Gentle giants
•
Húsavík
whale
watching this is it • Welcome
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
The truly original and experienced family company
Húsavík
Dear Sir or Madam! I want to greet you with a warm w elcome to Húsavík, Iceland in the 2016 season. Our family run company, Gentle Giants Whale Watching, celebrates its fifteenth year and proudly o ffers you our service and highly e xperienced 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 fifth consecutive year, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. 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 Good memories and natural happiness Great respect to nature and minimum environmental impact We hereby introduce to you our c ompany and our new s easonal brochure. More information about our company and services is to be found on our w ebsite www.gentlegiants.is or by sending us a message directly, info@gentlegiants.is or by calling us at: +354 464 1500. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
Welcome aboard!,
Stefán Guðmundsson CEO & Marketing Manager
Gentle Giants proudly supports Unicef Children
Gentle Giants ensures the safety and security of its passengers Icelandic Transport Authority Gentle Giants is a member of Visit North Iceland
Gentle Giants is an authorised tour operator by the Icelandic Tourist Board
Gentle Giants uses eco-labelled printing for all marketing material
Gentle Giants is a partner in the Wild North project of sustainable tourism
Gentle Giants is a member of IceWhale, the Icelandic Whale Watching Association
Authentic experience in Iceland
Gentle Giants has been a proud member of the international eco-label Blue Flag
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
Our passengers are fully 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 Gonzales, ©Friðþjófur Helgason, ©HalliEgils, ©Rebekka K., ©Saltvík
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The family Húsavík
Sylvía Dís (14)
Hanna Sigga, Katrín Svava (12) and Rakel Ása (15) Aþena Lind (19)
Sædís Helga (20)
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.
Did you have a nice trip? Share your experience #gentlegiantswhalewatching
If you did not, please let us know so that we can improve.
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Gentle Giants’ proud fleet Húsavík
you can rent a boat for a private tour
m/v Sylvía
m/v Faldur
RIB Amma – VIP 2016
RIB Amma Sigga
New: 2016 Length: 13 m – Beam: 4 m Engines: 2 x 420 hp Max speed: 52 knots Capacity: 26 pax ISK 255000 pr. hour 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 225000 pr. hour 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 225000 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: 18 pax ISK 195000 pr. hour with captain and guide.
m/v Axel - Zodiac
m/v Athena
Only used together with other boats - ideal for coastal transport and beaches.
Specialized for sea angling and smaller groups in various activity.
Built: 1976 in Akureyri Tonnage: 30 Length: 17,5 m – Beam: 4,3 m Capacity: 60 pax ISK 485000 for 3 hours with captain and guide.
Built: 2007 Length: 4,5 m – Beam: 2 m Capacity: 8 pax ISK 42000 pr. hour with captain.
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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: 2000 in Hafnarfjörður Tonnage: 8 – Length: 9,5 m – Beam: 3 m Capacity: 24 pax ISK 187000 for 3 hours with captain.
We proudly present our EXPERIENCED TEAM Let us guide you and take care of you
The Boss Stefán Guðmundsson
CEO & Marketing Manager – Captain
The Bird Lover Karitas Þórisdóttir Field Manager Guide
The Sociologist Anna Jónína Valgeirsdóttir Ticket Sales
The Voyager Sigríður Atladóttir Guide
The Snapchatter Rakel Ása Ingólfsdóttir Assistant
The Navigator Aðalsteinn Steinþórsson Captain
The Teddy Bear Hlynur Friðfinnsson Captain
Húsavík
The King
The Queen
The Dart Player
The Admiral
Jóhanna S. Svavarsdóttir
Daniel Annisius Assistant Manager Guide Ticket Sales
Hallgrímur Egilsson
Karl Óskar Geirsson
Employee Manager Captain
Alexia Annisius Askelöf
n The Cosmopolita
l The Spanish Pear
Sarah Arndt
María Torralba Escobedo
Mrs. Boss
Head Guide
The Artist Katrín Kristjánsdóttir Ticket Sales
The Fly Fisher Miroslav Cibul‘a Guide
The Princess Katrín Svava Ingólfsdóttir Assistant
r The Armwrestle Björgvin “Kúti” Sigurjónsson Captain
The Farmer Bjarni Eyjólfsson Captain
Guide & Ticket Sales
Miss Spain Belén Garcia Ovide Guide
The Obser ver Camille Gesnin Guide
The Ballerina Selma Gunnarsdóttir Assistant
The Tough Guy Ingimar Eydal Óskarsson Captain
n The World Champio Heimir Bessason Captain
Web Editor Guide & Ticket Sales
Miss Canada Charla Basran
Guide & Ticket Sales
The Pearl Diver Sandra Montes Guide
The Editor Amy Grisdale Guide
t The Make Up Artis Viktoría Eydal Ingimarsdóttir Assistant
Sales Manager Designer
Miss Húsavík Sigrún Björg Steinþórsdóttir Ticket Sales
The Bachelor Daniel González
Guide
The Analyst Ricardo Fernandes Guide
The Mustang Sverrir Yngvi Karlsson Head Captain
e The Rolling Ston Ragnar Tómasson
The Champ Captain
Ticket Sales
The Viking
The Gentleman
Hilmar Guðmundsson
The Islander Ingibjörg Ingvarsdóttir
Aksel Bjarnason
Hallgrímur Guðmundsson Captain
Fleet Manager Captain
Captain
The Handyman
Guide
The Organizer Clement Brun Guide
The Leader Pétur Olgeirsson Captain
The Sailor Jóhannes Steingrímsson Captain
You can read more about our team individually on our website www.gentlegiants.is/ about-us/our-crew
Svavar Örn Svavarsson Maintenance
You can read more about our team individually on our website www.gentlegiants.is/about-gg/our-crew
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GG1 • Whale Watching Húsavík
“Great c ompany and great service!!!!”
Experience the traditional tour from Húsavík. Our birthplace is often considered as the Whale Watching Capital of Europe. Whale watching is a unique adventure at sea – watching the wonders of nature in the b eautiful surroundings of Skjálfandi Bay, s heltered by the s tunning mountains of Vík.
This is a place where our roots lie, where our a ncestors used to live in peace and joy for c enturies, living in total harmony with the unpredictable and untamed nature of the North Atlantic. unt 20% discoWhale
ík to the Húsav every ticket Museum with
Sp ecial warm over alls available FREE every day
RATES: Adults: ISK 10300 Children 7-15: ISK 4200 Children 0-6: FREE Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
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Included: A specialized guide, light refreshments (hot c hocolate and an Icelandic traditional t wisted donut, kleina), warm overalls and raincoats if needed.
SEASON: April 1st – November 15th. 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
“breathtaking travel performed by pros”
For information and bookings
W! k NO Boo ts.is w.gentlegian ww
Timetable April
1 -14 st
th
09:45
15 -30 th
th
09:45 13:15
We accept all major credit cards And currencies
May
June
July
1 -31
1 -30
August
1 -31
th
1 -20
21 -31
08:45
08:45
08:45
08:45
09:45
09:45
09:45
09:45
12:00
12:00
12:00
12:00
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
20:00
20:00
20:00
st
st
09:45
st
th
st
st
st
st
st
Sept.
Oct.
NOV.
1 -30
st
1 -31
1st-15th
09:45
09:45
10:45
13:15
13:15
st
th
st
16:45
Whale watching timetable 2016. 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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GG2 Big whale Safari Húsavík
“Definitively the best in Husavik”
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 o nes - further out. Nothing is guaranteed but on this
ík Daytrips from Reykjav son sea all le ab to Húsavík avail .is air www.eagle
RATES: Adults: ISK 18400 Children 7-12: ISK 12600 Not recommended for children under 7 years. Duration: Approximately 2,5 hours. Minimum number of six required for the standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.
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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 P uffin Island, where you can experience thousands of puffins, the “Clowns of the Ocean”, during the n esting period (April 15th – August 20th).
ty Specially made safe u yo ep overalls to ke warm and safe!
Included: A specialized guide, warm safety overalls, and a little surprise from Húsavík’s only w inemaker.
99,9%
sightin gs past ye the ars
SEASON: April 15th – October 31st. Other tours, excursions and schedules can be arranged upon request at our Ticket Center. Early booking is recommended.
FOR more excitement Húsavík
“Best Option is the fast boat tour.”
For information and bookings
W! k NO Boo ts.is w.gentlegian ww
Timetable April April
May May June June JulyJuly
August August September Sept.
October October
thth -14 1515-30 -30 1 1 1 -30 1 -31 1 -311 -201 -20 -31-14 1 15 -30-30 11-15 16 11 -14 -31-31 1 -30 21 -3121 1 -15 16thth-31 -31stst
stst
th th
th th
thth st st st st st
09:30
st th
09:30
th st
st st
stst
st th
th st
st st st st th st
th th
th st st
09:30
09:30
09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 09:30*
10:00
10:00
10:00*
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*
* Puffin season is from April 15th – August 20th. More focus on Big Whales. 16:00
13:00
13:00
13:00*
14:00
14:00
14:00
14:00* 14:00*
16:00
16:00
16:00
16:00* 16:00* 16:00*
19:00
19:00
19:00
19:00*
12:30
Big Whale Safari & Puffins timetable 2016. 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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GG2 Day tour from Reykjavík Big whale safari & Puffins
Húsavík
N
Húsavík
Akureyri
Original big whale safari & puffins day tour from reykjavík with eagle air
Reykjavík
Mon.
Tue.
Wed.
Thu.
Fri.
From Reykjavík 08:05
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
Only
in 45frm om vík
Reykja
The day tour is booked through Eagle Air.
Höfn
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 onboard a RIB in the north? Then this is the tour for you!
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.
This day package takes you by flight from Reykjavík to Húsavík. You arrive to our fishing v illage which is sometimes called “The Whale Watching Capital of E urope”. 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
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.
RATES: Adults: EUR 590 Children 7-12: EUR 295 The boat tour is not recommended for children under 7 years. Duration: Approximately 10 hours.
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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 & P uffins with Gentle Giants (departure 12:30, 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 s chedules can be arranged upon request at our Ticket Center. Early booking is recommended. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, 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
n For informatio and bookings
EE! ARANT
W! k NO Boo ts.is w.gentlegian
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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 c aptain can fillet your catch, which will p robably 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 restaurant. Thanks to our e xperience as
RATES: Adults: ISK 15500 Children 7-12: ISK 7800 Children 0-6: FREE Duration: Approx. 2–3 hours.
Daily departures 11:00
rofessional fishermen with h p istorically strong roots around the bay, on this tour we can provide you with a 100% CATCH GUARANTEE!
Fjaran Seafood Restaurant can p repare a nice fresh meal from your catch - upon request! Fjaran · Naustagarði 2 · Húsavík Tel: +354 464 1133
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).
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.
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GG4 Flatey Island Húsavík
n For informatio and bookings
W! k NO Boo ts.is w.gentlegian ww
On our way to Flatey Island, experience the beautiful surroundings of Skjálfandi Bay. Flatey Island is a natural haven for birdlife and is e xtremely rich and diverse. It therefore a ttracts many people each year. The island offers more than 30 different species of birds during the breeding season. The island is about 2,5 km long and 1,7 km wide. The name means “ Flat Island” and for a reason; its highest peak rises only about 22 m above sea level. In 1967 the last inhabitants left. It has not been permanently inhabited
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since but many people visit the island each s ummer. Most of the old homes are kept and m aintained as summerhouses. We offer guided excursions through Flatey’s b eautiful nature. The island is home to the arctic tern and puffins, which you may watch up close. This is a unique opportunity to commune with nature. From Flatey we head back to Húsavík and sail by the a wesome mountains of Vík. If Mother Nature is f eeling generous, we may even be able to do some whale watching on our way back.
PUFFINs BIRD WATCHING WHALES Húsavík
For more info about our s pecial bird watching packages: · Visit www.wildlifeiceland.is · Send an e-mail to wildlife@wildlifeiceland.is · Call +354 464 3504
RATES: Adults: ISK 28900 Children 7-12: ISK 13700 Children 0-6: FREE Duration: 4–5 hours. Minimum number of two required in a standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.
Included: A specialized guide, warm safety overalls, and a little surprise from Húsavík’s only w inemaker. Ask for tailor-made tours and arrangements in our Ticket Center. Special arrangements are available upon request.
SEASON: June 1st - August 10th.
Saturdays 17:00
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GG5 GRÍMSEY ISLAND ADVENTURE Húsavík
ARCTIC circle CROSSING - WHALES & PUFFINS
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 W ! whale- and puffin watching in k NO Boo iants.is www.gentleg Skjálfandi Bay. Estimated time of arrival in Húsavík is around 15:00. n For informatio and bookings
RATES: ISK 72300 Duration: Approximately 6 hours. Minimum number of six required for the standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.
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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.
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.
GG6 HIKING THE MOUNTAINS Hiking the mountains of Skjálfandi Bay
A beautiful two day hiking tour in the mountains of Skjálfandi Bay.
GG6 · Hiking map Altitude profile END
Húsavík
855 m 800 m 600 m 400 m 200 m
N66 06.799 W17 52.992
DAY 1: We leave early on Friday morning at 07:00 with a boat and head towards the mountainside, sail across the bay and go ashore in Rauðavík or Naustavík beach half an hour later. Next, we hike across the beautiful and very lonesome Víknafjöll, Cheek Mountains, over to Flatey Island Valley. The hiking path is approximately Start 12 km before we have to cross a river and reach the sleeping cabin. The estimated Sleep arrival time at the first destination is around 16:00. The Guide’s Fish Soup will be served for starting leisure time for short walking trips and relaxation in the afternoon in the valley. a beautiful river. Then a boat picks up the group and heads to Flatey Island for a DAY 2: We leave the accommodation in short visit and a BBQ. Afterwards we head the valley at 08:00 in the morning and back to Húsavík passing the whale watchhead NNW towards the coast and beach. ing areas in Skjálfandi Bay. Estimated time The path leads around 14 km alongside of arrival in Húsavík this day is at 17:00. 0m
END
Start
N66 02.178 W17 41.348
RATES: ISK 108500 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: From Húsavík June 24th – 07:00 July 15th – 07:00 August 19th – 07:00 September 9th – 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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GG7 Pro-Fishing Húsavík
Unique and unforgettable experience
Become an Icelandic fishing pro for a day. Daily from April to September, we welcome people to join us as crew members on our fishing boats, sharing our extensive knowledge of fishing and the sea to create an unforgettable and traditional Icelandic adventure. We take our customers out from Húsavík to Skjálfandi Bay on daily professional fishing trips on our fishing boats.
RATES: ISK 55900 Duration: 10-16 hours of hard work and adventure (dependent upon catch and weather).
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From April to May each year you could be a crew member during lumpfish season, or from June to September catch mainly cod. This is a hard-core fishing experience in the real North Atlantic seas for people who love new adventures. This experience is for people who want to put themselves to a test and keep on smiling after a long, tough day. For further information visit www.profishing.is.
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 The Icelandic horse and the whale
Húsavík
n For informatio and bookings
W! k NO Boo ts.is w.gentlegian ww
Experience the c ombination of traditional whale watching and the Icelandic horse. E xplore the countryside close to Húsavík on an Icelandic horse with experienced riders at your side.
RATES: Adults: ISK 19900 Children 0-12: ISK 9900 Duration: Approximately 3 hours whale watching and 2 hours horse riding.
The riding trip begins in Saltvík, which is just four minutes by car from Húsavík harbour, and can be taken either before or after your whale watching tour.
Included: A specialized guide, light refreshments (hot chocolate and an Icelandic traditional twisted donut, kleina) and warm overalls and raincoats if needed during the whale watching tour.
SEASON: April 1st – October 31st. See our whale watching timetable on page 7 for daily tours.
Tailor made tours and other a rrangements can be made by c ontacting our Ticket Center.
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GG9 PUFFINS EXCLUSIVE Húsavík
One hour express tour
n For informatio and bookings
W! k NO Boo ts.is w.gentlegian ww
In this Puffins Exclusive express tour, we will take you to Puffin Island (Lundey) on a RIB boat to see one of the largest puffin 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. D uring the breeding
RATES: Adults: ISK 8700 Children 7-12: 4400 Not recommended for children under 7 years. Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
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season around 300.000 p uffins 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.
Included: A specialized guide, warm safety overalls, and a little surprise from Húsavík’s only winemaker.
SEASON: April 15th - August 20th. Minimum number of five required in this standard tour. Trips are made upon request.
GG TAILOR MADE TOURS CREATE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
SCHOOL GROUPS WEDDING PLANNING Bachelor and bachelorette tours Private tours
Corporate tours Staff tours
Grímsey Island tours – Crossing the Arctic circle
Hrísey Island tours Diving tours
Camera & filming tours BBQ tours History and eDucational tours
Scientific & research tours Birthday tours
Family reunion tours And more…………
Húsavík
This is your perfect opportunity! As a licenced tour operator, Gentle Giants has organized many tailor made excursions throughout the years. We would be happy to shape a unique adventure together with you, which will turn into lifetime memories for you to think back at in the future. Welcome to give us an idea of your dream trip – contact us for more information.
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Since 1861 Húsavík
Five generations of pioneering in the bay
Árni Tómasson, fisherman and farmer in Flatey Island Valley (great grandfather of Gentle Giants’ owner Stefán Guðmundsson), with his wife Jóhanna Jónsdóttir and 14 of their children.
Jón Ármann Árnason (great great grandfather of Gentle G iants’ 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.
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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.
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Environmental Policy Húsavík
Support to Nature
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 rganisations 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 a great emphasis on delivering all hazardous and toxic waste such as oil, paint and used batteries to assigned official collecting sites. • GG immediately notifies the relevant authorities about any accidents that might cause environmental damage from our boats or from others. • GG staff is updated regularly about the environmental policy of the company to include all new aspects of protecting the environment. • GG puts effort in energy efficiency regarding the output and speed of our engines, in order to minimise pollution and disturbance in wildlife. Special p recautions are taken near whales and breeding birds. • GG always shows great caution when leaving and entering the harbour area. • GG believes that principles in sustainability refer to three major factors: the environmental 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. • GG has been a proud member of the international eco-label Blue Flag.
simply natural On behalf of Gentle Giants Whale Watching Stefán Guðmundsson – CEO & Marketing Manager
22
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.
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.
for responsible whale watching
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 >
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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 minimise 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). Húsavík Museum
The Whale Museum
unt 20% disco vík
to the Húsa um Whale Muse et ck ti y with ever
In addition to whale watching tours, Húsavík is also home to The Whale Museum, established in December 1997 by owners of Gentle Giants along with many other individuals and companies in Húsavík. The museum is a non-profit educational information centre dedicated to the promotion of whales and whale watching and provides visitors with information about whales‘ lives and their habitat around Iceland. Opening hours: May – September: 08:30 – 18:30 daily. October – April: 09:00 – 14:00 weekdays. Information: Tel. 414 2800 and www.whalemuseum.is.
23
Húsavík Húsavík
Our Hometown
Húsavík means “The House Bay” and is a town in northern Iceland, located on the eastern shore of Skjálfandi Bay. It was first settled in 870 AD by a Swedish Viking, Garðar Svavarsson. According to the Book of Settlement, he 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 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. 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.
Húsavík Museum
The Exploration Museum The Exploration Museum is dedicated to the history of human exploration, from the early explorers to the exploration of space. The museum is located in the centre of Húsavík in North Iceland, thirty miles from the Arctic Circle. The main exhibition room features photographs and artefacts from the Apollo Astronaut Training near Húsavík in 1965 and 1967. Opening hours: March – October: 09:00 – 18:00 daily. November – February 13:00 – 15:00. Information: Tel. 463 3399 – www.explorationmuseum.com.
24
for st look
Ju hale The W ing watch ticket center
Húsavík
N
ACCOMMODATIONS:
USEFUL NUMBERS:
Húsavík Swimming Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 6190 Húsavík Car Rental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 2500 Krambúð Supermarket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 1779 Nettó Supermarket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 1750 Húsavík Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 0500 Húsavík Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444 2850 Bílaþjónustan Car Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 1122 Mývatn Nature Baths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 4411 The Transportation Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 3133 The Mánárbakki Museum of Culture ������������������������������� 464 1957 Grenjaðastaður District Museum �������������������������������������� 464 3688 Sigurgeir‘s Bird Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 4477
TOURIST INFORMATIONS:
Húsavík Tourist Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 4300 Mývatn Tourist Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 4390 Gljúfrastofa Ásbyrgi Tourist Information ������������������������ 470 7100 Ásbyrgi Shop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 465 2260 Akureyri Tourist Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 450 1050 Egilsstaðir Tourist Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 470 0750 Seyðisfjörður Tourist Information ������������������������������������ 472 1551
YOUR WAY TO HÚSAVÍK:
INTERNATIONAL Icelandair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 505 0300 WOW Air. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 590 3000 Smyril Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 570 8600 DOMESTIC Fjallasýn Bus Company / Day Excursions ��������������������������� 464 3940 Eagle Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 562 2640 Air Iceland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 570 3000 FAB Travel Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 571 2282 Sterna Bus Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 551 1166 SBA Bus Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 550 0700 Strætó Bus Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 540 2700
Fosshotel Húsavík. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 1220 Húsavík Cape Hotel / Guesthouse / Hostel ������������������������ 463 3399 Saltvík Guesthouse / Horse Rental ������������������������������������ 847 9515 Árból Guesthouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 2220 Höfði Guesthouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 852 0010 Húsavík Apartments Sólbakki. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 898 0036 Kaldbakskot Cottages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 1504 Guesthouse Sigtún. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 864 0250 The Old Fishfactory Guesthouse ��������������������������������������� 464 0255 The Old School Guesthouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 847 5722 Húsavík Camping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 4300 Berg Youth Hostel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 3777 Tungulending Guesthouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 896 6948 IN THE AREA SOUTH OF HÚSAVÍK (DISTANCE) Heiðarbær Guesthouse / Camping (15 min) ��������������������� 464 3903 Staðarhóll Guesthouse (15 min) ��������������������������������������� 464 3707 Þinghúsið Guesthouse (15 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 3695 Ferðaþjónustan Hafralæk (15 min) ������������������������������������ 464 3561 Hotel Rauðaskriða / Guesthouse (20 min) ������������������������ 464 3504 Fosshóll Guesthouse (30 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 3108 Fosshotel Laugar (30 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 6300 Hotel Narfastaðir (35 min) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 3300 Hotel Edda Stórutjarnir (40 min) ��������������������������������������� 444 4890 Hagi 1 Guesthouse (40 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 3526 Stóru-Laugar Guesthouse (30 min) ������������������������������������ 464 2990 LAKE MÝVATN AREA (DISTANCE) Bjarg Camping / Travel Service (40 min) ��������������������������� 464 4240 Hotel Reynihlíð (40 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 4170 Hotel Reykjahlíð (40 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 4142 Hlíð Camping / Travel Service (40 min) ������������������������������ 464 4103 Vogar Camping / Travel Service (40 min) ��������������������������� 464 4399 Sel-Hotel Mývatn (40 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 4164 Hotel Gígur (40 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 4455 Hotel Laxá (40 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 1900 Stöng Guesthouse (40 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 4252 Skútustaðir Guesthouse (40 min) ��������������������������������������� 464 4212 Dimmuborgir Guesthouse (40 min) ����������������������������������� 464 4210 Eldá Guesthouse (40 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 4220 IN THE AREA NORTHEAST OF HÚSAVÍK (DISTANCE) Skúlagarður Guesthouse (40 min) ������������������������������������� 465 2280 Akurgerði Youth Hostel (40 min) ��������������������������������������� 465 2314 Ásbyrgi Camping (40 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 470 7100 Keldunes Guesthouse (45 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 465 2275
Húsavík Museum
The Museum House Safnahúsið, The Museum House, is The District Cultural Centre. It consists of District Folk M useum, Maritime Museum (opened in 2002), Natural History Museum (its best known items being the polar bear caught on Grímsey 1969), District Archives, Photo Archives and Collection of Paintings. Private collections or the museum’s own exhibitions are always on display in the exhibition room on the third floor, which also houses lectures, meetings and concerts. Opening hours: June 1st – September 15th: 10:00 – 18:00 daily September 16th – May 31st: 10:00 – 16:00 weekdays. Information: Tel. 464 1860 – www.husmus.is.
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N
SKJÁLFANDI bay Flatey
1 Húsavík
85
HÚSAVÍK
2
HERE WE ARE 85
ÁSBYRGI
- looking forward to seeing you!
862
864
DETTIFOSS
3
845
85
KRAFLA 1
863 GOÐAFOSS 1
1
4
848 MÝVATN
Road To Sprengisandur F-26
5
1 Flatey Island (30 minutes)
4 Goðafoss Waterfall (30 minutes)
Flatey Island is situated in Skjálfandi Bay, only 14,7 nautical miles from Húsavík. The island is about 2,5 km long and 1,7 km wide, and is low-lying. The highest peak only rises about 22 m above sea level. Which is why it is called Flat Island.
Literally, waterfall of the gods! Waterfall on the river Skjálfandafljót, not far from the main road at Fosshóll in Bárðardalur Valley. The waterfall can be viewed from several places, and the river enters a chasm beneath it.
2 Ásbyrgi Canyon (40 minutes)
5 Lake Mývatn (40 minutes)
A natural marvel, Ásbyrgi is surrounded by 90 to 100 m cliffs. 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 explored to the full extent except by foot.
Lake Mývatn is a unique source of endless discoveries and no visitor to Iceland should leave without having spent a day here. It is the fourth-largest lake in Iceland, measuring 37,3 km2. Frequent lava flows have left the lake very irregular in shape, and it is dotted with many islets and rock formations.
3 Dettifoss Waterfall (65 minutes) Dettifoss is considered the most impressive waterfall in Europe. It is 45 m high and 100 m wide. Below it in the Jökulsá river is Hafragilsfoss (27 m) and above it is Selfoss (10 m). These waterfalls form a unity unparalleled in the world. There is a marked walking path from Dettifoss to Hafragilsfoss.
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Road distances in km to Húsavík Mývatn 54
Höfn 465
Akureyri 91
Selfoss 521
Seyðisfjörður 246
Vík 650
Egilsstaðir 219
Gullfoss 562
Reykjavík 479
Keflavík 520
Borgarnes 405
Þingvellir 496
Ísafjörður 649
Grundarfjörður 465
Whales in Skjálfandi Bay Collect Your Whale Friends
Húsavík
Steypireyður • Balaenoptera musculus Blue whale • Blauwal • Rorqual bleu Max: 33 m & 190 t
Hnúfubakur • Megaptera novaeangeliae Humpback whale • Buckelwal • Baleine à bosse Max: 17 m & 40 t
Hrefna • Balaenoptera acutorstrata Minke whale • Zwergwal • Petit rorqual Max: 11 m & 10 t Hnýðingur • Lagenorhynchus albirostris White-beaked dolphin • Weißschnauzendelfin • Dauphin à bec blanc Max: 3 m & 350 kg
Langreyður • Balaenoptera physalus Fin whale • Finnwal • Rorqual commun Max: 25 m & 80 t
Hnísa • Phocoena phocoena Harbour porpoise • Schweinswal • Marsouin commun Max: 2 m & 70 kg
Sandreyður • Balaenoptera borealis Sei whale • Seiwal • Rorqual de Rudolphi Max: 20 m & 30 t
Háhyrningur • Orcinus orca Orca / Killer whale • Schwertwal • Orque Max: 9 m & 9 t Andarnefja • Hyperoodon ampullatus Northern bottlenose whale • Nördlicher Entenwal • Hyperoodon boréal Max: 9 m & 8 t
Búrhvalur • Physeter macrocephalus Sperm whale • Pottwal • Cachalot Max: 18 m & 50 t
Grindhvalur • Globicephala melas Pilot whale • Grindwal • Globicéphale noir Max: 8 m & 5 t
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SKJÁLFANDI BAY Gentle Giants' routes Grímsey ISLAND
Húsavík
Akureyri
The Arctic Circle
GG1 • Whale Watching
66° 32’ N 18° 01’ w
GG2 • Big Whale Safari & Puffins
Höfn
Reykjavík
GG3 • Sea Angling
The map shows the maximum possible search area of each route
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
GG1 · Whale Watching - Timetable April
1 -14 st
th
09:45
15 -30 th
th
09:45 13:15
We accept all major credit cards And currencies
May
June
July
1 -31
1 -30
See page 6
August
1 -31
th
1 -20
21 -31
08:45
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GG2 · Big Whale Safari & Puffins - Timetable April April
May May June June JulyJuly
August August September Sept.
See page 8 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
12:30
* Puffin season is from April 15th – August 20th. More focus on Big Whales.
16:00
12:30
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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 For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.
Booking: Tel. +354 464 1500 · www.gentlegiants.is · info@gentlegiants.is
Húsavík
MEMBER OF ICEWHALE – THE ICELANDIC WHALE WATCHING ASSOCIATION