Best Zodiac & RIB Boat Tours in Iceland — Largest Selection & Cheapest Prices Guaranteed

Zodiac and RIB boat tours in Iceland are some of the most exhilarating ways to explore the country’s raw, untamed landscapes. With speed and precision, these small vessels bring you face-to-face with floating icebergs, sea cliffs, whales, puffins, and other incredible wildlife that few ever see up close.

You can rent a car in Iceland to reach scenic coastal towns and hidden harbors where these thrilling boat trips typically begin for easy exploration and flexibility. Many travelers also include these tours as part of self-drive adventures in Iceland.

Whether you’re cruising through glacier lagoons or racing along a volcanic coast, every moment feels like a front-row seat to nature’s show.

What Are Zodiac and RIB Boat Tours?

Zodiac and RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) tours are small-group boat adventures in Iceland that let you explore the waters from a unique and thrilling perspective. These lightweight yet powerful boats are designed for speed, stability, and agility, perfect for navigating icy lagoons, fjords, and coastal cliffs that larger vessels can’t reach.

Both offer a thrilling but safe way to experience the wild beauty of Iceland from the water. Zodiac boats are often used in glacier lagoons like Jokulsarlon, where they weave between floating icebergs for breathtaking views.

RIBs, on the other hand, are built for open-sea adventures, gliding swiftly along rugged coastlines to spot whales, puffins, and sea caves.

Why Choose Zodiac & RIB Boat Tours in Iceland

If you want adventure with comfort and unmatched access to the country’s hidden corners, zodiac and RIB boat tours in Iceland are perfect. Each ride feels personal and immersive, blending the excitement of exploration with the calm beauty of Iceland’s wild seas and glacier lagoons.

Here are some reasons why RIB and Zodiac boat tours in Iceland stand out:

• Get closer to nature’s wonders: Sail among Iceland’s natural attractions like towering icebergs, glide into hidden sea caves, and explore volcanic coastlines with expert local guides who know every corner of the area.

• Enjoy small-group or private tours: These tours keep group sizes limited, offering a more personal and flexible experience where you can take your time and enjoy each sight.

• All gear provided for your comfort and safety: You’ll be fully equipped with the right gear, including floatation suits, life jackets, and waterproof clothing, to stay warm and dry on the water.

• Perfect for thrill and scenery lovers: Whether you’re traveling with family, capturing photos, or chasing adventure, these tours balance excitement with breathtaking views.

• Built for Iceland’s wild conditions: RIB and zodiac boats are designed for stability and speed, ensuring a smooth, safe ride even in shifting weather and sea conditions.

Popular Boat Tour Types and Locations in Iceland

Zodiac adventures and RIB boat tours in Iceland span from icy lagoons to coastal islands. Each destination offers something distinct—glacial blue waters, volcanic cliffs, or wildlife-rich bays.

Glacier Lagoon Zodiac Tours

Sail between towering icebergs at places like Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Zodiac boats can approach the glacier’s edge safely, giving you breathtaking views of ice formations and floating sculptures that shift daily.

Highlights:

• Close encounters with icebergs and calving glacier walls

• Small groups with expert glacier guides

• Typically operates from April to November

Whale & Wildlife RIB Tours

Northern Iceland’s Skjalfandi Bay and Eyjafjordur are top spots for whale watching and wildlife tours, offering incredible encounters with humpback whales, dolphins, and seabirds. You can also join RIB boat tours from Reykjavik or the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where calm seas and stunning coastal views create the perfect setting for spotting minke whales and puffins up close.

Highlights:

• High chance of spotting humpback whales and white-beaked dolphins

• Operates mainly from Husavik and Akureyri

• Small groups and faster boats for more sightings

Coastal & Island RIB Boat Tours

Explore Iceland’s dramatic volcanic coastline and island seascapes aboard powerful RIB boats. Around Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) or Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you’ll race past sea stacks, puffin cliffs, and lava-carved caves.

Highlights:

• Fast-paced rides along rugged coasts

• Puffin watching during summer (May–August)

• Great for photography enthusiasts and families

Top RIB and Zodiac Boat Tours in Iceland

See Iceland from a thrilling new angle: the water. These zodiac and RIB boat tours in Iceland offer front-row views of icebergs, glaciers, sea cliffs, and wildlife.

Best Glacier Lagoon Zodiac Tours in Iceland

1. Zodiac Boat Tour on Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: Board a small, agile zodiac and cruise between giant icebergs on Iceland’s most famous glacier lagoon. With fewer passengers and an expert guide, this tour gets you closer to Vatnajokull’s dramatic ice formations than larger boats can.

2. Private Glacier Hike & Zodiac Boat Tour from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: Experience two iconic adventures in one: a guided glacier hike and a private zodiac boat ride. Explore Vatnajokull’s frozen terrain on foot before gliding across Jokulsarlon’s sparkling lagoon.

3. Private Boat Tour of Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon on Zodiac: Enjoy a peaceful, private zodiac tour of Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon, one of Iceland’s hidden gems. With fewer crowds and closer views of the glacier tongue, it’s a perfect option for travelers seeking a quieter, more intimate ice experience.

Best Whale and Wildlife RIB Tours in Iceland

1. Whale Watching & Puffin Safari RIB Boat Tour from Husavik: Join a family-run crew in Husavik, Iceland’s whale watching capital, for an unforgettable RIB boat tour in North Iceland. Glide across Skjalfandi Bay to spot humpback whales, minke whales, and playful dolphins, plus puffins nesting on nearby cliffs in summer.

2. Up-Close Whale Watching RIB Tour from Reykjavik on Faxafloi Bay: Departing from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, this small-group RIB boat adventure offers a fast, comfortable way to encounter whales and dolphins near the capital. With panoramic views of Faxafloi Bay and the city skyline, it’s one of the best whale watching tours in Iceland.

3. Close-Up Whale & Bird Watching RIB Boat Tour from Akureyri: Speed through the calm waters of Eyjafjordur in North Iceland on this action-packed wildlife safari. See whales, puffins, and seabirds up close while surrounded by fjord views and snow-capped peaks.

Best Island RIB Boat Tours in Iceland

1. 2-Hour RIB Boat Tour of the Westman Islands from Heimaey Harbor: Set off from Heimaey Harbor on a high-speed RIB adventure around the volcanic Westman Islands. See dramatic sea cliffs, puffin colonies, and hidden sea caves.

2. Westman Islands Day Tour with a RIB Boat Ride from Reykjavik or South Iceland: This full-day experience combines a scenic journey from the mainland with a thrilling RIB ride around the islands. Spot puffins and sea caves, explore Heimaey’s charming town, and enjoy the perfect mix of adventure and discovery on Iceland’s southern coast.

Best Time To Visit Iceland for Zodiac & RIB Boat Tours

Choosing the right season for your zodiac and RIB boat tours in Iceland can completely shape your experience, from the weather and sea conditions to the sights and wildlife you’ll encounter.

• Glacier lagoon zodiac tours (May to October): This is the best time to explore Jokulsarlon and Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoons. Calm waters, mild weather, and deep blue icebergs make for incredible photos. In early summer, you might even spot seals resting on the ice.

• Whale and wildlife RIB tours (April to October): This is peak whale season in areas like Husavik, Akureyri, and Reykjavik’s Faxafloi Bay. Some tours even run year-round when conditions allow.

• Coastal RIB tours (May to September): Ideal months for exploring Iceland’s volcanic coastlines and islands like Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands). Puffins are nesting during this period, daylight lasts up to 24 hours, and sea conditions are generally favorable for longer rides.

Safety & Practical Tips for Zodiac & RIB Boat Tours in Iceland

RIB and Zodiac boat tours in Iceland are built for both adventure and safety. While these tours follow strict safety standards with trained guides and quality gear, a bit of preparation will help you make the most of your time on the water.

Here’s what to know before you go:

• Dress in layers with waterproof outerwear. It’s often much colder and windier on the water than on land, especially near glaciers.

• Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear. Boarding inflatable boats can require a bit of balance on wet or uneven surfaces.

• Use the provided safety gear. Every passenger receives a flotation suit, a life vest, and other protective clothing to stay warm and dry.

• Protect your camera and phone. Splashes are common, so bring waterproof covers if you plan to take photos of icebergs, whales, or puffins.

• Check age and height restrictions. Some zodiac and RIB tours have a minimum age (typically 8–10 years old) for safety reasons.

• Take precautions if prone to seasickness. Bring motion sickness tablets or patches if you’re sensitive to waves.

• Arrive early for check-in. Plan to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before departure for the safety briefing and gear fitting.

• Follow your guide’s instructions closely. Iceland’s sea and weather conditions can change rapidly, and your crew’s guidance ensures a safe, smooth experience.

With the right clothing, timing, and mindset, you’ll enjoy one of the most thrilling and safely run outdoor adventures Iceland has to offer.

Plan Your Zodiac or RIB Adventure in Iceland Today

Few experiences compare to gliding across mirror-like glacier lagoons or speeding past volcanic cliffs on a zodiac or RIB boat tour in Iceland. Whether you crave an adrenaline-filled ride or a scenic escape on the water, there’s a tour waiting for you.

Ready to experience Iceland from a new perspective? Book your Zodiac or RIB boat adventure today and see the land of fire and ice like never before!