Gentle Giants Húsavík Whale Watching Brochure 2023

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 ­EXPERIENCED FAMILY ­COMPANY Dear Sir or Madam!

Travelers’ Choice Awards (2020-2022).

Moreover, the GetYourGuide Awards in I want to greet you 2019, the first and only ­Icelandic comwith a warm w ­ elcome pany receiving the awards, as well as the to Húsavík, ­Iceland motivational education awards in 2022 by in the 2023 ­season.

The Confederation of Icelandic Enterprise The Boss Our ­family run (SA). The newest award as the Company ­company, ­Gentle ­Giants Whale ­Watching, of the Year in 2022 by Visit North Iceland, ­celebrates its 22nd year and proudly offers and a nomination for the safety awards by you our service and highly educated, VÍS Insurance Company in 2023. This con­experienced and fully qualified staff in our firms and underlines that we are surely on various tours and e ­ xcursions. the right track in outstanding service and delivering a great experience. Read more The company is proud of its ­originality about our awards on page 16. 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 Bigger and smaller boats as ­continuing my family’s 160 year long More personal experience ­tradition started by my great great Higher chances of finding whales ­grandfather who was a fisherman just 160 years of our family history in like my great grandfather, grandfather ­Skjálfandi Bay and father would later be not to forget my Great respect to nature and minimum GREAT grand­mothers too. Put short: We environmental impact were born by the bay of Skjálf­andi and our Good ­memories and natural h ­ appiness ­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 awarded Please do not hesitate to contact us

by TripAdvisor for the 11th consecuvia e-mail info@gentlegiants.is, phone tive year: The Certificate of Excellence +354 464 1500 or check our website (2012-2019), Hall of Fame (2018-2019) and 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

Mrs. Boss

The King

Jóhanna Sigríður Svavarsdóttir

Daniel Annisius

Human Resource Manager – Captain

rl The Smiley Gi Heba Soualem Ticket Sales

The Twinsies

Assistant Manager – Sales

The Planner Olivia Elena Stanescu Ticket Sales

The Judoist

Jóhanna Heiður ­Kristjánsdóttir

Rui Duarte

The Adventurer

Assistant

Matteo Barbarini Guide

The Mustang Sverrir Yngvi Karlsson Head Captain RIB Speedboats

The Flexible Húnbogi Valsson Captain

arl The Spanish Pe

The Admiral

The Dart Player

Karl Óskar Geirsson

Hallgrímur Egilsson

tor The Communica

The Soccer Girl

María Torralba Escobedo

Fleet Manager – Captain

Shift Manager – Ticket Sales

The Skater Karin Gažíková Ticket Sales

The Fly Fisher

Ticket Sales

The Viking

Hrefna Björk ­Hauksdóttir Assistant

Guide – Shift Manager

The Twinsies Halla Bríet ­Kristjánsdóttir Assistant

The Educator

The Divemaster

Guide

Aksel Nordeng Bjarnason

Josephine Aussage

Alberto Roldán Sastre

The Nature Lover

ver The Outdoor Lo

The Passionate

The Kitesurfer

The Nice guy

Guide

Justine Bénévent Guide

Sara Sofia Pedro Vieira

Anja Harbitz

Head Guide

Diana Almeida

Miroslav Cibul’a

Annika Behm

Designer

The Gondolier Vittoria Sesani

Guide

Guide

The Gentleman

n The Country Ma

er The Horse Breed

Hallgrímur ­Guðmundsson

Guðni Sigþórsson

Haukur Laxdal Baldvinsson

Head Captain Oak Boats

The Biker Sigurjón Maggi Sigurjónsson Captain

Captain

The Racer Bjarni Rafn Ingvason Captain

Captain

Guide

Guide

The Fisher Kjartan Jakob ­Valdimarsson Captain

Captain

Henrik Christoph Cater Guide

tan The Cosmopoli Sarah Arndt

Captain – Guide – Ticket Sales

y The Tough Gu

The Handyman

Ingimar Eydal Óskarsson

Svavar Örn ­Svavarsson

The Navigator Aðalsteinn ­Steinþórsson

Guide

Captain

Maintenance

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

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE In times of uncertainty 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

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GG1 • WHALE WATCHING Húsavík

“Thanks for the pleasure of being your passenger!”

