Gentle giants whale watching summer 2015 by Halli Egils

GENTLE GIANTS · HÚSAVÍK

WHALE

WATCHING THIS IS IT · WELCOME

LS ALS INA IGIN RIG OR EO TH THE

150 YEARS OF FAMILY HISTORY IN THE BAY Booking: Tel. +354 464 1500 · www.gentlegiants.is · info@gentlegiants.is 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 2015 season. Our family-run company, Gentle Giants Whale Watching, celebrates its fourteenth year and proudly offers you our service and highly 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 40 years of experience in the bay and like to think of myself as continuing my family´s 150 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 visitor a happy one. We are proud of the Certificates of Excellence from TripAdvisor to Gentle Giants for the past years, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. It confirms and underlines that we are surely on the right track in outstanding service and delivering a great experience. We hereby introduce to you our company and our new seasonal brochure. More information about our company and services is to be found on our website www.gentlegiants.is or by sending us a message directly, info@gentlegiants.is or by calling us at: +354 464 1500. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours sincerely,

Stefán Guðmundsson CEO & Marketing Manager stefan@gentlegiants.is

Our company, Gentle Giants Whale Watching Ltd., proudly supports UNICEF CHILDREN

GENTLE GIANTS ENSURES THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF ITS PASSENGERS simply nat�ral Icelandic Transport Authority MEMBER OF VISIT NORTH ICELAND

Authentic experience in Iceland.

northiceland.is

Gentle Giants Whale Watching uses ECO LABELLED printing for all marketing material.

Gentle Giants Whale Watching is a partner in the Wild North Project of sustainable tourism.

Gentle Giants Whale Watching is a member of the International Blue Flag eco-label.

Gentle Giants Whale Watching is a member of SAF, the Icelandic Travel Industry Association.

Gentle Giants Whale Watching staff is trained in Safety and Survival by the Maritime Safety and Survival Training Centre of Iceland.

Gentle Giants Whale Watching boats and staff are fully-licensed by the Icelandic Maritime Administration.

Our passengers are fully insured by VÍS Insurance Ltd.

Photos in the brochure are taken by Gentle Giants’ team: ©Peter Waltl jr. & Sr., ©Jóhann Óli Hilmarsson, ©Stefán Guðmundsson, ©Daniel & Alexia, ©Anton Ísak Óskarsson, ©Elín Lilja, ©Friðþjófur Helgason, ©Sarah Arndt, ©HalliEgils, ©Rebekka K., ©Koen Hoekemeijer, ©Þórdís Björt S.

THE FAMILY Húsavík

Sylvía Dís (13)

Hanna Sigga, Katrín Svava (11) and Rakel Ása (14). Aþena Lind (18)

Sædís Helga (19)

In 2001 eleven experienced, diverse individuals in Húsavík decided to combine their years of expertise in a variety of fields to establish a new travel and tourism company in Húsavík. The group restored an old oak boat, which was originally a fishing and whale-hunting boat, and put it back into commission sailing visitors around Skjálfandi Bay searching for whales… not for hunting but for watching! The immense effort proved more than worthwhile, growing into a giant success among visitors. Ever since then Gentle Giants has employed great staff and enjoyed a rapidly increasing number of annual visitors.

Did you have a nice trip? Share your experience

If you did not, please let us know so that we can improve.

GENTLE GIANTS’ PROUD FLEET Húsavík

YOU CAN RENT A BOAT FOR A PRIVATE TOUR

PRIVATE TOURS

Call now for information and bookings +354 464 1500 or by visiting www.gentlegiants.is

m/v Sylvía

m/v Faldur

RIB Amma Kibba

RIB Amma Sigga

m/v Athena

m/v Axel - Zodiac

Specialized for sea angling and smaller groups in various activity.

Only as a working boat nr. II - ideal for camera work, diving and coastal transport / beaches.

Built: 1976 in Akureyri Tonnage: 30 Length: 17,5 m – Beam: 4,3 m Capacity: 60 pax € 2950 for 3 hours

Built: 2013 Length: 12 m – Beam: 4 m Engines: 2 x 400 hp Max speed: 52 knots Capacity: 24 pax € 1390 pr. hour

Built: 2000 in Hafnarfjörður Tonnage: 8 Length: 9,5 m – Beam: 3 m Capacity: 24 pax € 1150 for 3 hours

Built: 1972 in Westman Islands Tonnage: 26 Length: 14,5 m – Beam: 4 m Capacity: 45 pax € 2350 for 3 hours

Built: 2011 Length: 11,5 m – Beam: 3 m Engines: 2 x 300 hp Max speed: 52 knots Capacity: 18 pax € 1190 pr. hour

Built: 2007 Length: 4,5 m – Beam: 2 m Capacity: 8 pax € 235 pr. hour

WE PROUDLY PRESENT OUR EXPERIENCED TEAM LET US GUIDE YOU AND TAKE CARE OF YOU

The Boss Stefán Guðmundsson CEO & Marketing Manager Captain

The Admiral Karl Óskar Geirsson Fleet Manager Captain

The Trainer Anna María Ómarsdóttir Ticket Sales

Mrs. Boss Jóhanna S. Svavarsdóttir

Employee Manager Captain

The Bird Lover Karitas Þórisdóttir Field Manager Guide

The Islander Ingibjörg Ingvarsdóttir Ticket Sales

The Adventurer Ann-Sophie Behrendt Guide

The Bachelor Daniel González Guide

The Lily Elín Lilja Guide

The Snapchatter Rakel Ása Ingólfsdóttir Assistant

The Leader Pétur Olgeirsson Captain

The Gentleman Hallgrímur Guðmundsson Captain

The Tough Guy Ingimar Eydal Óskarsson Captain

The Navigator Aðalsteinn Steinþórsson Captain

Húsavík

The King

The Queen

The Dart Player

Daniel Annisius

Alexia Annisius Askelöf

Hallgrímur Egilsson

Assistant Manager Guide Ticket Sales

Web Editor Guide & Ticket Sales

n The Cosmopolita

l The Spanish Pear

Sarah Arndt

María Torralba Escobedo

Head Guide

Miss Spain Belén Garcia Ovide Guide

The Viking Axel Bjarnason Guide

The Princess Katrín Svava Ingólfsdóttir Assistant

The Unbeaten Armwrestler

Guide & Ticket Sales

The Pearl Diver Sandra Montes Guide

The Voyager Sigríður Atladóttir Guide

The Ballerina Selma Gunnarsdóttir Assistant

The Old Dog

Björgvin “Kúti” Sigurjónsson

Vilhjálmur Bessi Kristinsson

The Rock

The Champ

Captain

Sigurjón Sigurbjörnsson Captain

Captain

Hilmar Þór Guðmundsson Captain

Sales Manager Designer

The Actress Viktoría Rún Þorsteinsdóttir

Guide & Ticket Sales

Miss Canada Charla Basran Guide

The Scientist Alícia Martinez Varela Guide

The Mustang Sverrir Yngvi Karlsson Captain

The Explorer Sigurgeir Pétursson Captain

The Big Fish Sigmar Ingólfsson Captain

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

GG1 • WHALE WATCHING Húsavík

EXPERIENCE THE MAMMALS OF THE OCEAN

“Do not miss out of this experience”

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.

UNT 20% DISCO vík

Special warm overalls available FREE every day

to the Húsa um Whale Muse et ck ti y er with ev

RATES:

INCLUDED:

Adults: ISK 9200 (€ 58) Children 7-15: ISK 3700 (€ 24) Children 0-6: FREE Duration: Approximately 3 hours.

A specialized guide, light refreshments (hot chocolate and an Icelandic traditional twisted donut, kleina), warm overalls and raincoats if needed.

SEASON: April 1st – October 31st. Group discounts and tailor made tours available available, as well as multi-trip passes. Contact us for more information.

SEE OUR TIMETABLE ON THE

GG2 • BIG WHALE SAFARI

FOR MORE EXCITEMENT

Húsavík

“This is what I call whale watching! wowwww”

n For informatio and bookings

W! K NO BOO ts.is w.gentlegian ww

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,

ík Daytrips from Reykjav son sea all le ab to Húsavík avail .is air www.eagle

RATES: Adults: ISK 16300 (€ 99) Children 7-12: ISK 11300 (€ 71) Not recommended for children under 7 years. Duration: Approximately 2,5 hours. Minimum number of six required in a standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.

your chances to encounter some of the world’s biggest animals ever increase big time! On this tour we also include a visit to the Puffin Island, where you can experience thousands of puffins, “The Clowns of the Ocean”, during the nesting period (May 1st – August 20th).

ty Specially made safe u yo ep overalls to ke warm and safe!

INCLUDED: A specialized guide, safety overalls, and a little surprise from Húsavík’s only winemaker.

SEASON: May 1st – September 30th. Other tours, excursions and schedules can be arranged upon request at our Ticket Center. Early booking is recommended.

BACK PAGE FOR DAILY TOURS

GG3 • SEA ANGLING Húsavík

CATCH YOUR OWN MEAL

Experience the exciting feeling of catching your own meal out on Skjálfandi Bay. The distance to the rich fishing grounds is very short. At the end of the trip the captain can fillet your catch, which will probably be cod or haddock. You can take it with you for your own

RATES: Adults: ISK 13900 (€ 89) Children 7-12: ISK 6900 (€ 43) Children 0-6: FREE Duration: Approx. 2–3 hours. Minimum number of four required in a standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.

cooking or upon request, have it prepared in a local restaurant. Thanks to our experience as professional fishermen with historically strong roots around the bay, on this tour we can provide you with a 100% CATCH GUARANTEE!

INCLUDED: An experienced captain, fishing equipment/rods, waterproof trousers, rubber boots, fleece jackets and light refreshments (hot chocolate and a traditional Icelandic twisted donut, kleina).

SEASON: April 1st - October 31st. Trips are made upon request.

GG4 • FLATEY ISLAND

PUFFINS • BIRD WATCHING • WHALES

Húsavík

For more info about our special bird watching packages: · Visit www.wildlifeiceland.is · Send an e-mail to 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 haven for birdlife and is extremely rich and diverse. It therefore attracts many people each year. The island offers 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” 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 but many people

RATES: Adults: ISK 24500 (€ 154) Children 7-12: ISK 12200 (€ 77) Children 0-6: FREE Duration: 4–5 hours. Minimum number of two required in a standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.

visit the island each summer. Most of the old homes are kept and maintained as summerhouses. We offer guided excursions through Flatey’s beautiful nature. 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 watching on our way back.

INCLUDED: A specialized guide, safety overalls, and a little surprise from Húsavík’s only winemaker. Ask for tailor-made tours and arrangements in our Ticket Center. Special arrangements are available upon request.

SEASON: June 1st - August 10th. Saturdays at 17:00. n For informatio and bookings

W! K NO BOO ts.is w.gentlegian ww

GG5 • GRÍMSEY ISLAND ADVENTURE Húsavík

ARCTIC CROSSING - WHALES & PUFFINS

Get the opportunity to cross the Arctic Circle, see whales and encounter puffins - all in one tour. Our fast RIBs can take you to Grímsey Island in one hour during good conditions (and the sea is usually very calm in the early mornings). Upon arrival you will get a guided tour on the island, including bird watching. Afterwards, to top your stay, you will be served a fully loaded breakfast while melting the experience and impressions. On our way back we do some whale- and puffin watching in Skjálfandi Bay. Estimated time of n For informatio and bookings W ! arrival in Húsavík is around noon. K NO BOO s ts.i ian leg www.gent Every passenger gets a certificate after crossing the Arctic Circle.

RATES: ISK 64900 (€ 420) Duration: Approximately 6 hours. Minimum number of ten required in a standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.

INCLUDED: Nice comfortable RIB boat, experienced captain and a specialized guide. Warm safety overalls, lifejackets, refreshments on the way and fun. A guided tour and fully loaded breakfast on Grímsey Island.

SEASON: May 15th – August 20th. Tuesdays and Saturdays. Departure from Húsavík at 06:00 am. Booking in advance required. We reserve the right to change schedules should weather or other conditions change.

GG6 • HIKING THE MOUNTAINS HIKING THE MOUNTAINS OF SKJÁLFANDI BAY

A beautiful two day hiking tour in the mountains of Skjálfandi Bay.

GG6 · HIKING MAP ALTITUDE PROFILE END

Húsavík

855 m 800 m 600 m 400 m 200 m

N66 06.799 W17 52.992

DAY 1 - We leave early on Friday morning at 07:00, with a boat and head towards the mountainside, sail across the bay and go ashore in Rauðavík or Naustavík Beach half an hour later. Next, we hike across the beautiful and very lonesome Víknafjöll, the Bay Mountains, over to the Flatey Island Valley. The hiking path is approximately START 12 km before we have to cross a river and reach the sleeping cabin. The estimated SLEEP arrival time at the first destination is around 16:00. The Guide’s Fish Soup will be served for starting leisure time for short walking trips and relaxation in the afternoon in the valley. a beautiful river. Then a boat picks up the group and heads to Flatey Island for DAY 2 - We leave the accommodation a short visit and a BBQ. Afterwards we in the valley at 08:00 in the morning and head back to Húsavík passing the whale head NNW towards the coast / beach. watching areas in Skjálfandi Bay – ETA in The path leads around 14 km alongside Húsavík this day is at 17:00.

END

START

N66 02.178 W17 41.348

RATES: ISK 97600 (€ 615) INCLUDED: A specialized guide, delicious fish soup, dinner, breakfast, accommodation in a cabin, two boat trips, BBQ in Flatey Island and whale watching. Spectacular and unspoiled remote nature.

DEPARTURES 2015: June 26 - Friday from Húsavík at 07:00 am. July 17th – Friday from Húsavík at 07:00 am. August 21st – Friday from Húsavík at 07:00 am. Sept. 11th – Friday from Húsavík at 07:00 am. th

NOTE: Expect all kinds of Icelandic summer weather; be well prepared with clothing and food. Remember to bring your sleeping bag and your hiking shoes. A meeting will be held the night before departure in Húsavík at 20:00. This tour is offered in co-operation with Fjallasýn.

GG7 • PRO-FISHING Húsavík

UNIQUE AND UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

Become an Icelandic fishing pro for a day or two. Daily from April to October, we welcome people to join us as crew members on our fishing boats, sharing our extensive knowledge of fishing and the sea to create an unforgettable and traditional Icelandic adventure.

love new adventures. We focus on the exciting and relaxing, adventurous quality of life that can be found in Iceland’s beauty and wild nature, using our family’s ancestral roots in the history and environment around Húsavík, Skjálfandi Bay, and Flatey Island. We tell our true family story around Skjálfandi Bay We take our customers out from Húsavík and Húsavík, generation after generation, to Skjálfandi Bay on daily professional for more than 150 years. We are an fishing trips on our fishing boats. From original part of the history, fishermen with April to May each year you could be a salty blood running through our veins. crew member during lumpfish season, or Others may wish they had the same from June to September catch mainly cod. tradition, and we want to offer them the This is a hard-core fishing experience in the salty experience… a real one! For further real North Atlantic seas for people who information visit www.profishing.is.

1 DAY PRO-FISHING PACKAGE RATES: INCLUDED: ISK 49500 (€ 310) Duration: 10–16 hours of hard work and adventure (dependent upon catch and weather).

A crew member’s position on one of our fishing boats, full waterproof outfit, a box of food and drinks for a whole day, a part of the catch, filleted for own use or cooked at a restaurant.

SEASON: April 1st - September 30th. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules should weather or other conditions change.

GG8 • WHALES & HORSES THE ICELANDIC HORSE AND THE WHALE

Húsavík

n For informatio and bookings

W! K NO BOO ts.is w.gentlegian ww

Experience the combination of traditional whale watching and the Icelandic horse. Explore the countryside close to Húsavík on an Icelandic horse with experienced riders at your side.

RATES: Adults: ISK 18100 (€ 114) Children 0-12: ISK 9100 (€ 57) Duration: Approximately 3 hours whale watching and 2 hours horse riding.

The riding trip begins in Saltvík, which is just four minutes by car from Húsavík harbour, 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 whale watching timetable on the back page for daily tours.

Tailor made tours and other arrangements can be made by contacting our Ticket Center.

GG9 • PUFFINS EXCLUSIVE Húsavík

ONE HOUR EXPRESS TOUR

n For informatio and bookings

W! K NO BOO ts.is w.gentlegian ww

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 RIB we will take you there in only a few minutes. Puffin Island reaches 34 m above sea level, and is around 200 m in length and 100 m wide. During the breeding season around 300.000 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.

RATES: Adults: ISK 7800 (€ 49) Children 7-12: ISK 3800 (€ 24) Not recommended for children under 7 years. Duration: Approximately 1 hour. Minimum number of five required in a standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.

INCLUDED: A specialized guide, safety overalls, and a little surprise from Húsavík’s only winemaker.

SEASON: May 1st - August 20th. Trips are made upon request.

GG TAILOR MADE TOURS CREATE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

SCHOOL GROUPS WEDDING PLANNING Bachelor and bachelorette tours Private tours

CORPORATE TOURS STAFF TOURS

Grímsey Island tours – Crossing the Arctic circle

Hrísey Island tours Diving tours

CAMERA & FILMING TOURS BBQ tours History and eDucational tours

Scientific & research tours BIRTHDAY TOURS

Family reunion tours And more…………

Húsavík

This is your perfect opportunity! As a licenced tour operator, 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 – contact us for more information.

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.

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

Húsavík

ANNO 1861 Not ideal for whale watching 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 picture on the left is Héðinn Maríusson great grandfather of Stefán Guðmundsson, owner of Gentle Giants, on the right.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY Húsavík

SUPPORT TO NATURE

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 organisations 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 a 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 minimise pollution and disturbance in wildlife. Special precautions are taken near whales and breeding birds. • GG always 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. • We are a proud member of the international eco-label Blue Flag.

simply nat�ral On behalf of Gentle Giants Whale Watching Stefán Guðmundsson – CEO & Marketing Manager

CODE OF CONDUCT

FOR RESPONSIBLE WHALE WATCHING

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. 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.

Húsavík

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). HÚSAVÍK MUSEUM

THE WHALE MUSEUM

UNT 20% DISCO vík

to the Húsa um Whale Muse et ck ti y with ever

In addition to whale watching tours, Húsavík is also home to The Whale Museum, established in December 1997 by owners of Gentle Giants along with many other individuals and companies in Húsavík. The museum is a non-profit educational information centre dedicated to the promotion of whales and whale watching and provides visitors with information about whales‘ lives and their habitat around Iceland. Opening hours: April / May / September: 9-16. June / July / August: 8:30-18:30. Information: Tel. 414 2800 and www.whalemuseum.is.

