Nestled in the picturesque town of Húsavík, Iceland, the Original Big Whale Safari and Puffins RIB Boat Tour offers an exhilarating opportunity to witness the magnificent marine life of Skjálfandi Bay. Aboard a swift RIB speedboat, adventurers can spot an array of whales, including the mighty blue whale, as well as playful harbor porpoises. But the tour doesn’t end there – during the breeding season, guests can also visit Puffin Island for a captivating encounter with these charming seabirds.
Key Points
- 2-hour RIB speedboat tour from Húsavík to explore Skjálfandi Bay and spot whales, dolphins, and puffins during the breeding season.
- Opportunity to see iconic marine life like blue whales, humpback whales, and harbor porpoises.
- Visit Puffin Island during mid-April to mid-August for close-up observations of the seabirds.
- Personalized experience with a maximum of 12 passengers and complimentary wet weather gear.
- Positive reviews highlighting knowledgeable guides and comfortable boats, with a 94% endorsement and 4.7 rating.
Tour Overview
This 2-hour whale and puffin tour from Húsavík aboard a nimble RIB speedboat allows visitors to explore the expansive Skjálfandi Bay.
Under the guidance of expert naturalist guides, passengers can spot an array of marine life, including blue whales, humpback whales, and harbor porpoises.
During the puffin breeding season from mid-April to mid-August, the tour also visits Puffin Island to view these charming seabirds.
With a maximum of 12 travelers per outing, the tour is recommended by 94% of past participants and boasts an impressive 4.7 rating from 350 reviews.
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Highlights of the Tour
The 2-hour RIB speedboat excursion from Húsavík allows visitors to explore the expansive Skjálfandi Bay, providing the opportunity to spot an array of marine life.
Led by expert guides, passengers may encounter iconic blue whales, humpbacks, and porpoises.
During puffin breeding season from mid-April to mid-August, the tour also visits Puffin Island to observe these charismatic seabirds up close.
Recommended by 94% of travelers with a 4.7 rating, the tour accommodates a maximum of 12 passengers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
With complimentary wet weather gear and free cancellation, this tour is a must-do for wildlife enthusiasts visiting Iceland.
What’s Included in the Tour
The tour includes a professional guide who provides live commentary throughout the experience. Guests are also provided with warm safety overalls and rain jackets, if needed, to ensure their comfort during the journey. Transportation to and from the attractions, which are within walking distance from most accommodations in Húsavík, is included as well. Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility for travelers.
| What’s Included | Details |
|---|---|
| Professional Guide | Provides live commentary |
| Warm Safety Gear | Overalls and rain jackets |
| Transportation | To/from attractions |
| Flexible Cancellation | Up to 24 hours before |
Meeting Point and Additional Information
Travelers must meet at the Gentle Giants Ticket Center, located at Garðarsbraut, 640 Húsavík, for the start of the tour.
Participants should arrive at least 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The tour will end back at the meeting point.
This adventure isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back issues, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience begins. Following these guidelines ensures a smooth and enjoyable whale and puffin viewing excursion.
Wildlife Sightings and Experiences
Sightings on this tour include a variety of whale species, dolphins, and puffins. Passengers may spot blue whales, humpbacks, and porpoises during the journey. The tour also visits Puffin Island during the breeding season from mid-April to mid-August, allowing for close encounters with these charismatic seabirds.
| Season | Whale Focus | Puffin Sightings |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-April to Mid-August | Whales and Puffins | High |
| Outside Puffin Season | Whales | Low |
If no whales or dolphins are spotted, passengers receive a voucher for a traditional whale watching tour, subject to availability, ensuring they have the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures.
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Customer Feedback and Recommendations
Positive reviews of the Whale Safari and Puffins Boat Tour from Húsavík highlight the knowledgeable guides, comfortable boats, and successful wildlife sightings.
Passengers rave about the memorable experiences and friendly staff. However, some express concerns about the proximity to whales, urging responsible ecotourism practices.
Despite these minor issues, the tour remains highly recommended for travelers visiting Iceland, with 94% of reviewers endorsing it and a rating of 4.7 out of 350 reviews.
The tour’s focus on whales, dolphins, and puffins during the appropriate seasons ensures an engaging and enriching wildlife adventure.
Exploring Skjálfandi Bay
The exhilarating RIB speedboat tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through the expansive Skjálfandi Bay, the natural habitat of an array of marine life.
Covering a vast territory, the tour allows guests to spot a variety of whales, including blue whales, humpbacks, and porpoises.
Expert guides provide insightful live commentary, educating passengers about the unique ecosystem and behavior of these magnificent creatures.
The thrill of the speedboat ride combined with the awe-inspiring sightings creates an unforgettable experience for all who embark on this whale and puffin adventure.
The Puffin Island Adventure
Although the whale-watching portion of the tour captivates many visitors, the opportunity to observe the vibrant puffin colony on Puffin Island is equally enthralling.
During the peak puffin breeding season from mid-April to mid-August, guests can see these colorful seabirds nesting and tending to their young. The guides provide expert commentary, educating travelers about the puffins’ behaviors and the island’s ecosystem.
Capturing up-close photos of the puffins is a highlight, as their comical appearance and playful antics delight everyone on board.
The Puffin Island adventure complements the whale-watching experience, offering a well-rounded nature tour in Skjálfandi Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?
The tour doesn’t specify a minimum age requirement. However, it’s not recommended for young children or travelers with certain medical conditions. Participants should be able to safely board and ride the RIB speedboat.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?
Yes, passengers are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the boat. However, the tour operator recommends bringing only snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the 2-hour tour.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Families or Groups?
The tour company offers discounts for families and groups. Travelers can inquire about group rates and family pricing when booking the tour. Discounts may be available, but details are not provided in the tour overview.
How Stable and Safe Are the RIB Speedboats in Rough Waters?
The RIB speedboats are designed to be stable and safe even in rough waters. They’re equipped with features like high-performance engines and advanced buoyancy systems to ensure a smooth and secure ride for passengers.
Can I Take Photographs of the Whales and Puffins During the Tour?
Yes, passengers can take photographs of the whales and puffins during the tour. The guides encourage photography to capture the wildlife sightings, providing ample opportunities for travelers to get great shots throughout the experience.
The Sum Up
The Original Big Whale Safari and Puffins RIB Boat Tour from Húsavík offers an unforgettable experience in Skjálfandi Bay. Guests aboard a swift RIB speedboat can spot majestic whales and playful harbor porpoises, as well as visit Puffin Island to see these charming seabirds up close. With knowledgeable guides and high customer satisfaction, this tour promises an exhilarating and intimate wildlife encounter.
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