Vestmannaeyjar: 2 hour RIB boat Tour

Exploring Vestmannaeyjar by RIB: A Thrilling but Practical Adventure

If you’re dreaming of Iceland’s Westman Islands, a 2-hour RIB boat tour offers a lively way to see some of its most breathtaking sights. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, many travelers rave about the experience—and honestly, it sounds like a fantastic option for those who love a mix of scenery, wildlife, and a bit of adrenaline.

What I really like about this tour is how it combines the thrill of a speedboat ride with the chance to see iconic natural formations like Elephant Rock and Súlnasker, alongside seabirds and possibly even whales or seals. The fact that music accompanies the ride adds a fun, casual vibe that makes the experience feel more like an adventure with friends than a typical sightseeing trip.

On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the tour depends heavily on sea conditions, which could mean cancellations or choppier rides in rough weather. It’s worth planning with some flexibility if your schedule allows.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy active, outdoor experiences and are comfortable on the water—and those who want a good dose of Icelandic wildlife and rugged scenery packed into a short but exciting outing.

Key Points

• Fast-paced adventure: The RIB speedboat combines excitement with sightseeing, perfect for those who crave a bit of adrenaline.
• Wildlife encounters: Seal, whale, and seabird sightings add a magical touch, especially for nature lovers.
• Stunning scenery: Iconic rock formations and natural wonders like Elephant Rock and Súlnasker make for memorable visuals.
• Educational insights: Learning about the islands’ history, folklore, and traditions enriches the experience.
• Weather-dependent: The tour’s success hinges on sea conditions, so flexibility is helpful.
• Family-friendly considerations: Not suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, or people with certain health issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the RIB Tour Experience

Setting the Scene: From Harbour to High Seas

Your adventure begins at the harbor in Vestmannaeyjar, conveniently located just a short walk from the ferry docks. The tour operator’s office is easy to find—it’s a large white and yellow building next to the children’s playground—making check-in straightforward. Expect to meet your guide, who will give a quick safety briefing and hand out waterproof gear and life jackets.

The actual ride kicks off with a quick safety overview, but don’t worry—this is more about getting comfortable than feeling overcautious. Once onboard, the thrill starts immediately as you whip out onto the water, propelled by the RIB’s powerful engine.

The Ride: Speed, Sound, and Scenic Wonder

The two-hour trip is designed to be a lively exploration of the islands and surrounding waters. You’ll initially head toward the smaller islands near Heimaey, the largest island, which serve as a good introduction to the area’s geology. The boat’s speed allows you to cover a lot of ground quickly, making the most of your limited time.

A highlight for many is the chance to see Elephant Rock, a natural formation that, as the name suggests, resembles an elephant. The boat slows down here for a closer look, giving everyone a chance to snap photos and marvel at this natural sculpture.

The journey continues to Súlnasker, which is often described as the most magnificent island in the group—assuming sea conditions are favorable. The contrast of the jagged cliffs, colorful landscapes, and the vast Atlantic surrounding you makes for impressive scenery, especially when viewed from the water.

Wildlife Spotting: Seals, Whales, and Birds

The guide’s commentary is often praised for being informative and engaging. They share stories about the islands’ history and folklore, adding context to what you see. Keep your eyes peeled during the ride—many guests report sightings of seals lounging on rocks or swimming nearby.

If you’re lucky, you might also spot whales, which occasionally appear in these waters. Bird enthusiasts will love the variety of seabirds soaring overhead, including gannets, puffins, fulmars, and kittiwakes. Several reviews mention thrilled guests exclaiming when they spot puffins perching on the rocks.

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The Soundtrack: Music on the Water

A nice touch is the music played during the ride, which adds to the fun and keeps the mood light, especially when the boat is bouncing over the waves. It’s not intrusive but rather a background that complements the natural sounds of the sea and the wind.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Natural Wonders and Iconic Formations
The chance to see Elephant Rock up close and the possibility of visiting Súlnasker are the main visuals that visitors remember. These formations are best appreciated from the water, where their scale and details are fully visible.

Wildlife Encounters
The tour offers a decent chance to see seals and whales, which is a highlight for many travelers. Birdwatching is also worthwhile, with the opportunity to see puffins—especially in the right season.

Cultural and Historical Stories
The guides are knowledgeable and share folklore and local stories, making the experience not just about scenery but also about understanding the islands’ rich background.

Music and Atmosphere
The addition of music makes the ride more lively and less sterile, transforming it into a fun excursion that’s suitable even if you’re not a hardcore wildlife enthusiast.

Practical Details and Considerations

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts about two hours, making it an ideal short outing that doesn’t take up your whole day. The group size isn’t specified, but these tours typically run with a manageable number of passengers, allowing for personal interaction and a comfortable ride.

Price and Value

While the exact cost isn’t listed here, the tour includes all the essentials: a speedboat ride, live guide, wildlife spotting, and music. The inclusion of warm overalls and life jackets adds value, especially considering Iceland’s unpredictable weather. For those who like quick, action-packed outings with a good chance of seeing wildlife and natural landmarks, this seems reasonably priced.

What to Bring

To get the most out of your trip, pack comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sunglasses, and a waterproof camera. Remember, it can be quite chilly on the water, even in summer, so layering is key. As the tour involves being on a boat, no alcohol or drugs are allowed for safety reasons.

Suitability and Restrictions

This experience isn’t suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, or people with back problems or seasickness. So, if you or your travel companions fall into these categories, it might be better to look for other ways to enjoy the islands.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This RIB boat trip is perfect for adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts who want to see the Westman Islands from a different perspective. If rapid, lively rides appeal to you and you’re comfortable on the water, you’ll find this outing both thrilling and rewarding. The chance to see puffins, seals, and possibly whales, combined with stunning natural formations like Elephant Rock, makes this a memorable excursion.

It’s a great choice if you’re after a short, action-packed trip that offers a bit of everything—scenery, wildlife, and local tales. The fact that you’re comfortably seated on a speedy boat with music and knowledgeable guides makes it accessible even for those new to boat rides.

However, remember the weather can influence the experience, so flexibility is smart. If you’re prone to seasickness or traveling with very young children, consider alternative ways to explore the islands.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 6 years old, so check your little one’s comfort with boat rides first, especially since it involves high speeds.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable shoes and warm, layered clothing. A waterproof jacket and sunglasses are also recommended to stay comfortable during the ride.

Can I see whales on this tour?
While sightings of seals are common, whales are occasionally spotted, so there’s a chance, but it’s not guaranteed.

Is the ride safe?
Yes, safety gear including life jackets is provided, and the tour is guided by experienced guides. Still, be aware that sea conditions can affect the ride.

How long is the tour?
The ride lasts about two hours, making it a perfect quick adventure without taking up your whole day.

What is included in the tour?
You get a RIB speedboat ride, live guide, wildlife and island sightseeing, music, and warm overalls and life jackets.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is subject to sea conditions; cancellations are possible if the weather isn’t suitable. Book with some flexibility.

Where do I meet the tour?
At the harbor in Vestmannaeyjar, just a short walk from the ferry dock, at the large white and yellow building next to the playground.

In the end, if you’re after a lively, scenic, and wildlife-rich trip that gets your adrenaline going, this RIB boat tour in Vestmannaeyjar is worth considering. It combines natural beauty with fun, making it a memorable part of any Icelandic adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: