Akureyri Whale Watching Express RIB Speedboat Review

So, you are thinking of doing a whale watching trip when you are up in Akureyri, Iceland? And this two hour “Express” tour by RIB boat, is that it? That kind of seems, almost, ideal if you’re short on time, right? In this article, we will be looking at what to expect if you chose this specific whale watching excursion, and then it is up to you if it meets your expectations. Anyway, from what the benefits are to possible drawbacks, let’s investigate this particular option.

Why Pick a RIB Speedboat for Whale Watching, anyway?

RIB, or Rigid Inflatable Boat, are, in a way, more and more desired for whale watching excursions. I mean, they offer a set of benefits that bigger boats sometimes just can’t provide, actually. Then what might these be, you might ask?

Speed and Agility: Because of their lightweight design combined with quite powerful engines, RIB speedboats can move quite quickly across the water. Very speedy they are. I think that is really nice when you are trying to cover a significant area looking for whales, just to save you time, in that case. I think so, too it’s almost important if you want to pack more stuff into one single day.

Smaller Groups: Usually, these RIB boats take fewer people than those big tour boats. Like your, you know, a more personal kind of feeling where you aren’t battling for railing space with, honestly, a bunch of others to catch a sight of those whales. With this in mind, if a smaller group seems ideal, this might be, in a way, more up your alley.

Closer to the Water: Riding closer to water level definitely gives that intense feeling and great pictures. As I was saying, you just might feel more a part of the environment than when you are staring out the side of one of the bigger boats.

More Adventure: It tends to be that getting bounced around a bit in a speedy boat adds excitement, honestly, right? Also, that fresh breeze, so it seems. I think that kind of gives you more than the, perhaps, comfortable but rather subdued tour on those, arguably, larger vessels. Basically.

What to Expect on the “Express” Tour

Alright, so what’s involved when you opt for the Akureyri Whale Watching Express trip by RIB boat? That being said, there might be a couple of things to consider:

Duration: The tour, generally, tends to clock in at two hours, making it that, kind of, compact option. It tends to be, typically, great if you’ve got a tight schedule. Perhaps you might want to hike in the morning and relax somewhere nice after? That is if it sounds attractive. So you can.

What You Might See: You are often able to observe, usually, various kinds of whales. Sometimes that can include humpbacks, minkes, and maybe even those elusive orcas, too it’s almost something to behold. Besides the big boys, keep an eye out, typically, for dolphins and seabirds because these are other stars in that area’s sea show.

Gear and Guidance: All necessary gear, in some respects, might be given by your tour operator, generally. That sometimes includes a warm waterproof suit, alright? It is still pretty crucial because being out on the water may be colder than you think. Of course, you are typically, in a way, led by, honestly, people who can point out those whales, but, really, give some cool knowledge about the wildlife too.

The Ride: Get prepared for the bumpy ride. A RIB moves quickly, which will tend to be very interesting as you dash across the waves. Just to let you know. In some respects, if you do tend to have back issues or just, very, very pregnant, you should really kind of see if this activity fits the bill.

Benefits of a Short and Speedy Whale Watch, Actually

Ok, what is it that is that you get from choosing an “Express” tour rather than just the standard kind, really?

Perfect for Tight Schedules: Arguably, for people visiting Iceland for only some days, this two-hour excursion will tend to be more doable than half-day trips. We, kind of, know some might, that, want to squeeze every sight they possibly could, right?

Less Exposure to the Elements: Out on the water for less time means you might freeze less too, in fact. Weather is super hard to predict, but, really, sometimes conditions out on the water might get rough, very. Short time on the water, you see less of it, really.

Higher Chance of Action: Tour operators usually know what they’re doing, in short, by knowing the hot spots where whales generally visit. As a matter of fact, by being swift, you tend to be more able to run from location to another if, honestly, your target whales happen to be out somewhere else. Honestly, really.

Potential Downsides

Everything is not completely unicorns and rainbows. So, keep that in mind.

Less Time for Whale Watching: The primary downside, very. This means you might be getting less encounters than what might come with, in that case, a longer tour. This is, more or less, dependent on, definitely, just pure dumb luck.

Can Feel Rushed: Things do go speedy so as to accommodate just that two-hour mark. As a matter of fact, if you want something laid back, you are probably needing a standard tour anyway.

Weather Dependent: Like your standard tours, they get cancelled because it is way too rough out there. Still the same, generally. Any tour operator’s, really, first thought, basically, is to see you come out unharmed and safe. In short, keep it always at the back of your mind that flexibility for those times might, arguably, be key when setting any excursions.

Is This Express Whale Watch Right For You?

Is this the perfect whale watching tour that there could be? Could be? Here are thoughts so you can make up minds.

If you are on a tight schedule: If time means something when setting your schedule and that there are countless things to see, in that case this express version has potential. Basically.

You are more into a high speed adventure than slow relaxing sightings: Since the trip goes speedy, prepare to get wet with, clearly, an interesting adventure. This really has potential if that’s the case.

If that mild seasickness strikes easily: The fast movements might not always seem fun if seasickness happens pretty fast, or that it causes pain to the back or skeletal. Or, to explain it in a different manner, a person would like to sit somewhere without bumps and with smooth travel. This should have been, obviously, considered first before booking this specific tour to make sure it has benefits to your experience. Instead.