Gentle Giants Whale Watching Husavik 2018 Sales Manual

GENTLE GIANTS

•

HÚSAVÍK

WHALE

WATCHING THIS IS IT • WELCOME

S ALLS INA IGIN RIG OR TTH EO HE HHHHH

18

LEASL SAN U MA

Akureyri

150 YEARS OF FAMILY HISTORY IN THE BAY

Húsavík

Reykjavík

Booking: Tel. +354 464 1500 • www.gentlegiants.is • info@gentlegiants.is Húsavík

MEMBER OF ICEWHALE – THE ICELANDIC WHALE WATCHING ASSOCIATION

Húsavík

THE TRULY ORIGINAL AND ­EXPERIENCED FAMILY ­COMPANY Dear Sir or Madam!

I want to greet you with a warm w ­ elcome to Húsavík, I­celand in the 2018 ­season. Our ­family run ­company, ­Gentle ­Giants Whale ­Watching, ­celebrates its seventeenth year and proudly offers you our service and highly educated, ­experienced and fully qualified staff in our various tours and ­excursions.

The company is proud of its o ­ riginality and background and is owned by p ­ eople with vast experience in the field. I have ­personally over 40 years of experience in the bay and like to think of myself as ­continuing my family’s 150 year long ­tradition started by my great great ­grandfather who was a fisherman just like my great grandfather, grandfather and father would later be… not to forget my GREAT grand­mothers too. Put short: We were born by the bay of Skjálf­andi and our ­ancestors too. Way back!

Gentle Giants‘ goal is to make every guest a happy one. We are proud to receive the Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor for the sixth consecutive year: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. It confirms and ­underlines that we are surely on the right track in outstanding service and delivering a great experience.

We promise you: Less crowded boats More personal experience Higher chances of finding whales 150 years of our family history in ­Skjálfandi Bay Great respect to nature and minimum environmental impact Good memories and natural happiness We hereby introduce to you our c­ ompany and our new ­seasonal sales manual. More ­information about our company and services is to be found on our w ­ ebsite ­www.gentlegiants.is or by sending us a ­message ­directly, ­info@gentlegiants.is or by ­calling us at: +354 464 1500.

Please do not h ­ esitate to contact us.

Welcome aboard!,

Gentle Giants proudly supports Unicef Children

Stefán Guðmundsson CEO, Captain & Marketing Manager

GENTLE GIANTS ENSURES THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF ITS ­PASSENGERS 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 an ­authorised tour ­operator by the ­Icelandic Tourist Board

Gentle Giants is a partner in the Wild North project of sustainable tourism

Authentic experience in Iceland

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

Photos in the brochure are taken by: @Koen Hoekemeijer ©Peter Waltl jr. & Sr., ©Jóhann Óli Hilmarsson, ©Stefán Guðmundsson, ©Daniel & Alexia Annisius, ©Sarah Arndt, © ­ Anton Í. Óskarsson, ©Charla Basran, ©Belén Garcia Ovide, ©Daniel González, ©Clément Brun, @Sigrún B. Steinþórsdóttir, ©Friðþjófur Helgason, ©HalliEgils, ©Rebekka K., ©Saltvík

Prices in this sales manual include 11% VAT. We reserve the right to increase prices without notice in case of currency fluctuation, government taxes or other cost increases that Gentle Giants cannot be held responsible for. Any price changes will not be made with less than four weeks’ notice before scheduled departure.

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THE FAMILY Húsavík

Sylvía Dís (15)

Jóhanna Sigríður, Katrín Svava (13) and Rakel Ása (16) Aþena Lind (20)

Sædís Helga (22)

Our company was founded in 2001 when eleven ­experienced and diverse individuals in Húsavík ­decided to combine their years of expertise in a ­variety of fields to establish a new travel and ­tourism company in Húsavík. They restored an old oak boat, originally used for fishing and whale hunting, and put it back into use sailing visitors around Skjálfandi Bay searching for whales – not for hunting but for watching. The huge effort grew into a giant success and Gentle Giants has ever since employed great staff and enjoyed a rapidly increasing number of passengers.

Did you have a nice trip?

Share your experience #gentlegiantswhalewatching

If you did not, please let us know so that we can improve.

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GENTLE GIANTS’ PROUD FLEET

YOU CAN RENT A BOAT FOR A PRIVATE TOUR Húsavík

m/v Sylvía

m/v Faldur

NEW RIB Amma Jóhanna

RIB VIP Amma Helga

RIB Amma Sigga

RIB Amma Kibba

RIB Amma Sigga II

m/v Athena

Built: 1976 in Akureyri • Tonnage: 30 • Length: 17,5 m • Beam: 4,3 m • Capacity: 60 pax ISK 485000 for 3 hours with captain and guide.

Built: 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: 2011 • Length: 11,5 m • Beam: 3 m Engines: 2 x 300 hp • Max speed: 52 knots Capacity: 12 pax ISK 199000 pr. hour with captain and guide.

Built: 1972 in Westman Islands • Tonnage: 26 • Length: 14,5 m • Beam: 4 m • Capacity: 45 pax ISK 385000 for 3 hours with captain and guide.

Built: 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: 2000 in Hafnarfjörður • Tonnage: 8 • Length: 9,5 m • Beam: 3 m • Capacity: 24 pax ISK 187000 for 3 hours with captain.

Specialized for sea angling and smaller groups in various activity.

m/v Axel – Zodiac Built: 2007 Length: 4,5 m • Beam: 2 m Capacity: 8 pax ISK 42000 pr. hour with captain.

