The Whale Safari and Puffins RIB Boat Tour from Húsavík is an exhilarating way to explore Iceland’s stunning coastline. Participants can expect to witness the majestic blue whales, breaching humpbacks, and playful porpoises that call these waters home. However, the real thrill comes from the nimble RIB speedboats that skim across the waves, navigating fjords and sea caves. With expert guides leading the way, this tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with Iceland’s diverse marine wildlife. But the true adventure is just beginning as the speedboats take you on an unforgettable journey.
Key Points
- A 2-2.5 hour RIB boat tour from Húsavík that explores the Icelandic coastline and offers opportunities to spot whales, including blue whales and humpbacks, as well as puffins.
- The tour visits "Puffin Island" during the peak breeding season (mid-April to mid-August) to observe charming seabirds burrowing into cliffs and soaring above the waves.
- The nimble RIB boats provide a thrilling and memorable experience, skimming across waves and navigating narrow fjords and sea caves.
- Safety precautions include minimum age (8 years) and height (130 cm) requirements, and the operator provides warm safety overalls.
- The tour includes a professional guide with live commentary and transportation to and from attractions within walking distance of Húsavík.
Tour Overview
This whale and puffin RIB boat tour from Húsavík offers a thrilling 2 to 2.5-hour adventure along the stunning Icelandic coastline.
Guests can expect to skim across the waves, covering an expansive territory in search of majestic blue whales, breaching humpbacks, and playful porpoises.
During the peak breeding season from mid-April to mid-August, the tour also includes a visit to the aptly named ‘Puffin Island’ to observe these charming seabirds up close.
Travelers will be accompanied by a professional guide who’ll provide live commentary, and they’ll be outfitted in warm safety overalls to ensure a comfortable experience.
With the opportunity to witness some of Iceland’s most impressive marine life, this tour promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Whale and Puffin Sightings
Guests on the RIB boat tour can look forward to spotting a variety of whales, including the majestic blue whale, the breaching humpback, and the playful porpoise, as the vessel skims across the waves along Iceland’s stunning coastline.
During the peak breeding season from mid-April to mid-August, the tour also visits ‘Puffin Island‘ to observe these charming seabirds in their natural habitat. Guests will be amazed by the sheer numbers of puffins, which burrow into the cliffs and soar gracefully above the waves.
With expert guides providing live commentary, this once-in-a-lifetime experience offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the wonders of Iceland’s marine wildlife up close and personal.
RIB Speedboat Experience
The RIB speedboat whisks participants along Iceland’s dramatic coastline, providing an exhilarating and up-close encounter with the region’s abundant marine life.
These nimble rigid-hulled inflatable boats, known for their speed and maneuverability, allow guests to skim across the waves and navigate into narrow fjords and sea caves.
The expert guides provide live commentary, sharing insights about the whales, puffins, and other wildlife spotted during the tour.
Participants don warm safety overalls to stay dry and comfortable, even in the brisk North Atlantic conditions.
With the ability to cover an expansive territory, the RIB boat tour offers a thrilling and memorable way to experience Iceland’s incredible natural wonders.
Safety Precautions
Participants must meet certain safety requirements to join the whale and puffin RIB boat tour. Specifically, the minimum age is 8 years, and the minimum height is 130 cm.
Plus, the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart or back problems.
All passengers must wear warm and waterproof clothing, as the boat will skim along the coast, exposing them to the elements.
The tour operator provides warm safety overalls to help keep participants comfortable. However, it’s essential for guests to come prepared with the right attire to ensure their safety and enjoyment throughout the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Inclusions and Preparation
The tour includes a professional guide who provides live commentary onboard the RIB speedboat. Transportation to and from the attractions, within walking distance from most accommodations in Húsavík, is also provided.
To prepare for the adventure, the company recommends:
- Bringing warm and waterproof clothing to stay comfortable during the tour.
- Ensuring participants meet the minimum age of 8 years and minimum height of 130 cm.
- Avoiding the tour if pregnant or having heart or back problems, as it’s not recommended for those conditions.
With these inclusions and preparation tips, guests can look forward to a once-in-a-lifetime experience exploring the waters and wildlife around Húsavík.
Cancellation Policy
Customers can cancel the tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, customers are offered an alternative date or a full refund. Plus, if the minimum passenger requirement is not met, customers are offered an alternative or a full refund.
| Cancellation Policy | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cancel up to 24 hours in advance | Full Refund | – |
| Canceled due to poor weather | Alternative Date | Full Refund |
| Minimum passenger requirement not met | Alternative | Full Refund |
This flexible cancellation policy ensures customers can plan their tour with confidence, knowing they have options if their plans change or the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Meeting Point and Arrival
The tour departs from the Gentle Giants Ticket Center in Húsavík, where participants are advised to arrive at least 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Look for the big blue flags to identify the meeting point.
Once at the meeting point, guests can:
- Check-in and complete any necessary paperwork.
- Receive their warm safety overalls to prepare for the boat ride.
- Familiarize themselves with the tour guide and ask any final questions before setting off on the whale and puffin adventure.
Being punctual and prepared will ensure a smooth start to this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Transportation and Accommodations
After ensuring guests are prepared and ready at the meeting point, the tour provider offers convenient transportation to and from the attractions within walking distance of most accommodations in Húsavík.
This service caters to the needs of visitors, making the experience seamless. The tour’s inclusions cover transportation, so participants don’t have to worry about getting to the departure point.
This accessibility is particularly helpful for those staying close to the Gentle Giants Ticket Center, the designated meeting location. By providing this convenient transportation, the tour operator ensures a hassle-free start and end to the whale and puffin adventure, allowing guests to fully enjoy the tour’s highlights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour operator allows outside provisions, as long as they are properly stored and do not create any issues or disturbances during the excursion.
Is Photography Permitted During the Tour?
Photography is permitted during the tour. Guests are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the incredible wildlife and scenery. The guide will provide tips to help guests get the best shots.
What Should I Do if I Feel Seasick During the Tour?
If you start feeling seasick during the tour, let the guide know right away. They can provide helpful seasickness remedies and ensure you’re comfortable. Don’t hesitate to step off the boat if needed to avoid further discomfort.
Can I Request a Private or Customized Tour?
Yes, you can request a private or customized tour. The tour operator offers flexible options to meet individual needs and preferences. They’ll work with you to create a tailored experience based on your interests and requirements.
Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size for the Tour?
The tour has a minimum passenger requirement, but there’s no maximum group size. Groups can range from a small number up to the boat’s capacity. The company will notify customers if the minimum isn’t met and offer alternatives.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
Recap
The Whale Safari and Puffins RIB Boat Tour from Húsavík offers an unforgettable adventure.
Participants can witness the majesty of Iceland’s marine life up close, from breaching humpbacks to playful porpoises, as well as visit the puffin breeding grounds.
The thrilling RIB speedboat experience provides an adrenaline-pumping journey through fjords and sea caves, led by expert guides.
This tour is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take in Iceland’s stunning natural wonders.
