Westman Islands Boat Tour | 2-Hour RIB Boat

2 hoursGroup: Shared boatModerateRIB speedboatAll agesMay–September

Passengers in warm suits on the RIB boat

A 2-hour RIB boat tour that goes further into the Westman Islands archipelago than the shorter trip, out toward the outer islands, with a guide pointing out wildlife and telling the islands' stories along the way.

Heimaey harbourIslands near HeimaeyOuter archipelago

A longer RIB speedboat route than the 1-hour trip, reaching further out islands
Views of the wider Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, not just the coast of Heimaey
Guided commentary on local history and traditions
A chance of seabirds, seals and occasionally whales
More time on the water for photos and exploring

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.

1Meet at Heimaey harbourMeet at the harbour in Heimaey town and suit up for the ride.

Depart Heimaey harbourHead out from the harbour, passing the islands closest to Heimaey.

You head out from the harbour at Heimaey, passing the islands closest to it. The boat covers the same close sights as the shorter trip first, then continues further out. The trip takes about 2 hours in total.

Time here · trip runs about 2 hours

Outer archipelagoRide further out toward the outer islands of the archipelago.

Small island with a lone house in the Westman Islands

The boat pushes further from Heimaey than the 1-hour trip, reaching more remote islands and rock stacks used by seabirds. It is colder further from shore, so bring a warm hat.

Tip · bring a warm hat, it's colder further from shore

4Return to Heimaey harbourRide back to the harbour in Heimaey town.

About the Westman Islands 2-hour RIB boat tour

This is the longer of the two RIB boat trips, giving you twice the time on the water to explore further into the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. After covering the same close-in sights near Heimaey as the shorter trip, the boat pushes on toward the outer islands.

The extra time means more stops and a better look at the wider group of islands beyond Heimaey, some of which are just bare rock stacks used by nesting seabirds. The guide keeps up a running commentary on the islands' history and traditions as you go.

As with the shorter trip, it's an open, fast boat rather than a sightseeing cruise, so it's a wetter, more physical ride. Dress warmly and expect some bouncing on rougher days.

Included

RIB speedboat ride with guide
Flotation suit
Commentary on history and traditions

Not included

Transport to Heimaey (ferry or flight)
Food and drinks

What to bring

Warm clothing under the suit provided
A hat, it's colder further offshore

Good to know

About 2 hours, departing from Heimaey harbour
Runs mid-May to the end of September
Minimum group size of 5 to run
Reduced pricing for children under 12
Not recommended if you are pregnant or have back problems

Questions people ask

How is this different from the 1-hour trip?

It covers the same close-in sights, then continues further out into the archipelago toward the outer islands, with more time on the water.

Is it a rough ride?

It can be, since it's an open speedboat further from shore. Dress warmly and hold on between stops.

Can we see puffins on this trip?

Seabirds are common on the outer islands, though this trip focuses more on the boat ride than a dedicated puffin stop.

Is there a minimum group size?

Yes, trips usually need a minimum of 5 passengers to run.

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From26,300 ISKPer person