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

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WE PROUDLY PRESENT OUR EXPERIENCED TEAM LET US GUIDE YOU AND TAKE CARE OF YOU

Húsavík

The Boss Stefán ­Guðmundsson

CEO & Marketing Manager – Captain

The Bird Lover Karitas Þórisdóttir Field Manager Ticket Sales – Guide

The Sociologist Anna Jónína Valgeirsdóttir Ticket Sales

The Analyst Ricardo Fernandes Guide

The Bachelor Aðalsteinn ­Þórðarson Guide

The Starlight Alma Rún ­Almarsdóttir Assistant

The Gentleman Hallgrímur ­Guðmundsson Captain

The Viking Guðlaugur Rúnar Jónsson Captain

The King

The Queen

The Dart Player

The Admiral

Jóhanna Sigríður Svavarsdóttir

Daniel Annisius

Alexia Annisius Askelöf

Hallgrímur Egilsson

Karl Óskar Geirsson

l The Spanish Pear

n The Cosmopolita

María Torralba Escobedo

Sarah Arndt

Mrs. Boss Employee Manager Captain

Shift Manager Ticket Sales – Guide

The Artist Katrín ­Kristjánsdóttir Ticket Sales

The Organizer Clément Brun Guide

The Skipper Natàlia Amigó Chaparro Guide

The Footballer Heimir Máni Guðvarðsson Assistant

e The Rolling Ston Ragnar Tómasson Captain

The Champ Hilmar Þór ­Guðmundsson Captain

Assistant Manager Sales – Guide

Head Guide Ticket Sales

r The Photographe

Roselien Beerten Ticket Sales

The Climber Theresia Ramm Guide

The Specialist Ástþór Ingi ­Hannesson Guide

The Mustang Sverrir Yngvi Karlsson

Head Captain RIB

Digital Marketing ­Manager – Sales – Guide

Miss Canada Charla Basran

Ticket Sales – Guide

The Traveller Hafdís Dröfn Einarsdóttir Ticket Sales

The Cheerleader Selma Jónsdóttir Guide

The Magician Pedro Manuel Gómez Guide

The Leader Pétur Olgeirsson

Head Captain Oak Boats

The Teddy Bear

The Farmer

Hlynur Friðfinnsson

Bjarni Eyjólfsson

Captain

Captain

Designer

The Pearl Diver Sandra Mosquera Montes Ticket Sales – Guide

er The Horse Whisper Ingibjörg Rut Einarsdóttir Ticket Sales

The Recorder Nacho Oria Guide

The Obser ver Katrina Davies Guide

The Navigator Aðalsteinn Steinþórsson Captain

Fleet Manager Captain

The Islander Ingibjörg Ósk Ingvarsdóttir Ticket Sales

The Fly Fisher Miroslav Cibul’a Guide

r The Travel Designe Greta Henderson Guide

The Princess Katrín Svava ­Ingólfsdóttir Assistant

The Tough Guy Ingimar Eydal Óskarsson Captain

The Voyager Valgeir Brynjar Hreiðarsson Captain

The Creator Brynjar Þór ­Pétursson Captain

The Heavy Metalist

Kolbeinn Karlsson Maintenance

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

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GG1 • WHALE WATCHING Húsavík

“Wow! Better than I hoped for!”

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 – w ­ atching the ­wonders of nature in the b ­ eautiful ­surroundings of ­Skjálfandi

RATES: Adults: ISK 10400 Children 7-15: ISK 4400 Children 0-6: FREE Duration: Approximately 3 hours.

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Bay, s­ heltered by the s­ tunning ­mountains of Vík.

This is a place where our roots lie, where our a­ ncestors used to live in peace and joy for c­ enturies, living in total harmony with the ­unpredictable and ­untamed ­nature of the North Atlantic.

INCLUDED: A specialized guide, light ­refreshments (hot c­ hocolate and an Icelandic ­traditional t­ wisted donut, kleina), warm overalls and ­raincoats if needed.

SEASON: March 15th – November 30th.

Group discounts and tailor made tours ­available, as well as multi-trip passes. Contact us for more information.

EXPERIENCE THE MAMMALS OF THE OCEAN Húsavík

“great boat and crew, plenty of whales”

GG1 · WHALE WATCHING - TIMETABLE 2017

Whale watching timetable 2018.

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 MARCH APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

15th-31st 1st-30th

1st-31st

1st-30th

1st-31st

1st-20th 21st-31st 1st-14th 15th-30th 1st-31st

08:45

08:45

08:45

08:45

08:45

08:45

09:45

09:45

09:45

09:45

09:45

09:45

12:00

12:00

12:00

12:00

12:00

13:15

13:15

13:15

13:15

13:15

15:15

15:15

15:15

16:45

16:45

16:45

16:45

16:45

20:00

20:00

20:00

10:45

09:45 13:15

WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS AND CURRENCIES

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCT.

09:45

09:45

13:15

13:15

13:15

16:45

16:45

NOV. 1st-30th

10:45

20% DISCOUNT to the Húsavík Whale M ­ useum with every ticket

Skeleton of the Big Blue Whale ©The Whale Museum

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GG2 BIG WHALE SAFARI Húsavík

“Amazing experience! more than expected!”

With our speedboats we can offer our p ­ assengers more area to cover in search for the gentle giants. A RIB is faster than the wind and makes it therefore more likely for us to find the big whales. Normally we do not have to leave our bay to look for whales of any kind, but on this tour we focus on ­finding the ­bigger o ­ nes – ­further out. ­Nothing is ­guaranteed but on this tour, your chances to e­ ncounter some of the world’s biggest ­animals ever, increase – BIG TIME!

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On this tour we also include a visit to the P­ uffin I­sland, where you can experience thousands of ­puffins, the “Clowns of the Ocean”, during the ­nesting ­period (April 15th – August 20th).

ík Daytrips from Reykjav season to Húsavík available all www.eagleair.is

FOR MORE EXCITEMENT Húsavík

“First rate whale watching take a rib boat!”

Big Whale Safari & Puffins timetable 2018.

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

TIMETABLE GG2 • BIG WHALE SAFARI & PUFFINS – APRIL 1 -14 st

th

MAY

15 -30 th

th

1 -31 st

st

JUNE 1 -14 st

th

JULY

15 -30 th

th

1 -31 st

st

AUGUST 1 -20 st

th

SEPTEMBER

21 -31 st

Specially made safety overalls to keep you TIMETABLE warm and safe!

st

1 -14 st

th

15 -30 th

OCTOBER th

1 -14th 15th-31st st

08:30 08:30 08:30 09:30* 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 10:00 10:00 10:00 10:00* 10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30* 10:30* 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* 12:30* 12:30* 13:00 13:00 13:00* 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* 15:30* 15:30* 17:00 17:00 17:00* 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00* 21:30** 21:30**

RATES: Adults: ISK 18990 Children 7-12: ISK 12900 Not recommended for children under 7 years.

