Gentle Giants Whale Watching Sales Manual 2016 by Halli Egils

GENTLE GIANTS THIS IS IT • WHALE WATCHING • HÚSAVÍK • ICELAND

SALES MANUAL 2016

S ALLS INA IGIN RIG OR EO TTH HE

Húsavík

150 YEARS OF FAMILY HISTORY IN THE BAY Booking: Tel. +354 464 1500 · www.gentlegiants.is · info@gentlegiants.is MEMBER OF ICEWHALE – THE ICELANDIC WHALE WATCHING ASSOCIATION

HÚSAVÍK

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

from TripAdvisor to Gentle G iants for the past years, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. It confirms and under-

I want to greet you with a warm

lines that we are surely on the right track in out-

welcome to Húsavík, Iceland in

standing service and delivering a great experience.

the 2016 s eason. Our f amily run

We promise you:

company, Gentle Giants Whale

Less crowded boats

Watching, c elebrates its fifteenth

More personal experience

year and proudly o ffers you our service and highly

Higher chances of finding whales

experienced and f ully q ualified staff in our various

A real 150 year family history in Skjálfandi Bay

tours and excursions.

Good memories and natural happiness

The company is proud of its originality and back-

We hereby introduce to you our c ompany and our

ground and is owned by people with vast experience

new seasonal sales manual. More information about

in the field. I have personally over 40 years of experi-

our company and services is to be found on our

ence in the bay and like to think of myself as continu-

website w ww.gentlegiants.is or by sending us a

ing my family´s 150 year long tradition started by my

message directly, info@gentlegiants.is or by calling

great great grandfather who was a fisherman just like

us at: +354 464 1500. Please do not h esitate to

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

Welcome aboard!

and our ancestors too. Way back! Gentle Giants goal is to make every visitor a happy

Stefán Guðmundsson

one. We are proud of the Certificates of Excellence

CEO & Marketing Manager

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

Húsavík Ticket Center: Harbour Side (big blue flags) 640 Húsavík Tel.: +354 464 1500

Reykjavík Office: Hús verslunarinnar 8th floor Kringlan 7 108 Reykjavík Tel.: +354 464 1501

THE FAMILY

HÚSAVÍK

FIVE GENERATIONS IN SKJÁLFANDI BAY

In 2001 eleven experienced, d iverse individuals in Húsavík d ecided to combine their years of expertise in a variety of fields to e stablish a new travel and tourism company in Húsavík. The group restored an old oak boat, which was o riginally a fishing and whale hunting boat, and put it back into commission sailing visitors around S kjálfandi Bay searching for whales… not for hunting but for watching! The immense effort proved more than worthwhile, growing into a g iant s uccess among visitors. Ever since then Gentle Giants has employed great staff and e njoyed a rapidly increasing number of annual visitors.

Sylvía Dís (13)

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

Aþena Lind (18)

Sædís Helga (20)

Icelandic Transport Authority MEMBER OF VISIT NORTH ICELAND northiceland.is

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

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

Our passengers are fully insured by VÍS Insurance Ltd.

Photos in the Sales Manual are taken by Gentle Giants’ team: @Koen Hoekemeijer ©Peter Waltl jr. & Sr., ©Jóhann Óli Hilmarsson, ©Stefán Guðmundsson, ©Daniel & Alexia, ©Sarah Arndt, ©Anton Ísak Óskarsson, ©Charla Basran, ©Belén Garcia Ovide, ©Daniel Gonzales, ©Friðþjófur Helgason, ©HalliEgils, ©Rebekka K., ©Saltvík

WE PROUDLY PRESENT OUR EXPERIENCED TEAM

HÚSAVÍK

The Boss Stefán Guðmundsson

CEO & Marketing Manager Captain

n The Cosmopolita Sarah Arndt Head Guide

Miss Canada Charla Basran Guide

The Snapchatter Rakel Ása Ingólfsdóttir Assistant

The Explorer Sigurgeir Pétursson Captain

Jóhanna S. Svavarsdóttir Employee Manager Captain

Daniel Annisius

Assistant Manager Guide & Ticket Sales

l The Spanish Pear María Torralba Escobedo Guide & Ticket Sales

Guide

The Princess Katrín Svava Ingólfsdóttir Assistant

The Gentleman Hallgrímur Guðmundsson Captain

Alexia Annisius Askelöf Web Editor Guide & Ticket Sales

The Actress Viktoría Rún Þorsteinsdóttir

Guide & Ticket Sales

The Adventurer Ann-Sophie Behrendt

The Queen

The King

Mrs. Boss

Anna María Ómarsdóttir Ticket Sales

Guide

The Ballerina Selma Gunnarsdóttir Assistant

The Navigator Aðalsteinn Steinþórsson Captain

Karl Óskar Geirsson

The Islander

Miss Spain

Sales Manager Designer

Ingibjörg Ingvarsdóttir Ticket Sales

The Voyager

The Viking Aksel Bjarnason Guide

Sigríður Atladóttir Guide

The Leader

The Mustang Sverrir Yngvi Karlsson Captain

e The Rolling Ston Ragnar Tómasson Captain

The Admiral

Hallgrímur Egilsson

The Trainer

The Lily Elín Lilja

The Dart Player

Pétur Olgeirsson Captain

Fleet Manager Captain

Belén Garcia Ovide Guide

Captain

Karitas Þórisdóttir Field Manager Guide

The Pearl Diver Sandra Montes Guide

The Fly Fisher Miroslav Cibul‘a Guide

The Tough Guy Ingimar Eydal Óskarsson Captain

The Old Dog Vilhjálmur Bessi Kristinsson

The Bird Lover

Daniel González Guide

The Unbeaten Armwrestler Björgvin “Kúti” Sigurjónsson Captain

The Rock Sigurjón Sigurbjörnsson Captain

The Bachelor

The Champ Hilmar Þór Guðmundsson Captain

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

PREVIEW OF OUR TOURS

HÚSAVÍK

GG1 • WHALE WATCHING

GG2 BIG WHALE SAFARI & PUFFINS

GG3 SEA ANGLING

EXPERIENCE THE MAMMALS OF THE OCEAN

FOR MORE EXCITEMENT

CATCH YOUR OWN MEAL

SEE THE TOUR ON PAGE 8

SEE THE TOUR ON PAGE 12

SEE THE TOUR ON PAGE 18

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 20

SEE THE TOUR ON PAGE 22

SEE THE TOUR ON PAGE 24

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 26

SEE THE TOUR ON PAGE 28

SEE THE TOUR ON PAGE 30

AND YOU CAN ALSO FIND IDEAS FOR A TAILOR MADE TOUR ON PAGE 34

HÚSAVÍK

GENTLE GIANTS’ PROUD FLEET

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. Note: Tailor made refreshments available at a reasonable price.

Our modern RIB speedboats, AMMA SIGGA, AMMA KIBBA and AMMA SIGGA II, are ideal for whale watching and all kinds of tailor made exciting activities on sea, for both smaller and larger groups. With the high speed, the boats can get faster around and increase the chances of seeing whales. The RIBs are perfect for all kinds of shorter and longer private tours, such as to Flatey Island and Grímsey Island or a 30-60 minutes fun action tour. The limitations of p ossibilities are up to your imagination. Named after the owner’s grandmothers, these boats are indeed believed to be some of the fastest grannies in the world.

RIB Amma Sigga

Built: 2015 Length: 12 m – Beam: 4 m Engines: 2 x 420 hp Max speed: 52 knots Capacity: 24 pax ISK 225000 pr. hour (incl. 11% VAT) with captain and guide.

RIB Amma Kibba

Built: 2013 Length: 12 m – Beam: 4 m Engines: 2 x 400 hp Max speed: 52 knots Capacity: 24 pax ISK 225000 pr. hour (incl. 11% VAT) with captain and guide.

RIB Amma Sigga II

Built: 2011 Length: 11,5 m – Beam: 3 m Engines: 2 x 300 hp Max speed: 52 knots Capacity: 18 pax ISK 195000 pr. hour (incl. 11% VAT) with captain and guide.

YOU CAN RENT A BOAT FOR A PRIVATE TOUR

SYLVÍA and FALDUR are our traditional Icelandic oak boats which were built and used for fishing for decades, but have been converted into charming and comfortable passenger vessels. These boats suit perfectly for larger groups for whale watching and other exciting seafaring adventures within Skjálfandi Bay.

HÚSAVÍK

m/v Sylvía

Built: 1976 in Akureyri Tonnage: 30 Length: 17,5 m – Beam: 4,3 m Capacity: 60 pax ISK 485000 for 3 hours (incl. 11% VAT) with captain and guide.

m/v Faldur

Built: 1972 in Westman Islands Tonnage: 26 Length: 14,5 m – Beam: 4 m Capacity: 45 pax ISK 385000 for 3 hours (incl. 11% VAT) with captain and guide.

ATHENA is our fibreglass boat which is specialized for sea angling. It is great for smaller groups for various activities such as a combined whale watching and sea angling tour. The boat is also used by local fishermen during different fishing seasons.

Zodiac AXEL is ideal for all kinds of camera work, diving and coastal transport. It is only used for special occasions as a second working boat together with another larger boat.

m/v Athena

Built: 2000 in Hafnarfjörður Tonnage: 8 Length: 9,5 m – Beam: 3 m Capacity: 24 pax ISK 187000 for 3 hours (incl. 11% VAT) with captain.

m/v Axel - Zodiac

Built: 2007 Length: 4,5 m – Beam: 2 m Capacity: 8 pax ISK 42000 pr. hour (incl. 11% VAT) with captain.

HÚSAVÍK

GG1 • WHALE WATCHING

EXPERIENCE THE MAMMALS OF THE OCEAN

Experience the traditional tour from Húsavík. Our birthplace is often considered as the Whale Watching C apital of Europe. Whale watching is a unique adventure at sea – watching the w onders of nature in the b eautiful surroundings of Skjálfandi Bay, s heltered by the s tunning mountains of Vík.

HÚSAVÍK

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 u npredictable and untamed nature of the North Atlantic.

HÚSAVÍK

GG1 • WHALE WATCHING

“BREATHTAKING TRAVEL PERFORMED BY PROS”

“GREAT COMPANY AND GREAT SERVICE!!!!”

“INFORMATIVE STAFF, INCREDIBLE VIEWS!”

“THE NAME OF THE COMPANY, GENTLE GIANTS, SAYS IT ALL!”

“IF YOU HAVEN’T BOOKED, BOOK NOW! WHAT AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE!”

“SURROUNDED BY WHALES” “A DREAM COME TRUE”

Special warm overalls available FREE every day

RATES: Adults: ISK 10300 (incl. 11% VAT). Children 7-15: ISK 4200 (incl. 11% VAT). Children 0-6: FREE Duration: Approximately 3 hours.

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

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

SEASON: April 1st – November 15th.

UNT 20% DISCO vík

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

TIMETABLE 2016

HÚSAVÍK

Whale watching timetable 2016. Other tours, excursions and schedules can be a rranged 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 o ther conditions change.

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

09:45 13:15 16:45

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

1st-30th

1st-31st

1st-20th

21st-31st

08:45

09:45

12:00

13:15

15:15

16:45

20:00

SEPT.

OCT.

NOV.

1st-30th

1st-31st

1st-15th

09:45

10:45

13:15

16:45

HÚSAVÍK

GG2 BIG WHALE SAFARI

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 f inding the b igger o nes - further out. Nothing is guaranteed but on this tour, your chances to e ncounter 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 (April 15th – August 20th).

FOR MORE EXCITEMENT

HÚSAVÍK

99,9%

sightin gs past ye the ars

HÚSAVÍK

GG2 BIG WHALE SAFARI

“AMAZING EXPERIENCE, POSSIBLY THE HIGHLIGHT OF OUR ICELANDIC ADVENTURE”

“4 HUMPBACKS AND THOUSAND OF PUFFINS IN 2,5 HOURS!”

“DEFINITIVELY THE BEST IN HUSAVIK”

“HUMPBACKS, AND PUFFINS, AND BLUES, OH MY!”

“WONDERFUL TRIP. SUPERB GUIDES.”

“BEST OPTION IS THE FAST BOAT TOUR.”

Specially made safety overalls available to keep you warm! RATES: Adults: ISK 18400 (incl. 11% VAT). Children 7-12: ISK 12600 (incl. 11% VAT). 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, safety overalls, and a little surprise from Húsavík’s only winemaker.

SEASON: April 15th – October 31st. Other tours, excursions and schedules 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, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.

TIMETABLE 2016

HÚSAVÍK

GG2 · BIG WHALE SAFARI & PUFFINS - TIMETABLE APRIL APRIL

MAY MAY JUNE JUNE JULYJULY

AUGUST AUGUST SEPTEMBER SEPT.

OCTOBER OCTOBER

th th thth st st st st st th th st st st st st th st th th th st st thth -14thth 1515 -30 1 1 1st-30 1stst-311stst-201thst-20 -31-14 1 15 -30-30 11-15 11stst-14 -30 -31-31 1 -30 1 -31 21thst-3121 1 -15 16 16thth-31 -31stst

09:30

09:30 09:30*09:30 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 09:3009:30 09:3009:3009:30 10:00*11:00 11:0010:00 11:0010:0011:00

11:00*12:30 11:00* 12:30 12:30 11:00 12:3011:00 12:3011:0012:30 12:30 * Puffin season is from April 15th – August 20th. More focus on Big Whales.

12:30

16:00

12:30

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

13:00

13:00*

14:00

14:00* 14:00*

16:00

16:00 16:00*16:00 16:00* 16:00* 16:0016:0016:00

19:00 19:00*19:00 19:0019:00 19:0019:0019:00

HÚSAVÍK

GG2 DAYTOUR FROM REYKJAVÍK

Only

in 50frm om vík

Reykja

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! This day package takes you by flight from Reykjavík to Húsavík. You arrive to our fishing village which is sometimes called “The Whale Watching Capital 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 the nesting period (April 15th - August 20th) we will also pass Lundey (Puffin Island) which is one of the largest puffin colonies in Iceland. 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 afternoon you return by flight to Reykjavík, full of memories to think back at when your holiday is over.

BIG WHALE SAFARI & PUFFINS

HÚSAVÍK

Akureyri

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

Húsavík

The day tour is booked through Eagle Air.

Mon.

Reykjavík

Tue.

Wed.

Thu.

Fri.

Höfn Reykjavík 08:05 From

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.

RATES: Adults: EUR 590 (incl. 11% VAT).

Children 7-12: EUR 295 (incl. 11% VAT). The boat tour is not recommended for children 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 Giants (departure 12:30, duration approximately 2,5 hours). Admission to the Húsavík Whale Museum. Not included: Food during the day.

HÚSAVÍK

GG3 SEA ANGLING

10CA0TC% H

TEE!

N GUARA

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 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 15500 (incl. 11% VAT). Children 7-12: ISK 7800 (incl. 11% VAT). Children 0-6: FREE Duration: Approx. 2–3 hours.

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).

HÚSAVÍK

SEASON: May 1st - September 30th. Daily departures at 11:00. Other departures are made upon request. Minimum number of four required in a standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.

HÚSAVÍK

GG4 FLATEY ISLAND

Only

in 30frm om ík

Húsav

On our way to Flatey Island, experience ited since but many people visit the island each the beautiful s urroundings of Skjálfandi Bay. summer. Most of the old homes are kept and Flatey Island is a natural haven for birdlife and is maintained as summerhouses. extremely rich and diverse. It therefore a ttracts many people each year. The island offers more We offer guided excursions through Flatey’s than 30 different species of birds during the beautiful n ature. The island is home to the breeding season. The island is about 2,5 km arctic tern and p uffins, which you may watch long and 1,7 km wide. The up close. This is a unique opportunity t For more info abou name means “Flat Island” to commune with nature. From Flatey d bir al eci sp our and for a reason; its highest we head back to Húsavík and sail by tching packages: wa peak rises only about 22 m the awesome m ountains of Vík. If t www.wildlifeiceland.is Visi · above sea level. In 1967 the Mother Nature is feeling generous, · Send an e-mail to last inhabitants left. It has we may even be able to do some wildlife@wildlifeiceland.is not been permanently inhab- · Call +354 464 3504 whale watching on our way back.

PUFFINS BIRD WATCHING WHALES

RATES: Adults: ISK 28900 (incl. 11% VAT). Children 7-12: ISK 13700 (incl. 11% VAT). Children 0-6: FREE Duration: Approximately 4–5 hours.

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.

HÚSAVÍK

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.

HÚSAVÍK

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: ISK 72300 (incl. 11% VAT). Duration: Approximately 6 hours. Minimum number of six required for the 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.

HÚSAVÍK

SEASON: May 1st – August 20th. Tuesdays and Saturdays. Departure from Húsavík at 09:00 am. Booking in advance required. We reserve the right to change schedules should weather or other conditions change.

HÚSAVÍK

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

HÚSAVÍK

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 108500 (incl. 11% VAT). 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 2016: June 24th - Friday from Húsavík at 07:00 am. July 15th – Friday from Húsavík at 07:00 am. August 19th – Friday from Húsavík at 07:00 am. Sept. 9th – 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.

HÚSAVÍK

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 second 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, dolphins, puffins and many other sea birds. We recommend this trip to anyone 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 welcome 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

HÚSAVÍK

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: ISK 55900 (incl. 11% VAT). Duration: 10–16 hours of hard work and adventure (dependent upon catch and weather).

INCLUDED: 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

Photo@ GentleGiants: Koen Hoekemeijer

HÚSAVÍK

Experience the combination of traditional whale watching (GG1 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 r iding trip begins in Saltvík, which is just four minutes by car from Húsavík harbour, and can be taken either before or after your whale w atching tour.

THE ICELANDIC HORSE AND THE WHALE

RATES: Adults: ISK 19900 (incl. 11% VAT). Children 0-12: ISK 9900 (incl. 11% VAT). Duration: Approximately 3 hours whale watching and 2 hours horse riding.

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.

HÚSAVÍK

SEASON: April 1st – October 31st. See our whale watching timetable on page 11 for daily tours. Tailor made tours and other arrangements can be made by contacting our Ticket Center.

HÚSAVÍK

GG9 PUFFINS EXCLUSIVE

In this Puffins Exclusive E xpress 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 h arbour 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 8700 (incl. 11% VAT). Children 7-12: 4400 (incl. 11% VAT). 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.

HÚSAVÍK

SEASON: April 15th - August 20th.

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

HÚSAVÍK

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.

MOST COMMON WHALES IN SKJÁLFANDI BAY

HÚSAVÍK

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.

HÚSAVÍK

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

Welcome to give us an idea of your dream trip!

Scientific & research tours BIRTHDAY TOURS

Family reunion tours And more…………

GENTLE GIANTS ENSURES THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF ITS PASSENGERS

HÚSAVÍK

Icelandic Transport Authority

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.

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

Our passengers are fully insured by VÍS Insurance Ltd.

TripAdvisor

Facebook

Twitter

HÚSAVÍK

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 b ecame 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 Giants, on the right.

HÚSAVÍK

150 YEARS OF FAMILY HISTORY IN THE BAY

ANNO 1861

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 2,192 (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. Welcome to Húsavík!

OUR HOMETOWN

HÚSAVÍK

k for Just loo

ALE THE WH NG WATCHI TICKET CENTER

HÚSAVÍK

DIAMONDS AROUND THE CORNER ROAD DISTANCES IN KM TO HÚSAVÍK

Mývatn 54 Akureyri 91 Seyðisfjörður 248 Egilsstaðir 220 Reykjavík 480 Borgarnes 406 Ísafjörður 659

Flatey Island (30 min.)

Ásbyrgi Canyon (40 min.)

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.

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

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 Selfoss (10 m). These waterfalls form a unity unparalleled in the world. There is a marked walking path from Dettifoss to Hafragilsfoss.

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.

Lake Mývatn (40 min.)

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.

LET US GUIDE YOU

HÚSAVÍK

THE ARCTIC CIRCLE GRÍMSEY

Akureyri

Reykjavík

Húsavík

Höfn

FLATEY

N 85 ÁSBYRGI

SKJÁLFANDI BAY

HÚSAVÍK

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

HÚSAVÍK

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY SUPPORT TO NATURE

and commitment to all aspects of conservation, Our environmental policy reflects Gentle Giants’ long-time experience is our answer to the increasing demand from protecting the environment and treating nature with respect. This policy Whale Watching who support and contribute our customers and global organisations for companies like Gentle Giants to the eco-system and sustainable tourism worldwide. present and future possibilities. • GG is willing to fulfil every customer’s needs, without threatening nature’s ed for their current purpose. We make a • GG operates traditional Icelandic fishing boats that have been renovat l importance. special effort to protect and maintain vessels with cultural and historica ly used for repair and maintenance of hulls • GG uses environmentally friendly products and eco-labels are preferab and engines. as much as possible • GG uses recyclable products. The use of single use products is avoided such as oil, paint and used batteries to • GG puts a great emphasis on delivering all hazardous and toxic waste assigned official collecting sites. that might cause environmental damage • GG immediately notifies the relevant authorities about any accidents from our boats or from others. company to include all new aspects of • GG staff is updated regularly about the environmental policy of the protecting the environment. of our engines, in order to minimise pollution • GG puts effort in energy efficiency regarding the output and speed breeding birds. and disturbance in wildlife. Special precautions are taken near whales and area. • GG always shows great caution when leaving and entering the harbour the environmental factor, the economic • GG believes that principles in sustainability refer to three major factors: must be established between these factor and social cultural aspects of tourism development. A suitable balance the ecological process. factors in order to reach a long-term optimal use of nature’s resources in ng the environment in the area, its • GG informs passengers on its vessels of the great importance of protecti . outstanding marine wildlife, stunning scenery and the air that we breathe finding ways to contribute to the sustainable • GG is a proud partner of The Wild North - a project with the aim of development of wildlife tourism such as whale watching. • We are a proud member of the international eco-label Blue Flag.

On behalf of Gentle Giants Whale Watching Stefán Guðmundsson CEO & Marketing Manager

simply natural

CODE OF CONDUCT

HÚSAVÍK

FOR RESPONSIBLE WHALE WATCHING

We have to remember that these are wild animals and to enjoy them for the

Avoid following behind cetacean and never deliberately approach directly in

future we need to show them patience and respect. We will try to get you close

front. Vessel movements should parallel them by approaching cautiously at an

but how close we get is always on the animal’s terms as we aim to minimise

oblique angle (from behind).

disturbance.

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.

This is a Code of Conduct we aim to abide by, however, there are many vari-

Take turns if there are more boats in the area, preferably each boat should not

ables to consider when out at sea, such as the weather, number of whales, prey

spend more than 20-30 minutes within the area at once.

availability, if there are calves present, animal behaviour and so on and so forth.

Never (deliberately) sail through pods of concentrated cetacean. Keep a steady speed if dolphins approach the vessel and start bow-riding or

Searching-Zone (3000 m >)

slowly stop and let them pass.

Keep a dedicated lookout and stay in radio contact with other vessels (ap-

Do not attempt to encourage dolphins to bow-ride.Ensure that the vessel does

proaching and departing).

not disturb nesting or resting birds.

Avoid making sudden or excessive noises and d isturbance for the cetacean. Avoid sudden speed or course changes (approaching and departing).

Caution-Zone (50 m >)

Assess the cetacean behaviour and avoid repeated attempts to interact with

When possible, stop the propeller if cetacean approaches the vessel and do not

animals that are showing signs of distress.

re-engage propulsion until the cetacean is observed well clear of your vessel. Do not touch, swim with or feed cetacean.

Approaching-Zone (300 m >) Aim at maintaining a distance of 300 m at the beginning of the encounter and

If you think that this Code of Conduct has not been fulfilled, please discuss it

gradually get closer with time.

with the crew, send an e -mail to Gentle Giants (info@gentlegiants.is) and / or

Stop the main propeller (max speed ~5-6 mph). If the cetacean is travelling fast

contact the IceWhale office

you can speed up a little (up to ~8 mph) but not directly towards the animal.

(info@icewhale.is).

SKJÁLFANDI BAY

HÚSAVÍK

GENTLE GIANTS' ROUTES The map shows the maximum possible search area of each route

Akureyri

Reykjavík

Húsavík

Höfn

GRÍMSEY ISLAND

THE ARCTIC CIRCLE

GG1 · Whale Watching

66° 32’ N 18° 01’ W

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 I SLAND (LUNDEY)

HÚSAVÍK 66° 02’ 47”N 17° 20’ 36”W

THIS IS IT • YOUR EXCITING ADVENTURE