Key takeaways
- The operator supplies warm safety overalls and rain jackets. You wear layers underneath for the 2-hour speedboat ride.
- Bring thermal underwear, fleece, and a windproof mid-layer. Arctic spray and speed create wind chill even in summer.
- Wear closed-toe shoes with grip. Decks stay wet and slippery during whale watching manoeuvres at speed.
- A hat and gloves keep you warm when you're exposed on the boat. A secured strap prevents loss at sea.
- Stow phones and cameras in waterproof cases. RIB speedboats throw spray across all seating during the tour.
What the operator provides on board
Húsavík RIB speedboat tours supply warm safety overalls as standard, which are obligatory for all passengers. These full-body suits insulate against wind chill and spray during the two-hour cruise across Skjálfandi Bay. Rain jackets are also available if needed, offering an extra barrier against seawater mist that builds up at speed. Both items are fitted before departure, so arrive with enough time to be properly outfitted. The overalls are designed to work over whatever layers you wear underneath, so they should not be so tight that they restrict movement or circulation.
A specialized guide leads the tour and provides live commentary throughout your time on the water, pointing out whale behaviour, puffin colonies, and Arctic wildlife. The guide's expertise helps you understand what you are seeing and increases the chances of meaningful sightings. Bring a notepad or use your phone to jot down facts that interest you, especially if you plan to research more about Icelandic marine life after the tour.
Base and mid-layers under your overalls
Even though the operator supplies overalls, the layer system underneath is crucial to staying warm during two hours of exposure to Arctic air and spray. Start with a thermal base layer made from merino wool or synthetic moisture-wicking fabric rather than cotton, which retains sweat and loses insulating power when damp. Add a mid-layer fleece or wool jumper over the base layer to trap body heat. Many passengers underestimate how cold two hours on open water feels, especially in Iceland's northern waters where temperatures stay cool year-round.
The combination of wind, motion and maritime spray accelerates heat loss far faster than standing still on land. Wear long thermal leggings under your regular trousers if you have them, as the RIB's seating exposes your legs to direct wind. Thick wool or thermal socks also make a real difference to foot comfort and warmth. Once you are zipped into the safety overalls, you cannot adjust your layers, so err on the side of extra insulation rather than risk shivering through the tour.
Guest bundled in bright orange overalls gets sprayed by Arctic waves mid-crossing
Footwear that grips a wet speedboat deck
Wear closed-toe shoes or boots with a rubber sole that grips wet surfaces, as the RIB's deck becomes slippery during spray and water exposure. Trainers with good tread are acceptable, though purpose-built water sports shoes or non-slip deck boots offer superior grip. Avoid smooth-soled shoes, flip-flops or sandals, which can cause you to slip when moving between seats or exiting the boat. The deck pitches and rolls in rough water, so secure footing is a safety priority, not a comfort option.
Neoprene booties designed for water sports are ideal if you own them, as they also provide insulation for your feet. If you are wearing regular trainers, make sure the laces are tied firmly so the shoes stay on your feet if you need to move quickly. Wet socks are inevitable on a RIB tour, so bring a spare pair to change into after the tour ends and you return to Húsavík.
Hats, glasses and eyewear protection
Wear a beanie, woollen hat or close-fitting cap that will stay secure during wind gusts and can be tucked under your safety overall hood. Baseball caps and wide-brimmed hats often blow off or catch the wind, and losing headwear into the ocean is both frustrating and wasteful. A hat also protects your scalp from direct sun reflection off the water, which intensifies exposure during the Arctic summer when daylight stretches long.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, secure your glasses with a sports strap or switch to contacts for the tour. Spray and wind make glasses sit uncomfortably, and the risk of losing them overboard is real on a fast-moving boat. Sunglasses with side protection reduce glare from the water and shield your eyes from salt spray; polarised lenses cut reflection and help you spot whale fins and puffins on the surface. Bring your sunglasses in a protective case so you can remove them safely when needed without risking damage.
Protecting cameras and phones at speed
Salt spray and seawater are the main threats to electronics on a RIB speedboat. Waterproof phone cases designed for marine environments keep your device functional if it is splashed or briefly submerged. GoPro cameras or action cameras mounted on chest harnesses are popular choices for whale watching tours because they free both hands and survive spray exposure. Keep your phone in a sealed dry bag or hard case in an inner pocket of your overall rather than in an outer pocket where spray reaches easily.
If you bring a traditional camera, use a waterproof camera bag or rucksack and only remove it to shoot, then return it immediately. The best position for photography is usually toward the back of the RIB where spray is less intense, but securing your grip matters more than position. Bring a microfiber cloth to dry your lens between shots. Consider leaving expensive camera equipment ashore if you are uncomfortable with salt exposure; the guide and other passengers often capture excellent wildlife moments that you can ask them to share after the tour.
Bags, snacks and personal items on the boat
A small rucksack or daypack is practical for carrying personal items before and after the tour, but large bags are difficult to manage on a moving RIB. Stow your bag in a secure locker or designated area on board rather than trying to hold it while the boat is underway. Many passengers prefer to leave bags at their hotel or in a vehicle and carry only essentials: wallet, phone, camera and a light layer they might remove if you get warm during physical activity boarding and exiting.
The confined seating on a speedboat means there is limited space beside you, so avoid bringing unnecessary items. Keep your pockets and secure inner compartments clear for tickets, money or a small notepad. The two-hour duration is short enough that you will not need a meal, though staying hydrated is important if the weather is sunny; consider what you will do about drinking after the tour ends and bring a refillable water bottle you can fill up in Húsavík.
Seasickness prevention on a fast boat
RIB speedboats move differently from larger passenger ferries, with faster acceleration and more pronounced pitching in rough water. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider preventative measures before boarding. Sitting toward the middle of the boat rather than the ends can reduce the sensation of pitch and roll. Focus on a fixed point on the horizon rather than watching the water immediately beside the boat, which amplifies the feeling of motion and destabilises your sense of balance.
Eat a light meal an hour or two before the tour rather than arriving on an empty stomach or just after a heavy meal. Avoid alcohol the night before, as it worsens dehydration and increases nausea risk. Wear the safety overalls and layers snugly so your body stays warm and supported; shivering and physical discomfort compound seasickness. If you feel queasy during the tour, keep your eyes on distant whales or the coastline rather than looking down at your feet or the turbulent water immediately below you. The two-hour duration means any mild queasiness usually passes before the tour ends.
