Embark on an exhilarating expedition to spot whales and dolphins in the Eyjafjörður fjord. This 2-hour RIB boat tour from Akureyri offers a chance to witness the majestic humpbacks, playful minkes, and charismatic white-beaked dolphins up close. With a small group capped at 12 passengers, you’ll enjoy personalized attention from the guide. But before you dive in, there are a few essential details to consider.
Key Points
- 2-hour whale watching cruise from Akureyri’s pier, offering sightings of humpback whales, mink whales, and white-beaked dolphins.
- Small-group tour limited to 12 passengers for a personalized experience, with a whale guarantee of a free classic tour if no whales are seen.
- Provision of safety gear, including life jackets, overalls, goggles, and gloves, to ensure comfort and protection during the expedition.
- Strict age and size requirements, with a minimum age of 10 years and a minimum height of 57 inches, for the safety and comfort of all participants.
- Flexible cancelation policy, allowing for full refunds up to 24 hours prior to departure, but non-refundable for no-shows or cancelations within 24 hours.
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Overview of the Tour
This 2-hour whale watching cruise from Akureyri offers the chance to spot humpback whales, mink whales, and white-beaked dolphins along Iceland’s north coast, one of the best places in Europe to see whales.
The small-group tour is limited to 12 passengers, ensuring a personalized experience. Guests can choose from various departure times and enjoy a whale guarantee – if no whales are seen, they can come again for free on the classic tour.
The tour provides all necessary equipment, including life jackets, overalls, goggles, and gloves. Passengers will depart from the pier in central Akureyri, zip along the Eyjafjörður fjord, and make stops to spot wildlife.
Departure and Meeting Point
Guests depart for the whale watching cruise from the pier by the HOF Cultural Center in downtown Akureyri, located at Oddeyrarböt 2 with coordinates 65°04’59.8’N / 18°05’09.1’W. This is the meeting point for the tour.
Guests will board the RIB (rigid-inflatable boat) and set off to search for whales in the Eyjafjörður fjord. The tour has a maximum of 12 passengers, ensuring a personalized experience.
Participants must meet the minimum age and height requirements to join the expedition. Those with certain medical conditions may be advised against taking the tour for safety reasons.
Wildlife Spotting Opportunities
The RIB boat zips across the Eyjafjörður fjord, offering passengers the chance to spot majestic humpback whales, sleek white-beaked dolphins, and elusive mink whales. With a bit of luck, you’ll catch glimpses of these magnificent creatures as the boat makes stops to scan for wildlife. To help you keep track of what you might see, here’s a quick overview:
| Animal | Description |
|---|---|
| Humpback Whale | Massive, with distinctive humped backs and long pectoral fins |
| White-Beaked Dolphin | Sleek and agile, with a distinctive white beak |
| Mink Whale | Smaller and more elusive than their humpback cousins |
The fjord’s waters are teeming with marine life, so keep your eyes peeled for these awe-inspiring sights.
Tour Duration and Schedule
The tour departs from the pier in central Akureyri, offering guests a choice of start times – 10am, 12pm, 2pm, or 4pm.
This 2-hour whale watching cruise is a small-group tour, limited to 12 passengers for a personalized experience.
The tour operates on a rigid-inflatable boat (RIB), allowing guests to zip along the Eyjafjörður fjord in search of wildlife.
The operator provides a whale guarantee – if no whales are spotted, guests can return for a free classic tour.
The minimum age to participate is 10 years, and the minimum height requirement is 57 inches.
A maximum of 8 people are allowed per booking.
Personalized Small-Group Experience
This small-group tour limits participation to just 12 guests, ensuring a personalized whale watching experience.
With a maximum of 8 people per booking, you’ll enjoy an intimate atmosphere and have the guide’s undivided attention.
The small group size allows for flexibility, letting the crew adapt to changing weather conditions and wildlife sightings.
You won’t get lost in a massive crowd, either. Instead, you’ll have ample opportunity to ask questions, snap photos, and fully learn about the magnificent marine life.
Whether you choose the 10am, 12pm, 2pm, or 4pm departure, this small-scale approach promises an exclusive, tailored adventure on the open water.
Safety Gear and Provisions
Outfitting participants in essential safety gear, the RIB boat crew ensures everyone’s comfort and protection throughout the whale watching excursion. All guests are provided with life jackets, overalls, goggles, and gloves to shield them from the elements. This specialized equipment helps maintain body temperature and visibility during the adventurous ride.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Life Jackets | Provide buoyancy and prevent drowning |
| Overalls | Protect against wind, water, and cold |
| Goggles | Enhance visibility and reduce glare |
| Gloves | Keep hands warm and dry |
The tour’s thoughtful provisions cater to the unique demands of this whale watching experience, allowing participants to focus on the majestic marine life without worry.
Age and Size Requirements
According to the tour’s requirements, participants must be at least 10 years old and a minimum height of 57 inches (145cm).
The tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, heart conditions, or pregnant travelers.
The key age and size requirements are:
- Minimum age: 10 years
- Minimum height: 57 inches (145cm)
- Maximum of 8 people per booking
The tour operator takes these requirements seriously to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. Guests who don’t meet the age and size criteria may be turned away at the departure point.
Cancelation and Refund Policy
The tour operator has a flexible cancelation and refund policy. Customers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time and receive a full refund. No-shows or cancelations within 24 hours of the tour are non-refundable.
While flexibility is important, the policy aims to protect the operator from last-minute cancelations, which can impact their ability to accommodate other customers. Travelers are encouraged to carefully review the policy and plan accordingly to avoid any unexpected charges.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Weather Like During the Tour?
The weather during the tour can be unpredictable. Expect cool temperatures, strong winds, and potential rain or fog. Dress warmly and bring waterproof gear to stay comfortable on the open water.
What Type of Camera Equipment Is Recommended?
A DSLR camera with a telephoto lens is recommended for whale watching tours. Compact cameras can work, but a DSLR will capture clearer, more detailed shots of the whales. Bring extra batteries and memory cards to ensure you don’t miss any action.
Are There Any Restrictions on Bringing Food or Drinks?
Passengers can’t bring their own food or drinks on the whale watching tour. The company provides hot drinks and snacks during the cruise. Outside food and beverages are not allowed for safety and logistical reasons.
Can I Bring My Own Life Jacket or Wetsuit?
Guests can’t bring their own life jackets or wetsuits. The tour provides the necessary gear, including life jackets, overalls, goggles, and gloves. This ensures safety and consistency for all participants.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Groups or Families?
Discounts are available for groups of 4 or more, and for children under 12. Families can save up to 15% on the tour price. Discounts are applied at the time of booking.
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Recap
The express whale watching tour from Akureyri offers an exclusive small-group experience to spot whales and dolphins in the Eyjafjörður fjord.
With essential safety gear and age/size requirements, the tour ensures a comfortable and secure expedition.
Cancelation and refund policies are in place, providing flexibility for guests.
This tour provides a personalized and immersive wildlife-viewing opportunity in Iceland’s stunning natural environment.
