Gentle Giants Whale Watching Husavik Iceland sales manual 2015
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150 YEARS of fAMILY HISToRY IN THE BAY
whale watchingGentle Giants • Húsavík • iceland • sales Manual
this is it 2015welcoMe
Húsavík
tHe truly oriGinal and experienced faMily coMpany
Dear Sir or Madam!
I want to greet you with a warm
welcome to Húsavík, Iceland in the
2015 season. Our family-run com-
pany, Gentle Giants Whale Watching,
celebrates its fourteenth year and
proudly offers you our service and highly
experienced and fully qualified staff in our
various tours and excursions.
The company is proud of its originality and
background and is owned by people 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
grand mothers too. Put short: We were born
by the bay of Skjálf andi and our ancestors too.
Way back!
Gentle Giants goal is to make every visitor a
happy one. We are proud of the Certificates
of Excellence from TripAdvisor to Gentle
Giants for the past years, 2012, 2013 and
2014. It confirms and underlines that we are
surely on the right track in outstanding service
and delivering a great experience.
We hereby introduce to you our company
and our new seasonal sales manual.
More information about our company and
services is to be found on our website
www.gentlegiants.is or by sending us a
message directly, info@gentlegiants.is or by
calling us at: +354 464 1500. Please do not
hesitate to contact us.
Yours sincerely,
Stefán Guðmundsson
CEO & Marketing Manager
stefan@gentlegiants.is
Photos in the Sales Manual are taken by Gentle Giants’ team: @Koen Hoekemeijer ©Peter Waltl jr. & Sr., ©Jóhann Óli Hilmarsson, ©Stefán Guðmundsson, ©Daniel & Alexia, ©Anton Ísak Óskarsson, ©Elín Lilja, ©Miriam Walter, ©Þórdís Björt Sigþórsdóttir, ©Friðþjófur Helgason, ©Sarah Arndt, ©HalliEgils, ©Rebekka K.
Our company, Gentle Giants Whale Watching Ltd., proudly supports UNICEF CHILDREN
HÚSAVÍK
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tHe faMilyfive Generations in skjálfandi Bay
Sylvía Dís (12) Aþena Lind (17) Sædís Helga (19)
In 2001 eleven experienced, 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. The group restored an old oak
boat, which was originally a fishing and
whale-hunting boat, and put it back into
commission sailing visitors around Skjálfandi
Bay searching for whales… not for hunting
but for watching! The immense effort proved
more than worthwhile, growing into a giant
success among visitors. Ever since then Gentle
Giants has employed great staff and enjoyed
a rapidly increasing number of annual visitors.
Gentle Giants boats andstaff are fully-licensed
by the IcelandicMaritime Administration.
Gentle Giants Whale Watchingis a member of SAF,the Icelandic Travel
Industry Association.
Our passengers are fully insured by VÍS
Insurance Ltd.
Hanna Sigga, Katrín Svava (10) and Rakel Ása (13).
