Whale Watching - RIB Boat Adventure

Exploring Iceland’s stunning coastline by RIB boat offers an exhilarating way to witness the country’s magnificent marine life up close. Powerful and open-air, these specially-designed vessels provide a thrilling yet comfortable ride as you sail along the picturesque shore in search of whales and other creatures. With warm, waterproof gear provided and a safety briefing to start, this 2-hour adventure promises an unforgettable encounter with Iceland’s natural wonders. But for some, the physical restrictions may make this activity unsuitable – so it’s best to consider your own capabilities before embarking on this exciting journey.

Key Points

This 2-hour RIB boat adventure offers a thrilling whale watching experience along the Icelandic coastline.
The boat features powerful engines, suspension seating, and optimal stability for an exhilarating yet comfortable ride.
Participants will receive warm, floatable overalls, life vests, gloves, and goggles for their comfort and safety.
The activity starts from a conveniently located harbor in Kópavogur, with easily identifiable landmarks to find the meeting point.
Certain physical restrictions apply, and alcohol and drug use are strictly prohibited to ensure the safety of all participants.

About the Activity

The whale watching RIB boat adventure offers a thrilling 2-hour experience.

It begins with a brief 5-minute safety briefing before setting out for 45 minutes of sightseeing, sailing, and scenic views along the coastline.

This is followed by 60 minutes dedicated to whale watching and wildlife viewing.

The adventure concludes with a 15-minute break for local snacks.

During this exhilarating journey, you will board a powerful, open RIB boat equipped with two 440 hp Volvo Penta engines and padded suspension jockey seats with shock mitigation, ensuring a comfortable and safe ride.

To stay warm and protected, all guests will receive a warm floatable overall, life vest, gloves, and goggles as part of the included amenities.

Boat Features

Powerful and open, the RIB boat boasts two 440 hp Volvo Penta engines that deliver an exhilarating ride.

Its padded suspension jockey seats with shock mitigation ensure a comfortable and safe journey for all aboard.

This cutting-edge vessel is designed to provide an unforgettable whale watching experience.

Key features include:

Powerful, open RIB boat construction for optimal stability and maneuverability
Dual 440 hp Volvo Penta engines for rapid acceleration and top speeds
Padded suspension jockey seats that absorb the impact of waves, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride
Shock mitigation technology for superior comfort and reduced fatigue during the excursion

With its impressive capabilities and thoughtful design, this RIB boat is the perfect platform to witness the majestic marine life of the region.

Inclusions

For the whale watching RIB boat adventure, guests receive a comprehensive set of equipment designed to ensure their comfort and safety.

Warm floatable overalls, life vests, gloves, and goggles are all provided, allowing participants to fully enjoy the exhilarating experience without worrying about the elements.

The waterproof and insulated overalls keep the body protected from the chilly ocean breeze, while the life vests guarantee buoyancy in the event of an unexpected incident.

Gloves and goggles further enhance the experience, enabling guests to fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery and wildlife without the discomfort of wind and spray.

This all-inclusive package ensures that guests can focus on the thrill of the whale watching adventure.

Meeting Point

Guests typically meet at the harbor in Kópavogur, where they’ll find the blue boat Bliki docked at a floating dock.

The company’s distinctive logo is displayed on a nearby white container house. This convenient meeting point allows for a smooth start to the whale watching adventure.

Once gathered, guests can take a few moments to familiarize themselves with the meeting location and identify any necessary landmarks. The meeting spot is easy to locate and offers a picturesque setting to begin the exciting RIB boat tour.

Key things to look for at the meeting point include:

The blue boat Bliki
The company’s logo on a white container house
A floating dock
The harbor in Kópavogur

Restrictions

The RIB boat adventure isn’t suitable for certain individuals, including pregnant women, people under 4 ft 3 in (130 cm), those with mobility impairments, or those with back problems. Alcohol and drug use are also strictly prohibited during the tour. This is for the safety and comfort of all participants.

The powerful, open RIB boat is designed for an exhilarating whale watching experience, with its two high-performance Volvo Penta engines and padded suspension jockey seats. However, those with physical limitations may find the ride challenging.

The company takes precautions to ensure a memorable and secure outing for everyone involved. Guests are provided with the necessary safety gear, but those who don’t meet the requirements are kindly asked to sit this adventure out.

Safety Briefing

Before embarking on the whale watching adventure, participants receive a 5-minute safety briefing that covers key information for the journey.

The crew thoroughly explains the proper use of the safety equipment, which includes a warm floatable overall, life vest, gloves, and goggles. They also highlight the boat’s features, such as its powerful engines and shock-absorbing seats, to ensure everyone feels secure.

The safety briefing emphasizes the importance of following the crew’s instructions at all times. This includes:

Remaining seated during the tour
Keeping hands and feet inside the boat
Avoiding sudden movements
Listening carefully to any instructions or warnings

Sightseeing and Sailing

After the safety briefing, the powerful RIB boat speeds off, carving through the water as it takes passengers on a 45-minute sightseeing and sailing adventure.

Exhilarating turns and smooth acceleration showcase the boat’s impressive capabilities, while the open-air design allows for panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.

Participants eagerly scan the horizon, anticipating the next phase of the whale watching experience.

The boat navigates through the picturesque fjords, offering glimpses of the rugged coastline and the distant mountains.

The salty sea air invigorates the senses, as the thrill of the ride heightens the anticipation of the main event – the whale watching portion of the tour.

Local Snacks

Following the exhilarating sightseeing and sailing adventure, passengers are treated to a selection of local snacks.

These Icelandic delights provide a taste of the region’s culinary traditions, complementing the breathtaking scenery and wildlife viewing experienced earlier in the tour. The snacks may include:

Skyr, a traditional Icelandic yogurt-like dairy product
Kleina, a tasty fried pastry twist
Lakkrís, a chewy licorice candy
Harðfiskur, dried and salted fish, a popular Icelandic snack

These local specialties offer a chance to savor the flavors of Iceland, creating a well-rounded experience that connects the natural beauty of the whale watching expedition with the unique cultural heritage of the island nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Bring With Me on the Whale Watching Tour?

When going on a whale watching tour, guests should bring warm, waterproof clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the stunning marine life and scenic views. The tour operator will provide necessary safety equipment.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the boat. The tour includes local snacks during the 15-minute break, and outside food and beverages aren’t allowed for safety and cleanliness reasons.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour has a minimum age requirement of 4 feet 3 inches (130 cm) in height. Children younger than this are not permitted on the RIB boat adventure for safety reasons.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

The company has a flexible cancellation and refund policy. Customers can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Refunds may be provided for medical emergencies or extreme weather conditions that force the tour’s cancellation.

How Often Do You See Whales on the Tours?

While whale sightings can’t be guaranteed, the tours typically spot whales on 70-80% of outings. Guests are often treated to breathtaking views of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat during the 60-minute wildlife viewing portion.

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