Duration: Approximately 2,5 hours.

Minimum number of six r­equired for the standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.

INCLUDED: A specialized guide, warm ­safety ­overalls, and a little ­surprise from Húsavík’s only w ­ inemaker.

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

More focus on Big Whales. ** NEW: Midnight Exclusive.

SEASON: April 1st – October 31st.

Other tours, excursions and ­schedules can be arranged upon request at our Ticket Center.

Early booking is recommended.

99,9%

sightin gs past ye the ars

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GG2 DAY TOUR FROM REYKJAVÍK BIG WHALE SAFARI & PUFFINS

Húsavík

N

Húsavík

Akureyri

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

Reykjavík

Mon.

Tue.

Wed.

Thu.

Fri.

From Reykjavík 08:05

08:05

08:05

08:05

08:05

Arrival in Húsavík 08:55

08:55

08:55

08:55

08:55

From Húsavík 17:05

17:05

17:05

17:05

17:05

Arrival in Reykjavík 18:00

18:00

18:00

18:00

18:00

Only

in 50frm om vík

Reykja

The day tour is booked through Eagle Air.

Höfn

Eagle Air flies twice daily to and from Reykjavík and Húsavík.

More information about schedule and bookings on www.eagleair.is.

Do you have little time in ­Iceland but dream of the chance to encounter big whales from on board a RIB in the north?

Then this is the tour for you!

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

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

During your stay in Húsavík you get the chance to visit the Húsavík Whale ­Museum. This gives an extra ­dimension to your experience at sea. In the ­afternoon you return by flight to ­Reykjavík, full of ­memories to think back at when your holiday is over.

RATES: Adults: EUR 650 Children 7-11: EUR 325 The boat tour is not recommended for ­children under 7 years.

Duration: Approximately 10 hours.

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INCLUDED: Return flights from Reykjavík domestic airport to Húsavík with Eagle Air. All transportation on site including an English-speaking driver / guide.

GG2 Big Whale Safari & P­ uffins with Gentle ­Giants ­(duration ­approximately 2,5 hours).

Admission to the Húsavík Whale Museum.

Not included: Food during the day.

SEASON: 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.

GG3 • SEA ANGLING CATCH YOUR OWN MEAL

Húsavík

10CA0TC% H

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Experience the exciting feeling of catching your own meal on Skjálfandi Bay. The distance to the rich fishing grounds is very short. On board you will be offered a sashimi taste from the catch – as fresh as it gets.

At the end of the tour your captain can fillet the fish, most likely cod or haddock, and you can take it with for your own cooking. Upon request and at a

RATES: Adults: ISK 16900 Children 7-12: ISK 7900 Children 0-6: FREE Duration: Approx. 2-3 hours.

Daily departures 10:45

r­ easonable price it is also possible to either have your fish prepared in the nearby Naustið Seafood 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.

INCLUDED: An experienced captain, fishing equipment and rods, waterproof trousers, rubber boots, fleece jackets, light refreshments (hot ­chocolate and a traditional ­Icelandic twisted donut, kleina) and a sashimi taste from the catch.

SEASON: May 1st – September 30th.

Daily departures at 10:45.

For your safety and comfort, we ­reserve the right to change ­schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other c­ onditions change.

Minimum number of four required in a standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.

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GG4 FLATEY ISLAND Húsavík Only

in 35frm om ík

Húsav

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On our way to Flatey ­Island, experience the ­beautiful ­surroundings of Skjálfandi Bay on board our RIB speedboats. Flatey ­Island is a ­natural h ­ aven for birdlife and is e­ xtremely rich and ­diverse. It therefore a­ ttracts many people each year. The island offers more than 30 d ­ ifferent species of birds during the breeding season. Flatey is about 2,5 km long and 1,7 km wide. The name means ­“Flat I­sland” and for a reason; its highest peak rises only about 22 m above sea ­level. In 1967 the last ­inhabitants left. It has not been permanently ­inhabited since

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but many people visit the island each ­summer. Most of the old homes are kept and m ­ aintained as summer­houses.

We offer guided excursions through ­Flatey’s b ­ eautiful ­nature. The island is home to the ­arctic tern and ­puffins, which you may watch up close. This is a unique ­opportunity to ­commune with nature.

From Flatey we head back to Húsavík and sail by the ­awesome ­mountains of Vík. If Mother Nature is f­ eeling ­generous, we may even be able to do some whale ­watching on our way back.

PUFFINS BIRD WATCHING WHALES Húsavík

For more info about our ­special bird watching ­packages: · Visit www.wildlifeiceland.is · Send an e-mail to wildlife@wildlifeiceland.is · Call +354 464 3504

RATES: Adults: ISK 29900 Children 7-12: ISK 13900 Not recommended for children under 7 years.

Duration: 4-5 hours.

Minimum number of two required in a standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.

Special arrangements are ­available upon request.

INCLUDED: A specialized guide, warm safety overalls, and a little surprise from Húsavík’s only w ­ inemaker.

Ask for tailor-made tours and ­arrangements in our Ticket Center.

Saturdays

SEASON: May 10th – August 10th.

Departures on Saturdays at 17:00.

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

17:00

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GG5 GRÍMSEY ISLAND ADVENTURE ARCTIC CIRCLE CROSSING • WHALES • PUFFINS

Húsavík

Get the opportunity to cross the Arctic Circle, see whales and encounter puffins – all in one tour.

We depart from Húsavík h ­ arbour in the morning. Upon arrival to ­Grímsey Island you will get a ­guided tour, including bird ­watching. Afterwards, to top your stay, you will be served a fully loaded lunch while melting the experience and impressions. Every passenger gets a certificate after crossing the Arctic Circle.

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On our way back we do some whale- and puffin watching in ­Skjálfandi Bay. Estimated time of ­arrival in Húsavík is around 15:00.

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RATES: ISK 72300 Duration: Approximately 6-8 hours (depending on sea c­ onditions). ­Minimum number of six r­equired for the standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.

Booking in advance required.

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INCLUDED: Warm overalls, experienced captain and a specialized guide. A guided tour and lunch on Grímsey Island. A certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle.

SEASON: May 1st – August 20th.

Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Departure from Húsavík at 09:00 am. ­For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other ­conditions change.

GG6 HIKING THE MOUNTAINS HIKING THE MOUNTAINS OF SKJÁLFANDI BAY

Húsavík

A beautiful two day hiking tour in the mountains of Skjálfandi Bay. DAY 1: We leave early on Friday morning at 07:00 with a boat and head towards the mountainside, sail across the bay and go ashore in Rauðavík or Naustavík beach half an hour later. Next, we hike across the beautiful and very lonesome Víknafjöll, Cheek Mountains, over to Flatey Island Valley. The hiking path is approximately 12 km before we have to cross a river and reach the sleeping cabin. The estimated arrival time at the first destination is around 16:00. The Guide’s Fish Soup will be served for starting leisure time for short walking trips and relaxation in the afternoon in the valley.

DAY 2: We leave the accommodation in the valley at 08:00 in the morning and head NNW towards the coast and beach.

The path leads around 14 km alongside a beautiful river. Then a boat picks up the group and heads to Flatey Island for a

RATES: ISK 99900 INCLUDED: A specialized guide, delicious fish soup, dinner, breakfast, accommodation in a cabin, two boat trips, BBQ in Flatey Island and whale ­watching. ­Spectacular and ­unspoiled remote nature.

GG6 · HIKING MAP ALTITUDE PROFILE END

855 m 800 m 600 m 400 m 200 m

N66 06.799 W17 52.992

0m END

START

START N66 02.178 W17 41.348

SLEEP

short visit and a BBQ. Afterwards we head back to Húsavík passing the whale watching areas in Skjálfandi Bay. Estimated time of arrival in Húsavík this day is at 17:00.

Tailor made tours and other a ­ rrangements can be made by ­contacting our Ticket Center.

DEPARTURES 2018: From Húsavík June 22nd – 07:00 July 13th – 07:00 August 17th – 07:00 September 7th – 07:00

NOTE: Expect all kinds of Icelandic ­summer weather; be well prepared with clothing and food. ­Remember to bring your ­sleeping bag and your hiking shoes. A meeting will be held the night before departure in Húsavík at 20:00. This tour is ­offered in co-operation with ­Fjallasýn.

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GG7 PRO-FISHING

UNIQUE AND UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

Húsavík

Become an Icelandic fishing pro for a day. Daily from April to September, we ­welcome people to join us as crew ­members on our fishing boats, sharing our extensive knowledge of fishing and the sea to create an unforgettable and traditional Icelandic adventure.

We take our customers out from Húsavík to Skjálfandi Bay on daily professional fishing trips on our fishing boats.

From April to May each year you could

RATES: ISK 49900 Duration: 10-16 hours of hard work and adventure (dependent upon catch and weather).

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be a crew member during lumpfish season, or from June to September catch mainly cod. This is a hard-core fishing experience in the real North Atlantic seas for people who love new adventures.

This experience is for people who want to put themselves to a test and keep on smiling after a long, tough day.

For further ­information visit ­ www.profishing.is.

INCLUDED: A crew member’s position on one of our fishing boats, full waterproof outfit, a box of food and drinks for a whole day, a part of the catch, filleted for own use or cooked at a restaurant.

SEASON: April 1st – September 30th.

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

GG8 WHALES & HORSES THE ICELANDIC HORSE AND THE WHALE

Húsavík

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Experience the c­ ombination of ­tra­dit­ional whale watching (GG1) and the Iceland­ic horse. ­Explore the countryside close to Húsavík on an Icelandic horse with e­ xperienced riders

RATES: Adults: ISK 19900 Children 10-15: ISK 9900 Not recommended for children under 10 years.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours whale watching and 2 hours horse riding.

at your side. The ­riding trip begins in Saltvík, which is just four minutes by car from Húsavík h ­ arbour, and can be taken either before or after your whale ­watching tour.

INCLUDED: A specialized guide, light ­refreshments (hot chocolate and an Icelandic ­traditional ­twisted donut, kleina) and warm overalls and raincoats if needed during the whale watching tour.

SEASON: April 1st – November 30th.

See our GG1 timetable on page 7 for daily tours. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.

Tailor made tours and other a ­ rrangements can be made by ­contacting our Ticket Center.

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GG9 PUFFINS EXCLUSIVE ONE HOUR EXPRESS TOUR

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In this Puffins Exclusive express tour, we will take you to ­Puffin Island ­(Lundey) on a RIB boat to see one of the largest puffin c­ olonies in Iceland. This island is only 4,5 nautical miles from Húsavík h ­ arbour and with our fast RIBs we will take you there in only a few minutes.

Puffin Island reaches 34 m above sea level, and is around 200 m in length and 100 m wide. D ­ uring the breeding

RATES: Adults: ISK 8900 Children 7-12: 4900 Not recommended for children under 7 years.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

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season around 300.000 p ­ uffins can be found there; close to the rich feeding grounds in the sea around. The island is ­privately owned by farmers nearby and we will take you there for a close look.

On this tour you will get the ­possibility to ­encounter the “Clowns of the Ocean” close up.

INCLUDED: A specialized guide, warm safety overalls, and a little surprise from Húsavík’s only winemaker.

SEASON: April 15th – August 20th.

Minimum number of five ­required in a standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip. Tours are made upon request.

GG10 YOGA RETREAT

FLATEY ISLAND MINDFUL WEEKEND IN SECLUDED NATURE

Húsavík

NEW 2018

Practise yoga in Icelandic wilderness, enjoy healthy food and meditate in midnight brightness during this restorative weekend retreat.

DAY 1: We leave Saturday at 10:15 from Húsavík aboard a RIB and go whale watching on the way out to the island. Upon arrival we enjoy our packed picnics before taking a guided tour among the i­sland’s stunning scenery, its exciting h ­ istory and colonies of nesting birds. This easy hike ends with the weekend’s first r­evitalising yoga class, led by an experienced yoga teacher.

The practise is followed by a d ­ elicious, vegetarian dinner whereupon the beach bonfire is lit. End the evening with meditation in the midnight brightness before going to bed in the homely and fully equipped island guesthouse.

DAY 2: Wake up to the sound of pure nature outside your window and enjoy

RATES: ISK 29900 Minimum number of six required in a standard tour, maximum twelve.

Bookings in advance required.

a nourishing breakfast. Allow yourself a mindful and restorative break in the island’s wilderness before taking another teacherled yoga class. Chai tea and a light meal will be served before we make our way back to Húsavík on a RIB around 14:00 on Sunday.

DEPARTURES 2018: From Húsavík June 23rd – 10:15 July 14th – 10:15

August 11 – 10:15 INCLUDED: Return RIB boat transfer, guided walking tour, yoga classes and meditation led by an experienced yoga teacher, guesthouse ­accommodation, dinner, breakfast and a light lunch. th

NOTE: Suitable for yogis of all levels.

Expect any kind of Icelandic weather and be well prepared with clothing, including comfortable yoga wear. Bring your own picnic for lunch upon arrival. This tour is offered in co-operation with travel agents.

19

GG TAILOR MADE TOURS Húsavík

s e i n n a r G e Blu Bay i d n a f l á j k S on

All boats in our fleet (see page 4) can be rented for private tours.

Most popular for tailor made tours are our five RIB speedboats: AMMA JÓHANNA, AMMA HELGA, AMMA SIGGA, AMMA KIBBA and AMMA SIGGA II. They are so fast that great ­areas can be covered in search for whales, which may increase your chances of encountering the giants of the ocean.

Besides whale watching, the RIBs are suitable for almost any kind of ­seafaring adventures. Both shorter and longer private tours are possible, such as visits to nearby islands, or shorter fun tours full of action.

SYLVÍA and FALDUR are our traditional Icelandic oak boats that for decades were used for fishing. They have been converted into charming, comfortable passenger vessels and fit larger groups

20

perfectly, both for whale w ­ atching as well as other exciting seafaring ­adventures within Skjálfandi Bay. ATHENA is our fibreglass boat, ­specialized for sea angling. It is optimal for smaller groups, both for fishing as well as combined whale watching and sea angling tours.

Zodiac AXEL is ideal for all kinds of ­camera work, diving and coastal ­transport. It is only used for special ­occasions as a second working boat together with another larger one.

CREATE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE Húsavík

SCHOOL GROUPS WEDDING PLANNING Bachelor and bachelorette tours Private tours

CORPORATE TOURS STAFF TOURS

Grímsey Island tours – Crossing the Arctic Circle

Hrísey Island tours Diving tours

CAMERA & FILMING TOURS BBQ tours History and eDucational tours

This is your perfect ­opportunity!

As a ­licenced tour ­operator, Gentle ­Giants has organized many tailor made ­excursions ­throughout the years.

We would be happy to shape a unique ­adventure together with you, which will turn into lifetime memories for you to think back at in the future.

Scientific & research tours BIRTHDAY TOURS

Family reunion tours And more…………

Welcome to give us an idea of your dream trip!

21

SINCE 1861

FIVE GENERATIONS OF PIONEERING IN THE BAY Húsavík

Árni Tómasson, fisherman and farmer in Flatey Island Valley (great grandfather of Gentle ­Giants’ owner Stefán Guðmundsson), with his wife Jóhanna Jónsdóttir and 14 of their children.

Jón Ármann Árnason (great great grandfather of Gentle G ­ iants’ owner) and his second wife Karen Halldórsdóttir with their five children, who were actually the children of his former wife Kristbjörg Sigurðardóttir who passed away young. All of them lived their lives by Skjálfandi Bay with their families. ­Until this day the ancestors still live in Húsavík making the roots stronger year by year. Jón Ármann was the head mason of the Húsavík Church and laid the foundation for it – built in 1907.

22

MORE THAN 150 YEARS OF FAMILY HISTORY IN THE BAY

150 YEARS OF FAMILY HISTORY IN THE BAY

ANNO 1861 Not ideal for whale ­watching, but boats like these made it possible to catch the fish necessary to feed a big family of nine. Hólmgeir Árnason, ­grandfather of Gentle ­Giants’ owner, fishing close to his home in Flatey Island in Skjálfandi Bay.

With time the boats ­became ­bigger, steadier and safer.

Today Gentle ­Giants is using oak boats similar to these for whale watching.

Generation to ­generation, the knowledge about the bay is passed down.

In the p ­ icture on the left is Héðinn M ­ aríusson great grandfather of Stefán ­Guðmundsson, owner of Gentle ­Giants, on the right.

23

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY SUPPORT TO NATURE Húsavík

Our environmental policy reflects Gentle Giants’ long-time experience and ­commitment to all aspects of c­ onservation, protecting the environment and ­treating nature with ­respect. This policy is our answer to the i­ncreasing demand from our ­customers and global o ­ rganizations for companies like Gentle Giants Whale Watching who support and ­contribute to the eco-system and sustainable tourism worldwide.

GG is willing to fulfil every customer’s needs, without threatening nature’s p ­ resent and future ­possibilities.

GG operates traditional Icelandic fishing boats that have been renovated for their ­current purpose. We make a special effort to protect and maintain vessels with ­cultural and historical importance.

GG uses environmentally friendly products and eco-labels are preferably used for repair and m ­ aintenance of hulls and engines.

• GG uses recyclable products. The use of single use products is avoided as much as possible.

• GG puts great emphasis on delivering all hazardous and toxic waste such as oil, paint and used batteries to assigned official collecting sites.

• GG immediately notifies the relevant authorities about any accidents that might cause ­environmental damage from our boats or from others.

• GG staff is updated regularly about the environmental policy of the company to include all new aspects of protecting the environment.

• GG puts effort in energy efficiency regarding the output and speed of our engines, in order to minimise pollution and disturbance in wildlife. Special p ­ recautions are taken near whales and breeding birds.

