GENTLE GIANTS • HÚSAVÍK
WHALE
WATCHING THIS IS IT • WELCOME
160 YEARS OF FAMILY HISTORY IN THE BAY ANNO 1861
Akureyri
Húsavík
Reykjavík
Booking: www.gentlegiants.is • info@gentlegiants.is • Tel. + 354 464 1500 Húsavík
MEMBER OF ICEWHALE – THE ICELANDIC WHALE WATCHING ASSOCIATION
Húsavík
THE TRULY ORIGINAL AND LOCAL FAMILY COMPANY Dear Sir or Madam!
the GetYourGuide Awards in 2019, the first and only Icelandic company ever receiving I want to greet you them, the motivational education awards with a warm welcome in 2022 by The Confederation of Icelandic to Húsavík, Iceland in Enterprise, Company of the Year in 2022 the 2027 season. by Visit North Iceland, and a 2023 safety Our family run award nomination by VÍS Insurance. The company, Gentle Giants Whale Watching, newest awards as Excellent in Iceland celebrates its 26th year and proudly offers by Keldan 2023-2026, and Outstanding you our service and highly educated, Company by Creditinfo 2024-2026, top experienced and fully qualified staff in our strongest 2% of Icelandic companies. various tours and excursions. This confirms and underlines that we are surely on the right track in outstanding The company is proud of its originality service and delivering a great experience. and background and is owned by people with vast experience in the field. I have We can offer you: personally over 50 years of experience Untamed and unpredictable nature in the bay and like to think of myself as Bigger and smaller boats continuing my family’s 160-year long More personal experience tradition started by my great great grandHigher chances of finding whales father who was a fisherman just like my 160 years of our family history in great grandfather, grandfather and father Skjálfandi Bay would later be not to forget my GREAT Great respect to nature and minimum grandmothers too. Put short: We were environmental impact born by the bay of Skjálfandi and our Good memories and natural happiness ancestors too. Way back! Discounts for our customers by local companies in Húsavík Gentle Giants’ goal is to make every guest a happy one. We are proud to be the only Please do not hesitate to contact us whale watching company in Húsavík via e-mail info@gentlegiants.is, phone awarded by TripAdvisor for the 15th +354 464 1500 or check our website consecutive year. More awards include www.gentlegiants.is.
Welcome aboard!
Gentle Giants proudly supports Unicef Children
Stefán Guðmundsson CEO – Marketing Manager – Captain
“The small speed boat is perfect because you can see on both sides and you are close enough to hear the whales move through the water. It was done respectful to the nature and the whales – I would love to do it again!”
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OUR GENTLE FAMILY TEAM
The King Daniel Annisius
CEO – Marketing Manager – Captain
Human Resource Manager – Captain
The Cheerful
The Upbeat
Lucía García Socas
Tatiana Karlikova
Ticket Sales
The Fly Fisher Miroslav Cibul’a
Guide – Maintenance
The Linguist Carla Rojas Vilà Guide
The Machinist Sigmundur Þorgrímsson Guide
The Mustang Sverrir Yngvi Karlsson Head Captain RIB Speedboats – Maintenance
The Charmer Reynir Hilmarsson
Captain – Maintenance
r The Dart Playe Hallgrímur Egilsson Designer
Ticket Sales
The Adventurer Matteo Barbarini Guide
The Passionate Louisa Mooij Guide
The Trailblazer Jelmer de Mare Guide
The Gentleman Hallgrímur Guðmundsson
Head Captain Oak Boats – Maintenance
der The Arctic Islan
Ingólfur Bjarni Svafarsson Captain
Assistant Manager – Sales
The Friendly Emelie Walther Ticket Sales
lash The Spanish Sp Natàlia Amigó Chaparro Guide
tor The Communica
Fábio Marcelino Guide
The Storyteller André Fernando Torres Reis Guide
The Navigator Aðalsteinn Steinþórsson Captain
The Iceberg Baldur Reynir Hauksson Captain
rl The Spanish Pea
María Torralba Escobedo Shift Manager – Ticket Sales
The Admiral Karl Óskar Geirsson
Fleet Manager – Captain
The Octopus
The Connector
Dido Sotiropoulou
Alexandre Siurana Navea
Ticket Sales
The Researcher Nikolina Sokcic Guide
r The Collaborato
Iasmina-Maria Carbunescu Guide
The Spark Laura Ruschkowski Guide
n The Country Ma
Guðni Sigþórsson Captain
y The Tough Gu
Ingimar Eydal Óskarsson Captain
Ticket Sales
The Swimmer Beatriz Gomes Filhó Silva Guide
ver The Animal Lo
Fiona Gray
Shift Manager – Guide – Ticket Sales
ious The Conscient
Sigurður Búi Ólason Assistant
The Optimistic Dimitra Perari Guide
The Spotter
The Naturalist
Alba Manyanet López
Clara Pérez Martínez
Guide
n The Cosmopolita
Sarah Arndt
Captain – Head Guide – Digital Marketing
er The Horse Breed
Haukur Laxdal Baldvinsson Captain
The Motorbiker Jose Antonio Medina Maintenance
You can read more about our team individually on our website www.gentlegiants.is/about-us/our-crew
Mrs. Boss Jóhanna Sigríður Svavarsdóttir
The Boss Stefán Guðmundsson
Guide
The Educator Joséphine Aussage Captain – Head Guide
The Racer Bjarni Rafn Ingvason Captain
The Skier Karl Óskar Aðalsteinsson Maintenance
The Handyman
Svavar Örn Svavarsson
Maintenance
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GG1 • WHALE WATCHING Húsavík
“One of the best experiences of my life”
9% 97g–ht9ings then si so year past rage ave
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 beautiful surroundings of Skjálfandi Bay,
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s heltered by the s tunning m ountains 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 u npredictable and untamed n ature of the North Atlantic.
RATES:
INCLUDED:
SEASON:
Adults: ISK 13290 Children 7-15: ISK 6990 Children 0-6: FREE Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
A specialized guide, warm safety overalls, and rain jackets if needed.
April 1st – November 30th. Daily departures (see timetable). Group discounts and tailormade tours available, as well as multitrip passes. Contact us for more information.
EXPERIENCE THE MAMMALS OF THE OCEAN
“great boat and crew, plenty of whales”
Whale watching timetable 2027. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.
Specially made safety overalls to keep you warm and safe!
TIMETABLE GG1 • WHALE WATCHING – TIMETABLE APRIL
1st-15th
16th-30th
MAY
1st-31st
JUNE
1st-15th
16th-30th
JULY
AUGUST
1st-31st
1st-31st
SEPTEMBER
1st-20th
OCT.
NOV.
21st-30th
1st-31st
1st-30th
10:15
*06:45 *06:45 09:45
09:45 13:15
09:45 13:15
08:45
08:45
08:45
08:45
08:45
09:45
09:45
09:45
09:45
09:45
09:45
09:45
12:00
12:00
12:00
13:15
13:15
13:15
13:15
13:15
13:15
15:35
15:35
15:35
17:00
17:00
13:15 17:00
17:00
*New – Early morning GG1 Whale Watching departure 06:45 available July 15th – August 15th. Enjoy a peaceful morning with fewer boats around. On our oak boat Sylvía, equipped with a highly modern and energy-efficient engine designed to reduce environmental impact and provide a quieter experience on board.
20% DISCOUNT to
with every ticket
Blue whale skeleton exhibition ©The Whale Museum
www.whalemuseum.is
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GG2 BIG WHALE SAFARI Húsavík
“Amazing experience! more than expected!”
With our speedboats we can offer our passengers more area to cover in search for the gentle giants. A RIB is faster than the wind and makes it therefore more likely for us to find the big whales. Normally we do not have to leave our bay to look for whales of any kind, but on this tour we focus on finding the bigger o nes – further out. Nothing is guaranteed but on this
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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 Puffin Island, where you can experience thousands of puffins, the “Clowns of the Ocean”, during the nesting period (April 15th – August 15th).
FOR MORE EXCITEMENT
99%
sighting s past ye the ars on average
“First rate whale watching - take a rib boat!”
Big Whale Safari & Puffins timetable 2027. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change. This may include skipping the visit to Puffin Island.
Specially made safety overalls to keep you warm and safe!
TIMETABLE GG2 • BIG WHALE SAFARI & PUFFINS – TIMETABLE APRIL 1 -15 st
th
MAY
16 -30 th
th
1 -15 st
th
JUNE
16 -31 th
st
1 -15 st
th
JULY
16 -30 th
th
1 -15 st
th
AUGUST
16 -31 th
st
1 -15 st
th
SEPTEMBER
16 -31 th
st
1 -20 st
th
21 -30 st
th
OCTOBER 1 -15th 16th-31st st
08:30 08:30 08:30 08:30 08:30 08:30 08:30* 08:30* 08:30* 09:00 09:00 09:00 09:00 09:00 09:00* 09:00* 09:30* 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 11:00
12:30* 12:30
15:00
12:30
15:00
11:00
10:00
10:00
10:00
10:00
10:00 10:00* 10:00*
11:00
11:00
11:00
11:00
11:00 11:00* 11:00* 11:00* 11:00*
11:30
11:30 11:30*
12:05
12:05
12:05
12:05 12:05* 12:05*
12:30
12:30 12:30* 12:30* 12:30* 12:30* 12:30*
12:30
12:30
12:30
12:30
13:30
13:30
13:30
13:30
15:00
15:00 19:00
15:00 19:00
13:30
13:30 13:30* 13:30*
14:00
14:00 14:00*
15:00
15:00
15:00 15:00* 15:00* 15:00*
16:30
16:30
16:30 16:30* * Puffin season is from
19:00
19:00
19:00 19:00* approximately. More
21:30** 21:30** 21:30** 21:30**
April 15th – August 15th
focus on Big Whales. ** Midnight Exclusive.
RATES:
INCLUDED:
SEASON:
Adults: ISK 22990 Children 8-12: ISK 16990 Minimum age is 8 years and minimum height 130 cm. Duration: Approximately 2 hours. Minimum number of six required for the standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.
A specialized guide, warm safety overalls (obligatory), and rain jackets if needed.
April 1st – October 31st. See our timetable for daily tours. Other tours, excursions and schedules can be arranged upon request. Early booking is recommended.
Not allowed for people with heart- or back problems or pregnant women.
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GG3 WHALES & HORSES Húsavík
THE WHALE AND THE ICELANDIC HORSE
For information and bookings
www.gentlegiants.is
BOOK NOW!
Experience the combination of the traditional GG1 Whale Watching and the countryside riding tour. Enjoy the great view of Skjálfandi Bay on an Icelandic horse with experienced
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riders at your side. The horse riding is suitable for beginners as well as experienced riders and starts in Saltvík Farm, which is just four minutes by car from Húsavík harbour.
RATES:
INCLUDED:
SEASON:
Adults: ISK 25490 Children 10-15: ISK 16490 Not recommended for children under 10 years. Duration: Approximately 3 hours whale watching and 1 hour horse riding.
For the whale watching tour: A specialized guide, warm safety overalls, and rain jackets if needed. For the riding tour: A specialized guide, and safety helmets.
May 1st – October 31st. Whale watching departure at 09:45 and horse riding at 14:00. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.
For the well-being of the horses, we kindly ask guests to respect the weight limit of 110 kg per person.
GG4 FLATEY ISLAND THE ORIGINALS
WELCOME TO OUR PARADISE
GG4 FLATEY ISLAND UNIQUE EXPERIENCE IN SECLUDED NATURE
Húsavík
Rindatjarnir Small Ridge Ponds
Only
in 35 m om
Þórðarsteinshorn
fr Húsavík
Kirkjubakkar Church Banks Hnísuvík Porpoise Creek Leynitjörn Secret Pond Vaðsteinanes
Experience the paradise of Skjálfandi Bay in all its glory with unique nature and rich birdlife. Gentle Giants offers all kinds of private tours from Húsavík to Flatey Island. Ideal for individuals and groups on all occasions, basic or luxury high-end. The company has strong roots to Flatey Island and offers a brand new and environmental
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Teistuberg
Flugbrautin Airstrip
Grund
Sigtún
Baldurshagi
Miðgarðar
friendly building with a large dining hall as well as outdoor BBQ facilities on the island. Flatey Island is a natural haven for birdlife with 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
RATES:
INCLUDED:
SEASON:
Contact us for price requests. Duration: Approximately 2-4 hours stop in Flatey Island depending on travel plans and dining options. Bookings in advance required.
Private boat transfer to Flatey Island, short whale watching if possible, guided walking tour on the island. Upon request: Two or three course meal, chef on spot and dining equipment. Other services available.
May 1st – September 30th. Tours are made upon request. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change. Special arrangements are available upon request.
FLATEY ISLAND TAILOR MADE ADVENTURES
GUIDED TOURS FINE DINING BIRD WATCHING
Barnaskólinn Schoolhouse
Arnargerði Star Oddi Research Ruins
Hvaltjörn Whale Pond Útibær
Uppibær Neðribær
Nýibær
Skjólsvarða
Brimnes
Kirkjan Church Sæberg & Berg Vitinn Lighthouse Bjarg Krosshús
Garðshorn Samkomuhús Community House
Eyðið Black Sand Beach
Samlagið Fish Processing
Sjótjörn Sea Pond Höfnin Harbour Sólborg
NeðribæjarSteinbryggjan Sólvellir skúr Old Pier Stebbaskúr & Bjarmaskúr Smiðjan Jönnaskúr / Ólaskúr Gentle Giants
for a reason; its highest peak rises only about 22 m above sea level. In 1967 the last inhabitants left and it has not been permanently inhabited since but many people visit the island each s ummer. Most of the old homes are kept and maintained as summerhouses. Gentle Giants cooperates with pro fessional chefs who can serve delicious high-quality meals on all occasions.
Sólbakki
Íshús Icehouse
Skarfstangi
Ingredients are locally produced. Other available services upon request include live music, bonfire, yoga instructor, qualified bird watching guide and wedding planning. Inspired to visit Flatey Island on a private tour? Visit www.gentlegiants.is for more detailed information or contact us for price requests.
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GG5 • SEA ANGLING CATCH YOUR OWN MEAL
Húsavík
10CA0TC% H
NTEE!
GUARA
Experience the exciting feeling of catching your own meal on Skjálfandi Bay. The distance to the rich fishing grounds is very short. At the end of the tour your captain can fillet the fish, most likely cod or haddock, and you can take it with you for your own cooking. Upon request and at a reasonable price it is also possible to either have your fish
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repared in the nearby Naustið Seap food Restaurant or, if available, get it cooked in a local home in Húsavík. Thanks to our experience as professional fishermen with historically strong roots around the bay, we provide you with a 100% CATCH GUARANTEE. For information and bookings
www.gentlegiants.is
BOOK NOW!
RATES:
INCLUDED:
SEASON:
Private boat rental: ISK 349000 Max capacity: 12* pax. Duration: Approximately 3 hours. Bookings in advance required.
An experienced captain, fishing equipment and rods, waterproof trousers, rubber boots and fleece jackets.
June 1st – September 30th. Tours are made upon request. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.
*Due to different variable current and wind conditions in the bay, we may limit the number of fishing rods being used at the same time. Therefore passengers can be asked to share rods and switch places on board.
GG6 PUFFINS EXCLUSIVE
ONE HOUR EXPRESS TOUR
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 colonies in Iceland. This island is only 4,5 nautical miles from Húsavík harbour and with our fast RIBs we will take you there in only a few minutes. Puffin Island reaches 34 m above sea level and is about 200 m long and 100 m wide. During the breeding
season thousands of puffins can be 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.
RATES:
INCLUDED:
SEASON:
Private RIB boat rental: ISK 199000 Max capacity: 12 pax. Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
A specialized guide, warm safety overalls (obligatory), and rain jackets if needed.
April 15th – August 15th. Tours are made upon request.
The tour on RIB speedboats is not allowed for passengers with heart- or back problems or pregnant women. Minimum age is 8 years and minimum height 130 cm.
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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GG TAILORMADE TOURS Húsavík
CREATE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
THIS IS YOUR PERFECT OPPORTUNITY
AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST:
As an authorized day tour provider, Gentle Giants has organized many tailormade excursions throughout the years. We would be happy to shape a unique a dventure 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.
SCHOOL GROUPS WEDDING PLANNING Bachelor and bachelorette tours
CORPORATE TOURS STAFF TOURS
Hrísey Island tours
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Grímsey Island Adventure • Arctic Circle Crossing Hiking the Mountains of Skjálfandi Bay • Beautiful Hiking Tour Pro-Fishing • Hardcore Fishing Experience
BBQ tours History and eDucational tours
Scientific & research tours BIRTHDAY TOURS
Diving tours
Family reunion tours
CAMERA & FILMING TOURS
And more…
GENTLE GIANTS’ PROUD FLEET
YOU CAN RENT A BOAT FOR A PRIVATE TOUR
m/v Sylvía
m/v Faldur
RIB Amma Jóhanna
RIB VIP Amma Helga
RIB Amma Sigga
RIB Amma Kibba
Built: 1976 in Akureyri • Tonnage: 30 • Length: 17,5 m • Beam: 4,3 m • Capacity: 70 pax ISK 599000 for 3 hours with captain and guide.
Built: 2017 • Length: 12 m • Beam: 4 m Engines: 2 x 400 hp • Max speed: 52 knots Capacity: 12 pax ISK 199000 per hour with captain and guide.
Built: 2015 • Length: 12 m • Beam: 4 m Engines: 2 x 400 hp • Max speed: 52 knots Capacity: 12 pax ISK 199000 per hour with captain and guide.
Built: 1972 in Westman Islands • Tonnage: 26 • Length: 14,5 m • Beam: 4 m • Capacity: 45 pax ISK 499000 for 3 hours with captain and guide.
Built: 2016 • Length: 13 m • Beam: 4 m Engines: 2 x 420 hp • Max speed: 52 knots Capacity: 12 pax ISK 229000 per hour with captain and guide.
Built: 2013 • Length: 12 m • Beam: 4 m Engines: 2 x 400 hp • Max speed: 52 knots Capacity: 12 pax ISK 199000 per hour with captain and guide.
Boats with modern eco-friendly engines Fully licenced by the Icelandic Transport Authority m/v Athena
Built: 2000 in Hafnarfjörður • Tonnage: 8 • Length: 9,5 m • Beam: 3 m • Capacity: 24 pax ISK 349000 for 3 hours with captain. Specialized for sea angling and smaller groups in various activity.
Very high safety standards
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AWARDED FOR EXCELLENCE Húsavík
INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC AWARDS
Strongest in Iceland 2024-2026 2023
2022
Nomination for the Safety Prevention Awards: by VÍS Insurance
Company of the Year: by Visit North Iceland
2022
2019
Motivational Education Awards: by The Confeder ation of Icelandic Enterprise (SA)
GetYourGuide Award: Best Water Adventures, the only tour in Iceland awarded
We are proud to be the only whale watching company in Húsavík awarded by TripAdvisor in 2026 and for 15 consecutive years.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
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Gentle Giants proudly supports Unicef Children
We proudly support various projects in our community including sports, music, arts and education activities for children and young people, as well as sponsoring local and international charities for many years.
SAFETY FIRST GENTLE GIANTS ENSURES THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF ITS PASSENGERS Gentle Giants has an active safety plan according to local rules and regulations for tourism businesses. It covers all aspects of emergency and standard operation procedures. The safety plan consists of four aspects: Risk assessment, rules on work procedures, contingency plan and incident report.
mergency equipment in accordance e with the regulations by the Icelandic Transport Authority. Passengers are dressed in warm floatation suits. Life jackets are available for all passengers and crew. The crew explains the safety on board in the beginning of all tours, including demonstrating the use of life jackets.
All our RIB speedboats are equipped with a very high standard of modern safety and emergency equipment. All passengers are dressed in warm floatation suits and life jackets. Our oak boats and fibreglass boat are equipped with all the safety and
The crew on board is there for your safety and operates according to our safety plan. All crew members are fully authorised by the Icelandic Transport Authority. The crew regularly participates in rescue drills on board our boats.
Icelandic Transport Authority Gentle Giants is a member of Visit North Iceland
Gentle Giants uses eco-labelled printing for all marketing material
Gentle Giants is a member of Visit Húsavík
Gentle Giants is an author ized day tour provider by the Icelandic Tourist Board
Gentle Giants is a partner in the Wild North project of sustainable tourism
Gentle Giants is an official partner of the Inspired by Iceland campaign
Gentle Giants is a member of IceWhale, the Icelandic Whale Watching Association
Gentle Giants is a member of SAF, the Icelandic Travel Industry Association
Gentle Giants staff is trained by the Maritime Safety and Survival Training Centre of Iceland
Gentle Giants boats and staff are fully licenced by the Icelandic Transport Authority
Gentle Giants is insured by VÍS Insurance Ltd
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE We want you to feel confident booking online with Gentle Giants and offer you this flexibility: Free cancellation up until 24 hours before departure Choose to pay online or pay on arrival Change your booking at any time online Gift cards available
Did you have a nice trip? Share your experience
@gentlegiantswhalewatching
#gentlegiantswhalewatching
If you did not, please let us know so that we can improve.
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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.
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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. U ntil 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.
160 YEARS OF FAMILY HISTORY IN THE BAY
160 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 picture on the left is Héðinn Maríusson 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 c ommitment to all aspects of conservation, protecting the environment and t reating nature with respect. This policy is our answer to the increasing demand from our customers and global organizations 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 p ossibilities. 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 maintenance of hulls and engines. • GG uses recyclable products. The use of single use products is avoided as much as possible. • GG puts great emphasis on delivering all hazardous and toxic waste such as oil, paint and used batteries to assigned official collecting sites. • GG immediately notifies the relevant authorities about any accidents that might cause environmental damage from our boats or from others. • GG staff is updated regularly about the environmental policy of the company to include all new aspects of protecting the environment. • GG puts effort in energy efficiency regarding the output and speed of our engines, in order to minimize pollution and disturbance in wildlife. Special p recautions are taken near whales and breeding birds. • GG shows great caution when leaving and entering the harbour area. • GG believes that principles in sustainability refer to three major factors: the environmental factor, the economic factor and social cultural aspects of tourism development. A suitable balance must be established between these factors in o rder 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.
On behalf of Gentle Giants Whale Watching Stefán Guðmundsson – CEO – Marketing Manager – Captain
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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 FOR RESPONSIBLE WHALE WATCHING 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.
Searching-Zone (3000m >)
Keep a dedicated lookout and stay in radio contact with other vessels departing). Avoid making sudden or excessive noises and disturbance for the cetacean Avoid sudden speed or course changes (approaching and departing). Assess the cetacean behaviour and avoid repeated attempts to interact wi showing signs of distress.
No Head-On Approach Zone 300 m >
50 m >
Ca
u tio n-Z o n
ope
e
e ll e r s t o p p
d
du
es
App
c
pe
ed
Red uce sp
to
~ 5-6
ro a c hi n g-Z o n e
m p h , li
m it n u m
ve b er of
mi
Re
n
Pr
sse
l s,
S e a rc h in g - Z o n e e ed ,
0-
30
3000 m >
Approaching-Zone (300m >)
r a d io keep a l ookout and stay in
~2
t tac con
Aim at maintaining a distance of 300 m at the beginning of the encounte closer with time. Stop the main propeller (max speed ~5-6 mph). If the cetacean is travelling up a little (up to ~8 mph) but not directly towards the animal. Avoid following behind cetacean and never deliberately approach direc movements should parallel them by approaching cautiously at an oblique Don’t come closer if there is another boat in the approaching zone, unless t away or signals that it safe to approach. Take turns if there are more boats in the area, preferably each boat sho than 20-30 minutes within the area at once. Never (deliberately) sail through pods of concentrated cetacean. Keep a steady speed if dolphins approach the vessel and start bow-riding let them pass. Ekki skal gera tilraunir til að hvetja höfrunga til að synda í bógöldu skipsins Ensure that the vessel does not disturb nesting or resting birds.
Caution-Zone (50m >)
When possible, stop the propeller if cetacean approaches the vessel and propulsion until the cetacean is observed well clear of your vessel. Do not touch, swim with or feed cetacean.
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 animals and to enjoy them for the future we need to show them patience and respect. We will try to get you close but how close we get is always on the animal’s terms as we aim to minimize disturbance.
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 This is a Code of Conduct we aim to abide by, away or signals that it safe to approach. however, there are many variables to consider Take turns if there are more boats in the area, when out at sea, such as the w eather, number preferably each boat should not spend more than of whales, prey availability, if there are calves 20-30 minutes within the area at once. present, animal behaviour and so on and so forth. Never (deliberately) sail through pods of concentrated cetacean. Searching-Zone (3000 m >) Keep a steady speed if dolphins approach the Keep a dedicated lookout and stay in radio vessel and start bow-riding or slowly stop and let contact with other vessels (approaching and them pass. departing). Do not attempt to encourage dolphins to Avoid making sudden or excessive noises and dis- bow-ride. Ensure that the vessel does not disturb turbance for the cetacean. Avoid sudden speed or nesting or resting birds. course changes (approaching and departing). Assess the cetacean behaviour and avoid reCaution-Zone (50 m >) peated attempts to interact with animals that are When possible, stop the propeller if cetacean showing signs of distress. approaches the vessel and do not re-engage propulsion until the cetacean is observed well Approaching-Zone (300 m >) clear of your vessel. Aim at maintaining a distance of 300 m at the Do not touch, swim with or feed cetacean. beginning of the encounter and gradually get closer with time. If you think that this Code of Conduct has Stop the main propeller (max speed ~5-6 mph). If not been fulfilled, please discuss it with the the cetacean is travelling fast you can speed up a crew, send an e-mail to Gentle Giants little (up to ~8 mph) but not directly towards the (info@gentlegiants.is) and / or contact the animal. IceWhale office (info@icewhale.is).
SUPPORTING ACADEMIC RESEARCH Gentle Giants has good cooperation with the University of Iceland’s Research Centre in Húsavík, offering our boats as a platform for marine biology research. Feel free to ask about their research if you see them on board.
21
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 V iking, 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 very first Nordic settler. Húsavík is one of Iceland’s oldest local names. Like many other towns on the coast, the fishing industry has played a vital part for Húsavík’s local development. Agriculture and farming have also been important for the inhabitants. Moreover, Iceland’s first co-op was founded in Húsavík in 1882. In recent years, yet another trade has
grown in Húsavík – the t ourism industry. The biggest visitor attraction is whale watching and our hometown has in fact become known as the Whale Watching Capital of Europe. T housands of tourists visit Húsavík annually in hope of seeing the gentle giants of the ocean. Despite a total population of only 2,403 (2026), Húsavík is rich with culture and activities. Our top museums are the Húsavík Whale Museum and the Culture House. Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths o ffers a unique bathing experience overlooking Skjálfandi Bay. Our church, built in 1907, is one of the main symbols of Húsavík, located in the heart of the town. A local and colourful festival called Mærudagar (Candy Days) is held in Húsavík in the end of July every year. For more information about Húsavík, please visit www.visithusavik.com.
r our
Look fo
E WHAL ING WATCH TICKET R CENTE
N
22
66° 02’ 47”N 17° 20’ 36”W
DISCOUNTS IN HÚSAVÍK BENEFITS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS
MUSEUM
ATTRACTION
20%
discount on entrance ticket
15%
RESTAURANT
discount on entrance ticket
15%
discount on food menu
Also bookable online with promo code GG2027
Húsavík Whale Museum Hafnarstétt 1 www.whalemuseum.is
Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths Vitaslóð 1 www.geosea.is
Fosshótel Húsavík Ketilsbraut 22 www.islandshotel.is
RESTAURANT
RESTAURANT
RESTAURANT
10%
discount on food menu
10%
discount on food menu Salka Restaurant Garðarsbraut 6 Facebook: Salka Restaurant
Naustið Seafood Restaurant Ásgarðsvegi 1 Facebook: Naustið RESTAURANT
5%
RESTAURANT
discount on Fish & Chips portion
10%
Lókal Café & Bistro Garðarsbraut 7 Facebook: Lókal/Bistró
RESTAURANT
BREWERY & BAR
10% JaJa
Dingdong BAR & BISTRO
CLOTHING
15%
10% discount
Jaja Ding Dong Höfði 24 jajahusavik.com
Húsavík Öl Héðinsbraut 4 Facebook: Húsavík Öl CLOTHING & SHOES
discount (Not
valid for 66°North children’s clothing)
10%
discount
Ísfell Store – Outdoor Sports Suðurgarði 2 Facebook: Ísfell verslun
Skóbúð Húsavíkur Garðarsbraut 13 Facebook: Skóbúð Húsavíkur
SOUVENIRS & GIFTS
SOUVENIRS & GIFTS
15%
discount
(Not valid for stamps)
Penninn Eymundsson Garðarsbraut 9 www.penninn.is
10%
Golfskálinn 640 Veitingar
Katlavöllur Golf Course Facebook: Golfskálinn
RESTAURANT
discount on food and drinks menu
Fish & Chips Hafnarstétt 21 Facebook: Fish&Chips
discount at restaurant & bar
on 10% discount food menu
discount
Garðarshólmi Garðarsbraut 18 www.gardarsholmi.is
on menu 10% discount at restaurant Grill 66 and Lemon Mini by Olís
Grill 66 & Lemon Mini Garðarsbraut 64 www.grill66.is www.lemon.is CAFÉ
on 10% discount drinks and food
Tungulending Café Tungulending (12 min drive from Húsavík) 641 Húsavík – Iceland www.tungulending.website CLOTHING & SOUVENIRS
10% discount
Icewear Húsavík Stórigarður 1 icewear.is
Please show your Gentle Giants boarding pass before payment. The discounts cannot be combined with other discounts or offers. Valid for the 2027 season.
Show your Gentle Giants boarding pass and get the following discounts by local companies in Húsavík.
SOUVENIRS & GIFTS
on 10% discount souvenirs and
clothing branded GENTLE GIANTS
23
DIAMONDS AROUND THE CORNER Húsavík
EXPERIENCE SOME OF ICELAND‘S TOP HIGHLIGHTS
N
SKJÁLFANDI BAY Flatey
1 66° 02’ 47”N 17° 20’ 36”W
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
5
848
F-26
MÝVATN
ROAD TO SPRENGISANDUR
4
1
Flatey Island (35 minutes)
4
Lake Mývatn (40 minutes)
2
Ásbyrgi Canyon (40 minutes)
5
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 rises only about 22 m above sea level, which has given its name “Flat Island”. This secluded and peaceful paradise is home to more than 30 different species of birds during the breeding season.
A natural marvel, Ásbyrgi is surrounded by 90 to 100 m cliffs. A ccording to legend, Ásbyrgi is a hoof print made by Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse of the greatest of all the Norse gods, Óðinn. Ásbyrgi is a part of the Vatnajökull National Park and makes an ideal territory for walking and hiking. In fact it cannot be explored to its full extent except by foot.
3
24
Gentle Giants and Húsavík are part of the new Arctic Coast Way touring route
Lake Mývatn is a unique source of endless discoveries and no visitor to Iceland should leave without exploring the area. It is the fourth largest lake in Iceland, measuring 37,3 km2, with an exceptionally rich fauna of waterbirdsin the summer. Frequent lava flows have left the lake irregular in shape and dotted with stunning islets and rock f ormations.
The name literally means Waterfall of the Gods and is a part of the glacier river Skjálfandafljót, located right by route 1. This magnificent waterfall is 12 m high, 30 m wide and can be viewed both from the east and west side all year around.
ROAD DISTANCES IN KM TO HÚSAVÍK
Dettifoss Waterfall (65 minutes)
Dettifoss is considered to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. It is 45 m high and 100 m wide. Below it in the Jökulsá river is Hafragilsfoss (27 m) and above it is Selfoss (10 m). These waterfalls together form a unity unparalleled in the world. There is a marked walking path from Dettifoss to Hafragilsfoss.
Mývatn
54
Höfn
471
Akureyri
75
Selfoss
505
Seyðisfjörður
246
Vík
634
Egilsstaðir
219
Gullfoss
545
Reykjavík
463
Keflavík
503
Borgarnes
389
Þingvellir
480
Ísafjörður
608
Grundarfjörður
449
“This was one of the highlights of our entire trip around the country. Our guide was a marine biologist, so we learned a lot while we were speeding along getting great shots of the whales. Highly recommend it”
So delicious after nature bath This place is so cute, convenient (right next to grocery and gas) and perfect teaser for right after a day of driving, hiking, bathing, exploring in Iceland. Food was delicious and portions can be tailored to whatever you desire.
BEST fish&chips EVERRRR !!!! I have tried many fish&chips places in Reykjavík and abroad but this one in Mývatn, omg, I need to buy another portion straight away or even just move to Mývatn because this was mouthwatering, deliciously good.
@LAKE MÝVATN
Show your Gentle G iants boarding pass and get 10% discount at Fish & Chips Lake Mývatn.
Hraunvegur 8 – Lake Mývatn – Tel: +354 845 2074
WILDLIFE IN SKJÁLFANDI BAY Húsavík
OUR WHALES
Dorsal Fin
Blue whale • Steypireyður • Balaenoptera musculus • Blauwal • Rorqual bleu Max: 33 m & 190 t Flukes
Blowholes
Eye Flippers
Humpback whale • Hnúfubakur • Megaptera novaeangeliae • Buckelwal • Baleine à bosse Max: 17 m & 40 t
Minke whale • Hrefna • Balaenoptera acutorstrata • Zwergwal • Petit rorqual Max: 11 m & 10 t
White-beaked dolphin • Hnýðingur • Lagenorhynchus albirostris • Weißschnauzendelfin • Dauphin à bec blanc Max: 3 m & 350 kg
Harbour porpoise • Hnísa • Phocoena phocoena • Schweinswal • Marsouin commun Max: 2 m & 70 kg
COMMON WHALE SURFACE BEHAVIOURS Blow
Dive
Fluke
Breach
OUR PUFFINS Atlantic puffin • Lundi • Fratercula arctica • Papageientaucher • Macareux Max: 30 cm & 500 gr
Photos/illustrations in this brochure by: ©Jón Baldur Hlíðberg, ©Koen Hoekemeijer, ©Jóhann Óli Hilmarsson, ©Stefán Guðmundsson, ©Daniel Annisius, ©Sarah Arndt, ©OZZO Photography, ©Charla Basran, ©Daniel González, ©Clément Brun, @Rui Duarte, ©Friðþjófur Helga son, ©Natàlia Amigó Chaparro, ©Jesse Flores, ©Halli Egils, ©Saltvík, ©Húsavík Whale Museum,
26
©Marla Tomorug, ©Nikolina Šokčić
WHAT WILL YOU ENCOUNTER ON YOUR TOUR?
Fin whale • Langreyður • Balaenoptera physalus • Finnwal • Rorqual commun Max: 25 m & 80 t
Orca / Killer whale • Háhyrningur • Orcinus orca • Schwertwal • Orque Max: 9 m & 9 t
Sperm whale • Búrhvalur • Physeter macrocephalus • Pottwal • Cachalot Max: 18 m & 50 t
Sei whale • Sandreyður • Balaenoptera borealis • Seiwal • Rorqual de Rudolphi Max: 20 m & 30 t
Northern bottlenose whale • Andarnefja • Hyperoodon ampullatus • Nördlicher Entenwal • Hyperoodon boréal Max: 9 m & 8 t
Pilot whale • Grindhvalur • Globicephala melas • Grindwal • Globicéphale noir Max: 8 m & 5 t
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS When is the best time to see whales? There is no time of the day when we are more likely to encounter whales. Nature is unpredictable and no two tours are the same – every trip is a new adventure. Are whales seen on all tours? Our whale watching tours take place in wild nature, which is very unpredictable. The chances of seeing whales are very high, but sightings cannot be guaranteed. If no whales (dolphins included) are seen on the tour, passengers are welcome to join a GG1 Whale Watching tour free of charge, depending on availability. Passengers can get a voucher for a free GG1 Whale Watching tour that is valid for the passengers of the original booking. The voucher is valid on tours where availability and bookings in
dvance cannot be made. The voucher a is valid unlimited. We do not refund tickets if no whales (dolphins included) are seen on the tour. Do I need to book in advance? It is always a good idea to book the tours well in advance so that you have a secure place on the departure you want, especially during high season June-August. How do I book a tour? The easiest way to book a tour is on our website, www.gentlegiants.is, where you can choose if you want to pay online or pay on arrival. It is also possible to send an e-mail to info@gentlegiants.is or call +354 464 1500. Visit our Ticket Center in Húsavík – look for the big blue flags. 27
SKJÁLFANDI BAY GENTLE GIANTS' ROUTES GRÍMSEY ISLAND
Húsavík
Akureyri
GG1 • Whale Watching
THE ARCTIC CIRCLE
66° 32’ N 18° 01’ W
GG2 • Big Whale Safari & Puffins
Höfn
Reykjavík
The map shows the maximum possible search area of each route
GG3 • Whales & Horses GG4 • Flatey Island GG5 • Sea Angling GG6 • Puffins Exclusive FLATEY ISLAND PUFFIN ISLAND (LUNDEY)
HÚSAVÍK 66° 02’ 47”N 17° 20’ 36”W
GG1 • WHALE WATCHING – TIMETABLE APRIL
1 -15 st
th
MAY
16 -30 th
th
1 -31 st
st
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
1 -31
1 -31
See p. 4
SEPTEMBER
OCT.
NOV.
21 -30
st
1 -31
1st-30th
09:45
09:45
09:45
10:15
13:15
13:15
13:15
13:15
15:35
15:35
15:35
17:00
17:00
th
1 -15
16 -30
08:45
08:45
08:45
08:45
08:45
09:45
09:45
09:45
09:45
12:00
12:00
12:00
13:15
13:15
st
th
th
st
st
st
st
1 -20 st
th
st
th
st
*06:45 *06:45 09:45
09:45 13:15
09:45 13:15
13:15 17:00
17:00
*New – Early morning Whale Watching departuredeparture 06:45 available *New – EarlyGG1 morning GG1 Whale Watching 06:45 available July 15th – August . Enjoy 15 a th peaceful fewer boats around. July 15th15 – thAugust . Enjoy amorning peaceful with morning with fewer boats around. On our oak Sylvía, equipped with a highly and energy-efficient engine engine designed Onboat our oak boat Sylvía, equipped with modern a highly modern and energy-efficient to reduce environmental impact and provideimpact a quieter on board. designed to reduce environmental andexperience provide a quieter experience on board.
GG2 • BIG WHALE SAFARI & PUFFINS – TIMETABLE APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
See p. 6
OCTOBER
1st-15th 16th-30th 1st-15th 16th-31st 1st-15th 16th-30th 1st-15th 16th-31st 1st-15th 16th-31st 1st-20th 21st-30th 1st-15th 16th-31st
08:30 08:30 08:30 08:30 08:30 08:30 08:30* 08:30* 08:30* 09:00 09:00 09:00 09:00 09:00 09:00* 09:00* 09:30* 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 11:00
12:30* 12:30
15:00
12:30
15:00
11:00
10:00
10:00
10:00
10:00
10:00 10:00* 10:00*
11:00
11:00
11:00
11:00
11:00 11:00* 11:00* 11:00* 11:00*
11:30
11:30 11:30* 12:05 12:05* 12:05*
12:05
12:05
12:05
12:30
12:30
12:30
12:30
12:30
12:30 12:30* 12:30* 12:30* 12:30* 12:30*
13:30
13:30
13:30
13:30
13:30
13:30 13:30* 13:30*
14:00
14:00 14:00*
15:00
15:00
15:00 15:00* 15:00* 15:00*
16:30
16:30
16:30 16:30* * Puffin season is from
19:00
19:00
19:00 19:00* approximately. More
15:00
15:00 19:00
15:00 19:00
21:30** 21:30** 21:30** 21:30**
April 15th – August 15th
focus on Big Whales. ** Midnight Exclusive.
Booking: www.gentlegiants.is • info@gentlegiants.is • Tel. +354 464 1500
Húsavík
MEMBER OF ICEWHALE – THE ICELANDIC WHALE WATCHING ASSOCIATION