RIB boat tour Vestmannaeyjar: see elephant rock & sea caves

Race across sea caves and cliffs while hunting for whales and seals on a RIB boat.

A two-hour RIB speedboat tour in Vestmannaeyjar takes you around the archipelago's islands, sea caves and rock formations with a live guide. You'll see elephant rock, puffins, kittiwakes and gannets; in good conditions you reach Súlnasker, a gannet island whose cliffs rise 60–70 meters on four posts, and you may spot whales or seals. The boat provides warm protective clothing, float suit and life jacket. A minimum group of six people departs from the operator's office at Tangagata 7; the tour does not run in very windy weather.

Step-by-step itinerary

RIB boat tour in Vestmannaeyjar

• Arrive at office 30 minutes early
• Board RIB speedboat
• Sail to small islands and sea caves
• See elephant rock and sea birds
• Visit distant islands including Súlnasker
• Spot whales and seals if lucky
• Return to harbor

The Experience

What makes a RIB speedboat different from a standard tour boat is speed and access. The rigid hull lets the guide take you into narrow sea caves and closer to rock faces that larger vessels cannot approach. You'll start from the office in Vestmannaeyjar and head first to the small islands nearby—elephant rock, the bird colonies, the caves—then push out to the further islands if the sea is calm enough. Súlnasker, the gannet island, is the prize: its cliffs stand on four natural posts and rise 60 to 70 meters straight out of the water.

The two hours move fast. You're not sitting still watching; the boat is moving, the guide is pointing out what's ahead, and you're scanning for wildlife—puffins, kittiwakes, gannets in the breeding season, and if luck holds, whales or seals in the water. The speed means you cover more ground than a slower boat, and the adrenaline of the ride itself is part of the experience. The operator provides warm protective clothing, a float suit and a life jacket, though they recommend bringing a hat and gloves.

The tour runs only if the group reaches six people minimum, and it does not depart in very windy weather—conditions that would make the ride rough rather than thrilling. Children from age 6 can join if accompanied by an adult. The guide speaks English and knows the history of the islands and the rock formations you're passing. Alcohol is not permitted on the boat.

What’s included

• Two-hour RIB speedboat tour with a live English-speaking guide.
• warm protective clothing, float suit and life jacket.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by Ribsafari

Is this one for you?This is a shared-group tour, so you'll be on the boat with five other travelers minimum. Choose it if you want speed and access to narrow caves and close views of rock faces—the RIB's design is what makes that possible—and if the adrenaline of a fast boat ride appeals to you as much as the sightseeing does.

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Top questions

What is elephant rock and where do you see it on this tour?

Elephant rock is a distinctive rock formation in Vestmannaeyjar that you'll see during the boat tour as you sail around the small islands near the departure point. The guide will point it out and explain what makes it notable as you pass.

Will I definitely get to Súlnasker on a two-hour RIB tour?

Súlnasker is included in the route only if sea conditions are good enough. The guide decides whether to head out to this gannet island based on the weather and water state on the day of your tour. If conditions don't permit it, you'll still see elephant rock, sea caves and the closer islands.

What birds and wildlife might I see in Vestmannaeyjar?

The tour regularly passes puffins, kittiwakes and gannets, especially during breeding season. Whales and seals are also present in the waters around the archipelago, though spotting them depends on the day and the season.

Do I need to bring my own wetsuit or protective gear?

The operator provides warm protective clothing, a float suit and a life jacket for every passenger. You should bring a hat and gloves of your own for extra warmth, as the boat is moving and the sea wind is constant.

What is the minimum group size and what happens if fewer than six people book?

A minimum of six people must be on each departure. If the group does not reach six, the operator may cancel the trip or move you to another scheduled departure on a different day.

Can children go on this RIB boat tour?

Children from age 6 can join the tour as long as they are accompanied by an adult. The boat is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, back problems or pregnant travelers.