Responsible RIB Tours

In our tours you will be invited into a very important feeding ground for the whales. It is, therefore, particularly important that we strive to blend in to avoid any disturbance while searching for wildlife. The whales' success and likelihood of surviving the winter, also to copulate and for females to give birth and lactate, depends on the animals ability to fill their energy reservoirs during the summer. Constant disturbance from boats and especially boats that do not respect the codes of conduct will significantly reduce the whales’ ability to forage and gain weight for the coming winter.

Being a part of a responsible whale watching team that is aware of the possible impact on the whales is important, both for the whales and for your own experience. We are quite sure that you will feel a magnitude better after having entered a wild life area, to learn and experience, without causing harm.

At Whale Safari, we pair this environmental care with a strong commitment to our social responsibilities, such as being proudly LGBTQIA+ friendly. We believe that fostering inclusivity and respect in all aspects of our operations makes the experience more meaningful for everyone involved.

Humpback Whale spy-hopping with the City of Reykjavík in the background

Code of Conduct

We adhere to a strict code of conduct, developed by IceWhale in collaboration with global experts, local whale watching companies and with the best interests of marine mammal welfare at it's heart.

With this code of conduct we aim to:

Minimise impact on cetacean in the future and ensure the sustainability of whale watching operations in Iceland.
Ensure the best possible encounters, both for animal welfare and passenger enjoyment.
Increase development, understanding and awareness of appropriate practices when watching cetacean.

Code of Conduct by IceWhale - 2022 Version

Blue Flag

Whale Safari is proud to have been awarded the Blue Flag. The Blue Flag is a voluntary award, given to tourism boats the make a special effort to protect the environment. To attain the Blue Flag, we must fulfill a number of criteria covering:

Environmental Education and Information
Environmental Management
Safety and Services
Social Responsibility
Responsible Operation around Wild Animals

Becoming a Responsible RIB Operator

The most important part of operating a RIB and achieving certficiations such as the Blue Flag is the effort and implementation of the criteria required in order to protect the environment. Here are just a few of the ways we achieve the criteria and work towards sustainability.

A picture of our staff about to begin training

Staff Training

All Whale Safari Employees receive a thorough training for safety & environmental issues upon introduction to the company, refreshed every year with Staff Training Days. Staff learn about our recycling program & company ethos, with many of our staff already with a deep knowledge and care regarding environmental issues, shared with customers and other staff.

Responsible Waste Management

We have a thorough waste management system where waste is sorted into categories: Plastics, Paper/Cardboard, Organic, Batteries/Electrical, Oil & Hazardous Waste, and Landfill waste. This ensures maximum recycling occurs within the office and onboard.

Eco Certifications of our Products & Clothing

Staff Clothing & Cleaning Products

We only use cleaning products that have labels from eg. Nordic Swan, Ecolabel, Blue Angel & Tún, ensuring they are environmentally friendly. Our staff clothing and clothing for sale is sourced with the environment in mind such as products made with recycled cotton / polyester, and clothing only renewed when absolutely necessary.

LGBTQIA+ Friendly

At Whale Safari, we proudly stand in support of the LGBTQ+ community and remain dedicated to fostering inclusivity and equality. Our team is a vibrant and diverse group of individuals we’re honored to call our family. We uphold a strict zero-tolerance policy against discrimination, prejudice, and hate of any kind. Creating a safe and welcoming environment is at the heart of what we do—ensuring that every guest and crew member feels valued and at home while with us.

Through our sister company, Elding Adventure at Sea, we are supporters of Hinsegin Dagar, or Reykjavík Pride, each year in August.

A Humpback Whale creating a rainbow through its blow and the sea spray.