The 7 Best RIB Boat Safaris in Iceland

1.Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 621 reviews · 2 hours · from $200Our pick

Join a 12-seat RIB from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour for two hours among Faxaflói Bay’s islands. Expect fast runs to whale areas, city views, puffins near Lundey, and guides such as Claudia, Julian, or Julien sharing clear marine facts. Warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety gear are included.

“We had a fantastic experience going on a whale safari with this company. We saw several whales and dolphins close to the boat. The guide was very enthusiastic and had a lot of knowledge. The captain was very experienced and we felt safe. Highly recommend it.”

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2.Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 501 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $203Top rated

Join Húsavík Adventures for a two-hour RIB ride in Skjálfandi Bay. A guide and captain search for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seasonal puffins. The boat carries no more than 12 people, so every seat has a useful view. Puffins are usually present from mid-April through mid-August.

“Overall fun experience even though we took the 9am tour which was the first tour of the day hoping to see Whales, but only saw a few fins, not that exciting. Very cold, wet and rough waters getting out there so expect to get wet! They provide great gear for all. Austin our guide was great, very informative. I will say the negative was that it was also suppose to be whales & puffins, but the puffins aspect of the tour was never addressed, so not sure if what happened with that (?) overall no regrets.”

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3.2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 489 reviews · 2 hours · from $200

Meet at Akureyri’s floating pier for a two-hour RIB adventure in Eyjafjord. A guide such as Yoann, Agnes, Sergio, or Mack may explain whale behavior while the captain covers water quickly in search of humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and seabirds. Warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety gear are supplied, but dress warmly and expect a lively ride.

“Guides were great in sharing info about the wildlife we saw and ensuring we saw as many whales as possible. Unique and once in a life experience. For those considering tour: wear boots and warm clothes. You will get wet. The seat is a saddle seat and is a physically intense tour.”

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4.Whale Watching Tour by RIB Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 393 reviews · 2 hours · from $194

Search Faxaflói Bay for whales and dolphins aboard a fast RIB boat with shock suspension seats. Your English-speaking guide points out marine life, birds, and Reykjavik’s coast. Summer trips stop near Akurey puffin island, and the $194 price includes warm flotation gear and entry to the Whales of Iceland Museum.

“Honestly such a cool experience! We’ve whale watched a few times, but always by bigger boats. Highly recommend giving the RIB a try, it’s honestly so cool to be that close to whales and puffins! We even saw some dolphins on our trip. Highly recommend!”

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5.Akureyri Express Whale Watching by RIB boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 168 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $180

Meet Elding Whale Watching in central Akureyri for a two-hour RIB trip into Eyjafjörður. Guides such as David, Jacob, Agnes, and Lindsey explain whale behavior and local wildlife while the captain tracks humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The boat carries only 12 people, with warm overalls, goggles, gloves, and a free classic tour if no whales appear.

“Great experience! Our guides David and Bobsey were great. The trip on the rib was a great experience but most importantly, we got to see whales. They also send you free photos taken on the day. Well worth the money.”

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6.1 Hour Iceland Nature and Wildlife RIB Small Group Guided Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $160

Meet at Hafnarhólmi in Bakkagerði for a one-hour RIB safari with two local brothers who know the Borgarfjörður Eystri area well. You’ll speed toward sea cliffs for puffins and seabirds, then look for seals, a waterfall, and perhaps whales. Warm gear is provided, and groups are limited to 12.

“This Puffin Zodiac Tour was AMAZING! Our guides were extremely kinda, funny, and knowledgeable about Bakkageri and the Borgarfjörður eystri area (their parents grew up there!) After taking an exciting zodiac ride to the cliffs on the sea to view many species of nesting birds, we took a ride along the harbor to see seals and a waterfall. We even had BONUS whale watching time to view a large humpback whale breaching MULTIPLE times!! We got up close and personal and it was incredible. This tour is a must.”

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7.RIB Speed-Boat Puffin Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 22 reviews · 1 hour · from $81Best value

Join Katla Whale Watching for a fast, one-hour RIB trip from Reykjavík’s harbor to nearby puffin islands. You’ll wear a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and life vest, then ride suspension seats toward colonies of about 40,000 birds. The English-speaking guide explains puffins, hunting, and conservation while you see Harpa Concert Hall from the water.

“This was an amazing experience! Two in one ticket, ride and puffins! Being able to get up close to the puffins was incredible! Truly enjoyed our guide explaining how detrimental puffin hunting is and more importantly how to put a stop to it! Would definitely do a speed boat tour again!”

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