Beluga Bay & Puffin Island Boat Trip with Aquarium Visit in Heimaey

This tour has been discontinued for Summer 2025. Check our alternative Heimay Shoreline excursions.

Beluga Bay & Puffin Island Boat Trip with Aquarium Visit in Heimaey

Duration: 1 hour | Difficulty Level: Easy

Tour Highlights

• Scenic guided boat tour from Vestmanneyjar harbor
• Visit the world’s first Beluga Whale Sanctuary
• Observe puffin colonies on nearby islands
• Free admission to the Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary Visitor Centre

Tour Description

Join us on an unforgettable one-hour boat trip from Vestmanneyjar harbor to explore the world’s first Beluga Whale Sanctuary and the nearby puffin colonies. This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about Little White and Little Grey, the first beluga whale residents of the sanctuary, and witness the beautiful facilities at Beluga Bay. The tour also includes a visit to the Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary Visitor Centre, where you can see the belugas in their landside care facility, visit the puffin rescue centre, and explore the local aquarium and natural history exhibits.

This tour is ideal for cruise passengers looking for a convenient and enriching activity on Vestmannaeyjar Island. With the harbor just a stone’s throw away from the cruise pier, it’s easy to fit this excursion into your schedule, ensuring you make the most of your time on the island.

Itinerary

1. Meet and Check-In: Arrive at Ribsafari’s office at Tangagata 7, Vestmannaeyjar harbor, at 12:45 PM, located next to the children’s playground.
2. Boat Tour: Embark on a one-hour scenic boat tour to Beluga Bay and nearby puffin colonies.
3. Beluga Whale Sanctuary: Learn about Little White and Little Grey, and see the ongoing improvements at the sanctuary.
4. Puffin Island: Explore the puffin colonies along the cliffside of Vestmannaeyjar.
5. Visitor Centre: After the boat trip, enjoy free admission to the Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary Visitor Centre, located just a two-minute walk from the boat departure area.

About the Places You Visit

Beluga Whale Sanctuary

Situated in Klettsvik Bay, this sanctuary is dedicated to the welfare and conservation of beluga whales. Learn about the inspiring journey of Little White and Little Grey as they transitioned from captivity to a more natural environment. The sanctuary focuses on providing a safe and enriching home for these magnificent creatures.

Puffin Island

Vestmannaeyjar is known for its vibrant puffin colonies, especially during the breeding season. Puffins, with their colorful beaks and charming behaviors, are a delight to watch. The cliffs of Vestmannaeyjar provide a perfect habitat for these seabirds, making it a prime spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary Visitor Centre

This visitor centre is a treasure trove of marine life information. Besides viewing Little White and Little Grey in their care facility, you can explore exhibits about local marine life, the puffin rescue efforts, and the broader conservation initiatives undertaken by the Sea Life Trust. The local aquarium showcases a variety of species native to Icelandic waters, offering an educational and engaging experience for all ages.

What’s Included?

• Entry and admission fee for the one-hour boat trip
• Free admission to the Visitor Centre on the same day as the boat trip

Exclusions

• Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Depending on sea conditions, the boat trip will visit either the beluga whale sanctuary in Klettsvik or a nearby island.
• Visitors can use the Visitor Centre admission either before or after the boat trip.

What to Bring?

• Camera for capturing the memorable moments
• Suitable clothing for an outdoor boating trip, such as closed-toed, nonslip shoes

Cancellation Policy

• 100% cancellation fee if booking is canceled 4 days or less before the event.

Why Choose This Tour?

• Unique Experience: Be among the few to visit the world’s first Beluga Whale Sanctuary.
• Educational: Learn about marine conservation efforts and the lives of Little White and Little Grey.
• Scenic Beauty: Enjoy stunning views of Vestmannaeyjar harbor, Beluga Bay, and puffin colonies.
• Family-Friendly: An ideal adventure for families with children.
• Eco-Friendly: Support marine conservation efforts with your visit.

Meeting Points

• Ribsafari’s office at Tangagata 7, Vestmannaeyjar harbor, next to the children’s playground.

Ideal for Cruise Passengers

This tour is perfect for cruise passengers looking for an engaging activity on Vestmannaeyjar Island. The proximity of the harbor to the cruise pier makes it easy to fit this excursion into your schedule, allowing you to explore the island’s unique attractions without worrying about time constraints.

Important Notes

• Please arrive at the meeting point at least 30 minutes before the departure time for check-in.
• The tour is subject to weather conditions, and the route may vary depending on sea conditions.

Embark on this extraordinary adventure to explore the world’s first Beluga Whale Sanctuary and puffin colonies, all while supporting marine conservation efforts. Book your tour today and enjoy a seamless and enriching experience in Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland.