Gentle Giants Whale Watching Sales Manual 2019 by Halli Egils

GENTLE GIANTS

•

HÚSAVÍK

WHALE

WATCHING THIS IS IT • WELCOME

S ALLS INA IGIN RIG OR TTH EO HE HHHHH

LEASL SAN U MA

Akureyri

150 YEARS OF FAMILY HISTORY IN THE BAY

Húsavík

Reykjavík

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

MEMBER OF ICEWHALE – THE ICELANDIC WHALE WATCHING ASSOCIATION

Húsavík

THE TRULY ORIGINAL AND EXPERIENCED FAMILY COMPANY Dear Sir or Madam!

I want to greet you with a warm welcome to Húsavík, Iceland in the 2019 s eason. Our family run company, Gentle Giants Whale Watching, celebrates its eighteenth 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 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 guest a happy one. We are proud to receive the Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor for the seventh consecutive year: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, as well as the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame recognition in 2018. It confirms and underlines that we are surely on the right track in outstanding service and delivering a great experience. We promise you: Less crowded boats More personal experience Higher chances of finding whales 150 years of our family history in Skjálfandi Bay Great respect to nature and minimum environmental impact Good memories and natural happiness We hereby introduce to you our c ompany 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 h esitate to contact us.

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

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

l The Spanish Pear María Torralba Escobedo Shift Manager Ticket Sales

The Mechanic Ásdís Hulda Guðmundsdóttir Ticket Sales

The Climber Theresia Ramm Guide

The Pro Golfer Hafþór Hermannsson

Mrs. Boss Jóhanna Sigríður Svavarsdóttir Employee Manager Captain

The Dart Player Hallgrímur Egilsson Designer

The Actress Karen Erludóttir Ticket Sales

The Recorder Nacho Oria Guide

The Endeavour Freyja Pétursson Guide

The King Daniel Annisius Assistant Manager Sales

Miss Canada Charla Basran

Ticket Sales – Guide Researcher

The Viking Aksel Nordeng Bjarnason Head Guide

The Obser ver Katrina Davies Guide

The Enthusiastic Serena Lagorio Guide

Guide

The Mustang Sverrir Yngvi Karlsson

Head Captain RIB Speedboats

The Rock Star Rúnar S. Magnússon Captain

The Leader Pétur Olgeirsson

Head Captain Oak Boats

n The Cosmopolita Sarah Arndt

Captain – Guide Ticket Sales

The Navigator Aðalsteinn Steinþórsson Captain

The Original Hermann Daðason Captain

The Queen Alexia Annisius Askelöf Digital Marketing Sales

The Islander Ingibjörg Ósk Ingvarsdóttir

Ticket Sales – Guide

The Fly Fisher Miroslav Cibul’a Guide

The Magician Pedro Manuel Gómez Guide

The Journalist Mark Badalan Guide

The Tough Guy Ingimar Eydal Óskarsson Captain

The Grandson Ólafur Ármann Sigurðsson

The Horse Whisperer Ásrún Ásmundsdóttir Field Manager Ticket Sales

The Admiral Karl Óskar Geirsson Fleet Manager Captain

The Traveller

The Writer

Veronica Manzano

Hrafnkell Hreinsson

Ticket Sales

s The Adventurou Daniel González Guide

The Organizer Clément Brun Guide

The Analyst

The Skipper Natàlia Amigó Chaparro

Ricardo Fernandes Guide

Guide

The Boyfriend Jack Cowley Guide

The Footballer Travis Nicklaw Assistant

The Gentleman Hallgrímur Guðmundsson Captain

The Farmer Bjarni Eyjólfsson Captain

The Heavy Metalist Kolbeinn Karlsson Maintenance

The Motorbiker Jose Antonio Maintenance

Captain

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

GG1 • WHALE WATCHING Húsavík

“Thanks for the pleasure of being your passenger!”

9% the 97h–t9 ings s sig t year pas

Experience the traditional tour from Húsavík. Our birthplace is often considered as the Whale W atching Capital of Europe. Whale watching is a unique adventure at sea – w atching the wonders of nature in the b eautiful surroundings of S kjálfandi Bay, s heltered

RATES: Adults: ISK 10400 Children 7-15: ISK 4400 Children 0-6: FREE Duration: Approximately 3 hours.

by the s tunning 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 u ntamed n ature of the North Atlantic.

INCLUDED: A specialized guide, light refreshments (hot c hocolate and an Icelandic traditional t wisted donut, kleina), warm overalls and raincoats if needed.

SEASON: March 1st – November 30th. Daily departures (see timetable). Group discounts and tailor made tours available, as well as multi-trip passes. Contact us for more information.

EXPERIENCE THE MAMMALS OF THE OCEAN Húsavík

“great boat and crew, plenty of whales”

GG1watching · WHALE WATCHING - TIMETABLE Whale timetable 2019. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.

2017

Warm overalls available FREE every day!

TIMETABLE GG1 • WHALE WATCHING – TIMETABLE MARCH 1 -15 st

16 -31 th

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

1 -30

1 -31

1 -30

1 -31

AUGUST 1 -20 st

SEPTEMBER

21 -31 st

1 -20 st

21 -30 st

OCT.

NOV.

1 -31

1st-30th

08:45 08:45 08:45 08:45 08:45 08:45 10:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 10:45 12:00 12:00 12:00 12:00 12:00 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 15:15 15:15 15:15 16:45 16:45 16:45 16:45 16:45 16:45 16:45 20:00 20:00 20:00

20% DISCOUNT to

with every ticket

Blue whale skeleton exhibition ©The Whale Museum

www.whalemuseum.is

GG2 BIG WHALE SAFARI Húsavík

“Amazing experience! more than expected!”

99,9%

sightin gs past ye the ars

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,

your chances to encounter 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 puffins, the “Clowns of the Ocean”, during the nesting period (April 15th – August 20th).

FOR MORE EXCITEMENT Húsavík

“First rate whale watching take a rib boat!”

Big Whale Safari & Puffins timetable 2019. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change. Specially made safety overalls to keep you warm and safe!

GG2 • BIG WHALE SAFARI & PUFFINS – TIMETABLE TIMETABLE APRIL

MAY

1st-15th 16th-30th 1st-31st

JUNE

JULY

1st-15th 16th-30th 1st-31st

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

1st-20th 21st-31st 1st-20th 21st-30th 1st-15th 16th-31st

08:30 08:30 08:30 09:30* 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 10:00 10:00 10:00 10:00* 10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30* 10:30* 10:30* 10:30* 11:00 11:00 11:00 11:00 11:00* 11:00* 12:30* 12:30 12:30 12:30 12:30 12:30 12:30 12:30* 12:30* 12:30* 12:30* 13:00 13:00 13:00* 13:30 13:30 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00* 14:00* 15:30 15:30 15:30 15:30 15:30 15:30 15:30* 15:30* 15:30* 17:00 17:00 17:00* 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00* 21:30** 21:30**

RATES: Adults: ISK 18990 Children 7-12: ISK 12900 Not recommended for children under 7 years. Duration: Approximately 2,5 hours. Minimum number of six r equired for the standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.

INCLUDED: A specialized guide, warm safety overalls and a little surprise from a local winemaker.

* Puffin season is from April 15th – August 20th. More focus on Big Whales. ** Midnight Exclusive.

SEASON: April 1st – October 31st. Daily departures (see timetable). Other tours, excursions and schedules can be arranged upon request. Early booking is recommended.

GG2 DAY TOUR FROM REYKJAVÍK BIG WHALE SAFARI & PUFFINS

Húsavík

Akureyri

ORIGINAL BIG WHALE SAFARI & PUFFINS DAY TOUR FROM REYKJAVÍK WITH EAGLE AIR

Reykjavík

Only

in 50frm om vík

Reykja

The day tour is booked through Eagle Air.

Höfn Mon.

Tue.

Wed.

Thu.

Fri.

From Reykjavík 08:05

08:05

Arrival in Húsavík 08:55

08:55

From Húsavík 17:05

17:05

Arrival in Reykjavík 18:00

18:00

Eagle Air flies twice daily 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 Museum. This gives an extra dimension to your experience at sea. In the a fternoon you return by flight to Reykjavík, full of memories to think back at when your holiday is over.

RATES: Adults: EUR 650 Children 7-11: EUR 325 The boat tour is not recommended for c hildren under 7 years. Duration: Approximately 10 hours.

INCLUDED: Return flights from Reykjavík domestic airport to Húsavík with Eagle Air. All transportation on site including an English-speaking driver / guide. GG2 Big Whale Safari & Puffins with Gentle G iants (duration approximately 2,5 hours). Admission to the Húsavík Whale Museum. Not included: Food during the day.

SEASON: April 1st – October 31st. Other tours, excursions and schedules can be arranged upon request. Contact us for more information. Early booking is recommended. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change. The day tour is booked through Eagle Air.

GG3 • SEA ANGLING CATCH YOUR OWN MEAL

Húsavík

10CA0TC% H

NTEE!

GUARA

Experience the exciting feeling of catching your own meal on Skjálfandi Bay. The distance to the rich fishing grounds is very short. On board you will be offered a sashimi taste from the catch – as fresh as it gets. At the end of the tour your captain can fillet the fish, most likely cod or haddock, and you can take it with you for your own cooking. Upon request and at a

reasonable price it is also p ossible to either have your fish prepared in the nearby Naustið Seafood Restaurant or, if available, get it cooked in a local home in Húsavík. Thanks to our experience as professional fishermen with historically strong roots around the bay, we provide you with a 100% For information and bookings CATCH GUARANTEE. BOOK NOW! www.gentlegiants.is

RATES: Adults: ISK 16900 Children 7-12: ISK 7900 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.

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

Daily departures 16:00

SEASON: May 1st – September 30th. Daily departures at 16:00. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change s chedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change. Minimum number of four required in a standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.

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. Duration: Approximately 4-5 hours. Minimum number of two required in a standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.

but many people visit the island each summer. Most of the old homes are kept and m aintained as summerhouses. We offer guided excursions through F latey’s beautiful n ature. The island is home to the arctic tern and puffins, which you may watch up close. This is a unique opportunity to commune with nature. From Flatey we head back to Húsavík and sail by the awesome mountains of Vík. If Mother Nature is feeling generous, we may even be able to do some whale w atching on our way back.

INCLUDED: A specialized guide, warm safety overalls, and a little surprise from a local winemaker.

Saturdays 17:00

SEASON: May 10th – August 10th. Saturdays at 17:00. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change. Special arrangements are available upon request.

GG5 YOGA RETREAT FLATEY ISLAND MINDFUL DAYS IN SECLUDED NATURE

Húsavík

NEW 2019

Practise yoga in Icelandic wilderness in 66°09’ just below the Arctic Circle, e njoy healthy food and meditate in midnight brightness during this r estorative retreat.

ation in the m idnight brightness before going to bed.

DAY 2: Wake up to the sound of pure nature and enjoy a nourishing breakfast. Allow yourself a mindful and restorative DAY 1: We leave at 10:15 from Húsavík break in the island’s wilderness before aboard a RIB speedboat and go whale taking another teacher-led yoga class. watching on the way to Flatey Island. Chai tea and a light meal will be served Upon arrival we enjoy our packed picnics before we make our way back to Húsavík before taking a guided tour among the is- on a RIB around 14:00 on Sunday. land’s stunning scenery, its exciting history and colonies of nesting birds. This easy About the teacher: Huld Hafliðadóttir is a walk ends with the first outdoor yoga local, passionate yoga teacher from Húsavík flow, led by an experienced yoga teacher, who has been teaching and practicing where we connect to nature and our yoga for almost a decade. She is a licensed inner peace. The practise is followed by a Kundalini Yoga, Childplay Yoga and Yoga delicious, vegetarian dinner whereupon Nidra teacher and a practitioner of Sat Nam the beach bonfire is lit. End the evening Rasayan healing. For further info, see her with guided meditation and gong relaxwebsite www.spiritnorth.is. RATES: ISK 29900 Minimum number of six required in a standard tour, maximum twelve. Bookings in advance required. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.

DEPARTURES 2019: From Húsavík June 19th – 10:15 (summer solstice) August 14th – 10:15

INCLUDED: Return RIB boat transfer, guided walking tour, yoga flow classes, guided meditation and gong relaxation led by an experienced yoga teacher, accommodation, dinner, breakfast and a light lunch. Not included: Lunch on the first day – optional lunch packs available upon request at a reasonable price.

NOTE: Suitable for yogis of all levels. Expect any kind of Icelandic weather and be well prepared with comfortable clothing. Bring your own picnic for lunch upon arrival. This tour is offered in co-operation with travel agents.

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. 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 B Drift on the glacier river Skjálfandafljót and continue paddling along the beautiful mountains of Kinn. • Duration: Approx. 4-5 hours • Departure: Fridays at 09:00 & 20:00 • Note: Return car transfer Húsavík to Skjálfandafljót included

TOUR A

TOUR C

Explore the unspoiled nature along the coast where the majestic mountains of Kinn meet the sea.

Paddle up-close around Puffin Island, one of Iceland’s biggest puffin colonies.

• Duration: Approx. 5-6 hours • Departure: Saturdays at 09:00 & 20:00 • Note: Return boat transfer Húsavík to mountains of Kinn included

• Duration: Approx. 2-3 hours • Departure: Thursdays at 09:00 & 20:00 • Note: Return car transfer Húsavík to shore departure point included

PEACEFUL ADVENTURE INTO THE WILD Húsavík

Tour C

NEW 2019

Tour A Tour B

RATES: Tour A: ISK 24900 Tour B: ISK 19900 Tour C: ISK 14900 Not recommended for children under 16 years. Minimum number of four required in a standard tour, maximum eight.

INCLUDED: Sea kayaks and all related equipment, two certified kayak guides, all transfers by boat or car from Húsavík when needed. Suitable for kayakers of all levels. Tailor made tours can be made upon request.

SEASON: June 1st – August 20th. Meeting point 1 hour prior to departure. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.

GG7 PUFFINS EXCLUSIVE ONE HOUR EXPRESS TOUR

Húsavík

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.

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.

Puffin Island reaches 34 m above sea level and is about 200 m long and 100 m wide. During the breeding season thousands of puffins can be RATES:

Adults: ISK 8900 Children 7-12: 4900 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, warm safety overalls, and a little surprise from a local winemaker.

SEASON: April 15th – August 20th. Tours are made upon request. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.

GG8 WHALES & HORSES THE WHALE AND THE ICELANDIC HORSE

Húsavík

For information and bookings

BOOK NOW! www.gentlegiants.is

Experience the c ombination of traditional whale watching (GG1) and the Icelandic horse. Explore the countryside close to Húsavík on an Icelandic horse with e xperienced riders RATES: Adults: ISK 19900 Children 10-15: ISK 9900 Not recommended for children under 10 years. Duration: Approximately 3 hours whale watching and 2 hours horse riding.

at your side. The riding trip begins in Saltvík, which is just four minutes by car from Húsavík h arbour, and can be taken either before or after your whale watching tour.

INCLUDED: A specialized guide, light refreshments (hot chocolate and an Icelandic traditional twisted donut, kleina) and warm overalls and raincoats if needed during the whale watching tour.

SEASON: April 1st – October 31st. See our GG1 timetable on page 5 for daily tours. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.

Tailor made tours and other a rrangements can be made upon request.

GG TAILOR MADE TOURS CREATE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE Húsavík

THIS IS YOUR PERFECT OPPORTUNITY

AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST:

As a licenced tour o perator, Gentle G iants has organized many tailor made e xcursions 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

Hiking the Mountains of Skjálfandi Bay • Beautiful Two Day Tour

CAMERA & FILMING TOURS

Scientific & research tours BIRTHDAY TOURS

Family reunion tours And more…

GENTLE GIANTS’ PROUD FLEET

YOU CAN RENT A BOAT FOR A PRIVATE TOUR

m/v Sylvía

m/v Faldur

RIB Amma Jóhanna

RIB VIP Amma Helga

RIB Amma Sigga

RIB Amma Kibba

RIB Amma Sigga II

m/v Athena

Built: 1976 in Akureyri • Tonnage: 30 • Length: 17,5 m • Beam: 4,3 m • Capacity: 70 pax ISK 485000 for 3 hours with captain and guide.

Built: 2017 • Length: 12 m • Beam: 4 m Engines: 2 x 400 hp • Max speed: 52 knots Capacity: 12 pax ISK 199000 pr. hour with captain and guide.

Built: 2015 • Length: 12 m • Beam: 4 m Engines: 2 x 400 hp • Max speed: 52 knots Capacity: 12 pax ISK 199000 pr. hour with captain and guide.

Built: 2011 • Length: 11,5 m • Beam: 3 m Engines: 2 x 300 hp • Max speed: 52 knots Capacity: 12 pax ISK 199000 pr. hour with captain and guide.

Húsavík

Built: 1972 in Westman Islands • Tonnage: 26 • Length: 14,5 m • Beam: 4 m • Capacity: 45 pax ISK 385000 for 3 hours with captain and guide.

Built: 2016 • Length: 13 m • Beam: 4 m Engines: 2 x 420 hp • Max speed: 52 knots Capacity: 12 pax ISK 225000 pr. hour with captain and guide.

Built: 2013 • Length: 12 m • Beam: 4 m Engines: 2 x 400 hp • Max speed: 52 knots Capacity: 12 pax ISK 199000 pr. hour with captain and guide.

Built: 2000 in Hafnarfjörður • Tonnage: 8 • Length: 9,5 m • Beam: 3 m • Capacity: 24 pax ISK 187000 for 3 hours with captain. Specialized for sea angling and smaller groups in various activity.

Zodiac Axel Built: 2007 Length: 4,5 m • Beam: 2 m Capacity: 8 pax ISK 42000 pr. hour with captain. Only used together with other boats – ideal for coastal transport and beaches.

SINCE 1861

FIVE GENERATIONS OF PIONEERING IN THE BAY Húsavík

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

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.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY SUPPORT TO NATURE Húsavík

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

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 >

u tio n-Z o n

ope

e ll e r s t o p p

App

Red uce sp

~ 5-6

ro a c hi n g-Z o n e

m p h , li

m it n u m

ve b er of

sse

l s,

S e a rc h in g - Z o n e e ed ,

3000 m >

Approaching-Zone (300m >)

r a d io keep a l ookout and stay in

t tac con

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.

Caution-Zone (50m >)

When possible, stop the propeller if cetacean approaches the vessel and propulsion until the cetacean is observed well clear of your vessel. Do not touch, swim with or feed cetacean.

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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 an authorized tour o perator by the Icelandic Tourist Board

Gentle Giants is a partner in the Wild North project of sustainable tourism

Authentic experience in Iceland

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

HÚSAVÍK OUR HOMETOWN 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 circum navigated 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 co-op was founded in Húsavík in 1882. r our Look fo

E WHAL ING WATCH TICKET R CENTE

In recent years, yet another trade has grown in Húsavík – the tourism industry. The biggest visitor attraction is whale watching and our hometown has in fact become known as the Whale Watching Capital of Europe. T housands of tourists visit Húsavík annually in hope of seeing the gentle giants of the ocean. Despite a total population of only 2,611 (2018), Húsavík is rich with culture and activities. Our three top museums are The Húsavík Whale Museum (where all our passengers get 20% discount on the entrance fee), The Culture House and The Exploration Museum. Our church, built in 1907, is one of the main s ymbols 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.

SKJÁLFANDI BAY Flatey

1 Húsavík

HÚSAVÍK

HERE WE ARE 85

ÁSBYRGI

- LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!

862

864

DETTIFOSS

845

KRAFLA 1

863 GOÐAFOSS 1

848 MÝVATN

F-26 ROAD TO SPRENGISANDUR

DIAMONDS AROUND THE CORNER 1 Flatey Island (35 minutes) Flatey Island is situated in Skjálfandi Bay, only 14,7 nautical miles from Húsavík. The island is about 2,5 km long and 1,7 km wide and is low-lying. The highest peak rises only about 22 m above sea level, which has given its name “Flat Island”. This secluded and peaceful paradise is home to more than 30 different species of birds during the breeding season.

2 Ásbyrgi Canyon (40 minutes)

A natural marvel, Ásbyrgi is surrounded by 90 to 100 m cliffs. A ccording to legend, Ásbyrgi is a hoof print made by Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse of the greatest of all the Norse gods, Óðinn. Ásbyrgi is a part of the Vatnajökull National Park and makes an ideal territory for walking and hiking. In fact it cannot be e xplored to its full extent except by foot.

3 Dettifoss Waterfall (65 minutes)

Dettifoss is considered to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. It is 45 m high and 100 m wide. Below it in the Jökulsá river is Hafragilsfoss (27 m) and above it is S elfoss (10 m). These waterfalls together form a unity unparalleled 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 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.

Goðafoss Waterfall (30 minutes)

The name literally means Waterfall of the Gods and is a part of the glacier river Skjálfandafljót, located right by route 1. This magnificent waterfall is 12 m high, 30 m wide and can be viewed both from the east and west side all year around.

ROAD DISTANCES IN KM TO HÚSAVÍK Mývatn 54

Höfn 465

Akureyri 91

Selfoss 520

Seyðisfjörður 246

Vík 648

Egilsstaðir 219

Gullfoss 561

Reykjavík 479

Keflavík 520

Borgarnes 405

Þingvellir 496

Ísafjörður 649

Grundarfjörður 465

WILDLIFE IN SKJÁLFANDI BAY Húsavík

OUR WHALES Blue whale • Steypireyður • Balaenoptera musculus • Blauwal • Rorqual bleu Max: 33 m & 190 t

Humpback whale • Hnúfubakur • Megaptera novaeangeliae • Buckelwal • Baleine à bosse Max: 17 m & 40 t

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

Harbour porpoise • Hnísa • Phocoena phocoena • Schweinswal • Marsouin commun Max: 2 m & 70 kg

White-beaked dolphin • Hnýðingur • Lagenorhynchus albirostris • Weißschnauzendelfin • Dauphin à bec blanc Max: 3 m & 350 kg

COMMON WHALE SURFACE BEHAVIOURS

OUR PUFFINS Atlantic puffin • Lundi • Fratercula arctica • Papageientaucher • Macareux Max: 30 cm & 500 gr

Photos/illustrations in this brochure by: ©Jón Baldur Hlíðberg, ©Koen Hoekemeijer ©Peter Waltl Jr. & Sr., ©Jóhann Óli Hilmarsson, ©Stefán Guðmundsson, ©Alexia Askelöf, ©Daniel Annisius, ©Sarah Arndt, ©Anton Í. Óskarsson, ©Charla Basran, ©Belén Garcia Ovide, ©Daniel González, ©Clément Brun, @Stefano del Negro, ©Friðþjófur Helgason, ©Emme MacDonald, ©Halli Egilsson,

WHAT WILL YOU ENCOUNTER ON YOUR TOUR? Húsavík Fin whale • Langreyður • Balaenoptera physalus • Finnwal • Rorqual commun Max: 25 m & 80 t

Orca / Killer whale • Háhyrningur • Orcinus orca • Schwertwal • Orque Max: 9 m & 9 t

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

Sei whale • Sandreyður • Balaenoptera borealis • Seiwal • Rorqual de Rudolphi Max: 20 m & 30 t

Northern bottlenose whale • Andarnefja • Hyperoodon ampullatus • Nördlicher Entenwal • Hyperoodon boréal Max: 9 m & 8 t

Pilot whale • Grindhvalur • Globicephala melas • Grindwal • Globicéphale noir Max: 8 m & 5 t

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS When is the best time to see whales? There is no time of the day when we are more likely to encounter whales. Nature is unpredictable and no two tours are the same – every trip is a new adventure.

Do I need to book in advance? It is always a good idea to book the tours well in advance so that you have a secure place on the departure you want, especially during high season June-August.

Are whales seen on all tours? Our whale watching tours take place in unpredictable, wild nature. The chances of seeing whales are up to 99%, but if no whales (dolphins included) are seen on a tour, passengers are welcome to join a GG1 Whale Watching tour free of charge, depending on availability.

How do I book a tour? The easiest way to book a tour is on our website, www.gentlegiants.is, where you can choose if you want to pay online or pay on arrival. It is also possible to send an e-mail to info@gentlegiants.is or call +354 464 1500. Visit our Ticket Center in Húsavík – look for the big blue flags.

SKJÁLFANDI BAY GENTLE GIANTS' ROUTES

Akureyri

GRÍMSEY ISLAND

Húsavík

THE ARCTIC CIRCLE

GG1 • Whale Watching

66° 32’ N 18° 01’ W Höfn

Reykjavík

GG2 • Big Whale Safari & Puffins GG3 • Sea Angling

The map shows the maximum possible search area of each route

GG4 • Flatey Island GG5 • Yoga Retreat Flatey Island GG6 • Sea Kayaking: Different routes available. See page 12. GG7 • Puffins Exclusive GG8 • Whales & Horses

FLATEY ISLAND PUFFIN I SLAND (LUNDEY)

GG1 · WHALE WATCHING - TIMETABLE 2017 HÚSAVÍK 66° 02’ 47”N 17° 20’ 36”W

GG1 • WHALE WATCHING – TIMETABLE MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

See p. 4

SEPTEMBER

OCT.

NOV.

1st-15th 16th-31st 1st-30th 1st-31st 1st-30th 1st-31st 1st-20th 21st-31st 1st-20th 21st-30th 1st-31st 1st-30th

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

* Puffin season is from April 15th – August 20th. More focus on Big Whales. ** Midnight Exclusive.

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

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

Húsavík

MEMBER OF ICEWHALE – THE ICELANDIC WHALE WATCHING ASSOCIATION