Akureyri: Express Whale Watching RIB Tour & Small Group

Summary

Small group RIB boat adventure from Akureyri for close whale encounters

You’ll zip across Eyjafjörður on a small-group RIB boat from Akureyri with an expert guide, searching for humpback whales and dolphins up close. Feel the chill wind (and maybe some nerves), hear stories from locals, and get all your gear included—just bring your sense of wonder.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly lost my glove before we even left the dock — those overalls are serious business, but honestly, you’ll want every layer once that wind hits. Our guide, Sigrún, handed out goggles and cracked a joke about “Icelandic summer” (it was July, but my nose disagreed). There were only nine of us huddled on the RIB boat, all squinting at the fjord. I thought I’d be nervous about the speed, but mostly I was just excited — you can feel the engine’s thrum right up through your boots.

The first thing that hit me was how quiet it gets once you’re out in Eyjafjörður. Just the slap of water and a faint diesel smell. Sigrún pointed to a spray far off — “humpback,” she said, like she was introducing an old friend. We sped closer (not too close; they’re strict about that), and suddenly there it was, arching up in slow motion. Everyone went silent except this one kid who just whispered “whoa.” The air smelled salty and cold and I swear time slowed down for a second. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

We saw dolphins too — they darted around like they were showing off for us. Sigrún answered every question (even the weird ones — someone asked if whales ever get seasick). She told us about local efforts to protect these waters; apparently Elding’s pretty serious about keeping things green here. On the way back, my hands were numb but I didn’t care much. The fjord looked almost silver under the clouds and nobody really wanted to talk — not out loud anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching tour from Akureyri

• Board 12-seater RIB boat
• Receive safety equipment
• Search for whales and wildlife
• Learn from expert guide
• Enjoy 2-hour fjord experience

Top questions

How long does the Akureyri express whale watching tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Is safety equipment provided on this RIB boat whale watching tour?

Yes, overalls, goggles, gloves, life jackets, and all necessary safety equipment are included.

What is the maximum group size for this Akureyri whale watching tour?

The tour is limited to 12 travelers per departure.

Are children allowed on this express whale watching trip?

The minimum age is 10 years or at least 145 cm tall (about 4 ft 7 in).

What happens if no whales are spotted during the tour?

If you don’t see whales, you can join again for free on their classic tour.

How many departure times are available each day?

You can choose from four different departure times when booking.

Is this whale watching experience suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes all necessary safety equipment—overalls, goggles, gloves, and life jackets—plus an expert local guide throughout your small group journey by RIB boat. If you don’t spot whales this time around, you’re invited back for another classic tour at no extra cost.