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 first Nordic settler in Iceland. The name Húsavík is indeed 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. The first sources of fishing and fish processing are from the late 19th century. 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 tourist industry. It is the fastest growing sector of the economy. The biggest tourist attraction is whale watching and Húsavík has in fact become known as the Whale Watching Capital of Europe. Thousands of tourists visit Húsavík annually in the hope of seeing the gentle giants of the ocean. The church, built in 1907, is one of the main symbols of Húsavík, located in the heart of the town. With a total population of 2,191 (2015), Húsavík is rich with culture and activities. One of the major events in Húsavík is Mærudagar (Candy Days), a local festival held every summer.

HÚSAVÍK MUSEUM

THE EXPLORATION MUSEUM The Exploration Museum is dedicated to the history of human exploration, from the early explorers to the exploration of space. The museum is located in the centre of Húsavík in North Iceland, thirty miles from the Arctic Circle. The main exhibition room features photographs and artefacts from the Apollo Astronaut Training near Húsavík in 1965 and 1967. Opening hours: May to September: 9-18. October to April: 13-16. Information: Tel. 463 3399 and www.explorationmuseum.com.

for st look

Ju HALE THE W ING WATCH TICKET R CENTE

Húsavík

ACCOMMODATIONS:

USEFUL NUMBERS:

Húsavík Swimming Pool . . . . . . . Húsavík Car Rental . . . . . . . . . . Kaskó Supermarket . . . . . . . . . . Úrval Supermarket . . . . . . . . . . Húsavík Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . Húsavík Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bílaþjónustan Car Repair . . . . . . . Mývatn Nature Baths . . . . . . . . . The Transportation Museum . . . . . The Mánárbakki Museum of Culture Grenjaðastaður District Museum . . . Sigurgeir‘s Bird Museum . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . .

464 6190 464 2500 464 1779 464 1750 464 0500 444 2850 464 1122 464 4411 464 3133 464 1957 464 3688 464 4477

Húsavík Tourist Information . . . . . . . Mývatn Tourist Information . . . . . . . Gljúfrastofa Ásbyrgi Tourist Information Ásbyrgi Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Akureyri Tourist Information . . . . . . . Egilsstaðir Tourist Information . . . . . . Seyðisfjörður Tourist Information . . . .

. . . . . . .

464 4300 464 4390 470 7100 465 2260 450 1050 470 0750 472 1551

TOURIST INFORMATIONS:

YOUR WAY TO HÚSAVÍK:

INTERNATIONAL Icelandair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 505 0300 WOW Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 590 3000 Smyril Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 570 8600 DOMESTIC Fjallasýn Bus Company / Day Excursions Eagle Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Air Iceland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FAB Travel Transport . . . . . . . . . . Sterna Bus Company . . . . . . . . . . . SBA Bus Company . . . . . . . . . . . . Strætó Bus Company . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . .

464 3940 562 2640 570 3000 571 2282 551 1166 550 0700 540 2700

Fosshotel Húsavík . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Húsavík Cape Hotel / Guesthouse / Hostel . Saltvík Guesthouse / Horse Rental . . . . . Árból Guesthouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Höfði Guesthouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sólbakki Apartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kaldbakskot Cottages . . . . . . . . . . . . Laugarholt Apartment . . . . . . . . . . . Guesthouse Sigtún . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Old Fishfactory Guesthouse . . . . . . Húsavík Camping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berg Youth Hostel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Old School Guesthouse . . . . . . . . . Tungulending Guesthouse . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

464 1220 463 3399 847 9515 464 2220 852 0010 898 0036 464 1504 899 2127 464 0255 464 0255 464 4300 464 3777 847 5722 896 6948

IN THE AREA SOUTH OF HÚSAVÍK (DISTANCE) Staðarhóll Guesthouse (15 min) . . . . . . . . Þinghúsið Guesthouse (15 min) . . . . . . . . . Ferðaþjónustan Hafralæk (15 min) . . . . . . . Hotel Rauðaskriða / Guesthouse (20 min) . . . Fosshóll Guesthouse (30 min) . . . . . . . . . . Fosshotel Laugar (30 min) . . . . . . . . . . . . Hotel Narfastaðir (35 min) . . . . . . . . . . . Hotel Edda Stórutjarnir (40 min) . . . . . . . . Hagi 1 Guesthouse (40 min) . . . . . . . . . . . Stóru-Laugar Guesthouse (30 min) . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . .

464 3707 464 3695 464 3561 464 3504 464 3108 464 6300 464 3300 444 4890 464 3526 464 2990

. . . . . . . . . . . .

464 4240 464 4170 464 4142 464 4103 464 4399 464 4164 464 4455 464 1900 464 4252 464 4212 464 4210 464 4220

. . . .

465 2280 465 2314 470 7100 465 2275

LAKE MÝVATN AREA (DISTANCE) Bjarg Camping / Travel Service (40 min) . . . . . . . Hotel Reynihlíð (40 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hotel Reykjahlíð (40 min) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hlíð Camping / Travel Service (40 min) . . . . . . . . Vogar Camping / Travel Service (40 min) . . . . . . . Sel-Hotel Mývatn (40 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hotel Gígur (40 min) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hotel Laxá (40 min) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stöng Guesthouse (40 min) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Skútustaðir Guesthouse (40 min) . . . . . . . . . . . Dimmuborgir Guesthouse (40 min). . . . . . . . . . Eldá Guesthouse (40 min) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IN THE AREA NORTHEAST OF HÚSAVÍK (DISTANCE) Skúlagarður Guesthouse (40 min) . . . . . . . . . . Akurgerði Youth Hostel (40 min) . . . . . . . . . . . Ásbyrgi Camping (40 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keldunes Guesthouse (45 min) . . . . . . . . . . . .

HÚSAVÍK MUSEUM

THE MUSEUM HOUSE Safnahúsið, The Museum House, is The District Cultural Centre. It consists of District Folk M useum, Maritime Museum (opened in 2002), Natural History Museum (its best known items being the polar bear caught on Grímsey 1969), District Archives, Photo Archives and Collection of Paintings. Private collections or the museum’s own exhibitions are always on display in the exhibition room on the third floor, which also houses lectures, meetings and concerts. Opening hours: June / July / August: 10-18. Winter: 10-16 (weekdays). Information: Tel. 464 1860 and www.husmus.is.

SKJÁLFANDI BAY Flatey

1 85

Húsavík HÚSAVÍK

HERE WE ARE 85

ÁSBYRGI

- LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!

862

864

DETTIFOSS

845

KRAFLA 1

863 GOÐAFOSS 1

848 MÝVATN

ROAD TO SPRENGISANDUR F-26

1 Flatey Island (30 minutes)

4 Goðafoss Waterfall (30 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 only rises about 22 m above sea level. Which is why it is called Flat Island.

Literally, waterfall of the gods! Waterfall on the river Skjálfandafljót, not far from the main road at Fosshóll in Bárðardalur Valley. The waterfall can be viewed from several places, and the river enters a chasm beneath it.

2 Ásbyrgi Canyon (40 minutes)

5 Lake Mývatn (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 horse of Óðinn, the greatest of all Nordic gods. Ásbyrgi is a part of the Vatnajökull National Park and is an ideal territory for walking and hiking. In fact it cannot be explored to the full extent except by foot.

Lake Mývatn is a unique source of endless discoveries and no visitor to Iceland should leave without having spent a day here. It is the fourth-largest lake in Iceland, measuring 37,3 km2. Frequent lava flows have left the lake very irregular in shape, and it is dotted with many islets and rock formations.

3 Dettifoss Waterfall (65 minutes) Dettifoss is considered the most impressive 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 form a unity unparalleled in the world. There is a marked walking path from Dettifoss to Hafragilsfoss.

ROAD DISTANCES IN KM TO HÚSAVÍK Mývatn

Höfn

Akureyri

Selfoss

467 521

Seyðisfjörður

248

Vík

650

Egilsstaðir

220

Gullfoss

587

Reykjavík

480

Keflavík

520

Borgarnes

406

Þingvellir

497

Ísafjörður

659

Grundarfjörður

474

WHALES IN SKJÁLFANDI BAY COLLECT YOUR WHALE FRIENDS

Húsavík

Steypireyður • Balaenoptera musculus Blue whale • Blauwal • Rorqual Bleu Max: 33 m. & 190 t.

Hnúfubakur • Megaptera novaeangeliae Humpback Whale • Buckelwal • Megaptère Max: 17 m. & 48 t.

Hrefna • Balaenoptera acutorstrata Minke whale • Zwergwal • Petit rorqual Max: 11 m. & 10 t. Hnýðingur • Lagenorhynchus albirostris White-beaked dolphin • Weißsnauzendelphin • Lagènorhynque à bec blanc Max: 3.1 m. & 350 kg.

Langreyður • Balaenoptera Physalus Fin Whale • Finnwal • Rorqual common Max: 26 m. & 78 t.

Hnísa • Phocoena Harbour porpoise • Schweinswal • Marsouin common Max: 1.9 m. & 80 kg.

Sandreyður • Balaenoptera borealis Sei Whale • Seiwal • Rorqual du Nord Max: 19.5 m. & 26 t.

Háhyrningur • Orcinus Orca Orca / Killer Whale • Schwertwal • Orque Max: 10 m. & 9 t. Andarnefja • Hyperoodon ampullatus Northern bottlenose Whale • Nördlicher Entenwal • Hyperoodon boréal Max: 9 m. & 7,5 t.

Búrhvalur • Physeter macrocephalus Sperm Whale • Pottwal • Cachalot Max: 18 m. & 50 t.

Grindhvalur • Globicephala melas Pilot Whale • Grindwal • Globi cèpale noir Max: 8 m. & 5 t.

SKJÁLFANDI BAY GENTLE GIANTS' ROUTES

Akureyri

GRÍMSEY ISLAND

Húsavík

THE ARCTIC CIRCLE

GG1 · Whale Watching

66° 32’ N 18° 01’ W Reykjavík

GG2 · Big Whale Safari & Puffins

Höfn

GG3 · Sea Angling GG4 · Flatey Island GG5 · Grímsey Island Adventure GG6 · Hiking the Mountains

* The map shows maximum possible length of each route

GG7 · Pro-Fishing GG8 · Whales & Horses GG9 · Puffins Exclusive

FLATEY ISLAND PUFFIN ISLAND (LUNDEY)

HÚSAVÍK 66° 02’ 47”N 17° 20’ 36” 36”W

GG1 · WHALE WATCHING - TIMETABLE APRIL

MAY

1st-14th 15th-30th 1st-31st

09:45

09:45 13:15

See page 6

JUNE

JULY

1st-30th

1st-31st

1st-20th 21st-31st 1st-30th

08:45

09:45

12:00

13:15

15:15

16:45

20:00

WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS AND CURRENCIES

AUGUST

SEPT.

OCTOBER

1st-15th 16th-31st

09:45

13:15

GG2 · BIG WHALE SAFARI & PUFFINS - TIMETABLE APRILAPRIL -14 1 -30 st

MAYMAY

15 -30 1 -14 stth

thth

12:30

1 -31 15 -31 stth

stst

JUNE

JULY

1 -30

1 -31

1 -20

21 -31

09:30

09:30* 09:30 09:30*

AUGUST st

09:45

See page 7

SEPT.SEPT. OCTOBER OCT. st

-30th 11 1stth-15 -31stst 1st-10 -30thth 16 1stth-31

11:00

11:00* 11:00

12:30

12:30 14:00 16:00

12:30* 12:30 12:30* 12:30 12:30* 14:00* 16:00 * The puffins

16:00

16:00 19:00 19:00

16:00* 19:00 19:00*

are leaving. More focus on Big Whales.

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

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

Húsavík

MEMBER OF ICEWHALE – THE ICELANDIC WHALE WATCHING ASSOCIATION