discount

discount at the restaurant & bar

discount at restaurant Grill66

discount

discount on food menu

discount on food menu and beer

Héðinsbraut 6 www.lemon.is +354 464 1015

The discounts cannot be combined with other discounts or offers. Valid for the 2022 season.

Show your Gentle Giants boarding pass and get the following discounts by local companies in Húsavík.

discount

H Ú S A V Í K

Heimabakarí Bakery & Café Garðarsbraut 15 Facebook: Heimabakarí +354 464 2900

Héðinsbraut 4 Facebook: Húsavík Öl +354 789 0808

Suðurgarði 2 Facebook: Ísfell verslun +354 660 8859

SOUVENIRS & GIFTS

SOUVENIRS & GIFTS

SOUVENIRS & GIFTS

15%

10%

10%

discount

discount

Penninn Eymundsson

Garðarshólmi

Garðarsbraut 9 www.penninn.is +354 540 2101

Garðarsbraut 18 Facebook: Garðarshólmi +354 464 2325

Garðarsbraut 13 Facebook: Skóbúð Húsavíkur +354 464 1337

discount on souvenirs and clothing branded GENTLE GIANTS

Gentle Giants Ticket Center Big Blue Flags in town center www.gentlegiants.is +354 464 1500

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 t­ erritory for walking and h ­ iking. In fact it cannot be ­explored 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 H ­ afragilsfoss (27 m) and above it is S­ elfoss (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)

5

Goðafoss Waterfall (30 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.

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 471

Akureyri 75

Selfoss 503

Seyðisfjörður 246

Vík 632

Egilsstaðir 219

Gullfoss 545

Reykjavík 463

Keflavík 504

Borgarnes 389

Þingvellir 480

Ísafjörður 614

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”

“Can’t really find the right words to describe this experience as it exceeded all my expectations. We saw four different humpbacks which returned to the surface again and again, and with the amazing surrounding nature it was just absolutely breathtaking”

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, ©Jóhann Óli Hilmarsson, ©Stefán Guðmundsson, ©Alexia Askelöf, ©Daniel Annisius, ©Sarah Arndt, ©Anton Í. Óskarsson, ©Charla Basran, ©Daniel González, ©Clément Brun, @Stefano del Negro, ©Friðþjófur Helgason, ©Emme MacDonald, ©Halli Egilsson, ©Rebekka K., ©Saltvík, ©Húsavík Whale

26

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 very high, 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 Reykjavík

Höfn

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 ­I SLAND (LUNDEY)

HÚSAVÍK 66° 02’ 47”N 17° 20’ 36”W

GG1 • WHALE WATCHING – TIMETABLE APRIL

See p. 4

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

SEPT.

OCT.

NOV.

1st-15th

16th-30th

1st-31st

1st-30th

1st-31st

1st-31st

1st-30th

1st-31st

1st-30th

08:45

08:45

09:45

09:45

09:45

09:45

09:45

09:45

09:45

09:45

10:45

12:00

12:00 13:15

13:15

13:15

13:15

13:15 17:30

13:15

13:15

15:35

15:35

17:30

17:30

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 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* 13:30 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 approximately.

More focus on Big Whales. ** Midnight Exclusive.

Due to COVID-19 and travel restrictions, we may have to change the timetables with short notice. If your booking is affected we will inform you of any changes.

We apologize for any inconvenience. You can find the updated schedule on our website by scanning the QR code.

Booking: www.gentlegiants.is • info@gentlegiants.is • Tel. +354 464 1500

Húsavík

MEMBER OF ICEWHALE – THE ICELANDIC WHALE WATCHING ASSOCIATION