Skip to main content
‌‌‌‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌

Why choose a RIB Tour in Iceland

✔️ High-speed boat means you reach whale hotspots faster
✔️ Small 12-seater groups for a more personal, edge-of-the-water experience
✔️ Get closer to whales and dolphins thanks to the RIB’s low, agile design
✔️ Expert wildlife guide with live commentary throughout
✔️ Warm, waterproof overalls + life vests provided
✔️ Perfect if you want maximum sightings in minimum time

What to expect on a RIB Whale Watching Tour in Iceland

Board from Iceland’s whale-rich coastlines
1/5

Board from Iceland’s whale-rich coastlines

RIB tours run from Reykjavík, Húsavík, and Akureyri. It’s here where the cold Arctic currents meet nutrient-rich waters, drawing whales insanely close to shore. It’s the kind of setting where sightings feel almost inevitable.

A raw, small-group adventure

With just 12 seats, RIB boats keep things intimate and thrilling. They’re fast, low on the water, and designed to pivot quickly.

Built for comfort and safety

You’ll slip into floatable overalls, strap into suspension seats, and be backed by professional guides trained for Iceland’s unpredictable seas. Life vests and all essential safety gear are provided on the ride.

Responsible whale watching, always

Tours follow the IceWhale code of conduct, which means approaching slowly, keeping respectful distances, and limiting boat numbers. It protects the whales’ space while still giving you close encounters.

A chance to meet puffins too

Visit between April and August and your RIB tour may swing past lively puffin colonies, especially in Húsavík where offshore islands become packed with thousands of these bright-beaked summer visitors.

Things to know before booking your RIB Whale Watching Tour in Iceland

  • Reykjavík is the natural starting point for most travelers, and the RIB tours here make whale watching easy to fit into a Southern Iceland itinerary. The boats head straight into Faxaflói Bay where minke whales, humpbacks, and dolphins frequently roam.
  • Farther north, Húsavík and Akureyri offer a more immersive, Iceland-in-full experience. Húsavík sits beside Skjálfandi Bay, one of the richest feeding grounds in the North Atlantic. That’s why its success rate is the highest, especially for humpbacks and minkes. In summer (April–August), RIB tours also swing past Puffin Island, where thousands of puffins nest on steep cliffs.
  • RIB tours from Akureyri take you deep into Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. Calm waters, dramatic glacier-carved mountains, and frequent whale activity make it a favorite for travelers seeking big landscapes with their wildlife encounters.
  • All RIB tours run for about two hours and use lightweight, high-powered boats built for speed and tight maneuvering. Because of their size and design, they can approach wildlife areas quickly and often bring you astonishingly close to the whales.
  • Each tour is led by an English-speaking wildlife expert who reads the sea, explains behavior, and guides the boat toward feeding zones across the bays. Inclusions are simple and practical: warm flotation overalls, life vests, and a small-group setup capped at 12 seats.

RIB Whale Watching Tours vs Standard Tours

FeatureRIB ToursStandard Tours

Personalization

Small 12-seat boats mean closer interactions with the guide and wildlife, plus a more intimate feel overall.

Larger vessels with more passengers, offering a classic sightseeing experience with structured commentary.

Group size

Very small groups (usually 12), ideal for those who prefer space, focus, and fewer distractions.

Medium to large groups, better for travelers who like shared experiences and plenty of room to move around.

Atmosphere

Raw, adventurous, close-to-the-water. Great for thrill-seekers who want to feel the elements and the action.

Calm, comfortable, and scenic with indoor lounges, heated cabins, and a steadier ride.

Pace

Fast and agile; reaches wildlife quickly and covers more water in less time.

Slow and relaxed; the boat cruises steadily, giving you time to take in the views and settle into the experience.

Best for

Travelers who want the closest whale encounters, a high-adrenaline ride, and a more immersive outdoor experience.

Travelers who value comfort, stability, indoor spaces, and a longer, more traditional wildlife-watching cruise.

Plan your RIB Whale Watching Tours in Iceland 

Guests on a RIB speedboat near Lundey, Puffin Island, Husavik, with birds flying overhead.

Duration: 2 hours
Time slots available:

RIB tour from Reykjavik: 9am, 11am, 2pm

RIB tour from Husavik: 8.30am, 9.30am, 11am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 3pm

RIB tour from Akureyri: 10am, 2pm

Best time for whale watching in Iceland: Go for late spring to early autumn (May-September), when nutrient-rich Arctic waters draw humpbacks, minkes, and dolphins close to shore. Long daylight hours, calmer seas, and active feeding grounds make sightings especially frequent across Iceland’s major bays.

No wheelchair access symbol with red diagonal line.
  • RIB tours are designed for speed and agility, so expect minimal facilities onboard.  No restrooms, cafés, or indoor seating like the standard boats offer.
  • All essential safety gear is provided, including warm flotation overalls to handle Iceland’s famously unpredictable wind and chill.
  • Because of the boat’s size and seating setup, RIB tours aren’t wheelchair accessible.
  • These tours aren’t suitable for pregnant travelers or anyone with heart or back conditions due to the bumpy, high-speed nature of the ride.
  • RIB tours from Reykjavík come with suspension seats, which absorb impact and make the high-speed ride smoother and far more comfortable as you skim across Faxaflói Bay.

Frequently asked questions about RIB Whale Watching Tours in Iceland

Yes. Reykjavík gives you quick access to whales near Viðey Island, Húsavík has the highest sightings thanks to steep feeding shelves, and Akureyri offers calm fjord waters with long, steady viewing moments.