FOUNDED IN 2001

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.

The company is proud of its originality and background, owned by Stefán Guðmundsson and his family. He is also the CEO, marketing manager and a captain. Stefán has strong roots in the bay and has been a fisherman since childhood. We were born by the bay of Skjálfandi and our ancestors too.

Gentle Giants operates a fleet of traditional Icelandic oak boats, modern RIB speedboats and a fibreglass boat. This gives us the possibility to offer you all kinds of adventures at sea, whether scheduled or private tours. Our staff consists of both local and international people of all ages with various backgrounds and experiences.

OUR GENTLE FAMILY TEAM

We proudly present our highly educated, experienced and fully qualified staff. Please click on each crew member for more information.

Do you want to join the Gentle Giants team? Submit your job application.

Traveler's Choice and Certificates of Excellence from TripAdvisor

We are proud to be the only whale watching company in Húsavík awarded by TripAdvisor in 2024 and for 13 consecutive years!

Why Choose Us?

We can offer you:

• Untamed and unpredictable nature
• Bigger and smaller boats
• More personal experience
• Higher chances of finding whales
• 160 years of our family history in Skjálfandi Bay
• Great respect to nature and minimum environmental impact
• Good memories and natural happiness

Social Responsibility

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.

Gentle Giants proudly supports Unicef Children

Our Partners and Licences

Gentle Giants is part of the campaign Húsavík – the Whale Capital of Iceland	Gentle Giants is an authorized day tour provider by the Icelandic Tourist Board
Gentle Giants is a member of IceWhale, the Icelandic Whale Watching Association	Gentle Giants is insured by VÍS Insurance Ltd
Gentle Giants is a member of Visit North Iceland	Gentle Giants is a member of SAF, the Icelandic Travel Industry Association
Gentle Giants staff is trained by the Maritime Safety and Survival Centre of Iceland	Gentle Giants is a partner in the Wild North project of sustainable tourism
Gentle Giants boats and staff are fully licenced by the Icelandic Transport Authority	Gentle Giants uses eco-labelled printing for all marketing material
Gentle Giants and Húsavík are part of the new Arctic Coast Way touring route	Gentle Giants and Húsavík are key destinations on the Diamond Circle
Gentle Giants is a member of Visit Húsavík	Gentle Giants is an official partner of the Inspired by Iceland campaign