On the water · RIB & ZODIAC BOAT TOURS
Inflatable tubes, a rigid floor and nothing between you and the spray. These 15 run from Arctic fjords to Mediterranean bays, priced and clear about the flotation suits, the minimum ages and how wet you will get.
Set out from Tadoussac or Baie-Sainte-Catherine in a 24 or 60-passenger Zodiac for two to two and a half hours on the St. Lawrence. Bilingual naturalists explain whale behavior while you watch for belugas, humpbacks, minke, and fin whales. Waterproof gear is supplied, but you still need warm layers, gloves, and closed shoes.
“Loved this excursion! Saw my first whales, couldn't be happier!”
Set out from Dingle Tourist Information Centre for a three-hour open-RIB safari capped at 12 people. Your captain, including guides such as Mikey, Colm, Callum, or Dave, takes you along the Dingle coast toward the Blasket Islands, sea caves, seals, dolphins, whales, and seasonal puffins. Warm waterproof jackets and trousers are provided.
“An absolutely exhilarating experience—not for the faint-hearted! The high-speed boat ride adds a thrilling element to the incredible sights. We were lucky enough to see whales, dolphins, puffins, and seals up close in their natural habitat. Viewing the majestic cliffs from ocean level is truly awe-inspiring. A must-do adventure if you're visiting Dingle and want an unforgettable wildlife and coastal experience!”
From Stavanger harbor, join a small-group RIB tour into Lysefjorden with an English or Norwegian-speaking captain. You will see 604-meter Pulpit Rock, Vagabond Cave, Whisky Falls, Hengjanefossen, and possibly seals or sea eagles. Protective suits, gloves, goggles, and life jackets are provided.
“The whole experience was great , from the guide to boat ride out - we had so much fun”
Set out from Victoria Harbour in a 12-passenger open-air Zodiac with guides such as Gary, Mark, George, Raj, or Megan. You’ll wear an all-weather flotation suit, speed toward whale country, and watch for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, otters, and more. The ride is lively and exposed, so dress warmly and expect some spray.
“We had an incredible me time on the zodiac. It was unforgettable. The highlight was seeing the pair of orcas gliding through the water near the shore as they made their way further out. Watching them in their own habitat was humbling -they were so close, it was surreal. At one point, we all thought a nearby harbor seal was going to become lunch but he wasn’t spotted and lived another day. There were several sea lions on some rocky outcrops I wish we had spent a few minutes with. I know it’s a whale watch but these guys were beautiful and impressive to see and hear. We had a…”
You’ll leave Svolvær’s main square with an English or Norwegian speaking guide, suit up in warm flotation gear, and speed toward Trollfjord in a nimble RIB. Expect close views of white-tailed sea eagles, steep coastal mountains, quiet bays, and stories about Lofoten’s fishing past. Guides such as Hilda, Rafael, Alessandro, and Joel have led recent trips.
“Amazing good. We get to see the spectacular view with snow cap and autumn leaves one Mountain View. The Sun come in at right time was so blessed. So many eagles we get to see. Highly recommended.”
Join a small-group RIB ride from Geiranger Brygge and race through UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord for about an hour. Your English-speaking driver-guide, such as Mario or Uri, shares local stories while the boat pauses near Seven Sisters, Friaren, Skagefla, and other waterfalls. Warm flotation suits, life jackets, goggles, and a photo stop are included.
“We had a great experience thanks to RIB Staff. We had planned to hike after the boat tour. The staff offered to drop us off at the foot of the cliff leading to Skagefla farm, which wasn't planned. This gave us the opportunity to do the beautiful hike from Skagefla to Geiranger. The experience would already have been very good thanks to our friendly driver and his « royal » anecdotes. It turned out to be magical! Merci !”
From Granville Island, this three-hour Zodiac ride crosses False Creek, passes Siwash Rock and Lion’s Gate Bridge, then heads through Deep Cove into Indian Arm for Granite and Silver Falls. A guide such as Marco, Dylan, or Ray provides local stories and wildlife spotting. The boat holds no more than 12 people and includes a warming suit.
“Friendly staff, excellent guide, beautiful ride, great playlist. We felt safe and in good hands.. Great way to get an overview of Vancouver from the water.”
From Svolvær, take a two-hour RIB ride through Raftsundet to Trollfjord. Guides such as Jonas share local stories while you watch white-tailed sea eagles fly within meters of the boat for fish. Warm suits, gloves, hats, goggles, helmets, and life jackets are supplied. Expect speed, spray, steep mountains, waterfalls, and excellent photo chances.
“The tour was exactly what was advertised. The RIB was surprisingly comfortable, we saw a lot of wildlife and the scenery was stunning! Our guide even showed us his favorite swimming area.”
Join Na Pali Riders in Waimea for a fast, open-air Zodiac trip along Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast. Captains such as Brandon and Mack share island history while you watch for dolphins and seasonal whales, visit sea caves when safe, and snorkel or swim if conditions allow. Expect spray, tight seating, and a rough ride.
“This was a super fun way to see the NaPali coast. The boat ride was fast and bumpy, exhilarating! We got super close to the caves this day but unfortunately the water was too choppy to go inside. Still an unforgettable experience! The captain and crew were awesome as well!”
Set out from Stavanger in a 12-person RIB with a captain such as Alex, Aksel, Ola, or Eirik. You’ll pass islands and fish farms, pause beneath Pulpit Rock, visit Fantahålå, and get close to Whiskey Falls. Thermal dry suits, goggles, and dry bags help keep you comfortable on this brisk, bumpy two-hour ride.
“The ride out to the fjord was longer than expected and rough waves but we had a great time and saw some beautiful sights in the fyord once we got there. Axel was exceptional and a great driver. He answered all our questions and gave us lots of info. Great fun for the most part except for the length of time to get to and from the smooth fyord waters.”
Join FjordGuiding for a one-hour RIB ride from Geiranger, limited to 12 people. Your driver-guide takes you close to the Seven Sisters and Friaren waterfalls, points out old mountain farms, and shares local stories. Life jackets, goggles, guiding, and a photo stop are included. Bring warm, windproof clothing.
“This is a MUST DO activity! Seeing the fjord from the water is spectacular and this high-speed water taxi is the way to see the Seven Sisters and The Suitor waterfalls in this UNESCO-protected area. The guide narration is excellent with opportunity for pictures. The life jacket onesie suits are part of the experience!”
Join Orca Spirit Adventures at Victoria’s Wharf Street harbor for a three-hour Zodiac trip on the Salish Sea. A certified marine naturalist such as Luke, Josh, Liam, or Mick drives the 12-passenger boat, using hydrophones and current sightings to seek orcas, humpbacks, seals, porpoises, and sea lions. Full flotation suits help keep you warm.
“Great boat trip out & got to see lots of humpbacks”
Ride a 12-seat RIB from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor through Faxaflói Bay, looking for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins. Guides such as Claudia, Julian, and Bianca bring marine knowledge to the trip, while warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and a free return trip help take the edge off Iceland’s cold, changeable weather.
“Unbelievable experience! At least a dozen Humpback whales, dolphins, puffins, Minke whales. Unforgettable experience. Best day ever!!! 🐳 😍😍”
Board the three-story Calypso at Maalaea Harbor for a two-hour sunset cruise with table-side dinner, Hawaiian-style music, and a full bar. Choose prime rib, fresh fish, ribs, smoked chicken, or pasta. The captain may point out whales in season, and photographer Marley is sometimes aboard. Seating is first come, so arrive early.
“Always good food, drinks and hospitality. Our trip this time was rough but crew made the best of it.”
Ride a 24-foot inflatable Zodiac from Honokohau Marina along the Kona coast to Kealakekua Bay. You’ll snorkel for about 90 minutes among coral and tropical fish, visit the Captain Cook monument, and look for dolphins, turtles, whales, and other sea life. The ride is fast and bumpy, so it suits active visitors who are comfortable on the open ocean.
“Amazing snorkeling spot and super fun ride out and back! Great for people who don’t mind a bumpy ride.”
