Responsible RIB Tours

Our tours bring you to a critical whale feeding ground, where it’s vital to minimize disturbances to wildlife. Whales depend on summer feeding to build energy for winter survival, reproduction, and nursing. Disruption, especially from boats ignoring conduct codes, hinders their ability to forage and gain weight.

Joining a responsible whale-watching team ensures minimal impact on the whales while enriching your experience. At Whale Safari, we also embrace social responsibility, proudly fostering inclusivity, including being LGBTQIA+ friendly, to create a more meaningful adventure for all.

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
- Empowering people with knowledge and awareness to understand, value, and protect natural ecosystems.
Environmental Management
- Actively preserving and improving the environment through responsible planning, conservation, and sustainable practices.
Safety and Services
- Ensuring a clean, secure, and well-equipped environment that supports the comfort and wellbeing of all users.
Social Responsibility
- Respecting and supporting local communities, cultures, and economies through ethical and inclusive actions.
Responsible Operation around Wild Animals
- Protecting wildlife by minimizing disturbance and ensuring interactions prioritize animal welfare and natural behavior.

The criteria of the Programme are developed over time, such that participating tour operators must continually work to solve relevant environmental problems to attain the Blue Flag. Blue Flag accreditation is only given for one year at a time, and the award is only valid as long as the criteria are fulfilled. When this is not the case, the responsible persons at the local level are obligated to take the Blue Flag down.

Local, National and International Blue Flag responsible parties:
These are the names and addresses of the local, national and international Blue Flag contacts. You are welcome to contact us to give us feedback about your experience with this Blue Flag awarded tourism operator. By doing so, you can help to ensure that Blue Flag remains an award of excellence.

Sea Safari ehf.
Max Hoyt, Sales & Office Manager
Phone: 497-0000
Email: max@whalesafari.is
Website: www.whalesafari.is

Bláfáninn á Íslandi
Vottunarstogan Tún ehf.
Þarabakki 3, IS-109 Reykjavík
Iceland
Phone: 511-1330
Email: tun@tun.is
Website: www.tun.is

Blue Flag International Coordination
Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)
Scandiagade 13, DK-2450 Copenhagen SV
Denmark
Email: info@fee.global
Website: www.blueflag.global

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.