About GG

THE TRULY ORIGINAL AND EXPERIENCED FAMILY COMPANY

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.

These have included people who started working in the tourist-industry in Húsavík in 1982, taking travellers out to Skjálfandi bay for organised nature sightseeing-trips, to watch whales and birds and for fishing. These people have a real ancestral connection and more than 150 years of family history in the bay.

Today, Stefán Guðmundsson and his family are the owners of the company. Stefán is also the managing director, marketing manager and occasionally a captain. Several more boats have also been added to the company's fleet.

Profile of Stefán Guðmundsson:

Born in Húsavík, 1967. Hometown: Húsavík and Flatey on Skjálfandi bay. Stefán’s ancestors grew up in Húsavík, Flatey, Flateyjardalur and Náttfaravík on Skjálfandi bay. He comes from a long line of fishermen who originally went to sea in rowing boats and then later motorboats. Education: Elementary school leaving certificate Húsavík, 1 year at college in Húsavík, 1 year as an exchange student in the USA. 2 years at the Navigation College in the Westman Islands, Master of fishing vessels – unlimited, with honours. One year at Navigational College Reykjavík, Chief Mate of Coast Guard vessels - unlimited, Master of Merchant & Passenger vessels – unlimited on coastal voyages. Various courses in Crowd & Crisis Management, Search and Rescue, STCW & Medical at sea. Three years at the Technical College in Reykjavík, graduate in industrial management in the fisheries sector, specialising in marketing and management.

Experience: Started going to sea with his father and grandfather at the age of 5, for fishing. Has 35 years of experience, including being Captain of fishing vessels. Has sailed and operated the past 25 years around the coast of Iceland throughout the year, dealing with rough North-Atlantic winter storms. Active board member and participant in professional fishing business. Captain and guide on passenger vessels on Skjálfandi bay from 1982.

The company has a strict environmental policy. Always emphasising on taking care of the environment in all stages, respecting it for present time and future, like our ancestors did in the past and living in peace and perfect harmony with nature. Gentle Giants Whale Watching is always focusing on the relaxing, adventurous quality of life that can be found in our wild nature, Iceland’s natural beauty, and our family’s ancestral roots in the history and environment around Húsavík, Skjálfandi bay, and Flatey Island. Owners and staff of Gentle Giants proudly offer its Truly Original Quality - Wild Business and Natural Happiness. A unique and more personal experience.

On behalf of the company – GG Staff

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