Akureyri: 2–Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat

Akureyri, a picturesque town in northern Iceland, is home to an exhilarating whale watching experience. Travelers can embark on a 2-hour express tour by RIB speedboat, offering up-close encounters with the majestic humpback whales that frequent the Eyjafjord. Navigating the waters with the agility of these specialized boats, guests are promised a personalized and intimate adventure, led by knowledgeable English-speaking guides. While the promise of wildlife sightings is enticing, there’s more to this tour than meets the eye.

Key Points

• 2-hour whale and bird watching tour by RIB speedboat departing from Akureyri, exploring Eyjafjord.
• Faster travel in a RIB speedboat allows for a broader search area to spot wildlife.
• English-speaking guide provides insightful commentary on local humpback whales, dolphins, and seabirds.
• Compact RIB design enables close encounters with marine life without disturbance.
• Intimate group size of up to 12 passengers ensures a personalized and memorable adventure experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Tour

The 2-hour whale and bird watching tour by RIB speedboat departs from Akureyri in North Iceland, exploring the Eyjafjord.

Priced from $155.12 per person, this intimate tour accommodates a maximum of 12 passengers per boat.

The fast and small RIB boats allow for quicker travel and a broader search area, increasing the chances of spotting humpback whales, dolphins, and diverse birdlife.

An English-speaking guide provides insightful commentary on the local wildlife.

With no upfront payment required, travelers can reserve now and pay later.

On top of that, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance ensures flexibility.

Booking and Cancellation

Reserving the whale watching tour requires no upfront payment, allowing travelers to book now and pay later.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers flexibility, ensuring a full refund if plans change.

The tour departs from the floating pier Oddeyrarbót 2, next to the Hof cultural center in Akureyri. Guests should arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. This ensures a smooth check-in process and allows time to get fitted with the necessary outdoor gear.

With a maximum of 12 passengers per boat, the intimate group size promises a personalized experience on the water.

Wildlife Interaction

Once guests have secured their spot on the tour, they can look forward to getting up close and personal with the incredible wildlife of Eyjafjord. The RIB speedboats allow for a more intimate encounter with humpback whales, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds without disturbing their natural behaviors. With the fast and maneuverable boats, the guides can quickly reach areas where wildlife is spotted, maximizing the chances of sightings.

Wildlife Encounter	Experience
Humpback Whales	Witness these majestic creatures breach, spout, and dive
Dolphins	Observe the playful antics of these social marine mammals
Seabirds	Marvel at the graceful flight and nesting behaviors of puffins, gulls, and more

The thrill of the ride combined with the opportunity to observe the animals in their natural habitat creates an unforgettable adventure for all.

RIB Boat Advantages

The RIB speedboats’ agility and small size enable guests to access hard-to-reach areas and increase their chances of spotting wildlife in Eyjafjord.

These nimble vessels can zip across the water quickly, allowing the tour to cover a larger search area for whales, dolphins, and seabirds.

Their compact design also means they can get closer to the animals without disturbing them.

Compared to larger, slower boats, the RIBs provide a more thrilling and intimate wildlife viewing experience.

Guests can feel the power of the engines as the boats dart across the waves, heightening the sense of adventure.

With the RIB’s maneuverability, the tour ensures an up-close encounter with the abundant marine life of North Iceland’s Eyjafjord.

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Live Guide Expertise

The English-speaking guide on the whale watching tour provides insightful commentary and expertise about the Eyjafjord’s wildlife. Sharing their knowledge of the region’s humpback whales, dolphins, and seabirds, the guide helps guests better appreciate and understand the creatures they encounter during the excursion.

Their engaging explanations and enthusiasm for the local marine life enhance the overall experience. Guests consistently praise the guide’s depth of knowledge, with many highlighting their ability to spot wildlife and provide fascinating details about the animals’ behaviors and habitats.

The guide’s expertise and passion for the Icelandic nature ensure that guests come away from the tour with a newfound appreciation for the diverse marine ecosystem of Eyjafjord.

Age and Height Restrictions

There are certain age and height requirements in place for the whale watching tour. Participants must be at least 10 years old and stand a minimum of 145 cm (4 ft 8 in) tall to join the excursion. This is to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests during the thrilling RIB boat ride.

The tour isn’t suitable for:

• Children under 10 years old
• Pregnant women
• Individuals with back problems
• Guests with mobility impairments

These restrictions are in place to provide an enjoyable and secure experience for everyone on board. Guests are advised to carefully review the requirements before booking their spot on this unforgettable whale watching adventure.

What to Bring

Guests should bring a signed waiver, warm outdoor clothing, sturdy shoes, gloves, and headgear for the whale watching tour.

The weather in Eyjafjord can be unpredictable, so dressing in layers is crucial. Sturdy, non-slip shoes will provide better traction on the boat.

Gloves and a warm hat or beanie will help keep hands and head protected from the cool ocean breezes. Bringing these essential items will ensure guests stay comfortable and prepared for the thrilling RIB boat ride and wildlife encounters.

The tour operator emphasizes the importance of following these packing recommendations to enhance the overall experience.

Customer Feedback

Customers have rated the whale watching tour in Akureyri highly, with an overall score of 4.7 out of 5 based on 255 reviews. The tour guide received particular praise, scoring 4.9 out of 5 for their knowledge and engagement. The transportation was also well-received, earning a 4.8 out of 5 rating.

Customers shared their excitement over close encounters with whales and the thrilling speedboat ride. Key highlights of the tour include:

• Knowledgeable and engaging guide

• Smooth and enjoyable transportation

• Rewarding wildlife sightings

• Exhilarating speedboat experience

The overwhelmingly positive customer feedback underscores the exceptional quality of this whale watching adventure in Akureyri.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Waterproof Jackets and Trousers Provided on the Tour?

According to the information provided, waterproof jackets and trousers are not mentioned as being provided on the tour. Participants are advised to bring their own warm outdoor clothing, sturdy shoes, gloves, and headgear for the 2-hour whale watching experience.

How Close Can the Boats Approach the Whales?

The boats can get quite close to the whales, but they maintain a respectful distance that doesn’t disturb the animals. The small RIB speedboats allow for an intimate experience while ensuring the whales’ wellbeing.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is allowed during the tour, with the guide advising passengers on the best ways to capture the wildlife without disturbing the animals. Participants are encouraged to bring their cameras to document their close encounters with the whales and other marine life.

What Happens in Case of Inclement Weather?

In case of inclement weather, the tour operator will cancel the trip and offer a full refund or the option to reschedule. They prioritize passenger safety and won’t operate the tour if conditions are deemed unsafe.

Are Snacks or Refreshments Available on the Boat?

Snacks and refreshments are not included on the boat. Passengers are advised to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy during the 2-hour whale watching tour. The tour operator does not provide any catering services on the RIB speedboat.

Recap

The Akureyri 2-hour whale watching express by RIB speedboat offers an exhilarating opportunity to spot humpback whales, dolphins, and seabirds in Icelandic waters.

With the agility of the RIB boats, guests can get close to marine life while benefiting from an engaging, English-speaking guide’s expertise.

This intimate tour, limited to 12 passengers, provides a personalized and memorable experience in the beautiful Eyjafjord.

You can check if your dates are available here: