RIB BOAT VS BIG BOAT WHALE WATCHING IN ICELAND: Which should you choose?
Whale watching tours in Iceland are not all the same.
The type of boat you choose can completely change the experience.
Most tours fall into two categories: large boats and smaller RIB boats.
Big boats are stable, comfortable, and better protected from the weather. RIB boats are faster, more exposed, and feel closer to the water.
Both can be great, but they suit very different expectations.
This guide helps you choose the one that actually fits your trip.
The core difference
The main difference isn’t just the boat, it’s the type of experience.
Big boat:
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Large, stable vessel
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Indoor seating + toilets
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Smoother ride in rough conditions
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More space to move around
RIB boat:
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Small, fast inflatable boat
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No indoor area
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Closer to the water
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More dynamic, sometimes rougher ride
Both types go to the same areas and can see the same whales.
What changes is how you experience the trip.
When a big boat is the better choice
A large boat is usually the better option if comfort matters more than intensity:
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You’re prone to seasickness
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You prefer a stable, slower ride
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You want indoor space, toilets, and shelter
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You’re traveling with kids or mixed-age groups
For most travelers, this is the safer and more relaxed choice.
When a RIB boat is the better choice
RIB boats are better if you want a more active and immersive experience:
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You don’t mind wind, cold, or waves
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You prefer smaller groups
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You want to feel closer to the water
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You’re looking for something more dynamic
It’s less about comfort, and more about how the experience feels.
RIB vs big boat: what most people don’t expect
The difference isn’t just comfort, it’s exposure.
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RIB boats can feel cold and rough, even in good weather
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Big boats can feel more distant from the action
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The experience depends heavily on conditions, not just the boat
What feels exciting to one person can feel uncomfortable to another.
Does the boat type affect your chances of seeing whales?
Not as much as people think.
Whale sightings depend more on:
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location
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time of year
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sea conditions
Both boat types go to the same feeding areas.
Choosing the right place matters more than choosing the faster boat.
We explain this in more detail in our guide to whale watching in Iceland: when the location matters.
So, which one should you choose?
If you’re unsure, most people are happier choosing comfort over intensity.
A big boat offers a more stable and predictable experience.
A RIB boat can feel more memorable, but only if you’re comfortable with the conditions.
The best choice isn’t about which is “better”, but which fits how you want to experience it.
More than the type of boat, the quality of the operator has a bigger impact on the experience.
Smaller groups, experienced guides, and a respectful approach to wildlife make the biggest difference.
If you’re looking for a well-run tour, these are the ones we trust:
→ Whale Watching Akureyri
(rib boat)
(big boat)
You can use code NIIICE when booking.