n o r t h i c e l a n d . i s
MEMBER OFVISIT NORTH ICELAND
HÚSAVÍK
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we proudly present our experienced teaM
The Boss
Stefán GuðmundssonCEO & Marketing ManagerCaptain
The King
Daniel AnnisiusAssistant ManagerGuide & Ticket Sales
The Queen
Alexia Annisius AskelöfWeb Editor Guide & Ticket Sales
The mid-field striker
Sigrún Vala HauksdóttirTicket Sales
Mrs. Boss
Jóhanna S. SvavarsdóttirEmployee ManagerCaptain
Miss Húsavik
Sigrún Björg SteinþórsdóttirTicket Sales
The Leader
Pétur OlgeirssonCaptain
Miss Canada
Charla BasranGuide
The Big fish
Sigmar IngólfssonCaptain
The Author
Sigurveig GunnarsdóttirTicket Sales
The Sailor
Svavar ÁgústssonCaptain
The Tough Guy
Ingimar Eydal ÓskarssonCaptain
The Viking
Axel BjarnasonGuide
The Gentleman
Sigurður KristjánssonCaptain
The Spanish Pearl
María Torralba EscobedoGuide & Ticket Sales
The Cosmopolitan
Sarah ArndtHead Guide
The Explorer
Sigurgeir PéturssonCaptain
The Poet
Þröstur SverrissonGuide
The Admiral
Karl Óskar GeirssonFleet ManagerCaptain
The Hunter
Elías Frímann ElvarssonCaptain
The Rocket
Karólína Hildur Hauksdóttir Ticket Sales Assistant
The old Dog
Vilhjálmur Bessi KristinssonCaptain
The Pro Guy
Sigdór JósefssonCaptain
The Horse
Whisperer
Þórdís Björt SigþórsdóttirGuide
The Champ
Hilmar Þór GuðmundssonCaptain
The Mustang
Sverrir Yngvi KarlssonCaptain
The Dart player
Hallgrímur EgilssonSales ManagerDesigner
The Artist
Björg Skarphéðins dóttirTicket Sales
The Player
Hlynur Þór BirgissonCaptain
The Voyager
Miriam WalterGuide
The Pearl Diver
Sandra MontesGuide
The Princess
Sigrún Ólöf Karlsdóttir Ticket Sales
The Bird Lover
Karitas ÞórisdóttirGuide
Miss Spain
Belén Garcia OvideGuide
The Rock
Sigurjón SigurbjörnssonCaptain
HÚSAVÍK
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m/v SylvíaBuilt: 1976 in Akureyri Tonnage: 30Length: 17,5 m – Beam: 4,3 m Capacity: 60 paxEUR 2950 for 3 hours
RIB Amma KibbaBuilt: 2013Length: 12 m – Beam: 4 mEngines: 2 x 400 hpMax speed: 52 knotsCapacity: 24 paxEUR 1390 pr. hour
m/v FaldurBuilt: 1972 in Westman-islandsTonnage: 26Length: 14,5 m – Beam: 4 m Capacity: 45 paxEUR 2350 for 3 hours
RIB Amma SiggaBuilt: 2011Length: 11,5 m – Beam: 3 mEngines: 2 x 300 hpMax speed: 52 knotsCapacity: 18 paxEUR 1190 pr. hour
m/v AthenaBuilt: 2000 in HafnarfjörðurTonnage: 8Length: 9,5 m – Beam: 3 m Capacity: 24 paxEUR 1150 for 3 hours Specialized for sea angling and smaller groups in various activity.
m/v Axel - ZodiacBuilt: 2007Length: 4,5 m – Beam: 2 mCapacity: 8 paxEUR 235 pr. hourOnly as a working boat nr. II - ideal for camera work, diving and coastal transport / beaches.
PRIVATE TOURS
Call now for information and
bookings +354 464 1500 or by
visiting www.gentlegiants.is
PRIVATE TOURS
Call now for information and
bookings +354 464 1500 or by
visiting www.gentlegiants.is
Experience private and tailor made tours. Travel yourself in cooperation with our crew. Ideal for individuals, families and groups. Suggest a trip or route – any idea is a good one – or let us create an itinerary for you. We want to please you with our service and experience. The limitations of possibilities are up to your imagination.Note: Tailor made refreshments available at a reasonable price.
for our activities · Boat rental · six BoatsGentle Giants’ proud fleet
HÚSAVÍK
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tiMetaBle 2015
Whale watching timetable 2015. Other tours, excursions and schedules can be arranged upon request at our Ticket Center. Early booking is recommended. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.
APRIl MAY JUnE JUlY AUGUST SEPT. OCTOBER
1st-14th 15th-30th 1st-31st 1st-30th 1st-31st 1st-20th 21st-31st 1st-30th 1st-15th 16th-31st
09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30
11:00 11:00 11:00 11:00
12:30 12:30 12:30 12:30 12:30 12:30
16:00 16:00 16:00
19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00
APRIl MAY JUnE JUlY AUGUST SEPT. OCT.
1st-30th 1st-14th 15th-31st 1st-30th 1st-31st 1st-20th 21st-31st 1st-10th 11th-30th 1st-31st
09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30* 09:30*
11:00 11:00 11:00 11:00*
12:30 12:30 12:30 12:30 12:30 12:30* 12:30* 12:30*
14:00 14:00 14:00*
16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00*
19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00*
GG2 · BIG WHAlE SAFARI & PUFFInS - TIMETABlE
* The puffins are leaving. More focus on Big Whales.
APRIl MAY JUnE JUlY AUGUST SEPT. OCTOBER
1st-14th 15th-30th 1st-31st 1st-30th 1st-31st 1st-20th 21st-31st 1st-30th 1st-15th 16th-31st
08:45 08:45 08:45
09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45
12:00 12:00 12:00 12:00
13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15
15:15 15:15 15:15
16:45 16:45 16:45 16:45
20:15 20:15 20:15*
APRIl MAY JUnE JUlY AUGUST SEPT. OCTOBER
1st-14th 15th-30th 1st-31st 1st-30th 1st-31st 1st-20th 21st-31st 1st-30th 1st-15th 16th-31st
08:45 08:45 08:45
09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45 09:45
12:00 12:00 12:00 12:00
13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 13:15 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
GG1 · WHAlE WATCHInG - TIMETABlE
WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS AND CURRENCIES
HÚSAVÍK
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GG3 • sea anGlinG
GG6 • HikinG tHe Mountains
GG9 • puffins exclusive
catch your own meal
hiking the mountains of skjálfandi bay
One hour express tour
see tHe tour on paGe 8
see tHe tour on paGe 14
see tHe tour on paGe 20
see tHe tour on paGe 10
see tHe tour on paGe 16
see tHe tour on paGe 22
see tHe tour on paGe 12
see tHe tour on paGe 18
see tHe tour on paGe 24
GG2 • BiG wHale safari & puffins
GG5 • GríMsey island adventure
GG8 • wHales & Horses
GG1 • wHale watcHinG
and you can also find ideas for a tailor Made tour on paGe 28
GG4 · flatey island
GG7 • pro-fisHinG
experience the magnificent mammals of the ocean
puffins · Bird watching · whales
unique and unforgettable experience
for more excitement
arctic crossing · whales & puffins
the icelandic horse and the whale
preview of our toursHÚSAVÍK
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GG1 • wHale watcHinG
“Real whale watching”July 30, 2014
20% DISCOUnT
to the Húsavík
Whale Museum
with every ticket
HÚSAVÍK
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experience tHe MaGnificent MaMMals of tHe ocean
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: Gazing
at the wonders of nature in the beautiful
surroundings of Skjálfandi Bay, sheltered by
the stunning mountains of Vík.
This is a place where our roots lie, where our
ancestors used to live in peace and joy for
centuries, living in total harmony with the
unpredictable and untamed nature of
the North Atlantic.
RATES:
Adults: ISK 9200 (EUR 58).Children 7-15 years: ISK 3700 (EUR 24).Children 0-6 years: FREEDuration: Approximately 3 hours.
INClUDED:
A specialized guide, light refreshments (hot chocolate and an Icelandic traditional twisted donut, kleina), warm overalls and raincoats if needed.
SEASON:
April 1st – October 31st.See our timetable on page 6 for daily tours.
Group discounts and tailor made tours available, as well as multi-trip passes. See our timetable on page 6 for daily tours or contact us for more information.
“A lifetime ambition realised”July 15, 2014
Call now for information and
bookings +354 464 1500 or by
visiting www.gentlegiants.is
Call now for information and
bookings +354 464 1500 or by
visiting www.gentlegiants.is
HÚSAVÍK
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GG2 • BiG wHale safari
Specially made
safety overalls
available to
keep you warm!
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 ones - further out.
Nothing is guaranteed but
on this 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 the Puffin Island, where
you can experience thousands
of puffins, “The Clowns of the
Ocean”, during the nesting
period (May 1st – August 20th).
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rHÚSAVÍK
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See our timetable on page 6 for daily tours.
for More exciteMent
RATES:
Adults: ISK 16100 (EUR 99).
Children 7-12 years: ISK 11300 (EUR 71).
Not recommended for children under 7 years.
Duration: Approximately 2,5 hours.
INClUDED:
A specialized guide, safety overalls, and a little surprise from Húsavík’s only winemaker.
SEASON:
May 1st – September 30th. Other tours, excursions and schedules can be arranged upon request at our Ticket Center. Early booking is recommended. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change sched-ules should weather or other conditions change. Minimum number of six required for the standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.
Daytrips from Reykjavík to Húsavík available all season - www.eagleair.is
“Our Best Day In Iceland”July 24, 2014
HÚSAVÍK
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GG3 • sea anGlinG
Experience the exciting feeling of catching your
own meal out on Skjálf andi Bay. The distance to
the rich fishing grounds is very short. At the end
of the trip the captain can fillet your catch, which
will probably be cod or haddock. You can take it
with you for your own cooking or upon request,
have it prepared in a local restaurant. Thanks to our
experience as professional fishermen with historically
strong roots around the bay, on this tour we can
provide you with a 100% CATCH GUARAnTEE!
100%CATCH
GUARANTEE!
HÚSAVÍK
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catcH your own Meal
RATES:
Adults: ISK 13900 (EUR 89).Children 7-12 years: ISK 6900 (EUR 43).Children 0-6 years: FREEDuration: Approx. 2–3 hours.
INClUDED:
An experienced captain, fishing equipment/rods, waterproof trousers, rubber boots, fleece jackets and light refreshments (hot chocolate and a traditional Icelandic twisted donut, kleina).
SEASON:
April 1st - October 31st.Trips made upon request.Minimum number of four required in a standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.
Call now for information and
bookings +354 464 1500 or by
visiting www.gentlegiants.is
Call now for information and
bookings +354 464 1500 or by
visiting www.gentlegiants.is
HÚSAVÍK
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GG4 • flatey island
On our way to Flatey Island,
experience the beautiful
surroundings of Skjálfandi Bay.
Flatey Island is a natural haven
for birdlife and is extremely
rich and diverse. It therefore
attracts many people each
year. The island offers more
than 30 different species of
birds during the breeding
season. The island is about
2,5 km long and 1,7 km wide.
The name means “Flat Island”
and for a reason; its highest
peak rises only about 22 m
above sea level. In 1967 the
last inhabitants left. It has not
been permanently inhabited
since but many people visit the
island each summer. Most of
the old homes are kept and
maintained as summer houses.
We offer guided excursions
through Flatey’s beautiful
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 feeling
generous, we may even be
able to do some whale watch-
ing on our way back.
HÚSAVÍK
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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 24500 (EUR 154).Children 7-12 years: ISK 12200 (EUR 77).Children 0-6 years: FREEDuration: 4–5 hours.
INClUDED:
A specialized guide, safety overalls, and a little surprise from Húsavík’s only winemaker. Ask for tailor-made tours and arrangements in our Ticket Center.
SEASON:
June 1st - August 10th. Saturdays at 17:00.
puffins • Bird watcHinG • wHales
Call now for information and
bookings +354 464 1500 or by
visiting www.gentlegiants.is
Call now for information and
bookings +354 464 1500 or by
visiting www.gentlegiants.is
Minimum number of two required in this standard tour, or you can rent
a boat for a private trip. Special arrangements are available upon request.
HÚSAVÍK
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GG5 • GríMsey island adventure
Get the opportunity to cross the Arctic Circle, see whales and encounter puffins -
all in one tour.
Our fast RIBs can take you to Grímsey
Island in one hour during good conditions
(and the sea is usually very calm in the
early mornings). Upon arrival you will get
a guided tour on the island, including bird
watching. Afterwards, to top your stay, you
will be served a fully loaded breakfast while
melting the experience and impressions.
On our way back we do some whale-
and puffin watching in Skjálfandi Bay.
Estimated time of arrival in Húsavík is
around noon. Every passenger gets a
certificate after crossing the Arctic Circle.
HÚSAVÍK
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arctic crossinG · wHales & puffins
RATES:
ISK 64900 (EUR 420).Duration: Approximately 6 hours. Minimum number of ten required for the standard tour, or you can rent a boat for a private trip.
INClUDED:
Nice comfortable RIB boat, experienced captain and a speciali zed guide. Warm safety overalls, life jackets, refreshments on the way and fun. A guided tour and fully loaded breakfast on Grímsey Island.
SEASON:
May 15th – August 20th. Tuesdays and Saturdays.Departure from Húsavík at 06:00 am. Booking in advance required. We reserve the right to change schedules should weather or other conditions change.
HÚSAVÍK
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Call now for information and
bookings +354 464 1500 or by
visiting www.gentlegiants.is
Call now for information and
bookings +354 464 1500 or by
visiting www.gentlegiants.is
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
mountain side, 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, the Bay Mountains,
over to the 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 destina-
tion 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 / 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 short visit and a BBQ. Afterwards
we head back to Húsavík passing the whale
watching areas in Skjálfandi Bay – ETA in
Húsavík this day is at 17:00.
GG6 • HikinG tHe MountainsHÚSAVÍK
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RATES:
ISK 97600 (EUR 615).InClUDED: A specialized guide, delicious fish soup, dinner, breakfast, accommoda-tion in a cabin, two boat trips, BBQ in Flatey Island and whale watching. Spectacular and unspoiled remote nature.
DEPARTURES 2015:
June 26th - Friday from Húsavík at 07:00 am.
July 17th – Friday from Húsavík at 07:00 am.
August 21st – Friday from Húsavík at 07:00 am.
Sept. 11th – Friday from Húsavík at 07:00 am.
NOTE:
Expect all kinds of Icelandic summer weather; be well prepared with cloth-ing 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.
HikinG tHe Mountains of skjálfandi Bay
STARTn66 02.178 W17 41.348
n66 06.799 W17 52.992
SlEEP
EnD
STARTEnD
AlTITUDE PROFIlE
855 m
0 m
200 m
400 m
600 m
800 mGG6 · HIKInG MAP
HÚSAVÍK
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GG7 • pro-fisHinG
“We spent some very exciting days in Iceland, and the top of it was the day we were fishing in Húsavík!When we were in Iceland for the first time, we wanted to try working on a fishing boat, but we didn’t find any opportunity. It was a great pleasure when we found Gentle Giants on our second trip. We didn’t know exactly how much hard work fishing is. We spent 14 hours at sea, very close to the pure nature. We worked hard, and we caught an incredible amount of fish. Fishing is extremely tiring, but an amazing experience. And during the work we saw some killer whales, dolphins, puffins and many other sea birds.We recommend this trip to anyone who is looking for a unique experience.Thank you very much for this unforgettable experience!”Juli & Attila from Hungary
HÚSAVÍK
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unique and unforGettaBle experience
Become an Icelandic fishing pro for a day or two. Daily from April to October, we welcome
people to join us as crewmembers on our fishing
boats, sharing our extensive knowledge of fish-
ing 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 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.
We focus on the exciting and relaxing,
adventurous quality of life that can be found
in Iceland’s beauty and wild nature, using
our family’s ancestral roots in the history and
environment around Húsavík, Skjálfandi Bay, and
Flatey Island. We tell our true family story around
Skjálfandi Bay and Húsavík, generation after
generation, for more than 150 years.
We are an original part of the history, fishermen
with salty blood running through our veins. Oth-
ers may wish they had the same tradition, and we
want to offer them the salty experience… a real
one! For further information visit profishing.is
1 DAY PRO-FISHInG PACKAGE
RATES:
Adults: ISK 49500 (EUR 310).Duration: 10–16 hours of hard work and adventure (dependent upon catch and weather).
INClUDED:
A crewmember’s position on one of our fishing boats, full waterproof outfit, a box of food and drinks for a whole day, a part of the catch, filleted for own use or cooked at a restaurant.
SEASON:
April 1st - September 30th. For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules should weather or other conditions change.
FISHInG APR MAY JUn JUl AUG SEP OCT
Lumpfish • •
Cod • • • • • • •
Haddock • • • • • • •
Pollock • • • • • • •
Redfish • • • • • • •
European Plaice • • • • • • •
Common Dab • • • • • • •
American Plaice • • • • • • •
Catfish • • • • • • •
Leopardfish • • • • • • •
Whiting • • • • • • •
Monkfish • • • • • • •
DIFFICUlTY 5 4 3 2 2 3 4
Difficulty levels are calculated by our Marine Experts living in Skjálfandi Bay for decades with vast experience fishing in the bay. The biggest con-tributor to the difficulty levels is the unpredictable weather conditions.
Primary catch • Secondary catch •
HÚSAVÍK
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Call now for information and
bookings +354 464 1500 or by
visiting www.gentlegiants.is
Call now for information and
bookings +354 464 1500 or by
visiting www.gentlegiants.is
GG8 • wHales & Horses
Experience the combination of traditional
whale watching and the Icelandic horse. Explore
the countryside close to Húsavík on an Icelan-
dic horse with experienced riders at your side.
The riding trip begins in Saltvík, which is just
four minutes by car from Húsavík harbour, and
can be taken either before or after your whale
watching tour.
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tHe icelandic Horse and tHe wHale
RATES:
Adults: ISK 18100 (EUR 114).Children 0-12 years: ISK 9100 (EUR 57).Duration: Approximately 3 hours whale watching and 2 hours horse riding.
INClUDED:
A specialized guide, light refreshments (hot chocolate and an Icelandic traditional twisted donut, kleina) and warm overalls and raincoats if needed during the whale watching tour.
SEASON:
April 1st – October 31st.See our whale watching timetable on page 6 for daily tours.Tailor made tours and other arrangements can be made by contacting our Ticket Center.
HÚSAVÍK
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Call now for information and
bookings +354 464 1500 or by
visiting www.gentlegiants.is
Call now for information and
bookings +354 464 1500 or by
visiting www.gentlegiants.is
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 RIB
we will take you there in only
a few minutes.
Puffin Island reaches 34 m
above sea level, and is around
200 m in length and 100
m wide. During the breed-
ing season around 300.000
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.
GG9 • puffins exclusiveHÚSAVÍK
24
RATES:
Adults: ISK 7800 (EUR 49).Children 7-12 years: ISK 3800 (EUR 24).Not recommended for children under 7 years.Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
INClUDED:
A specialized guide, safety overalls, and a little surprise from Húsavík’s only winemaker.
SEASON:
May 1st - August 20th.
one Hour express tour Puffinsexclusive
Minimum number of five required in this standard tour. Trips are made upon request.
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Call now for information and
bookings +354 464 1500 or by
visiting www.gentlegiants.is
Call now for information and
bookings +354 464 1500 or by
visiting www.gentlegiants.is
wHales in skjálfandi Bay
Steypireyður • Balaenoptera musculusBlue whale • Blauwal • Rorqual BleuMax: 33 m. & 190 t.
Hnísa • PhocoenaHarbour porpoise • Schweinswal • Marsouin commonMax: 1.9 m. & 80 kg.
Hnúfubakur • Megaptera novaeangeliaeHumpback Whale • Buckelwal • MegaptèreMax: 17 m. & 48 t.
© J
ón
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r H
líðb
erg
, ww
w.f
aun
a.is
Hrefna • Balaenoptera acutorstrataMinke whale • Zwergwal • Petit rorqualMax: 11 m. & 10 t.
Hnýðingur • Lagenorhynchus albirostrisWhite-beaked dolphin • Weißsnauzendelphin • Lagènorhynque à bec blancMax: 3.1 m. & 350 kg.
Háhyrningur • Orcinus OrcaOrca / Killer Whale • Schwertwal • OrqueMax: 10 m. & 9 t.
Most coMMon wHales in skjálfandi BayHÚSAVÍK
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wHales in skjálfandi Bay
Búrhvalur • Physeter macrocephalusSperm Whale • Pottwal • CachalotMax: 18 m. & 50 t.Grindhvalur • Globicephala melas
Pilot Whale • Grindwal • Globi cèpale noirMax: 8 m. & 5 t.
Langreyður • Balaenoptera PhysalusFin Whale • Finnwal • Rorqual commonMax: 26 m. & 78 t.
Sandreyður • Balaenoptera borealisSei Whale • Seiwal • Rorqual du NordMax: 19.5 m. & 26 t.
Andarnefja • Hyperoodon ampullatusNorthern bottlenose Whale • Nördlicher Entenwal • Hyperoodon boréalMax: 9 m. & 7,5 t.
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GG tailor Made tours
SCHOOL GROUPSweddinG planninGBachelor and bachelorette toursPrivate toursCorporate toursStaff tourSGrímsey Island tours – Crossing the Arctic circle
Hrísey Island toursdiving tours
Camera & filming toursBBQ toursHistory and eDucational toursScientific & research toursBirthday tours
Family reunion toursAnd more…………
create your own adventure
This is your perfect opportunity! As a licenced tour operator, Gentle Giants has organized many tailor made excursions throughout the years. We would be happy to shape a unique adventure together with you, which will turn into lifetime memories for you to think back at in the future.
Welcome to give us an idea of your dream trip – contact us for more information.
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Gentle Giants ensures tHe safety and security of its passenGers
SAfetyfirStGentle Giants boats andstaff are fully-licensed
by the IcelandicMaritime Administration.
Gentle Giants Whale Watchingis a member of SAF,the Icelandic Travel
Industry Association.
Gentle Giants Whale Watchingis a member of the International
Blue Flag eco-label.
Gentle Giants Whale Watchingis a partner in the Wild NorthProject of sustainable tourism.
Gentle Giants staff is trained in Safety and Survival by the Maritime
Safety and Survival TrainingCentre of Iceland.
FOLLOW US ON:
Facebook TwitterTripAdvisor
Our passengers are fully insured by VÍS
Insurance Ltd.
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five Generations of pioneerinG in tHe Baysince 1861
Árni Tómasson, fisherman and farmer in Flatey Island Valley
(great grandfather of Gentle Giants’ owner Stefán Guðmunds-
son), with his wife Jóhanna Jónsdóttir and 14 of their children.
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. 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.
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.
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More tHan 150 years of faMily History in tHe Bay
150 YEARS offAMILY HISToRY
IN THE BAY
ANNO 1861
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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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 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 first Nordic settler 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. Agricul-ture 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. Thousands 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 symbols of Húsavík, located in the heart of the town. With a total population of 2,207 (2014), Húsavík is rich with culture and activities. One of the major events in Húsavík is Mærudagar (Candy Days), a local festival held every summer.
Welcome to Húsavík!
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nJust look for
The Whale
WaTching
TickeT
cenTer
our HoMetown
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diaMonds around tHe corner
Flatey Island (30 minutes)
FLATEY ISLAND is situated in SkjálfandiBay, only 14,7 nautical miles from Húsavík. The island is about 2,5 km long and 1,7 km wide, and is low-lying. The highest peak only rises about 22 m above sea level. Which is why it is called Flat Island.
Ásbyrgi canyon (40 minutes)
A natural marvel, Ásbyrgi is surrounded by 90 to 100 m cliffs. According to legend, Ásbyrgi is a hoof print made by Sleipnir, the horse of Óðinn, the greatest of all Nordic gods. Ásbyrgi 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 extend except by foot.
1 2
Dettifoss waterfall (65 min.)
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.
3 Goðafoss waterfall (30 min.)
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.
5 lake Mývatn (40 minutes)
Lake Mývatn is a unique source of end-less discoveries and no visitor to Iceland should leave without having spent a day here. It is the fourth-largest lake in Ice-land, 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.
4
Mývatn 54
Akureyri 91
Seyðisfjörður 248
Egilsstaðir 220
Reykjavík 480
Borgarnes 406
Ísafjörður 659
Höfn 467
Selfoss 521
Vík 650
Gullfoss 587
Keflavík 520
Þingvellir 497
Grundarfjörður 474
road distances in kM froM Húsavík
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heRe we aRe - lookinG forward
to seeinG you!
GoÐafoss
road to reykjavík
flatey
85
1
11
1
85
85
845
864862
848
863
krafla
MÝvatn
Húsavík
akureyri
ásByrGi
dettifoss
skjálfandi Bay
n
the aRctic ciRcle
sprenGisandur road
aldeyjarfoss
n
GríMsey
let us Guide you
1
2
3
5
4
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Our environmental policy reflects Gentle Giants’ long-time experience and commitment to all aspects of conservation,
protecting the environment and treating nature with respect. This policy is our answer to the increasing demand from
our customers and global organisations for companies like Gentle Giants Whale Watching who support and contribute
to the eco-system and sustainable tourism worldwide.
• GGiswillingtofulfileverycustomer’sneeds,withoutthreateningnature’spresen
tandfuturepossibilities.
• GGoperatestraditionalIcelandicfishingboatsthathavebeenrenovatedforthe
ircurrentpurpose.Wemakea
special effort to protect and maintain vessels with cultural and historical importance.
• GGusesenvironmentallyfriendlyproductsandeco-labelsarepreferablyusedfor
repairandmaintenanceofhulls
and engines.
• GGusesrecyclableproducts.Theuseofsingleuseproductsisavoidedasmuch
aspossible
• GGputsagreatemphasisondeliveringallhazardousandtoxicwastesuchasoi
l,paintandusedbatteriesto
assigned official collecting sites.
• GGimmediatelynotifiestherelevantauthoritiesaboutanyaccidentsthatmight
causeenvironmentaldamage
from our boats or from others.
• GGstaffisupdatedregularlyabouttheenvironmentalpolicyofthecompanyto
includeallnewaspectsof
protecting the environment.
• GGputseffortinenergyefficiencyregardingtheoutputandspeedofourengin
es,inordertominimisepollution
and disturbance in wildlife. Special precautions are taken near whales and breeding birds.
• GGalwaysshowsgreatcautionwhenleavingandenteringtheharbourarea.
• GGbelievesthatprinciplesinsustainabilityrefertothreemajorfactors:theenvir
onmentalfactor,theeconomic
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.
• GGinformspassengersonitsvesselsofthegreatimportanceofprotectingthee
nvironmentinthearea,its
outstanding marine wildlife, stunning scenery and the air that we breathe.
• GGisaproudpartnerofTheWildNorth-aprojectwiththeaimoffindingways
tocontributetothesustainable
development of wildlife tourism such as whale watching.
• Weareaproudmemberoftheinternationaleco-labelBlueFlag.
On behalf of Gentle Giants Whale Watching
Stefán Guðmundsson CEO & Marketing Manager
environMental policy
simply natural
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we caReMr & Mrs feel Good
You can book and buy your ticket: ... online at www.gentlegiants.is ... by e-mail: info@gentlegiants.is ... by phone: +354 464 1500 ... in the Whale Watching Ticket Center. Just look for the BIG BlUE FlAGS by the main street in Húsavík!
Specially designed useful things for sale on location at reasonable prices. Different
colours available.
We care about our passengers’ feelings.
We have cozy, warm overalls in bright
safety colours and a wide range of sizes,
all especially designed for our excursions to
the open sea. We also offer every passenger
light refreshments on our traditional
whale watching tour. Complement ary
hot chocolate and the traditional Icelandic
twisted donut, kleina, to keep you warm
and nourished. We want our passengers
to have a great
experience and
FEEl GOOD!
specialwarm overalls
and raincoats
available Freeevery day
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GG1 · Whale Watching
GG3 · Sea Angling
GG4 · Flatey Island
GG8 · Whales & Horses
GG7 · Pro-Fishing
GG9 · Puffins Exclusive
GG2 · Big Whale Safari & Puffins
GG6 · Hiking the Mountains
GG5 · Grímsey Island Adventure
flateyisland
puffin island(lundey)
Húsavík66° 02’ 47”n17° 20’ 36”w
GríMseyisland
66° 32’ n18° 01’ w
the aRctic ciRcle
SKJÁLFANDI BAYGentle Giants' routes
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♥ enjoy ♥
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