Akureyri: 2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat

If you’re heading to Iceland’s north and looking for a way to see some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures up close, the Akureyri 2-hour Whale Watching Express with RIB speedboats might just catch your eye. We’ve combed through reviews, details, and experiences to give you a down-to-earth look at what this tour offers and whether it’s worth your time and money.

What immediately appeals about this adventure is how it combines speed and proximity — the small RIB boats are designed to get you closer to the whales than traditional larger vessels. Plus, the tour offers a chance to see not just humpback whales, but also dolphins, seabirds, and other marine life in the stunning Eyjafjord, framed by towering, glacier-carved mountains. On the flip side, it’s important to note that the tour doesn’t include food, toilets onboard, or pickup services, so you need to plan accordingly.

This experience is ideal for those who crave a fast-paced, intimate wildlife encounter with an emphasis on speed, safety, and education. If you’re comfortable on boats and eager to see whales with knowledgeable guides, this tour could be a highlight of your North Iceland trip. If you’re looking for a relaxed, long-day excursion or traveling with very young kids, you might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Close Encounters: The RIB boats allow you to get nearer to whales and marine wildlife than larger vessels, increasing your chances of sightings.
• Small Group Size: With only 12 passengers per boat, expect a more personal and engaging experience.
• Expert Guides: Guides are knowledgeable and passionate, providing valuable insights on whales and the local environment.
• Weather-Dependent: Tours can be canceled on short notice if weather conditions become unsafe, so flexibility is key.
• Practical Gear: The tour provides overalls, neoprene gloves, goggles, and life vests, but dress warmly and bring sturdy shoes.
• Price and Value: At $174 per person, it’s a bit on the higher side, but many reviews point out it’s worth it for the experience and the proximity to marine life.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from This Tour

Starting from the floating pier in Akureyri, the tour takes about 2 hours of high-speed adventure on the water. You’ll meet your guide and hop into a small, fast RIB boat, which is perfect for covering more area quickly and getting closer to the whales. With a maximum of 12 passengers, the boat feels less crowded and more personalized, allowing everyone to enjoy the ride and wildlife viewings.

The Itinerary

• Departure from Akureyri: You’ll meet at Oddeyrarbót 2, next to the cultural centre Hof, at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. This gives you time to gear up and get comfortable.
• Speed across Eyjafjord: The boats are designed for speed, so you’ll cover a broader area than traditional whale-watching ships, increasing your chances of seeing whales, dolphins, and seabirds.
• Wildlife Spotting: The real magic happens when whales appear — many reviews mention multiple sightings of humpbacks, minke whales, and even porpoises. Guides keep you informed about whale behaviors and the local environment, adding depth to the experience.
• Close Encounters: Thanks to the RIBs, you get the unique thrill of being near the whales without disturbing them. As one reviewer put it, the boat stays at a respectful distance, letting the animals come closer if they feel comfortable.
• Additional Stops: Some trips include a quick stop to see the hot waterfall or a scenic water fall, making the ride feel even more dynamic and engaging.
• Return to Akureyri: After the roughly 2-hour tour, you’ll head back to the pier, often with plenty of stories and photos to share.

The Marine Life You Might See

Based on reviews, the area is rich with humpback, minke, and possibly Sei whales, along with harbor porpoises and seabirds. Several travelers mention that even when whales are shy or the weather isn’t perfect, the guides do their best to find marine life and keep the trip interesting.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Speed and proximity are the tour’s biggest selling points. Unlike larger, calmer whale-watching ships, these RIB boats zip across the fjord, allowing for more extensive coverage and faster responses when whales are spotted. This often results in more sightings and closer views, which many reviews highlight as a significant advantage.

Guides and safety are highly praised. Multiple reviews mention guides like Gisella, Mack, Jacob, and Chayenne, noting their knowledge, friendliness, and enthusiasm. They provide insightful commentary during downtime, which adds a lot to the experience. The safety equipment, including overalls, gloves, goggles, and life vests, is appreciated, especially as the weather can be cool and unpredictable.

The thrill of the ride also gets rave reviews. The boat’s speed and agility make it feel more like an adventure than a traditional tour, giving you an adrenaline rush on top of the wildlife sightings. One reviewer described it as “exhilarating hell,” which might sound intense, but it perfectly captures the fun, energetic vibe of these rides.

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Practical Considerations and Downsides

While the experience is undeniably exciting, there are some things to keep in mind. The cost of $174 per person isn’t cheap, but many feel it’s justified by the small group size, speed, and the quality of sightings. Still, if budget is a concern, you might want to compare this with longer or less speedy tours.

Weather plays a crucial role. Iceland’s weather can change rapidly, and the captain might cancel or postpone the tour for safety reasons. That unpredictability is key to remember when planning, especially during colder months or on stormy days.

The tour doesn’t include food, toilets onboard, or pickup services, so you’ll need to make your own arrangements before and after. Also, not suitable for children under 10 or those with mobility/back issues, so if you’re traveling with young kids or have health concerns, consider other options.

The Real Value of the Experience

Many reviews emphasize the value of getting close to whales. For wildlife enthusiast or adventure lovers, the speedboat’s ability to cover large areas quickly means a better shot at sightings and more dynamic experiences. The guides’ knowledge and respectful approach add educational value, making it more than just a boat ride.

The high praise from reviewers about seeing multiple whales, dolphins, and the scenic surroundings suggests that this tour offers more than just a chance to check a box — it delivers genuine, memorable moments. For those willing to invest a bit more, the intimate group size and the thrill of the ride make it a compelling choice.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers who love nature, wildlife, and a bit of adrenaline. If you’re comfortable with small boats and want to maximize your chances of seeing whales in a natural setting, it’s a fantastic option. It’s also well-suited for those interested in learning about whale behavior and the local marine environment, thanks to knowledgeable guides.

However, if you’re traveling with very young children, pregnant, or have mobility issues, you’ll want to consider other options, as this tour isn’t suitable for those groups. Also, if your priority is a relaxed, longer, or family-friendly whale watching experience, you might prefer more traditional, slower tours that include amenities like food and restrooms.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is recommended for ages 10 and up due to safety and comfort reasons. Children under 10 or shorter than 145 cm are not allowed.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, as the ocean can be chilly, even in summer. Bring wool or fleece sweaters, warm headgear, and gloves. The tour provides overalls, but sturdy shoes are advised.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Tours can be canceled on short notice for safety if weather conditions are unsafe.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers the RIB boat ride, guide, safety equipment, overalls, gloves, and goggles. Food, toilets onboard, or rideshare pickups are not included.

How long is the trip?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, starting from the pier in Akureyri. Check availability for specific departure times.

Will I see whales every trip?
Sightings depend on weather and whale activity, but many reviews mention multiple whale sightings, including humpbacks and minkes, along with dolphins and seabirds.

Is this experience eco-friendly?
Yes, the boats maintain a respectful distance from the whales, ensuring minimal disturbance to their natural habitat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a thrilling, close-up wildlife adventure in North Iceland, this 2-hour RIB whale watching trip offers a unique and memorable experience. The combination of speed, small group intimacy, and knowledgeable guides makes it stand out from more traditional whale tours. While the price might be a consideration, many travelers find it justified by the quality of sightings and the pure adrenaline rush.

This tour is best suited for adventure seekers, wildlife lovers, and anyone eager to see whales in their natural environment with a bit of a thrill. If you’re prepared for the weather, appreciate quick-paced rides, and value genuine encounters, this could very well be a highlight of your trip to Akureyri.

Happy whale watching, and I hope your Iceland adventure is filled with incredible moments and unforgettable views!

You can check availability for your dates here: