RIB boat express: Whales, Eyjafjord and Akureyri

If you’re heading to northern Iceland, a whale watching trip on a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) in Eyjafjörður promises a blend of adrenaline, stunning scenery, and the chance to see some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures. This tour, offered in Akureyri by Ambassador, gets high marks from travelers for its personalized feel, knowledgeable guides, and close-up encounters with whales. While it’s not a long outing, it packs enough excitement and scenic beauty to make it worthwhile—and probably memorable.

We particularly appreciate the small-group approach, which makes the experience feel more intimate and safe, and the opportunity to see humpback whales and even a minke whale — not to forget the chance to spot puffins and seabirds along the way. The only thing to keep in mind? Because it’s reliant on weather conditions, the trip might sometimes be canceled, but safety always comes first.

This tour suits active travelers and wildlife enthusiasts eager for an authentic, up-close experience with Iceland’s marine life. If you love quick, scenic excursions that combine adventure and nature, this is a solid choice. Now, let’s break down what makes this trip worth considering—and what you should weigh before booking.

Key Points

• Small-group experience with only 12 passengers ensures personal service and better chances of seeing whales.
• Expert guides and captain provide engaging commentary and ensure safety during the 2-hour cruise.
• Whale guarantee means if you don’t see whales, you can try again on a larger boat or get a refund.
• The trip includes necessary gear like overalls, goggles, life jackets, and gloves—no need to bring your own.
• Tour departs multiple times daily, fitting easily into a day’s sightseeing in Akureyri.
• Weather plays a crucial role; cancellations due to poor conditions are possible but handled professionally.

Setting the Scene: What to Expect on the RIB Whale Watching Tour

Imagine zooming across the icy waters of Eyjafjörður in a powerful RIB boat, feeling the spray of the sea and the wind in your hair. This isn’t a lazy boat ride; it’s a fast, exhilarating way to see the fjord from a different perspective. The boat’s saddle-like seats are designed for comfort during the roughly 2-hour trip, and with only 12 travelers, you won’t feel lost in a crowd.

The departure point in Akureyri is conveniently located at Elding Whale Watching, close to public transportation, which makes arriving straightforward. When you step aboard, you’re handed overalls, goggles, gloves, and a life vest—all necessary for comfort and safety. The crew, including a specialist captain, keeps the ride lively with live commentary about the surrounding landscape, marine life, and local ecology.

The Journey through Eyjafjörður

Your route takes you through the fjord’s scenic waters, flanked by towering mountains that create a dramatic backdrop. As you cruise, keep your eyes peeled for seabirds—puffins are common, and their colorful plumage is a treat against the rugged landscape. The main goal? Locating whales.

The tour specifically targets humpback whales, which are plentiful in the area, but some trips have also seen minke whales. As one reviewer expressed, the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge made the experience memorable, especially after spotting several humpbacks and even a minke. The whale guarantee ensures that if you don’t see whales during your trip, you can go again on a larger boat or get a full refund. This policy highlights the confidence the operators have in their chances—and your potential to witness these gentle giants.

Authentic Marine Encounters

Travelers who’ve taken this tour often describe it as exhilarating and educational. The vessel’s small size means you get close views, almost feeling like you’re part of the scene. It’s not unusual to see whales breach or spy their fins cutting through the water—moments that stick with you long after the trip ends.

A notable advantage: the live commentary provided by the crew adds depth, explaining whale behavior, the importance of conservation, and local ecological facts. This turns a fun boat ride into a learning experience, perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers eager for authentic nature encounters.

Analyzing the Value: Price, Duration, and Experience

At around $183.42 per person, this tour might seem a little steep for a 2-hour trip, but the value lies in the personalized small-group size, expert guidance, and the whale guarantee. Larger boat tours might be cheaper but often lack the intimacy and direct interaction you get here. Plus, the gear is all provided, so there are no hidden costs.

The timing flexibility—with multiple departure times—means you can easily fit this into a day of sightseeing. It’s a quick yet intense way to break up other activities like visiting Akureyri’s charming town center or nearby attractions.

Practical Details and What to Keep in Mind

• Duration: About 2 hours—perfect for travelers with limited time but a desire for a meaningful experience.
• Group size: Limited to 12 passengers, fostering a more personal experience.
• Age restrictions: Minimum age is 10, or 145cm tall, making it accessible for older children and teenagers.
• Weather dependency: The tour is subject to favorable conditions, and cancellations due to bad weather are possible. Rest assured, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund if that happens.
• Physical fitness: Moderate fitness level required; you should be comfortable sitting for the duration and wearing the provided gear.
• No food or pickup: The tour doesn’t include food, and transportation isn’t provided, so plan accordingly.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Perspectives

From the reviews, it’s clear that this tour tends to deliver on its promises. One traveler noted, “Knowledgable and enthusiastic guide made the experience memorable,” and was thrilled to see both minke and humpback whales. Another described it as “the most exciting and exhilarating whale watching tour,” emphasizing how safe and fun the ride felt.

However, cancellations do happen due to weather, as one reviewer shared, “Cancelled due to bad weather. No one’s fault; just happens.” The operators are praised for their professionalism and full refunds in such cases, which adds peace of mind.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous, nature-loving travelers who want a small-group, intimate encounter with whales and local scenery. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate expert guides and safety gear and are willing to be flexible with weather conditions. Families with older children, outdoor enthusiasts, and wildlife buffs will find this trip a memorable highlight of their Iceland journey.

The RIB whale watching tour from Akureyri offers an engaging, fast-paced way to discover the marine life of Eyjafjörður. With its small-group size, knowledgeable crew, and whale guarantee, it delivers an authentic experience that balances adventure with education. You’ll love the chance to see whales in their natural environment while enjoying the rugged beauty of Iceland’s fjords.

While the weather can be unpredictable, the trip’s safety measures and flexible policies help ensure a positive experience. If you’re looking for a quick, adrenaline-filled nature excursion that’s both fun and educational, this tour is a solid pick. It’s perfect for active travelers eager to connect with Iceland’s spectacular environment in a truly memorable way.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a compact but memorable outing during your day in Akureyri.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the 2-hour RIB boat ride, whale guarantee (or a free try again), overalls, goggles, neoprene gloves, and an experienced crew providing live commentary.

Do I need to bring anything?
All necessary gear like overalls, gloves, and life jackets are provided, so you don’t need to bring much beyond your sense of adventure and suitable clothing for the weather.

What if I don’t see any whales?
The whale guarantee allows you to attempt the tour again on a larger boat or receive a full refund, so there’s little risk in trying.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but children must be at least 10 years old or 145 cm tall to participate.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes. The tour is weather-dependent, and if canceled for safety reasons, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Is transportation included?
No, the meeting point is at Elding Whale Watching Akureyri, which is accessible via public transportation.

What if I have moderate physical fitness?
You should be comfortable sitting for about 2 hours and wearing the provided gear, but no intense physical activity is required.

How many people will be on the boat?
The boat is limited to 12 passengers, providing a personal and less crowded experience.

This RIB whale watching tour from Akureyri promises a lively, intimate look at Iceland’s marine life, combining scenic fjord views with the thrill of encountering whales in their natural habitat. Perfect for those who want a memorable, authentic adventure in northern Iceland.