Gentle Giants Whale Watching Husavik Iceland sales manual 2015 by Halli Egils

whale watching Gentle giants • Húsavík • Iceland • Sales Manual

this is it 2015 welcome

150 YEARS of FAMILY HISTORY IN THE BAY Húsavík

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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 s eason. Our f amily-run company, G entle Giants Whale W atching, celebrates its fourteenth year and proudly o ffers you our service and highly experienced and fully q ualified 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 and 2014. 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 s easonal sales manual. 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 Photos in the Sales Manual are taken by Gentle Giants’ team: @Koen Hoekemeijer ©Peter Waltl jr. & Sr., ©Jóhann Óli Hilmarsson, ©Stefán Guðmundsson, © Daniel & Alexia, ©Anton Ísak Óskarsson, ©Elín Lilja, ©Miriam Walter, ©Þórdís Björt Sigþórsdóttir, ©Friðþjófur Helgason, ©Sarah Arndt, ©HalliEgils, ©Rebekka K.

The Family

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Five Generations in Skjálfandi Bay

In 2001 eleven experienced, diverse individuals in Húsavík d ecided 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 s ailing v isitors around Skjálfandi Bay searching for whales… not for hunting but for watching! The immense effort proved more than worthwhile, growing into a g iant success among visitors. Ever since then Gentle Giants has employed great staff and e njoyed a rapidly increasing n umber of annual visitors.

Sylvía Dís (12)

Hanna Sigga, Katrín Svava (10) and Rakel Ása (13).

Aþena Lind (17)

MEMBER OF VISIT NORTH ICELAND northiceland.is

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

Sædís Helga (19)

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

Our passengers are fully insured by VÍS Insurance Ltd.

We proudly present our EXPERIENCED TEAM

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The Boss Stefán Guðmundsson

CEO & Marketing Manager Captain

Employee Manager Captain

The Artist

The Author

Björg Skarphéðinsdóttir

Sigurveig Gunnarsdóttir

Ticket Sales

Miss Spain Belén Garcia Ovide Guide

The Admiral Karl Óskar Geirsson Fleet Manager Captain

The Champ Hilmar Þór G uðmundsson Captain

Jóhanna S. Svavarsdóttir

Ticket Sales

The Pearl Diver Sandra Montes Guide

The Mustang Sverrir Yngvi Karlsson Captain

Daniel Annisius

Assistant Manager Guide & Ticket Sales

The Princess Sigrún Ólöf Karlsdóttir Ticket Sales

Captain

Alexia Annisius Askelöf Web Editor Guide & Ticket Sales

Karitas Þórisdóttir Guide

The Player Hlynur Þór Birgisson Captain

The Rock Sigurjón Sigurbjörnsson Captain

The Dart player Hallgrímur Egilsson Sales Manager Designer

The Rocket

l The Spanish Pear María Torralba Escobedo Guide & Ticket Sales

Karólína Hildur Hauksdóttir

riker The mid-field st Sigrún Vala Hauksdóttir Ticket Sales

The Voyager Miriam Walter Guide

The Leader Pétur Olgeirsson Captain

The Pro Guy Sigdór Jósefsson Captain

Guide

The Sailor Svavar Ágústsson Captain

The Gentleman Sigurður Kristjánsson Captain

Sigrún Björg Steinþórsdóttir

The Horse Whisperer

n The Cosmopolita Sarah Arndt Head Guide

Miss Canada Charla Basran

Miss Húsavik

Ticket Sales

Ticket Sales Assistant

The Bird Lover

The Big Fish Sigmar Ingólfsson

The Queen

The King

Mrs. Boss

Þórdís Björt Sigþórsdóttir Guide

The Viking Axel Bjarnason Guide

The Tough Guy Ingimar Eydal Óskarsson Captain

The Hunter Elías Frímann Elvarsson Captain

The Poet Þröstur Sverrisson Guide

The Explorer Sigurgeir Pétursson Captain

The Old Dog Vilhjálmur Bessi Kristinsson Captain

Gentle Giants’ proud fleet For our activities · BOAT RENTAL · Six boats

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Experience private and tailor made tours. Travel yourself in cooperation with our crew. Ideal for individuals, f amilies and groups. Suggest a trip or route – any idea is a good one – or let us create an itinerary for you. We want to please you with our service and experience. The limitations of p ossibilities are up to your imagination. Note: Tailor made refreshments available at a r easonable price.

m/v Sylvía

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

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

m/v Faldur

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

RIB Amma Sigga

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

m/v Athena

Built: 2000 in Hafnarfjörður Tonnage: 8 Length: 9,5 m – Beam: 3 m Capacity: 24 pax EUR 1150 for 3 hours Specialized for sea angling and smaller groups in various activity.

m/v Axel - Zodiac

Built: 2007 Length: 4,5 m – Beam: 2 m Capacity: 8 pax EUR 235 pr. hour Only as a working boat nr. II - ideal for camera work, diving and coastal transport / beaches.

URS PRIVATE TO ion and

r informat Call now fo or by 54 464 1500 bookings +3 ts.is an gi w.gentle visiting ww

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Timetable 2015

GG1 · Whale Watching - Timetable April

May

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

09:45

09:45 13:15

We accept all major credit cards And currencies

June

July

August

Sept.

1st-30th

1st-31st

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

08:45

09:45

12:00

13:15

15:15

16:45

20:15 20:00

20:15* 20:00

October

1st-15th 16th-31st

09:45

13:15

09:45

GG2 · Big Whale Safari & Puffins - Timetable AprilApril

MayMay

June

July

August

Sept.Sept. October Oct.

-14th 15 -30thth 15 1stth-31 1st-30 1stth-14 -31stst 1st-30th

1st-31st

-30th 11 1stth-15 -31stst 1st-20th 21st-31st 1st-10 -30thth 16 1stth-31

09:30

09:30 09:30* 09:30*

11:00

11:00 11:00*

12:30

12:30 12:30* 12:30 12:30* 12:30*

16:00 14:00

16:00 14:00*

19:00 16:00

19:00 16:00*

19:00

19:00*

12:30

12:30 16:00

* The puffins are leaving. More focus on Big Whales.

Whale watching timetable 2015. Other tours, excursions and schedules can be arranged upon request at our Ticket Center. Early booking is r ecommended. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.

Preview of Our tours

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GG1 • Whale Watching

GG2 Big whale Safari & Puffins

GG3 Sea Angling

Experience the magnificent mammals of the ocean

For more excitement

Catch your own meal

See the tour on page 8

See the tour on page 10

See the tour on page 12

GG4 · Flatey Island

GG5 GRÍMSEY ISLAND ADVENTURE

GG6 HIKING THE MOUNTAINS

Puffins · Bird Watching · Whales

Arctic crossing · Whales & Puffins

Hiking the mountains of Skjálfandi bay

See the tour on page 14

See the tour on page 16

See the tour on page 18

GG7 Pro-Fishing

Gg8 Whales & Horses

GG9 Puffins exclusive

Unique and unforgettable experience

The Icelandic horse and the whale

One hour express tour

See the tour on page 20

See the tour on page 22

See the tour on page 24

And you can also find ideas for a tailor made tour on page 28

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GG1 • Whale Watching

“Real whale watching” July 30, 2014 nt 20% discou vík

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

EXPERIENCE THE magnificent MAMMALS OF THE OCEAN

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: Gazing at the wonders of nature in the beautiful surroundings of Skjálfandi Bay, sheltered by the s tunning mountains of Vík.

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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.

“A lifetime ambition realised” July 15, 2014

RATES:

Included:

Adults: ISK 9200 (EUR 58). Children 7-15 years: ISK 3700 (EUR 24). Children 0-6 years: FREE Duration: Approximately 3 hours. n and r informatio Call now fo or by 54 464 1500 bookings +3 nts.is w.gentlegia visiting ww

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

SEASON: April 1st – October 31st. See our timetable on page 6 for daily tours.

Group discounts and tailor made tours a vailable, as well as multi-trip passes. See our timetable on page 6 for daily tours or contact us for more information.

GG2 Big whale Safari

Photo@ GentleGiants: Koen Hoekemeijer

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ade Specially m s rall safety ove to available warm! keep you

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.

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

See our timetable on page 6 for daily tours.

FOR more excitement

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“Our Best Day In Iceland” July 24, 2014

RATES: Adults: ISK 16100 (EUR 99). Children 7-12 years: ISK 11300 (EUR 71). Not recommended for children under 7 years.

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

Duration: Approximately 2,5 hours. Daytrips from Reykjavík to Húsavík available all season - www.eagleair.is

SEASON: May 1st – September 30th. Other tours, excursions and s chedules can be arranged upon request at our Ticket Center. Early booking is recommended. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules should weather or other conditions change. Minimum number of six required for the standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.

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GG3 Sea Angling

10CA0TC% H

TEE!

N GUARA

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

CATCH YOUR OWN MEAL

RATES: Adults: ISK 13900 (EUR 89). Children 7-12 years: ISK 6900 (EUR 43). Children 0-6 years: FREE Duration: Approx. 2–3 hours.

n and Call now for informatio or by bookings +354 464 1500 ts.is visiting www.gentlegian

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).

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SEASON: April 1st - October 31st. Trips made upon request. Minimum number of four required in a standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.

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GG4 Flatey ISLAND

On our way to Flatey Island, experience the beautiful surroundings of Skjálfandi Bay. Flatey Island is a natural haven for birdlife and is e xtremely 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 visit the island each summer. Most of the old homes are kept and maintained as summerhouses.

up close. This is a unique opportunity to commune with nature. From Flatey we head back to Húsavík and sail by the a wesome mountains of Vík. If Mother Nature is feeling generous, we may even be able to do some whale watching on our way back.

We offer guided excursions through Flatey’s b eautiful nature. The island is home to the arctic tern and p uffins, which you may watch

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

PUFFINs BIRD WATCHING WHALES

RATES: Adults: ISK 24500 (EUR 154). Children 7-12 years: ISK 12200 (EUR 77). Children 0-6 years: FREE Duration: 4–5 hours. rmation and Call now for info 4 1500 or by bookings +354 46 tlegiants.is visiting www.gen

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.

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SEASON: June 1st - August 10th. Saturdays at 17:00.

Minimum number of two required in this standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip. Special arrangements are a vailable upon request.

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GG5 GRÍMSEY ISLAND ADVENTURE

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 a rrival 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 e xperience and impressions. On our way back we do some whaleand puffin watching in Skjálfandi Bay. Estimated time of arrival in Húsavík is around noon. Every passenger gets a certificate after crossing the Arctic Circle.

ARCTIC CROSSING · WHALES & PUFFINS

RATES:

Included:

ISK 64900 (EUR 420). Duration: Approximately 6 hours. Minimum number of ten required for the standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip. Call now for information and bookings +354 464 1500 or by visiting www.gentlegiants.is

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.

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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.

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GG6 HIKING THE MOUNTAINS

A beautiful two day hiking tour in the mountains of Skjálfandi Bay. 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 12 km before we have to cross a river and reach the sleeping cabin. The estimated 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. Day 2 - We leave the accommodation in the valley at 08:00 in the morning and head NNW towards the coast / beach. The path leads around 14 km alongside a beautiful river. Then a boat picks up the group and heads to Flatey Island for a short visit and a BBQ. Afterwards we head back to Húsavík passing the whale watching areas in S kjálfandi Bay – ETA in Húsavík this day is at 17:00.

Hiking the mountains of Skjálfandi Bay

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855 m

GG6 · Hiking map

800 m

Altitude profile END

600 m 400 m 200 m

N66 06.799 W17 52.992

0m END

Start

Start N66 02.178 W17 41.348

Sleep

RATES: ISK 97600 (EUR 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 26th - 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.

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.

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GG7 Pro-Fishing

“We spent some very exciting days in Iceland, and the top of it was the day we were fishing in Húsavík! When we were in Iceland for the first time, we wanted to try working on a fishing boat, but we didn’t find any opportunity. It was a great pleasure when we found Gentle Giants on our s econd trip. We didn’t know exactly how much hard work fishing is. We spent 14 hours at sea, very close to the pure nature. We worked hard, and we caught an incredible amount of fish. Fishing is extremely tiring, but an amazing experience. And during the work we saw some killer whales, d olphins, puffins and many other sea birds. We recommend this trip to a nyone who is looking for a unique experience. Thank you very much for this unforgettable experience!” Juli & Attila from Hungary

Unique and unforgettable experience

Become an Icelandic fishing pro for a day or two. Daily from April to October, we w elcome people to join us as crewmembers on our fishing boats, sharing our extensive knowledge of fishing and the sea to create an unforgettable and traditional Icelandic adventure. We take our customers out from Húsavík to Skjálfandi Bay on daily professional fishing trips on our fishing boats. From April to May each year you could be a crew member d uring lumpfish season, or from June to September catch mainly cod. This is a h ard-core fishing experience in the real North Atlantic seas for people who 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 and Húsavík, generation after generation, for more than 150 years.

Fishing

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Apr MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT

Lumpfish

•

Cod

•

Haddock

•

Pollock

•

Redfish

•

European Plaice

•

Common Dab

•

American Plaice

•

Catfish

•

Leopardfish

•

Whiting

•

Monkfish

•

Difficulty

Difficulty levels are calculated by our Marine Experts living in Skjálfandi Bay for d ecades with vast experience fishing in the bay. The biggest contributor to the d ifficulty levels is the unpredictable weather conditions.

Primary catch

•

Secondary catch

•

We are an original part of the history, fishermen with salty blood running through our veins. Others may wish they had the same tradition, and we want to o ffer them the salty experience… a real one! For further information visit profishing.is

1 DAY PRO-FISHING PACKAGE RATES:

Included:

Adults: ISK 49500 (EUR 310). Duration: 10–16 hours of hard work and adventure (dependent upon catch and weather). n and r informatio Call now fo or by 00 15 54 464 bookings +3 ts.is an gi tle w.gen visiting ww

A crewmember’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

Photo@ GentleGiants: Koen Hoekemeijer

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Experience the combination of traditional whale watching and the Icelandic horse. E xplore the countryside close to Húsavík on an Icelandic horse with e xperienced riders at your side.

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.

The Icelandic horse and the whale

RATES:

Included:

Adults: ISK 18100 (EUR 114). Children 0-12 years: ISK 9100 (EUR 57). Duration: Approximately 3 hours whale watching and 2 hours horse riding. Call now for information and bookings +354 464 1500 or by visiting www.gentlegiants.is

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.

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SEASON: April 1st – October 31st. See our whale watching timetable on page 6 for daily tours. Tailor made tours and other arrangements can be made by contacting our Ticket Center.

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GG9 Puffins exclusive

In this Puffins Exclusive Express Tour, we will take you to P uffin 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 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.

One hour express tour

RATES: Adults: ISK 7800 (EUR 49). Children 7-12 years: ISK 3800 (EUR 24). Not recommended for children under 7 years. Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

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

Puffins

exclusive

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Season: May 1st - August 20th. Call now for information and bookings +354 464 1500 or by visiting www.gentlegiants.is

Minimum number of five required in this standard tour. Trips are made upon request.

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Whales in Skjálfandi Bay Most common whales in Skjálfandi BaY

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

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

Hnýðingur • Lagenorhynchus albirostris White-beaked dolphin • Weißsnauzendelphin • Lagènorhynque à bec blanc Max: 3.1 m. & 350 kg.

Háhyrningur • Orcinus Orca Orca / Killer Whale • Schwertwal • Orque Max: 10 m. & 9 t.

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

Hrefna • Balaenoptera acutorstrata Minke whale • Zwergwal • Petit rorqual Max: 11 m. & 10 t.

Whales in Skjálfandi Bay

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

Sandreyður • Balaenoptera borealis Sei Whale • Seiwal • Rorqual du Nord Max: 19.5 m. & 26 t. Andarnefja • Hyperoodon ampullatus Northern bottlenose Whale • Nördlicher Entenwal • Hyperoodon boréal Max: 9 m. & 7,5 t.

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

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

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GG TAILOR MADE TOURS CREATE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

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.

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

Welcome to give us an idea of your dream trip – contact us for more information.

Scientific & research tours Birthday tours

Family reunion tours And more…………

Gentle Giants ensures the safety and security of its passengers SAf e firs ty t

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

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 staff is trained in Safety and Survival by the Maritime Safety and Survival Training Centre of Iceland.

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

Our passengers are fully insured by VÍS Insurance Ltd.

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Since 1861

Five generations of pioneering in the bay

Árni Tómasson, fisherman and farmer in Flatey Island Valley (great grandfather of Gentle Giants’ owner Stefán Guðmundsson), with his wife Jóhanna Jónsdóttir and 14 of their children.

boats like these made it Not ideal for whale watching, but to feed a big family of nine. possible to catch the fish necessary tle Giants’ owner, fishing Hólmgeir Árnason, grandfather of Gen Skjálfandi Bay. close to his home in Flatey Island in

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.

With time the boats became b igger, steadier and safer. Today Gentle Giants is using oak boats similar to these for whale watching.

More than 150 years of family history in the bay Generation to generation, the knowledge about the bay is passed down. In the picture on the left is Héðinn M aríusson great grandfather of Stefán Guðmundsson, owner of Gentle G iants, on the right.

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150 YEARS of FAMILY HISTORY IN THE BAY

ANNO 1861

HÚSAVÍK

Húsavík

Húsavík means “The House Bay” and is a town in northern Iceland, located on the eastern shore of Skjálfandi Bay. It was first settled in 870 AD by a Swedish Viking, Garðar Svavarsson. According to the Book of Settlement, he circumnavigated Iceland and was the first one to discover it is an island. Garðar spent one winter in Húsavík before returning to Sweden, leaving one of his men, Náttfari, behind. He stayed in Iceland until he died and is therefore considered to be the 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 tourism industry. It is the fastest growing sector of the economy. The biggest visitor 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 2,207 (2014), Húsavík is rich with culture and activities. One of the major events in Húsavík is Mærudagar (Candy Days), a local festival held every summer. Welcome to Húsavík!

Our Hometown

HÚSAVÍK

k for Just loo

ale The Wh ng watchi ticket center

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Diamonds around the corner

Road distances in km from Húsavík Mývatn 54 Akureyri 91 Seyðisfjörður 248 Egilsstaðir 220 Reykjavík 480 Borgarnes 406 Ísafjörður 659

Flatey Island (30 minutes)

Ásbyrgi canyon (40 minutes)

Höfn 467 Selfoss 521 Vík 650 Gullfoss 587 Keflavík 520 Þingvellir 497

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.

Grundarfjörður 474

Dettifoss waterfall (65 min.)

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 S elfoss (10 m). These waterfalls form a unity u nparalleled in the world. There is a marked walking path from Dettifoss to Hafragilsfoss.

Lake Mývatn (40 minutes)

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.

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 extend except by foot.

Goðafoss waterfall (30 min.)

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.

LET US GUIDE YOU

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The Arctic Circle Grímsey

FLATEY

N 85 ÁSBYRGI

SKJÁLFANDI bay

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HERE WE ARE

- looking forward to seeing you!

2 862

864

DETTIFOSS 845

Road To Reykjavík KRAFLA

GOÐAFOSS

863

Akureyri

848 MÝVATN

Sprengisandur Road

Aldeyjarfoss

Environmental Policy HÚSAVÍK

cts of conservation, rience and commitment to all aspe expe e -tim long ts’ Gian tle Gen cts from Our environmental policy refle our answer to the increasing demand nature with respect. This policy is ting trea and te ent tribu ronm con envi and the g ort protectin le Watching who supp companies like Gentle Giants Wha for s tion nisa orga al glob and rs our custome tourism worldwide. to the eco-system and sustainable present and future possibilities. r’s needs, without threatening nature’s • GG is willing to fulfil every custome purpose. We make a have been renovated for their current that ts boa ng fishi ndic Icela al ition trad • GG operates ortance. vessels with cultural and historical imp special effort to protect and maintain ir and maintenance of hulls eco-labels are preferably used for repa and ucts prod dly frien lly enta ronm • GG uses envi and engines. as much as possible use of single use products is avoided • GG uses recyclable products. The to such as oil, paint and used batteries ering all hazardous and toxic waste deliv on s hasi emp t grea a puts GG • assigned official collecting sites. age that might cause environmental dam ant authorities about any accidents • GG immediately notifies the relev from our boats or from others. pany to include all new aspects of ut the environmental policy of the com • GG staff is updated regularly abo protecting the environment. r to minimise pollution ut and speed of our engines, in orde outp the g rdin rega y ienc effic gy • GG puts effort in ener ding birds. autions are taken near whales and bree and disturbance in wildlife. Special prec our area. when leaving and entering the harb • GG always shows great caution ronmental factor, the economic refer to three major factors: the envi bility aina sust in s ciple prin that ves • GG belie established between these lopment. A suitable balance must be deve ism tour of cts aspe ral cultu al factor and soci the ecological process. optimal use of nature’s resources in factors in order to reach a long-term environment in the area, its great importance of protecting the the of els vess its on ers eng pass • GG informs scenery and the air that we breathe. outstanding marine wildlife, stunning s to contribute to the sustainable project with the aim of finding way a h Nort Wild The of ner part d • GG is a prou as whale watching. development of wildlife tourism such international eco-label Blue Flag. • We are a proud member of the

Watching On behalf of Gentle Giants Whale ng Manager keti Stefán Guðmundsson CEO & Mar

simply natural

Mr & Mrs Feel Good

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We Care

We care about our passengers’ feelings. We have cozy, warm overalls in bright safety colours and a wide range of sizes, all especially d esigned for our excursions to the open sea. We also offer every passenger light refreshments on our t raditional whale watching tour. Complementary hot chocolate and the traditional Icelandic twisted d onut, k leina, to keep you warm and nourished. We want our passengers to have a great experience and FEEL GOOD!

wa speci a r an m ove l dr ava ain ralls coa ila eve ble F ts REE ry day

You can book and buy your ticket: ... online at www.gentlegiants.is ... by e-mail: info@gentlegiants.is ... by phone: +354 464 1500 ... in the Whale Watching Ticket Center. Just look for the BIG BLUE FLAGS by the main street in Húsavík!

Specially designed useful things for sale on location at reasonable prices. Different colours available.

HÚSAVÍK

SKJÁLFANDI BAY Gentle Giants' routes Grímsey ISLAND

The Arctic Circle

66° 32’ N 18° 01’ w

GG1 · Whale Watching GG2 · Big Whale Safari & Puffins GG3 · Sea Angling GG4 · Flatey Island GG5 · Grímsey Island Adventure GG6 · Hiking the Mountains GG7 · Pro-Fishing GG8 · Whales & Horses GG9 · Puffins Exclusive

FLATEY ISLAND Puffin Island (LUNDEY)

Húsavík 66° 02’ 47”N 17° 20’ 36”W

♥ enjoy ♥