What's the difference between these RIB boats and larger tour boats?

RIB boats are smaller (12 passengers) and faster, allowing them to cover more search area and reach whales quicker while disturbing wildlife less. They also position you closer to animals than traditional vessels.

Is seasickness common on this tour?

RIB boats experience more motion than larger ships due to their small size and speed. If you're prone to seasickness, take preventative medication and wear waterproof gear. The tour is rated moderate difficulty partly due to sea conditions.

What if we don't see whales?

The supplier's description doesn't specify a guarantee or rebooking policy. Confirm the operator's weather cancellation and whale-sighting policies when booking.

Can I bring my child on this tour?

Yes, children are welcome if they meet the minimum height requirement of 145 cm (approximately 4 feet 9 inches). Pregnant women and those with back injuries should not participate.

How far from Akureyri is this tour?

The tour departs from Akureyri itself, from the floating pier at Hof Cultural Centre, so there's no additional travel distance. Akureyri is North Iceland's largest town and hub.

What months are whales most active in Eyjafjord?

Humpback whales are most commonly sighted June through October. Summer months (late May–August) also offer the best daylight hours and typically calmer sea conditions for boat travel.

1 / 10

Express Whale Watching

(5)

Akureyri, Iceland

Whale WatchingBirdwatchingSightseeing ToursBoat Tours

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About this activity

A 2-hour intimate whale-watching expedition in Iceland's longest fjord, departing from Akureyri's Hof Cultural Centre. Small RIB boats (12 passengers max) offer closer encounters with humpback whales, dolphins, and seabirds while minimising disturbance to wildlife.

A 2 Hour whale & bird watching tour starting from the floating pier at Hof Cultural Centre in Akureyri. Experience and get close to the incredible humpback whales of the Eyjafjord (the longest fjord in Iceland), starting from the capital of North, Akureyri. If you have a passion for nature and love for adventure, then this is the tour for you!

Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Boat capacity: 12 passengers per boat (plus captain and guide)
Duration: 2 hours. approximately

With only 12 passengers per boat we can guarantee an adventure of a lifetime on an intimate whale watching tour. Our specially made RIB boats allow you to get closer to the whales and wildlife than any other boat can offer. The RIBs are fast and small boats that will also get you quicker to the whales and cover a bigger area as we search for the wildlife, which means a bigger chance of spotting whales, dolphins and bird life with out disturbing them in their natural habitat.

NOTE: This tour is not suitable for pregnant women and those with a history of back injuries. Please consult your doctor prior to booking this tour. Passengers need to be 145 cm or taller to participate in this tour.

Highlights

✓Humpback whales in Eyjafjord, Iceland's longest fjord
✓Fast RIB boats cover larger search areas and reach wildlife faster
✓Intimate groups of 12 passengers maximum
✓Seabird and dolphin spotting opportunities
✓Departing from Akureyri, North Iceland's main hub

Insider tips

★RIB boats are quick but bouncy—wear waterproof layers and secure loose items; motion sickness tablets help if prone to seasickness
★Book earlier in your trip to avoid disappointment; smaller boat capacity fills quickly
★Bring binoculars for birdwatching details and a good camera with a fast shutter speed for moving subjects

Good to know

•Minimum height 145 cm required; not suitable for pregnant women or those with back injury history—consult your doctor beforehand
•Moderate difficulty rating reflects RIB boat motion and sea conditions
•Meeting point: floating pier at Hof Cultural Centre, Akureyri

Who it's for

Nature and wildlife enthusiasts seeking close animal encountersAdventure travellers comfortable with small, fast boatsBirdwatchers and photographersFamilies with children 145 cm or taller

Best time to visit

North Iceland whale season peaks June–October when humpbacks are most active in Eyjafjord. Summer months (late May–August) offer longer daylight and calmer seas, though whales can be spotted year-round.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(5)

Sarah B.

Jun 2026

Is okay only. a stop the guide added on the fly was nice but feel rush, and Jonas the guide hard to hear sometimes. The tour in Kyoto was more better.

Ben N.

Nov 2025

Not bad but not great, the bit at the end nobody expects we like but ran the full 4 hours promised only. Maybe can improve, little bit expensive.

Nina L.

Nov 2025

our guide Luca couldnt do enough for us and the bit at the end nobody expects was the highlight, and ideal with kids (ours are 6 and 9), and 6 stops in about 3 hours, tbh

Olivia W.

Jun 2025

our guide Sofia sorted everything for us and the bit at the end nobody expects was the highlight, and honestly better than the tour we did in Lisbon last year.

Priya V.

May 2025

our guide Nadia was brilliant and the bit at the end nobody expects was the highlight, and good as a half-day option, and came away with 200+ photos, no joke

from€173.89€173.64/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

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