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 10990 Children 7-15: ISK 5990 Children 0-6: FREE Duration: Approximately 3 hours.

A specialized guide, warm overalls and r­ aincoats if needed.

April 1st – November 30th.

Daily departures (see timetable).

Group discounts and tailor made 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 2023. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.

Warm overalls available FREE every day!

TIMETABLE GG1 • WHALE WATCHING – TIMETABLE APRIL 1st-15th

09:45

16th-30th

09:45

13:15

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

1st-31st

1st-30th

1st-31st

1st-31st

1st-15th

08:45

08:45

08:45

08:45

09:45

09:45

09:45

12:00

12:00

13:15

13:15

15:35

15:35

17:30

17:30

09:45

13:15

13:15

17:30

SEPTEMBER

OCT.

NOV.

16th-30th

1st-31st

1st-30th

09:45

09:45

09:45

10:15

13:15

13:15

13:15

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

6

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 20th).

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 2023. 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 GG2 • BIG WHALE SAFARI & PUFFINS – TIMETABLE APRIL 1 -15 st

th

MAY

16 -30 th

th

09:30* 09:30

12:30* 12:30

15:30

1 -31

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

1 -15

16 -30

1 -31

1 -20

08:30

08:30

08:30

08:30 08:30* 08:30*

09:30

09:30

09:30

09:30 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 09:30*

10:00

10:00

10:00 10:00*

10:30

10:30

10:30

10:30 10:30* 10:30*

11:00

11:00

11:00

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*

13:30

13:30 13:30*

st

09:30

15:30

st

th

th

st

st

st

th

21 -31 st

st

1 -15

OCT.

th

st

st

th

16 -30 th

th

14:00

14:00

14:00

14:00 14:00* 14:00*

15:30

15:30

15:30

15:30 15:30* 15:30* 15:30*

17:00

17:00 17:00*

19:00

19:00 19:00*

19:00

19:00

21:30** 21:30**

1st-31st

* Puffin season is from April 15th – August 20th approximately.

More focus on Big Whales. ** Midnight Exclusive.

RATES:

INCLUDED:

SEASON:

Adults: ISK 19990 Children 8-12: ISK 13990 Not suitable for children ­under 8 years or < 130 cm in height.

Duration: Approximately 2-2,5 hours. Minimum number of six ­required for the standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.

A specialized guide and warm safety overalls.

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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GG2 DAY TOUR FROM REYKJAVÍK Húsavík

BIG WHALE SAFARI & PUFFINS

N

Húsavík

Akureyri

Reykjavík

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

Only

in 50frm om

The day tour is booked through Eagle Air.

vík Reykja

Eagle Air flies on selected days 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 on board a RIB in the north? Then this is the tour for you!

This day package takes you by flight from ­Reykjavík to Húsavík. You arrive to our fishing v­ illage which is sometimes called “The Whale Watching ­Capital of ­Europe”. After having lunch at a restaurant of your choice, you will board a RIB. As this boat is faster than the wind, we are more likely to find the

8

big whales. During the nesting period (April 15th – August 20th) we will also pass Lundey (Puffin Island) which is one of the largest puffin colonies in ­Iceland.

During your stay in Húsavík you get the chance to visit the Húsavík Whale ­Museum. This gives an extra ­dimension to your experience at sea.

In the ­afternoon you return by flight to ­Reykjavík, full of ­memories to think back at when your holiday is over.

RATES:

INCLUDED:

SEASON:

Please visit www.eagleair.is for rates and schedules.

The boat tour is not suitable for children under 8 years or < 130 cm in height.

Duration: Approximately 10 hours.

Return flights from Reykjavík ­domestic airport to Húsavík with Eagle Air. All transportation on site including an English-speaking driver / guide. GG2 Big Whale S ­ afari & ­Puffins with Gentle ­Giants ­(duration ­approximately 2-2,5 hours). Admission to the Húsavík Whale Museum.

Not included: Food d ­ uring the day.

April 1st – October 31st.

Other tours, excursions and schedules can be arranged upon request. ­Contact us for more information.

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.

Not allowed for people with heart- or back problems or pregnant women.

GG3 WHALES & HORSES 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 Seaside riding tour. Explore the countryside close to Húsavík on an Icelandic horse with experienced

riders at your side. The horse riding is suitable for beginners as well as experienced riders and starts in Saltvík, which is just four minutes by car from Húsavík harbour.

RATES:

INCLUDED:

SEASON:

Adults: ISK 22990 Children 10-15: ISK 14990 Not recommended for children under 10 years.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours whale watching and 1,5 hours horse riding.

A specialized guide and warm overalls and raincoats if needed during the whale watching tour.

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.

9

GG4 FLATEY ISLAND UNIQUE EXPERIENCE IN SECLUDED NATURE

Húsavík

Only

in 35frm om Húsavík

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 friendly building with a large dining hall as well as outdoor BBQ facilities on the island.

10

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 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 summer. Most of the old homes are kept and maintained as summerhouses.

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, cook 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

Gentle Giants cooperates with professional cooks who can serve delicious high-quality meals on all occasions.

Ingredients are locally produced.

Inspired to visit Flatey Island on a private tour? Visit www.gentlegiants.is for more detailed information or contact us for price requests.

Other available services upon request ­include live music, bonfire, yoga ­instructor, qualified bird watching guide and wedding planning.

For more info about our s­ pecial bird ­watching ­packages: · Visit www.wildlifeiceland.is · E-mail wildlife@wildlifeiceland.is · Call +354 464 3504

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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

12

­ 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 199000 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.

July 1st – August 31st.

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 and warm safety overalls.

April 15th – August 20th.

Tours are made upon request.

The tour on RIB speedboats is not allowed for passengers with heart- or back problems or pregnant women.

The minimum age limit for children on the RIB speedboats is 8 years or minimum 130 cm in height.

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 TAILOR MADE 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 tailor made ­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.

Grímsey Island ­Adventure • Arctic Circle Crossing Hiking the Mountains of Skjálfandi Bay • ­Beautiful Hiking Tour Pro-Fishing • Hardcore ­Fishing ­Experience

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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Sea Kayaking • Peaceful ­Adventure Into the Wild

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

m/v Athena

Zodiac Axel

Built: 1976 in Akureyri • Tonnage: 30 • Length: 17,5 m • Beam: 4,3 m • Capacity: 70 pax ISK 549000 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 pr. 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 pr. hour with captain and guide.

Built: 2000 in Hafnarfjörður • Tonnage: 8 • Length: 9,5 m • Beam: 3 m • Capacity: 24 pax ISK 199000 for 3 hours with captain.

Specialized for sea angling and smaller groups in various activity.

Built: 1972 in Westman Islands • Tonnage: 26 • Length: 14,5 m • Beam: 4 m • Capacity: 45 pax ISK 449000 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 225000 pr. 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 pr. hour with captain and guide.

Built: 2007 Length: 4,5 m • Beam: 2 m Capacity: 8 pax ISK 49000 pr. hour with captain.

Only used together with other boats – ideal for coastal transport and beaches.

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AWARDED FOR ­EXCELLENCE Húsavík

INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC AWARDS

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

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.

emergency equipment in accordance with the regulations by the Icelandic Transport Authority. Life vests 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 vests.

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 vests. 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

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.

18

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 >

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e

e ll e r s t o p p

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es

App

c

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Red uce sp

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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 2,508 (2023), 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

RESTAURANT

10%

discount on ­entrance ticket

15%

discount at the restaurant & bar

Also bookable ­online with promo code GG2023

Húsavík Whale Museum Hafnarstétt 1 www.whalemuseum.is

Geosea G ­ eothermal Sea Baths Vitaslóð 1 www.geosea.is

Fosshótel Húsavík Ketilsbraut 22 www.fosshotel.is

RESTAURANT

RESTAURANT

RESTAURANT

10%

discount on food menu

10%

Naustið Seafood Restaurant Ásgarðsvegi 1 Facebook: Naustið RESTAURANT

10%

valid for ice cream)

RESTAURANT

JaJa

Dingdong BAR & BISTRO

10%

Fish & Chips Hafnarstétt 21 Facebook: Fish&Chips RESTAURANT

discount at restaurant Grill66

10%

CLOTHING

15%

SOUVENIRS & GIFTS

discount

10%

H Ú S A V Í K

discount on own locally baked bread and pastries Heimabakarí Bakery & Café Garðarsbraut 15 Facebook: Heimabakarí

CLOTHING

discount Icewear Clothing Store Suðurgarði 2 Facebook: Ísfell verslun

SOUVENIRS & GIFTS

10%

discount on menu Lemon Sandwich & Juice bar Garðarsbraut 64 www.lemon.is

BAKERY

discount on food menu Hlöðufell ­Restaurant & Bar Héðinsbraut 3 Facebook: Hlöðufell Restaurant

Jaja Ding Dong ­Pizzeria & Bar Höfði 24 jajahusavik.com

discount

10%

Olís Húsavík Garðarsbraut 64 www.olis.is

Húsavík Öl Héðinsbraut 4 Facebook: Húsavík Öl

15%

Salka Restaurant Garðarsbraut 6 salkarestaurant.is

RESTAURANT

discount at restaurant & bar

BREWERY & BAR

10%

on Fish & 5% discount Chips portion

RESTAURANT

discount (Not

Lókal Café & Bistro Garðarsbraut 7 Facebook: Lókal/Bistró

10%

discount on food menu

discount

10%

discount

Skóbúð Húsavíkur Garðarsbraut 13 Facebook: Skóbúð Húsavíkur

Please show your Gentle Giants boarding pass before payment. The discounts cannot be combined with other discounts or offers. Valid for the 2023 season.

Show your Gentle ­Giants boarding pass and get the following discounts by local ­companies in Húsavík.

SOUVENIRS & GIFTS

10%

discount on souvenirs and clothing branded

GENTLE GIANTS Penninn Eymundsson Garðarsbraut 9 www.penninn.is

Garðarshólmi Garðarsbraut 18 Facebook: Garðarshólmi

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

503

Seyðisfjörður

246

Vík

632

Egilsstaðir

219

Gullfoss

545

Reykjavík

463

Keflavík

504

Borgarnes

389

Þingvellir

480

Ísafjörður

614

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”

@LAKE MÝVATN 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.

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.

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, ©Alexia Askelöf, ©Daniel Annisius, ©Sarah Arndt, ©Anton Í. Óskarsson, ©Charla Basran, ©Daniel González, ©Clément Brun, @Rui Duarte, ©Friðþjófur Helgason©Natàlia Amigó Chaparro, ©Jesse Flores, ©Halli Egilsson, © ­ Saltvík,

26

©Húsavík Whale Museum

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

Akureyri

Reykjavík

GRÍMSEY ISLAND

Húsavík

THE ARCTIC CIRCLE

GG1 • Whale Watching

66° 32’ N 18° 01’ W

Höfn

GG2 • Big Whale Safari & Puffins GG3 • Whales & Horses

The map shows the maximum possible search area of each route

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

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

1st-30th

1st-31st

1st-31st

1st-15th

08:45

08:45

08:45

08:45

09:45

09:45

09:45

12:00

12:00

13:15

13:15

15:35

15:35

17:30

17:30

1st-15th

16th-30th

1st-31st

09:45

09:45

09:45

13:15

13:15

13:15

17:30

See p. 4

SEPTEMBER

OCT.

NOV.

16th-30th

1st-31st

1st-30th

09:45

09:45

09:45

10:15

13:15

13:15

13:15

GG2 • BIG WHALE SAFARI & PUFFINS – TIMETABLE See p. 6 APRIL 1 -15

MAY

16 -30

1 -31

09:30* 09:30

09:30

st

th

th

th

st

st

JUNE

15:30

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

16 -30

1 -31

1 -20

08:30

08:30

08:30

08:30 08:30* 08:30*

09:30

09:30

09:30

09:30 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 09:30*

10:00

10:00

10:00 10:00*

10:30

10:30

10:30 10:30* 10:30*

th

th

st

st

st

th

21 -31 st

st

1 -15

OCT.

1 -15

10:30

12:30* 12:30

JULY

th

st

st

th

16 -30 th

th

1st-31st

11:00

11:00

11:00

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*

13:30

13:30 13:30*

14:00

14:00

14:00

14:00 14:00* 14:00*

15:30

15:30

15:30

15:30 15:30* 15:30* 15:30*

17:00

17:00 17:00*

19:00

19:00

19:00

19:00 19:00*

15:30

21:30** 21:30**

* Puffin season is from April 15th – August 20th approximately.

More 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