Nestled deep within North Iceland’s longest and most stunning fjord lies Akureyri, the “Capital of the North,” where icy waters meet rolling mountains and marine life thrives year-round. For travelers eager to combine speed, intimacy, and nature, TPO.Travel’s Akureyri Whales and Eyjafjord RIB Boat Tour is a must-do adventure—a raw and exhilarating marine safari designed for those who want more than the average whale watching trip.
As a travel company dedicated to luxury, experience-driven tourism, TPO.Travel carefully curates Icelandic excursions that blend eco-conscious travel with high-adrenaline thrills and educational value. This RIB boat tour is a perfect showcase of that philosophy.
What Makes This RIB Whale Watching Tour So Special?
Unlike standard whale-watching cruises, this RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) tour offers intimacy, agility, and close encounters. With a maximum of 12 passengers per vessel, you’ll enjoy a front-row seat to Iceland’s thriving marine life—without the crowds and far-off glimpses that come with larger ships.
The Eyjafjörður Fjord, stretching over 60 km inland, is not just the longest fjord in Iceland—it’s also one of the richest feeding grounds for humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and occasionally even the elusive blue whale. All of this is framed by the snow-capped peaks and peaceful fishing villages that dot the North’s dramatic coastline.
Meet the Majestic Whales of Eyjafjörður
During summer and early fall, humpback whales return to these waters from their winter grounds in the Caribbean to feed in the plankton-rich currents of Eyjafjörður. Their aerial acrobatics, fluke dives, and blowhole sprays are a joy to witness from the water’s surface.
This RIB boat tour increases your chances of up-close encounters, thanks to its mobility and ability to reach multiple feeding zones quickly. Unlike large boats that follow a fixed route, your guide can adjust on the fly—tracking movement and directing you toward pods as they appear.
Other marine life you may encounter includes:
- White-beaked dolphins: Playful and fast, often surfing the boat’s wake.
- Minke whales: Smaller, more elusive but occasionally breaching.
- Harbor seals: Often spotted lounging on rocks or peeking curiously from the surface.
- Arctic terns, puffins, and guillemots: Seasonal seabird companions.
All sightings take place ethically and responsibly, with TPO.Travel’s trained captains and guides prioritizing minimal disruption to natural behavior.
Expert Marine Biologist Guides: Education Meets Exploration
Each RIB boat tour is accompanied by a marine biologist or expert naturalist, who offers live commentary and answers questions throughout the trip. Learn about:
- The feeding behaviors and migration patterns of humpback whales
- The geology and ecosystem of Eyjafjörður
- The impact of climate change on Arctic marine life
- Iceland’s conservation efforts and sustainable tourism initiatives
Whether you’re a marine biology enthusiast, a wildlife photographer, or a curious traveler, these experts ensure the experience is informative, respectful, and deeply engaging.
Ride the Waves with Speed and Comfort
TPO.Travel’s RIB boats are built for speed, safety, and eco-friendly touring. Each passenger is provided with:
- Insulated flotation suits
- Gloves, goggles, and waterproof accessories
- Noise-dampening headgear with communication tools
- Comfortable, shock-absorbing seats for bumpy conditions
Even at high speed, the boats offer a smooth, thrilling ride, with minimal noise pollution and maximum maneuverability—ideal for tracking fast-moving pods without affecting their behavior.
Best Time for Whale Watching in Akureyri
The peak whale-watching season in North Iceland runs from May to October, though sightings begin as early as April. The midnight sun of summer offers extended daylight hours, increasing the likelihood of encounters.
TPO.Travel schedules multiple departures daily, and private RIB charters are also available for those seeking VIP experiences or custom tours that include nearby fjords or stops at local villages.
Eco-Tourism and Responsible Whale Watching
TPO.Travel is committed to sustainable tourism and partners with certified whale-watching operators that adhere to strict regulations:
- Safe distances are maintained between boats and animals.
- Time limits are observed around pods.
- Engines are turned off when whales approach.
- RIB tours are designed to minimize noise and emissions.
These responsible practices ensure that future generations can continue to witness these incredible animals in the wild.
Sample Itinerary – Akureyri RIB Whale Watching Tour
| Time | Activity |
| 10:00 | Check-in and safety briefing at Akureyri harbor |
| 10:15 | Depart the marina and cruise into Eyjafjörður |
| 10:30–11:45 | Whale spotting and birdwatching |
| 11:45–12:00 | Return to harbor with guide wrap-up |
| 12:00 | Optional café stop or souvenir shop near harbor |
Duration: Approx. 2 hours on the water
Group size: Max. 12 passengers per boat
Inclusions: Expert guide, gear rental, marine safety equipment, hot drinks upon return
Why Book This Tour with TPO.Travel?
As one of the most trusted destination management specialists in Europe, TPO.Travel offers more than just a whale watching tour:
- Seamless Transfers: Add-on transport from Reykjavik or Akureyri airport
- Hotel Bookings: Choose from luxury to budget options near the harbor
- Multi-day Packages: Combine your RIB adventure with North Iceland sightseeing (e.g. Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss, or Húsavík)
- Private Group Deals: For agents, families, and custom tour operators
- Customer Support: 24/7 multilingual service before, during, and after your trip
Extend Your Northern Iceland Itinerary
TPO.Travel helps you build a full itinerary in Akureyri and beyond. Here’s how you can make it a 3-day escape:
- Day 1: Arrive in Akureyri, city tour + local dinner
- Day 2: RIB whale watching tour in the morning, then visit the Akureyri Botanical Gardens or relax at Forest Lagoon
- Day 3: Day tour to Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss with optional Nature Baths
High-Speed, High-Impact, Once-in-a-Lifetime
If you want to experience the wild heart of North Iceland, there is no better way than with TPO.Travel’s Akureyri Whales and Eyjafjord RIB Boat Tour. With minimal crowds, maximum mobility, expert guidance, and ethical practices, it’s an intimate marine safari you won’t soon forget.
Whether you’re planning a solo trip, a group outing, or a curated journey through Iceland with TPO.Travel, this adventure belongs at the top of your list.
Book Now and ride the waves with whales in the land of fire and ice.