HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2017
We have now taken our first steps into yet another exciting year, full of fun plans and new possibilities. The next season will start earlier than ever, on 15th March. But before shifting all focus to the future, we invite you to take a quick look back at our 2017.
Long story short, Gentle Giants has had a great year with wonderful whale encounters, yet another new RIB speedboat and a fantastic team to be very proud of.
Our Whales 2017
The season started great with a blue whale on the very first tour (again), on 1st April. They stayed for some time, disappeared and returned again in the summer. Especially early on we were very lucky with rare visitors like fin whales, sperm whales and surprisingly many orcas.
Humpback whales were seen throughout the season and are usually the most appreciated stars of our tours. Not to forget are the minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises which enriched our whale watching throughout the season too.
A humpback whale that breached for some of our lucky passengers 2017. Photo: Clément Brun
One of all the surprisingly many orcas in the early season. Photo: Ricardo Fernandes
Yet Another New RIB Speedboat
Our fifth RIB speedboat, Amma Jóhanna, arrived brand new to Húsavík in the beginning of June – just in time for high season. It is named after Jóhanna Jónsdóttir who was the great grandmother of Gentle Giants' CEO Stefán Guðmundsson. She lived with her husband and 16 children in The Flatey Island Valley, remotely located among the mountains framing Skjálfandi Bay.
Our newest addition to the fleet, RIB speedboat Amma Jóhanna, arrived in 2017. Photo: Stefán Guðmundsson
Our four other RIB speedboats escorting Amma Jóhanna during her first arrival to Húsavík harbour. Photo: Benedikt H. Sigurgeirsson
Great Team – All Year Round
Gentle Giants’ staff is a good mix of local and international people. Despite differences in mother tongue and cultural backgrounds we all share a passion for whales and their nature. Together we strive to give our guests the best experience possible.
Parts of the Gentle Giants crew who we are lucky enough to share our seasons with.
The company is growing from year to year and our sales team is working hard to make the upcoming season even better than the previous ones. We attended several travel trade shows last year, both in Iceland and abroad – always just as proud to represent Gentle Giants.
Assistant Manager Daniel Annisius representing Gentle Giants in Nuuk, Greenland, at Vestnorden Travel Mart in September. Photo: Alexia Askelöf
Giant thanks to all of our passengers, co-operators and staff for making our 16th year so memorable and successful!
We are now looking forward to share season 2018 with you.
Top photo: Katrina Davies
Below you see a video by our head guide Sarah with some highlights from the previous season.