Neskaupstaður: Nature Tour by RIB Boat

Join us on an unforgettable journey where dramatic landscapes, living stories, and the power of the ocean come together in one thrilling experience. Departing from the pier in the heart of Neskaupstaður, your guide welcomes you aboard a fast and stable RIB boat. From the first moment, you are embraced by the scent of salt in the air, the rush of the sea breeze, and views that take your breath away.

With insightful narration from a local guide, we cruise through the fjord, each stop revealing deeper layers of Iceland's history – both natural and human. Our first destination is Páskahellir, a sea cave carved by waves and time. Step inside (conditions allowing) and witness lava formations and ancient tree molds, while hearing legends woven into the rock itself.

We continue past Nípan, Iceland’s tallest sea cliff, towering dramatically from the ocean. Birdlife fills the skies – puffins, auks, gulls – and you become a quiet visitor to their world, as your guide shares the fascinating ecology and hidden stories of this remote corner of the country.

Then comes Rauðubjörg – cliffs so vivid in colour they seem unreal. Reddish rhyolite and elegantly curved basalt columns shimmer in the light, like nature’s own cathedral. We pause offshore to soak it all in, take photos, and simply be present with the land.

Our final stop is the peaceful Hellisfjörður, where silence reigns and history lingers in the remains of an old whaling station. Undisturbed and rich with life, the fjord invites reflection and a deep connection to nature’s quiet power.

On the return journey, we glide along the cliffs of Múli, where seabirds nest and the landscape bids us farewell with one last majestic display. The tour concludes at Beituskúrinn, where a drink is waiting to toast the experience.

1-hour RIB boat tour with guide
Drink at Beituskúrinn at the end of the tour

The tour is subject to favourable weather and sea conditions. Onboard guiding covers topics such as geology, birdlife, and local folklore, and is tailored to the interests of the guests and the conditions each time.

A 100% charge applies if canceled within 1 days of the start time.

Departure from the pier by Beituskúrinn in Norðfjörður Harbour
The tour begins at the pier in the heart of Neskaupstaður, where a guide welcomes guests aboard a stable and high-speed RIB boat. We sail out the fjord and head to the first stop of the day – the magical Páskahellir (Easter Cave).
Páskahellir – Natural Formation, History, and Legends
Páskahellir is a wide sea cave carved by the waves into the basalt cliffs on the edge of the Neskaupstaður Nature Reserve, at the mouth of Norðfjörður. You can walk into the cave when conditions allow – keeping in mind the tides and wave height. In the rock, you can see ancient lava layers and round holes formed when lava engulfed trees during eruptions about 12 million years ago. The area was once covered by large forests. Nearby, you can also see striking dikes (rock intrusions), and in winter, the cave is often adorned with dramatic icicles and frozen formations. The cave is also known for its folklore and the origin of its name.
Nípan – Iceland’s Highest Sea Cliff and a Bird Sanctuary
After stopping at Páskahellir, we continue along Nípan, the outermost ridge between Norðfjörður and Mjóifjörður. Here, Iceland’s highest sea cliff towers over us – a sheer rock face rising almost directly from the sea. The area is home to numerous bird species, including puffins, fulmars, eiders, and auks. In summer, you can see puffins flying over the cliffs, bringing food to their nests – an unforgettable sight. We'll make a brief stop here to hear local stories, including those from Krossfjara in Fannardalur in Norðfjörður.
Rauðubjörg – Iceland’s Oldest Geological Layers in Colorful Glory
From Nípan we head to the striking Rauðubjörg cliffs, where the colors and shapes of the rocks fascinate both geologists and visitors. The cliffs are made of reddish rhyolite, part of one of Iceland’s oldest volcanic systems. Unique columnar formations can be seen here, where the rock columns bend like natural sculptures. The cliffs often appear bathed in sunlight – even on cloudy days – and we stop offshore to admire the scenery and take photos of the breathtaking landscape.
Hellisfjörður – Peace and Natural History
Next, we arrive in the tranquil and beautiful Hellisfjörður. The fjord is serene and rich in nature. It was once home to a whaling station, remnants of which can still be seen along the shore. The fjord has remained largely untouched, making it a unique refuge for marine and birdlife. It’s the perfect place to relax, listen to nature, and enjoy a peaceful sail.
Return via Múli – Cliffs and Birdlife
On the way back, we sail along Múli, where dramatic cliffs rise from the sea and bird colonies thrive. Puffins are often seen perched on ledges or flying above the boat, along with kittiwakes and gulls. We continue sailing to the inner part of Norðfjörður and finally return to Beituskúrinn, where the tour ends.