REVIEW · AKUREYRI
Akureyri: 2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Whale Watching Akureyri · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Whales up close in Iceland’s North. This 2-hour RIB speedboat tour from Akureyri takes you fast across Eyjafjord waters, where mountains, sea birds, and marine life set the stage. I love the way the small group size keeps things personal and focused on spotting animals, not waiting around.
Your best moment is getting close enough to feel like you’re part of the scene, not just watching it from far away. With only 12 people on board and a guide calling the wildlife, it’s the kind of experience where you notice the details: fluke-ups, tail slaps, and the way humpbacks move through the fjord.
One drawback: it can get cold and you might get wet. The ride is exhilarating, and the terrain (plus weather) can make the physical side of this tour more intense than a big, smooth cruise boat.
In This Review
- Key things that make this RIB whale tour worth your time
- RIB Speedboat vs Big Boats: The real point is closeness
- Oddeyrarbót 2 to open water: what your 2 hours usually feel like
- Eyjafjord wildlife: humpbacks, minke whales, and the birds in between
- Gear that actually keeps you comfortable: overalls, gloves, goggles
- Safety and etiquette: the tour’s rules protect both you and the whales
- Price and value: is $200 for 2 hours worth it?
- Who should book, and who might want a gentler option
- Quick decision: should you book this Akureyri RIB whale watch?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- Where do I meet for the Akureyri 2-hour whale watching tour?
- How long is the whale watching tour?
- How many people are on the RIB boat?
- What whales and wildlife can I expect to see?
- What’s included in the tour price?
- Is pickup service included?
- Are toilets available on board?
- What should I wear or bring?
- Can I bring a drone or large bags?
- What are the minimum age and height requirements?
- What if the weather changes?
Key things that make this RIB whale tour worth your time
- 12 passengers per boat means you’re not fighting for sightlines or patience
- RIB speedboat chasing helps you reach whales quicker and cover more water
- Humpback and minke whale odds are strong, with dolphins and birds often in the mix
- Overalls, neoprene gloves, and goggles are included for staying warm in northern seas
- A respectful approach: the goal is close viewing without bothering whales
- Short stops and a scenic return can add extra Iceland flavor beyond whale sightings
RIB Speedboat vs Big Boats: The real point is closeness
Akureyri whale watching gets good fast, but this tour has a clear advantage: the boat is designed to move. RIBs are smaller and quicker than the bigger whale ships, so your captain can reposition fast when wildlife pops up or changes location.
That matters for two reasons. First, whales don’t stay put. If you wait too long or travel slowly, the best action might pass you by. Second, getting there fast often means you can watch longer without rushing. Many people love this style because it feels like you’re actually hunting the moment together, not just waiting for a report over loudspeakers.
The other big factor is the small group. With only 12 passengers, you’ll usually get a better viewing angle and more time to ask questions. You’re also more likely to follow along with what the guide is seeing, whether it’s breathing behavior, feeding patterns, or the way birds react around the whales.
Oddeyrarbót 2 to open water: what your 2 hours usually feel like
You meet at the floating pier Oddeyrarbót 2, next to the Hof cultural center in Akureyri. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early so you can check in, get your waiver signed, and be kitted up before departure.
Before you go anywhere, the crew runs you through safety gear and how to handle the boat ride. You’ll get:
- life vest and safety equipment
- warm overalls
- neoprene gloves
- goggles
Then it’s out to the water. The first stretch is about finding whales and reading the fjord. Eyjafjord can be calm one minute and not the next, and the captain’s job is to adjust quickly. Expect that the ride can feel fast and physical because you’re on a speed-focused craft, not a lounge cruise.
As you move, the guide helps you spot wildlife and interpret what you’re seeing. People often mention the thrill of catching up quickly once whales are sighted. When whales are active, the tour becomes a lot less about searching and more about watching behavior: surface time, fluke-ups, and tail slaps.
On the return, you may get an extra bonus stop for views. Many participants describe a quick look at a geothermal waterfall area on the way back, plus an exhilarating ride segment where the captain sometimes shows off with tight maneuvers near the bigger boats.
Eyjafjord wildlife: humpbacks, minke whales, and the birds in between
The headline targets are humpback whales and minke whales. On many trips, humpbacks show the main show: fluke-ups and surface feeding moments that make people lean forward without realizing it. Minke whales can also appear, and when they do, your guide usually helps you distinguish what you’re looking at.
Beyond the whales, you’re in a marine world. This tour is also set up to find:
- dolphins
- bird life
- other sea life such as porpoises
The mix depends on what the fjord is doing that day. Sometimes whales are super cooperative and you get multiple sightings close to the boat. Other times the animals are more shy, and you may get fewer surface moments but still learn a lot from how the guide explains their behavior.
One detail I think you’ll appreciate is how the tour tries not to treat whales like an attraction line. The goal is respectful distance so the animals aren’t forced to change direction for human schedules. When whales approach on their own, the whole experience feels more real and less performative.
Gear that actually keeps you comfortable: overalls, gloves, goggles
This is one of the strongest “value” parts of the tour because the included gear is meant for the North Atlantic, not just for show. You’ll receive warm coveralls/overalls plus neoprene gloves and goggles, and you’ll use them from the moment you’re on the pier.
Even with the gear, plan for wet and wind. Several people point out that you should bring warm layers under the suits if you run cold, especially in shoulder seasons. Strong headgear and gloves are worth it, and sturdy footwear matters because you’re climbing on/off the boat platform and standing in slippery conditions.
A practical tip: wear something warm but not bulky, so you don’t end up squeezed inside the overalls when you move. Also, avoid open-toed shoes. You’ll get cold fast if you start with bare or flimsy footwear.
About the ride feel: the seating is often described as a saddle-style setup, which can make the experience more physically intense than a comfortable ferry. If you have a sensitive back or you’re not used to bouncing around in rough water, this is the part you’ll want to think hard about.
Safety and etiquette: the tour’s rules protect both you and the whales
Safety is built into the tour from the start. You’ll wear a life vest and get safety equipment, and you’ll have to follow crew instructions during the ride. The crew also uses a hands-off policy for wildlife: you’re not allowed to touch marine life, and that keeps both the animals and the experience safe.
There’s also a comfort/safety reality: RIBs are fast and small. That means the crew can’t pretend conditions don’t matter. If weather shifts quickly, the captain may cancel on short notice for safety reasons. Iceland weather is no joke, and this tour operates in the real world, not a controlled environment.
If you’re nervous about boats, this is still often a good option because the crew is running the show the whole time. But it’s still a speedboat experience, not a gentle sightseeing bus on water.
Price and value: is $200 for 2 hours worth it?
At around $200 per person for a 2-hour trip, this isn’t a bargain. It’s more like a premium activity, and you’re paying for three things you can feel:
1) Time efficiency: RIB speed helps you reach sightings quicker, which matters when whales move.
2) Better viewing: smaller boats and more access can mean closer, more engaging encounters than you’d get from big ships.
3) Equipment included: warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety gear reduce your packing load and help you stay functional outside.
If you value wildlife encounters where you can actually watch behavior (not just see a distant spout), the “express” format makes sense. Several people highlight that they preferred this approach over larger whale ships because it feels more intimate and more action-focused.
That said, you should also calibrate expectations. You’re still whale watching. There are no guarantees that whales will surface on cue. What you’re buying is the best setup for spotting, repositioning, and respecting the animals, not a promise of a set number of sightings.
Who should book, and who might want a gentler option
This tour fits best if you:
- want close whale viewing from a small boat
- enjoy fast rides and don’t mind getting wet
- want a nature-focused guide experience in English
- are comfortable dressing warmly and standing/sitting through a bouncy ride
It may not fit if you:
- are pregnant (not suitable)
- have back problems
- have mobility impairments
- have kids under 10 or under 145 cm
Also, this one comes with a bit of practical restraint: no large bags or luggage, no drones, no touching marine life, and no open-toed shoes. Plan your day so you’re traveling light and ready for cold water air.
Quick decision: should you book this Akureyri RIB whale watch?
If your priority is close-up humpback whales with a small crew, this is an easy “yes” for most people visiting Akureyri. The RIB format isn’t just marketing. It’s what enables faster repositioning, more chances at sightings, and a more exciting ride once whales are in front of you.
If you hate cold weather, rougher boat motion, or you need a very gentle experience, I’d steer you toward a slower boat option instead. This one is for active travelers who pack warm layers, wear the gear, and enjoy the thrill of moving quickly over a fjord.
FAQ
FAQ
Where do I meet for the Akureyri 2-hour whale watching tour?
Meet at the floating pier Oddeyrarbót 2 next to the cultural centre Hof in Akureyri, and arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
How long is the whale watching tour?
The tour duration is 2 hours.
How many people are on the RIB boat?
Each boat carries only 12 passengers.
What whales and wildlife can I expect to see?
The tour focuses on humpback whales and also looks for minke whales, with chances for dolphins and bird life.
What’s included in the tour price?
Included items are a guide, overalls, neoprene gloves, goggles, and a life vest with necessary safety equipment.
Is pickup service included?
No, pick-up service is not included.
Are toilets available on board?
Toilets on board are not included.
What should I wear or bring?
Dress warmly for the northern ocean. Sturdy shoes are recommended, and you should bring warm outdoor clothing like wool or fleece layers, plus warm headgear and gloves if you have them. Overalls and other gear are provided, but you should still be prepared for cold and wet conditions.
Can I bring a drone or large bags?
No. Drones are not allowed, and luggage or large bags are not allowed.
What are the minimum age and height requirements?
The minimum age is 10 years old or 145 cm in height.
What if the weather changes?
Iceland weather can change rapidly, and the captain could decide to cancel the tour on short notice for safety reasons.
