Gentle Giants This is it • whale watching • Húsavík • Iceland
sales manUal 2017
s alls ina igin rig or eo TTh he 150 YEARS of FAMILY HISTORY IN THE BAY Booking: Tel. +354 464 1500 · www.gentlegiants.is · info@gentlegiants.is Húsavík
MEMBER OF ICEWHALE – THE ICELANDIC WHALE WATCHING ASSOCIATION
HÚSAVÍK
The truly original and experienced family company 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. It confirms and
Dear Sir or Madam!
underlines that we are surely on the right track in I want to greet you with a warm
outstanding service and delivering a great experience.
welcome to Húsavík, Iceland in
We promise you:
the 2017 season. Our family run
Less crowded boats
company, Gentle Giants Whale
More personal experience
Watching, c elebrates its sixteenth
Higher chances of finding whales
year and proudly o ffers you our service and highly
150 years of our family history in Skjálfandi Bay
experienced and fully qualified staff in our various
Good memories and natural happiness
tours and e xcursions.
Great respect to nature and minimum environmental impact
The company is proud of its o riginality and background and is owned by p eople with vast experi-
We hereby introduce to you our c ompany and our
ence in the field. I have p ersonally over 40 years of
new s easonal brochure. More information about
experience in the bay and like to think of myself
our company and services is to be found on our
as continuing my family´s 150 year long tradition
website www.gentlegiants.is or by sending us
started by my great great g randfather who was a
am essage d irectly, info@gentlegiants.is or by
fisherman just like my great grandfather, grandfather
calling us at: +354 464 1500.
and father would later be… not to forget my GREAT grandmothers too. Put short: We were born by the
Please do not hesitate to contact us.
bay of Skjálfandi and our ancestors too. Way back!
Welcome aboard!
Gentle Giants’ goal is to make every guest a happy one. We are proud to receive the Certificate of Excel-
Stefán Guðmundsson
lence from TripAdvisor for the fifth consecutive year,
CEO & Marketing Manager
Gentle Giants proudly supports Unicef Children
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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
Our company was founded in 2001 when eleven experienced and diverse individuals in Húsavík decided to combine their years of expertise in a variety of fields to establish a new travel and tourism company in Húsavík. They restored an old oak boat, originally used for fishing and whale hunting, and put it back into use sailing visitors around Skjálfandi Bay searching for whales - not for hunting but for watching. The huge effort grew into a giant success and Gentle Giants has ever since employed great staff and enjoyed a rapidly increasing number of passengers.
Hanna Sigga, Katrín Svava (12) and Rakel Ása (15).
Sylvía Dís (14)
Aþena Lind (19)
Icelandic Transport Authority
MEMBER OF VISIT NORTH ICELAND northiceland.is
Gentle Giants is a member of IceWhale, the Icelandic Whale Watching Association
Gentle Giants is a member of Visit North Iceland
Sædís Helga (21)
Gentle Giants is an authorised tour operator by the Icelandic Tourist Board
Gentle Giants is a member of SAF, the Icelandic Travel Industry Association
Gentle Giants boats and staff are fully licenced by the Icelandic Transport Authority
Gentle Giants is insured by VÍS Insurance Ltd
Photos in the brochure are taken by: @Koen Hoekemeijer ©Peter Waltl jr. & Sr., ©Jóhann Óli Hilmarsson, ©Stefán Guðmundsson, ©Daniel & Alexia Annisius, ©Sarah Arndt, ©Anton Ísak Óskarsson, ©Charla Basran, ©Belén Garcia Ovide, ©Daniel González, ©Clément Brun, ©Friðþjófur Helgason, ©HalliEgils, ©Rebekka K., ©Saltvík
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We proudly present our EXPERIENCED TEAM
HÚSAVÍK
The Boss Stefán Guðmundsson
CEO & Marketing Manager Captain
n The Cosmopolita Sarah Arndt Head Guide
Miss Spain Belén Garcia Ovide Guide
Employee Manager Captain
l The Spanish Pear María Torralba Escobedo Ticket Sales & Guide
Guide
The Editor Amy Grisdale Guide
The Analyst Ricardo Fernandes Guide
The Leader
The Mustang Sverrir Yngvi Karlsson Head Captain
Daniel Annisius Assistant Manager Sales & Guide
Miss Canada Charla Basran
Ticket Sales & Guide
The Pearl Diver Sandra Montes
Pétur Olgeirsson Captain
The Queen
The King
Mrs. Boss Jóhanna S. Svavarsdóttir
Alexia Annisius Askelöf Web Editor Guide & Ticket Sales
Guide
The Organizer Clément Brun Guide
Sigrún Björg Steinþórsdóttir
Ticket Sales & Guide
The Islander Ingibjörg Ingvarsdóttir Ticket Sales
The Bachelor Daniel González Guide
The Snapchatter
Sigríður Atladóttir Guide
The Princess Assistant
The Navigator
The Tough Guy
Aðalsteinn Steinþórsson
Ingimar Eydal Óskarsson Captain
The Voyager
Katrín Svava Ingólfsdóttir
Rakel Ása Ingólfsdóttir Assistant
Captain
Sales Manager Designer
Miss Húsavík
The Viking Aksel Bjarnason
The Dart Player Hallgrímur Egilsson
The Gentleman Hallgrímur Guðmundsson Captain
The Admiral Karl Óskar Geirsson Fleet Manager Captain
Bjarni Eyjólfsson Captain
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The Champ Hilmar Guðmundsson Captain
The Handyman Svavar Örn Svavarsson Maintenance
Field Manager Ticket Sales & Guide
The Sociologist Anna Jónína Valgeirsdóttir Ticket Sales
The Fly Fisher Miroslav Cibul‘a Guide
The Ballerina Selma Gunnarsdóttir Assistant
e The Rolling Ston Ragnar Tómasson Captain
You can read more about our team individually on our website www.gentlegiants.is/about-us/our-crew The Farmer
The Bird Lover Karitas Þórisdóttir
The Artist Katrín Kristjánsdóttir Ticket Sales
The Obser ver Camille Gesnin Guide
t The Make Up Artis Viktoría Eydal Ingimarsdóttir Assistant
The Teddy Bear Hlynur Friðfinnsson Captain
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 Circle 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 e xpress 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
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Gentle Giants’ proud fleet
This is your perfect opportunity! As a licenced tour operator, G entle 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, VIP-AMMA HELGA, 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 possibilities are up to your imagination. Named after the owner’s g randmothers, these boats are indeed believed to be some of the fastest grannies in the world.
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RIB VIP-Amma Helga
RIB Amma Sigga
Built: 2016 Length: 13 m – Beam: 4 m Engines: 2 x 420 hp Max speed: 52 knots Capacity: 26 pax ISK 225000 pr. hour (incl. 11% VAT) with captain and guide.
Built: 2015 Length: 12 m – Beam: 4 m Engines: 2 x 420 hp Max speed: 52 knots Capacity: 24 pax ISK 205000 pr. hour (incl. 11% VAT) with captain and guide.
RIB Amma Kibba
RIB Amma Sigga II
Built: 2013 Length: 12 m – Beam: 4 m Engines: 2 x 400 hp Max speed: 52 knots Capacity: 24 pax ISK 205000 pr. hour (incl. 11% VAT) with captain and guide.
Built: 2011 Length: 11,5 m – Beam: 3 m Engines: 2 x 300 hp Max speed: 52 knots Capacity: 18 pax ISK 175000 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.
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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.
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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 E urope. Whale watching is a unique adventure at sea – watching the w onders of nature in the b eautiful surroundings of S kjálfandi Bay, s heltered 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 n ature of the North Atlantic.
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GG1 • Whale Watching
“Great trip with lots of humpbacks.”
“Great experience! Really recommend it!”
“Amazing customer service”
“great boat and crew, plenty of whales”
“Absolutely worth it!”
“surpassed our expectations”
“Fantastic experience, worth the time and m oney”
“Absolutely stunning!”
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 a vailable, as well as multi-trip passes. See our timetable for daily tours or contact us for more information.
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SEASON: April 1st – November 30th.
20% discount vík
to the Húsa um Whale Muse et ck ti y er with ev
Timetable 2017
HÚSAVÍK
Whale watching timetable. 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 2017 April
May
June
July
August
September
Oct.
NOV.
1st-14th 15th-30th 1st-31st 1st-30th 1st-31st 1st-20th 21st-31st 1st-14th 15th-30th 1st-31st 1st-30th
09:45
09:45 13:15
We accept all major credit cards And currencies
08:45
08:45
08:45
08:45
08:45
08:45
09:45
09:45
09:45
09:45
09:45
09:45
12:00
12:00
12:00
12:00
12:00
13:15
13:15
13:15
13:15
15:15
15:15
15:15
16:45
16:45
16:45
16:45
20:00
20:00
20:00
13:15 16:45
09:45
09:45
13:15
13:15
13:15
16:45
16:45
10:45
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HÚSAVÍK
GG2 Big whale Safari
With our speedboats we can offer our p assengers more area to cover in search for the gentle giants. A RIB is faster than the wind and makes it therefore more likely for us to find the big whales. Normally we do not have to leave our bay to look for whales of any kind, but on this tour we focus on finding the bigger ones - further out. Nothing is guaranteed but on this tour, your chances to encounter some of the world’s biggest animals ever, increase - big time! On this tour we also include a visit to the Puffin Island, where you can experience thousands of puffins, the “Clowns of the Ocean”, during the nesting period (April 15th – August 20th).
99,9%
sightin gs past ye the ars
FOR more excitement
HÚSAVÍK
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GG2 Big whale Safari
“A definite highlight of our Iceland experience”
“Great whalewatching ride in Husavik”
“Wonderful trip. Superb guides.”
“AMAZING experience, possibly the highlight of our Icelandic adventure”
“Worth your time!” “Absolutely amazing”
“Definitively the best in Husavik”
“Doesn’t disappoint ”
“Go for the RIB Boat!”
Specially made safety overalls available to keep you warm! RATES: Adults: ISK 18900 (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.
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Included: A specialized guide, warm safety overalls, and a little surprise from Húsavík’s only winemaker.
SEASON: April 15th – October 31st.
Timetable 2017
HÚSAVÍK
Big Whale Safari & Puffins timetable. Other tours, excursions and s chedules can be arranged upon request at our Ticket C enter. 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.
GG2 · Big Whale Safari & Puffins - Timetable 2017 April
May
June
July
August
September
October
1st-14th 15th-30th 1st-31st 1st-30th 1st-31st 1st-20th 21st-31st 1st-14th 15th-30th 1st-15th 16th-31st 09:30
09:30 10:30
12:30
12:30
08:00
08:00
08:00*
09:30
09:30
09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 09:30*
10:00
10:00
10:00*
10:30
10:30
10:30
10:30* 10:30*
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*
13:00
13:00
13:00*
13:30
13:30
13:30*
14:00
14:00
14:00* 14:00*
15:30
15:30
15:30*
16:00
16:00
16:00* 16:00* 16:00*
17:00
17:00
17:00*
19:00
19:00
19:00*
09:30
14:00 * Puffin season is from April 15th – August 20th. More focus on Big Whales.
16:00
16:00 19:00
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HÚSAVÍK
GG2 Daytour from Reykjavík
Only
in 50frm m o vík
Reykja
Do you have little time in Iceland but dream of nesting period (April 15th – August 20th) we will the chance to encounter big whales from onboard also pass Lundey (Puffin Island) which is one of a RIB in the north? Then this is the tour for you! the largest puffin colonies in Iceland. This day package takes you by flight from Reykjavík 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 the
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During your stay in Húsavík you get the chance to visit the Húsavík Whale M useum. This gives an extra d imension 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
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N
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
08:05
08:05
08:05
Arrival in Húsavík 08:55
08:55
08:55
08:55
08:55
From Húsavík 17:05
17:05
17:05
17:05
17:05
Arrival in Reykjavík 18:00
18:00
18:00
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 650 (incl. 11% VAT).
Children 7-11: EUR 325 (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, duration approximately 2,5 hours. Admission to the Húsavík Whale Museum. Not included: Food during the day.
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. The day tour is booked through Eagle Air.
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HÚSAVÍK
GG3 Sea Angling
0% 10CATCH
!
GUARANTEE
Experience the exciting feeling of catching your own meal out on S kjálfandi Bay. The distance to the rich f ishing grounds is very short. At the end of the trip the c aptain can fillet your catch, which will probably be cod or h addock. You can take it with you for your own cooking or upon request, have it p repared in a local r estaurant. Thanks to our experience as professional fishermen with h istorically strong roots around the bay, on this tour we can provide you with a 100% CATCH G UARANTEE!
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CATCH YOUR OWN MEAL
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Daily departures 10:45
You can have your fresh catch p repared for you as a meal at a nice local restaurant – upon request!
RATES: Adults: ISK 15900 (incl. 11% VAT). Children 7-12: ISK 7800 (incl. 11% VAT). Children 0-6: FREE Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.
Included: An experienced captain, fishing equipment and rods, waterproof trousers, rubber boots, fleece jackets and light refreshments (hot chocolate and a traditional Icelandic twisted donut, kleina).
SEASON: May 1st – September 30th. Daily departures at 10:45. 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. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.
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HÚSAVÍK
GG4 Flatey ISLAND
Only
in 30frm om ík
Húsav
On our way to Flatey Island, e xperience the inhabited since but many people visit the island beautiful surroundings of Skjálfandi Bay on board each s ummer. Most of the old homes are kept our RIB speedboats. Flatey Island is a n atural and m aintained as summerhouses. haven for birdlife and is e xtremely rich and diverse. It therefore a ttracts many people each We offer guided excursions through F latey’s year. The island offers more than 30 d ifferent beautiful n ature. The island is home to the a rctic species of birds during the breeding season. tern and puffins, which you may watch up close. The island is about 2,5 km long and 1,7 km This is a unique opportunity to commune with wide. The name means “ Flat nature. From Flatey we head back Island” and for a reason; its to Húsavík and sail by the awesome For more info about d bir al our speci highest peak rises only about mountains of Vík. If Mother Nature packages: ing tch wa 22 m above sea level. In 1967 is feeling generous, we may even be d.is elan feic ildli w.w ww · Visit the last inhabitants left. It able to do some whale watching on · Send an e-mail to has not been permanently our way back. eland.is wildlife@wildlifeic · Call +354 464 3504
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PUFFINs BIRD WATCHING WHALES
RATES: Adults: ISK 28900 (incl. 11% VAT). Children 7-12: ISK 13700 (incl. 11% VAT). Not recommended for children under 7 years.
Duration: Approximately 4-5 hours.
Included: A specialized guide, warm safety overalls, and a little surprise from Húsavík’s only winemaker. Ask for tailor-made tours and arrangements in our Ticket Center.
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
SEASON: June 1st – August 10th. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change. Saturdays 17:00
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HÚSAVÍK
GG5 GRÍMSEY ISLAND ADVENTURE
Get the opportunity to cross the Arctic Circle, see whales and encounter puffins – all in one tour and half day. Our fast RIBs can take you to Grímsey Island in approximately one hour during good conditions (and the sea is usually very calm in the early mornings). Upon arrival, you will get a guided tour on the island, including bird watching. Afterwards, to top your stay, you will be served a fully loaded lunch while melting the experience and impressions. Every passenger gets a certificate after crossing the Arctic Circle. On our way back we do some whale- and puffin watching in Skjálfandi Bay. Estimated time of arrival in Húsavík is around 15:00.
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ARCTIC circle 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, warm safety overalls, experienced captain and a specialized guide. A guided tour and lunch on Grímsey Island. A certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle.
HÚSAVÍK
SEASON: May 1st – August 20th. Tuesdays and Saturdays. Departure from Húsavík at 09:00 am. Booking 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.
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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, Cheek Mountains, over to 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
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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 and 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 Skjálfandi Bay. Estimated time of arrival 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 2017: From Húsavík June 23rd – 07:00 July 14th – 07:00 August 18th – 07:00 September 8th – 07:00
NOTE: Expect all kinds of Icelandic summer weather; be well prepared with clothing and food. Remember to bring your sleeping bag and your hiking shoes. A meeting will be held the night before departure in Húsavík at 20:00. This tour is offered in co-operation with Fjallasýn.
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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
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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 f ishing 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 f ishing 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, u sing 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
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Cod
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Haddock
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Pollock
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Redfish
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European Plaice
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Common Dab
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American Plaice
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Catfish
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Leopardfish
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Whiting
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Monkfish
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•
•
•
•
•
•
Difficulty
5
4
3
2
2
3
4
Difficulty levels are calculated by our Marine Experts living in S kjálfandi 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, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.
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Gg8 Whales & Horses
Photo@ GentleGiants: Koen Hoekemeijer
HÚSAVÍK
Experience the combination of traditional whale watching (GG1) and the Icelandic horse. Explore the countryside close to Húsavík on an Icelandic horse with e xperienced riders at your
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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.
The Icelandic horse and the whale
RATES: Adults: ISK 19900 (incl. 11% VAT). Children 10-15: ISK 9900 (incl. 11% VAT). Not recommended for children under 10 years.
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 a rrangements can be made by contacting our Ticket Center.
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HÚSAVÍK
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 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
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length and 100 m wide. During the breeding season around 300.000 p uffins can be found there; close to the rich f eeding 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.
Included: A specialized guide, warm safety overalls, and a little surprise from Húsavík’s only winemaker.
HÚSAVÍK
Season: April 15th – August 20th.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
Minimum number of five required in this standard tour. Trips are made upon request.
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HÚSAVÍK
Whales in Skjálfandi Bay
Hnúfubakur • Megaptera novaeangeliae Humpback whale • Buckelwal • Baleine à bosse Max: 17 m & 40 t
Steypireyður • Balaenoptera musculus Blue whale • Blauwal • Rorqual bleu Max: 33 m & 190 t
© Jón Baldur Hlíðberg, www.fauna.is
Hnýðingur • Lagenorhynchus albirostris White-beaked dolphin • Weißschnauzendelfin • Dauphin à bec blanc Max: 3 m & 350 kg
Háhyrningur • Orcinus orca Orca / Killer whale • Schwertwal • Orque Max: 9 m & 9 t
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Hnísa • Phocoena phocoena Harbour porpoise • Schweinswal • Marsouin commun Max: 2 m & 70 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 commun Max: 25 m & 80 t
Sandreyður • Balaenoptera borealis Sei whale • Seiwal • Rorqual de Rudolphi Max: 20 m & 30 t Andarnefja • Hyperoodon ampullatus Northern bottlenose whale • Nördlicher Entenwal • Hyperoodon boréal Max: 9 m & 8 t
Grindhvalur • Globicephala melas Pilot whale • Grindwal • Globicéphale noir Max: 8 m & 5 t
Búrhvalur • Physeter macrocephalus Sperm whale • Pottwal • Cachalot Max: 18 m & 50 t
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HÚSAVÍK
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!
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Scientific & research tours Birthday tours
Family reunion tours And more…………
Gentle Giants ensures the safety and security of its passengers
HÚSAVÍK
Icelandic Transport Authority Gentle Giants is a member of IceWhale, the Icelandic Whale Watching Association
Authentic experience in Iceland
Gentle Giants is an authorised tour operator by the Icelandic Tourist Board
SAf e firs ty t
Gentle Giants is a partner in the Wild North project of sustainable tourism
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
Follow us on:
TripAdvisor
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HÚSAVÍK
Since 1861
Five generations of pioneering in the bay
Árni Tómasson, fisherman and farmer in Flatey Island Valley (great grandfather of Gentle G iants’ 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
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Jón Ármann Árnason (great great grandfather of Gentle Giants’ owner) and his second wife Karen Halldórsdóttir with their five children, who were actually the children of his former wife Kristbjörg Sigurðardóttir who passed away young. All of them lived their lives by Skjálfandi Bay with their families. Until this day the ancestors still live in Húsavík making the roots stronger year by year. Jón Ármann was the head mason of the Húsavík Church and laid the foundation for it - built in 1907.
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.
HÚSAVÍK
150 YEARS of FAMILY HISTORY IN THE BAY
ANNO 1861
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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 s ettler 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.
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Moreover, Iceland’s first co-op was founded in Húsavík in 1882. In recent years, yet another trade has grown in Húsavík – the t ourism 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. T housands 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 s ymbols of Húsavík, located in the heart of the town. With a total population of 2,191 (2016), 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
N
HÚSAVÍK
k for Just loo
ale The Wh ng watchi ticket center
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HÚSAVÍK
Diamonds around the corner Road distances in km to Húsavík
Mývatn 54 Akureyri 91 Seyðisfjörður 246 Egilsstaðir 219 Reykjavík 479 Borgarnes 405 Ísafjörður 649
1
Flatey Island (30 min.)
2
Ásbyrgi Canyon (40 min.)
Höfn 465 Selfoss 521 Vík 650 Gullfoss 562 Keflavík 520 Þingvellir 496
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.
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5
Grundarfjörður 465
3
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.
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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
N
Akureyri
Reykjavík
Húsavík
Höfn
FLATEY
1
N 85 ÁSBYRGI
SKJÁLFANDI bay
HÚSAVÍK
HERE WE ARE
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- looking forward to seeing you!
2 862
864
DETTIFOSS 845
85
3
Road To Reykjavík KRAFLA
1
1
GOÐAFOSS
863
4
1
1
Akureyri
848 MÝVATN
Sprengisandur Road
5
Aldeyjarfoss
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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.
On behalf of Gentle Giants Whale Watching Stefán Guðmundsson CEO & Marketing Manager
simply natural
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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 respect. We will try to get you close but how close we get is always on the animal’s terms as we aim to minimise disturbance.
for responsible whale watching
This is a Code of Conduct we aim to abide by, however, th variables to consider when out at sea, such as the weather, num HÚSAVÍK prey availability, if there are calves present, animal behaviour an forth.
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 with showing signs of distress.
No Head-On Approach Zone 300 m >
50 m >
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3000 m >
Approaching-Zone (300m >)
n ra ut and stay i
,~
20
act ont d io c
Aim at maintaining a distance of 300 m at the beginning of the encounter a closer with time. Stop the main propeller (max speed ~5-6 mph). If the cetacean is travelling fa up a little (up to ~8 mph) but not directly towards the animal. Avoid following behind cetacean and never deliberately approach directly movements should parallel them by approaching cautiously at an oblique an Don’t come closer if there is another boat in the approaching zone, unless the away or signals that it safe to approach. Take turns if there are more boats in the area, preferably each boat shou 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 o 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 d propulsion until the cetacean is observed well clear of your vessel. Do not touch, swim with or feed cetacean.
ΖI \RX WKLQN WKDW WKLV &RGH RI &RQGXFW KDV QRW EHHQ IXOȴOOHG SOHDVH GLVFXVV LW ZLWK WKH FUHZ DQG RU FRQWDFW WKH ΖFH:KDOH RɝFH H PDLO LQIR#LFHZKDOH LV
We have to remember that these are wild a nimals 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 p resent, animal behaviour and so on and so forth.
Never (deliberately) sail through pods of c oncentrated 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 a pproaches the vessel and do not
animals that are showing signs of distress.
re-engage p ropulsion 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).
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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 Island (LUNDEY)
Húsavík 66° 02’ 47”N 17° 20’ 36”W
THIS IS IT • YOUR EXCITING ADVENTURE