Soaring through the pristine Eyjafjörður fjord on a RIB boat, travelers are treated to an up-close encounter with the majestic marine life of Iceland. This thrilling 2-hour whale watching tour offers the chance to spot humpback whales, mink whales, and white-beaked dolphins – an experience only 12 lucky passengers can enjoy at a time. With multiple daily departures and a whale guarantee, it’s no wonder this intimate adventure has become a must-do for those seeking an unforgettable connection with nature.
Key Points
- This 2-hour RIB boat excursion in Eyjafjörður fjord allows passengers to spot humpback whales, mink whales, and white-beaked dolphins in a personalized small group setting.
- The tour departs four times daily from Akureyri and is limited to 12 passengers, providing an intimate wildlife viewing experience.
- Safety equipment, including life jackets, overalls, goggles, and gloves, is provided, and the tour is suitable for guests 10 years or older with moderate fitness.
- Knowledgeable guides offer insightful commentary and a whale guarantee, ensuring a refund if no whales are spotted during the tour.
- Based on 141 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5, with 94% of travelers recommending it for its small group size and excellent whale sightings.
Tour Overview
The Akureyri Express Whale Watching tour is a thrilling 2-hour RIB boat excursion that takes participants on an up-close encounter with the marine life of Iceland’s Eyjafjörður fjord.
Limited to just 12 passengers, the tour offers a personalized experience led by professional guides. Aboard the sturdy RIB boat, guests don safety equipment like life jackets and protective clothing before setting out to spot humpback whales, mink whales, and white-beaked dolphins.
Departures are available at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm, with the meeting point at Elding Whale Watching in central Akureyri.
Prices start from $180 per person.
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Activity Details
Upon boarding the RIB boat, participants don life jackets, overalls, goggles, and gloves to ensure their safety and comfort throughout the 2-hour excursion.
The small, nimble vessel accommodates up to 12 passengers, allowing for a personalized and intimate wildlife viewing experience.
As the boat navigates the picturesque Eyjafjörður fjord, guests have the opportunity to spot humpback whales, mink whales, and white-beaked dolphins in their natural habitat.
The knowledgeable guide provides insightful commentary, sharing information about the marine life and the stunning natural landscapes.
The tour concludes back at the meeting point in central Akureyri.
Location and Departure
Although the tour begins at the pier in central Akureyri, the meeting point for participants is Elding Whale Watching at Oddeyrarbót 2, 600 Akureyri. The tour departs at one of four set times: 10am, 12pm, 2pm, or 4pm. The small RIB boat has a limited capacity of 12 passengers, ensuring a personalized experience. With opportunities to view humpback whales, mink whales, and white-beaked dolphins, this 2-hour excursion allows guests to get up close to the diverse marine life in Eyjafjörður fjord.
Departure Times | Location | Group Size |
---|---|---|
10am | Akureyri, Iceland | Limited to 12 |
12pm | Elding Whale Watching | passengers |
2pm | Oddeyrarbót 2, 600 Akureyri | for personalized |
4pm | experience |
Inclusions and Safety
A professional guide accompanies participants on the Akureyri Express Whale Watching tour, ensuring a knowledgeable and informative experience.
The tour also includes a whale guarantee – if no whales are spotted, guests can return for a free classic tour.
For safety, the boat is equipped with life jackets, overalls, goggles, and gloves.
However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a minimum age of 10 years or 145 cm (4 ft 7 in).
Plus, a moderate physical fitness level is needed, and the tour isn’t suitable for those with serious medical conditions or pregnant travelers.
Experience Highlights
The tour begins at the pier in central Akureyri, where participants don life jackets and board a small RIB boat for their whale watching adventure.
Once underway, the tour includes stops to spot wildlife and natural wonders along the Eyjafjörður fjord. Guests have the opportunity to observe whales and dolphins up close, marveling at their sheer size and grace.
The knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary, enhancing the educational aspect of the experience.
The tour concludes back at the meeting point, leaving participants with lasting memories of their intimate encounter with Iceland’s magnificent marine life.
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What to Expect
When participants arrive at the meeting point, they’ll be equipped with the necessary safety gear, including life jackets, overalls, goggles, and gloves.
The tour begins with boarding a small RIB boat at the pier in central Akureyri.
Once aboard, the excursion includes:
- Stops to spot wildlife and natural wonders along the stunning Eyjafjörður fjord.
- Opportunities to observe whales and dolphins up close.
- Educational commentary from knowledgeable guides.
- The tour’s conclusion back at the original meeting point.
Travelers are encouraged to dress warmly and bring waterproof clothing to fully enjoy this thrilling whale watching experience.
Traveler Feedback
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Akureyri Express Whale Watching tour, with an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 141 reviews.
94% of travelers recommend the tour, highlighting the knowledgeable guides, small group size, excellent whale sightings, and comfortable protective clothing.
Guests appreciated the close encounters with whales and the informative, friendly staff.
Common suggestions include wearing waterproof clothing and bringing warm accessories due to the wind.
Additional Information
Confirmation is received at the time of booking for the Akureyri Express Whale Watching tour.
Travelers are encouraged to dress warmly and bring gloves and face coverings to protect against the wind.
The positive feedback from past guests highlights the tour’s safety, excitement, and educational aspects.
The friendly and professional staff are praised for their expertise. Guests appreciate the opportunity to capture photos of the incredible wildlife sightings.
The experience offers:
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
- Whale sighting guarantee on the classic tour
- Comprehensive safety equipment provided
- Spectacular views of the Eyjafjörður fjord
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the RIB Boat Accommodate Passengers With Mobility Issues?
The RIB boat is not wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Travelers with serious medical conditions or pregnant women may not be suitable for this tour.
Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available for This Tour?
The tour doesn’t offer any discounts or package deals according to the provided information. Prices start at $180 per person for the 2-hour whale watching experience on the RIB boat with no additional offers mentioned.
How Often Do the Whales Typically Appear During This Tour?
Whales are frequently spotted during the tour, with sightings of humpback whales and mink whales being common. The tour has a whale guarantee, allowing guests to return for free if no whales are seen on the initial trip.
Can Participants Bring Their Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?
Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the boat. The tour provides a personalized experience, so guests are welcome to pack snacks and beverages to enjoy during the whale watching excursion.
Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
There’s no option to extend the tour duration. The tour is fixed at 2 hours. Guests can’t bring their own food or drinks, but there may be opportunities to purchase refreshments before or after the excursion.
The Sum Up
The Akureyri Express Whale Watching by RIB Boat offers an exhilarating 2-hour adventure in the stunning Eyjafjörður fjord. With a maximum of 12 passengers, it provides intimate encounters with whales and dolphins, guided by knowledgeable experts. The tour’s flexible schedule and whale guarantee ensure a memorable marine life experience for enthusiasts. Safety equipment is included, making it a thrilling yet secure outing.
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