• GG shows great caution when leaving and entering the harbour area.

• GG believes that principles in sustainability refer to three major factors: the ­environmental f­ actor, the e­ conomic factor and social cultural aspects of tourism ­development. A suitable balance must be established between these factors in ­order to reach a long-term optimal use of nature’s resources in the ecological process.

• GG informs passengers on its vessels of the great importance of protecting the ­environment in the area, its outstanding marine wildlife, stunning scenery and the air that we breathe.

• GG is a proud partner of The Wild North – a project with the aim of finding ways to contribute to the sustainable development of wildlife tourism such as whale watching.

simply natural On behalf of Gentle Giants Whale Watching Stefán Guðmundsson – CEO, Captain & Marketing Manager

24

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 andWATCHING respect. We will try to get you close FOR RESPONSIBLE WHALE 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.

Húsavík

Searching-Zone (3000m >)

Keep a dedicated lookout and stay in radio contact with other vessels departing).

Avoid making sudden or excessive noises and disturbance for the cetacean Avoid sudden speed or course changes (approaching and departing).

Assess the cetacean behaviour and avoid repeated attempts to interact wi showing signs of distress.

No Head-On Approach Zone 300 m >

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Aim at maintaining a distance of 300 m at the beginning of the encounte closer with time.

Stop the main propeller (max speed ~5-6 mph). If the cetacean is travelling up a little (up to ~8 mph) but not directly towards the animal.

Avoid following behind cetacean and never deliberately approach direc movements should parallel them by approaching cautiously at an oblique Don’t come closer if there is another boat in the approaching zone, unless t away or signals that it safe to approach.

Take turns if there are more boats in the area, preferably each boat sho than 20-30 minutes within the area at once.

Never (deliberately) sail through pods of concentrated cetacean.

Keep a steady speed if dolphins approach the vessel and start bow-riding let them pass.

Ekki skal gera tilraunir til að hvetja höfrunga til að synda í bógöldu skipsins Ensure that the vessel does not disturb nesting or resting birds.

Caution-Zone (50m >)

When possible, stop the propeller if cetacean approaches the vessel and propulsion until the cetacean is observed well clear of your vessel.

Do not touch, swim with or feed cetacean.

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We have to remember that these are wild ­animals and to enjoy them for the future we need to show them patience and respect. We will try to get you close but how close we get is always on the animal’s terms as we aim to minimise disturbance.

This is a Code of Conduct we aim to abide by, however, there are many variables to c­ onsider when out at sea, such as the w ­ eather, number of whales, prey availability, if there are calves p ­ resent, animal behaviour and so on and so forth.

Searching-Zone (3000 m >) Keep a dedicated lookout and stay in radio contact with other vessels (approaching and departing).

Avoid making sudden or excessive noises and disturbance for the cetacean. Avoid sudden speed or course changes (approaching and departing).

Assess the cetacean behaviour and avoid repeated attempts to interact with animals that are showing signs of distress.

Approaching-Zone (300 m >) Aim at maintaining a distance of 300 m at the beginning of the encounter and gradually get closer with time.

Stop the main propeller (max speed ~5-6 mph). If the cetacean is travelling fast you can speed up a little (up to ~8 mph) but not directly towards the animal.

Avoid following behind cetacean and never deliberately approach directly in front. Vessel movements should parallel them by approaching cautiously at an oblique angle (from behind).

Do not come closer if there is another boat in the approaching zone, unless the other boat gives away or signals that it safe to approach.

Take turns if there are more boats in the area, preferably each boat should not spend more than 20-30 minutes within the area at once.

Never (deliberately) sail through pods of ­concentrated cetacean.

Keep a steady speed if dolphins approach the vessel and start bow-riding or slowly stop and let them pass.

Do not attempt to encourage dolphins to ­bow-ride. Ensure that the vessel does not disturb nesting or resting birds.

Caution-Zone (50 m >) When possible, stop the propeller if cetacean ­approaches the vessel and do not re-engage ­propulsion until the cetacean is observed well clear of your vessel.

Do not touch, swim with or feed cetacean.

If you think that this Code of Conduct has not been fulfilled, please discuss it with the crew, send an e­ -mail to Gentle Giants (info@gentlegiants.is) and / or contact the ­IceWhale office (info@icewhale.is).

HÚSAVÍK MUSEUM

THE HÚSAVÍK WHALE MUSEUM

20% DISCOUNT to the Húsavík Whale Museum with every ticket

The Húsavík Whale Museum was founded in 1997 by owners of Gentle Giants along with many other individuals and companies in Húsavík. The aim of the museum is to convey knowledge and ­information about whales in an entertaining and interesting way and is one of few museums in the world solely dedicated to whales. The museum has 11 whale skeletons on display, the largest one is a 25 m long female blue whale. This museum is a must-see for anyone interested in these giants of the sea.

Hafnarstétt 1 – Tel. +354 414 2800 – www.whalemuseum.is

25

HÚSAVÍK OUR HOMETOWN Húsavík

Húsavík means “The House Bay” and is a town in northern Iceland, located on the eastern shore of Skjálfandi Bay. It was first settled in 870 AD by a Swedish ­Viking, Garðar Svavarsson. According to the Book of Settlement, he circum­ navigated Iceland and was the first one to discover it is an island. Garðar spent one winter in Húsavík before returning to Sweden, leaving one of his men, Náttfari, behind. He stayed in Iceland until he died and is therefore considered to be the first Nordic s­ ettler in Iceland. The name Húsavík is indeed one of Iceland’s oldest local names.

Like many other towns on the coast, the fishing industry has played a vital part for Húsavík’s local development. The first sources of fishing and fish processing are from the late 19th century.

Agriculture and farming have also been important for the inhabitants. Moreover, Iceland’s first co-op was founded in Húsavík in 1882. In recent years, yet another trade has grown in Húsavík – the ­tourism industry. It is the fastest growing sector of the economy. The biggest visitor attraction is whale watching and Húsavík has in fact become known as the Whale Watching Capital of Europe. T­ housands of tourists visit Húsavík annually in the hope of seeing the gentle giants of the ocean.

The church, built in 1907, is one of the main s­ ymbols of Húsavík, located in the heart of the town. With a total ­population of 2,196 (2017), Húsavík is rich with culture and activities. One of the major events in Húsavík is Mærudagar (Candy Days), a l­ocal festival held every summer.

HÚSAVÍK MUSEUM

THE EXPLORATION MUSEUM The Exploration Museum is dedicated to the history of human exploration, from the early explorers to the exploration of space. The main exhibition room features photographs and artefacts from the Apollo Astronaut Training near Húsavík in 1965 and 1967. Other exhibition rooms feature the history of Viking Exploration, Arctic explorers and a timeline of exploration history. The museum is located in the centre of Húsavík, thirty miles from the Arctic Circle.

Héðinsbraut 3 – Tel. +354 863 6990 – www.explorationmuseum.com

26

for st look

Ju HALE THE W ING WATCH TICKET R CENTE

Húsavík

N

ACCOMMODATIONS:

USEFUL NUMBERS:

Húsavík Swimming Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 6190 Húsavík Car Rental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 2500 Krambúð Supermarket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 1779 Nettó Supermarket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 1750 Húsavík Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 0500 Húsavík Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444 2850 Bílaþjónustan Car Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 1122 Mývatn Nature Baths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 4411 The Transportation Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 3133 The Mánárbakki Museum of Culture ������������������������������� 464 1957 Grenjaðastaður District Museum �������������������������������������� 464 3688 Sigurgeir‘s Bird Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 4477

TOURIST INFORMATIONS:

Húsavík Tourist Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 4300 Mývatn Tourist Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 4390 Gljúfrastofa Ásbyrgi Tourist Information ������������������������ 470 7100 Ásbyrgi Shop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 465 2260 Akureyri Tourist Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 450 1050 Egilsstaðir Tourist Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 470 0750 Seyðisfjörður Tourist Information ������������������������������������ 472 1551

YOUR WAY TO HÚSAVÍK:

INTERNATIONAL Icelandair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 505 0100 WOW Air. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 590 3000 Smyril Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 570 8600 DOMESTIC Eagle Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 562 2640 Fjallasýn Bus Company / Day Excursions ��������������������������� 464 3940 Air Iceland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 570 3030 SBA Bus Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 550 0700 Strætó Bus Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 540 2700

Fosshotel Húsavík. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 1220 Húsavík Cape Hotel / Guesthouse / Hostel ������������������������ 463 3399 Saltvík Guesthouse / Horse Rental ������������������������������������ 847 9515 Árból Guesthouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 2220 Höfði Guesthouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 852 0010 Húsavík Apartments Sólbakki. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 898 0036 Kaldbakskot Cottages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 1504 Guesthouse Sigtún. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 661 3256 Port Guesthouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 661 3256 The Old School Guesthouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 847 5722 Húsavík Camping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 4300 Berg Youth Hostel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 3777 Tungulending Guesthouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 896 6948 IN THE AREA SOUTH OF HÚSAVÍK (DISTANCE) Heiðarbær Guesthouse / Camping (15 min) ��������������������� 464 3903 Staðarhóll Guesthouse (15 min) ��������������������������������������� 464 3707 Þinghúsið Guesthouse (15 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 3695 Ferðaþjónustan Hafralæk (15 min) ������������������������������������ 464 3561 Hotel Rauðaskriða / Guesthouse (20 min) ������������������������ 464 3504 Fosshóll Guesthouse (30 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 3108 Hótel Laugar (30 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 466 4009 Hotel Narfastaðir (35 min) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 3300 Hotel Edda Stórutjarnir (40 min) ��������������������������������������� 444 4890 Hagi 1 Guesthouse (40 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 3526 Stóru-Laugar Guesthouse (30 min) ������������������������������������ 464 2990 LAKE MÝVATN AREA (DISTANCE) Fosshotel Mývatn (40 min) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 562 4000 Bjarg Camping / Travel Service (40 min) ��������������������������� 464 4240 Hotel Reynihlíð (40 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 4170 Hotel Reykjahlíð (40 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 4142 Hlíð Camping / Travel Service (40 min) ������������������������������ 464 4103 Vogar Camping / Travel Service (40 min) ��������������������������� 464 4399 Sel-Hotel Mývatn (40 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 4164 Hotel Gígur (40 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 4455 Hotel Laxá (40 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 1900 Stöng Guesthouse (40 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 4252 Skútustaðir Guesthouse (40 min) ��������������������������������������� 464 4212 Dimmuborgir Guesthouse (40 min) ����������������������������������� 464 4210 Eldá Guesthouse (40 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464 4220 IN THE AREA NORTHEAST OF HÚSAVÍK (DISTANCE) Skúlagarður Guesthouse (40 min) ������������������������������������� 465 2280 Akurgerði Youth Hostel (40 min) ��������������������������������������� 465 2314 Ásbyrgi Camping (40 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 470 7100 Keldunes Guesthouse (45 min). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 465 2275

HÚSAVÍK MUSEUM

THE CULTURE HOUSE The Culture House consists of a Folk Museum, Maritime Museum (opened in 2002), Natural History Museum (its best known items being the polar bear caught on Grímsey Island 1969), district archives, photo archives and collection of paintings. Private artefacts or the museum’s own exhibitions are always on display in the exhibition room on the third floor, which also houses lectures, meetings and concerts. The local library is also located in the same building.

Stóragarði 17 – Tel. +354 464 1860 – www.husmus.is

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N

SKJÁLFANDI BAY Flatey

1 85

Húsavík HÚSAVÍK

2

HERE WE ARE 85

ÁSBYRGI

- LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!

862

864

DETTIFOSS

3

845

85

KRAFLA 1

863 GOÐAFOSS 1

1

4

848 MÝVATN

F-26 ROAD TO SPRENGISANDUR

5

DIAMONDS AROUND THE CORNER 1 Flatey Island (35 minutes)

4 Goðafoss Waterfall (30 minutes)

Flatey Island is situated in ­Skjálfandi Bay, only 14,7 nautical miles from Húsavík.

The island is about 2,5 km long and 1,7 km wide, and is low-lying. The highest peak rises only about 22 m above sea level, which is why it is called “Flat Island”.

Literally, waterfall of the gods! Waterfall on the river Skjálfandafljót, not far from the main road at Fosshóll in Bárðardalur Valley. The waterfall can be viewed from several places, and the river enters a chasm beneath it.

2 Ásbyrgi Canyon (40 minutes)

5 Lake Mývatn (40 minutes)

A natural marvel, Ásbyrgi is ­surrounded by 90 to 100 m cliffs. A ­ ccording to legend, ­Ásbyrgi is a hoof print made by Sleipnir, the horse of Óðinn, the greatest of all Nordic gods. Á ­ sbyrgi is a part of the ­Vatnajökull National Park and is an ideal ­territory for walking and ­hiking. In fact it cannot be ­explored to the full extent except by foot.

Lake Mývatn is a unique source of endless discoveries and no visitor to Iceland should leave without having spent a day here.

It is the fourth-largest lake in Iceland, measuring 37,3 km2. ­Frequent lava flows have left the lake very irregular in shape, and it is dotted with many islets and rock formations.

3 Dettifoss Waterfall (65 minutes) Dettifoss is considered the most i­mpressive waterfall in Europe. It is 45 m high and 100 m wide. Below it in the Jökulsá river is ­Hafragilsfoss (27 m) and above it is ­Selfoss (10 m).

These waterfalls form a unity ­unparalleled in the world.

There is a marked walking path from Dettifoss to Hafragilsfoss.

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ROAD DISTANCES IN KM TO HÚSAVÍK Mývatn 54

Höfn 465

Akureyri 91

Selfoss 521

Seyðisfjörður 246

Vík 650

Egilsstaðir 219

Gullfoss 562

Reykjavík 479

Keflavík 520

Borgarnes 405

Þingvellir 496

Ísafjörður 649

Grundarfjörður 465

WHALES IN SKJÁLFANDI BAY COLLECT YOUR WHALE FRIENDS

Húsavík

Steypireyður • Balaenoptera musculus Blue whale • Blauwal • Rorqual bleu Max: 33 m & 190 t

Hnúfubakur • Megaptera novaeangeliae Humpback whale • Buckelwal • Baleine à bosse Max: 17 m & 40 t

Hrefna • Balaenoptera acutorstrata Minke whale • Zwergwal • Petit rorqual Max: 11 m & 10 t Hnýðingur • Lagenorhynchus albirostris White-beaked dolphin • Weißschnauzendelfin • Dauphin à bec blanc Max: 3 m & 350 kg

Langreyður • Balaenoptera physalus Fin whale • Finnwal • Rorqual commun Max: 25 m & 80 t

Hnísa • Phocoena phocoena Harbour porpoise • Schweinswal • Marsouin commun Max: 2 m & 70 kg

Sandreyður • Balaenoptera borealis Sei whale • Seiwal • Rorqual de Rudolphi Max: 20 m & 30 t

Háhyrningur • Orcinus orca Orca / Killer whale • Schwertwal • Orque Max: 9 m & 9 t Andarnefja • Hyperoodon ampullatus Northern bottlenose whale • Nördlicher Entenwal • Hyperoodon boréal Max: 9 m & 8 t

Búrhvalur • Physeter macrocephalus Sperm whale • Pottwal • Cachalot Max: 18 m & 50 t

Grindhvalur • Globicephala melas Pilot whale • Grindwal • Globicéphale noir Max: 8 m & 5 t

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SKJÁLFANDI BAY GENTLE GIANTS' ROUTES

Akureyri

GRÍMSEY ISLAND

Húsavík

THE ARCTIC CIRCLE

GG1 • Whale Watching

66° 32’ N 18° 01’ W

GG2 • Big Whale Safari & Puffins

Höfn

Reykjavík

GG3 • Sea Angling

The map shows the maximum possible search area of each route

GG4 • Flatey Island GG5 • Grímsey Island Adventure GG6 • Hiking the Mountains GG7 • Pro-Fishing GG8 • Whales & Horses GG9 • Puffins Exclusive GG10 • Yoga Retreat Flatey Island

FLATEY ISLAND PUFFIN ­I SLAND (LUNDEY)

GG1 · WHALE WATCHING - TIMETABLE 2017 HÚSAVÍK 66° 02’ 47”N 17° 20’ 36”W

GG1 • WHALE WATCHING – TIMETABLE MARCH APRIL 15th-31st

1st-30th

10:45

09:45 13:15

WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS AND CURRENCIES

MAY

JUNE

JULY

1st-31st

1st-30th

1st-31st

1st-20th

21st-31st

08:45

08:45

08:45

08:45

08:45

08:45

09:45

09:45

09:45

09:45

09:45

09:45

12:00

12:00

12:00

12:00

12:00

13:15

13:15

13:15

13:15

15:15

15:15

15:15

16:45

16:45

16:45

16:45

20:00

20:00

20:00

13:15 16:45

AUGUST

See p. 6

SEPTEMBER

OCT.

NOV.

1st-14th 15th-30th

1st-31st

1st-30th

09:45

09:45

10:45

13:15

13:15

13:15

16:45

16:45

GG2 • BIG WHALE SAFARI & PUFFINS – TIMETABLE APRIL

MAY

1st-14th 15th-30th 1st-31st

JUNE

JULY

1st-14th 15th-30th 1st-31st

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

See p. 8

OCTOBER

1st-20th 21st-31st 1st-14th 15th-30th 1st-14th 15th-31st

08:30 08:30 08:30 09:30* 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 09:30* 10:00 10:00 10:00 10:00* 10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30* 10:30* 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* 12:30* 12:30* 13:00 13:00 13:00* 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* 15:30* 15:30* 17:00 17:00 17:00* 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00* 21:30** 21:30**

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

More focus on Big Whales. ** NEW: Midnight Exclusive.

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

Booking: Tel. +354 464 1500 • www.gentlegiants.is • info@gentlegiants.is

Húsavík

MEMBER OF ICEWHALE – THE ICELANDIC WHALE WATCHING ASSOCIATION