Scenic 2 Hour RIB Boat Tour of the Westman Islands with Transfer from Heimaey Harbor

Explore the Westman Islands in style on this RIB-boat adventure. This tour is not to be missed by anyone who loves adrenaline, wildlife, history and spectacular geology.

This tour departs from the harbour of Heimaey, the only island of the archipelago to be inhabited. The RIB vessel has fewer seats than larger boats, guaranteeing a more personal, as well as a much more adventurous, excursion. 

Once your group has boarded, you will shoot out of the harbour, and begin your exploration of the Westman Islands. There are fifteen islands and thirty rock outcrops to zip around, all of which have fascinating geology, and the vast majority of which have a wealth of birdlife. After all, Vestmannaeyjar has the highest number of nesting puffins in the world.

You will see them nestled into the rocks, guarding their burrows, diving into the water to feed and clumsily sprinting along its surface to take off.

They, however, are not the only animals found in the area. The Westman Islands are one of the best spots in the country for whale-watching, particularly to see otherwise elusive orcas and fin whales. You may also see humpback, minke and even blue whales, as well as harbour porpoises and white-beaked dolphins.

Outside of the wildlife, you will be exposed to many fascinating rock formations. Perhaps the most famous of these is the ‘Elephant Head’, a corner of a cliff which looks exactly like an elephant drinking from the sea.

The geology of this area is the result of active volcanism beneath the land and the ocean. The most destructive volcanic eruption of recent times happened in Vestmannaeyjar, with lava destroying 20% of the buildings on Heimaey and almost entirely closing in its harbour. 

Thankfully, there were no casualties, and the lava flow was stopped by the ingenious and bold idea of pumping seawater onto it. Through this technique, Icelanders, in fact, managed to improve the harbour, by allowing the lava to close it off just a little.

After you have admired the wildlife and geology of the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, you will return to Heimaey, no doubt in a state of exhilaration from your adventure.

Witness one of Iceland’s little-visited gems in the most exciting way possible. Check availability by choosing a date.