RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik

A 12-person RIB boat puts you close to the water, close to the action, and well away from the crowded feel of a large whale-watching vessel. The fast boat can cover more of Faxaflói Bay, and sightings have included humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and even a basking shark.

I especially like the small group size and the marine biologist guide who helps you understand what you are seeing, not just point at a fin. I also like the warm coveralls, gloves, and shock-absorbing seats, which matter once the North Atlantic turns rough. The drawback is clear: this is an active, bumpy ride, and it is not a good fit for young children, anyone under 145 centimeters, or people with knee or back problems.

Key points to know before you book

• A 12-person RIB keeps the viewing space personal, with fewer people competing for the best angle.
• Puffin visits run from early May through the end of August, at Akurey, Engey, or Lundey.
• Faxaflói Bay sightings can include humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds.
• Suspension seats and supplied coveralls improve comfort, but they do not remove the rough-sea factor.
• The boat ride is part of the attraction, with a fast run across the bay and a scenic return past Reykjavík’s waterfront.
• The tour costs $208.09 per person, a premium price that makes the most sense if close views and a small group matter to you.

Why the RIB boat changes the whale-watching experience

The main reason to choose this trip is the boat itself. A RIB, or rigid inflatable boat, carries no more than 12 people and sits low on the water. That gives you an unusually direct view when a whale surfaces nearby. You are not looking over several rows of heads or waiting for a large vessel to turn.

The boat is also fast and stable, allowing the crew to search a broad area. That matters because whales are wild animals, not scheduled performers. A quick boat can spend less time simply reaching the search area and more time looking for activity.

The tradeoff is motion. Several sightings have taken place after a long, choppy run well offshore, and the return trip can be rough. The suspension seats absorb some of the shock, but you should still expect a lively ride. If you want a calm cruise with plenty of room to walk around, choose a larger boat instead.

The reward can be remarkable. Humpback whales have surfaced close to the boat, and some trips have seen several animals repeatedly. A breach is never guaranteed, but the low seating position makes a nearby surfacing feel immediate and powerful.

Leaving Ægisgarður from Reykjavík Old Harbour

You meet at Ægisgarður 5d, in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour. The tour ends at the same place after about two hours. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your own way to the harbour.

The departure point is also useful for building a simple day around the trip. You are near public transportation, and the harbour area makes it easy to continue exploring Reykjavík afterward. Allow enough time to arrive, check in, and get suited up before departure.

The crew supplies coveralls and necessary safety gear. The coveralls are designed to keep you warm and dry, but you should still dress properly underneath. Wear wool or fleece, a hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes. The supplied gear is protection from cold and spray, not a replacement for warm clothing.

I would avoid wearing delicate clothing or shoes you need to keep spotless. This is a sea trip, and conditions can change quickly. Bring the attitude of someone heading outdoors, not someone boarding an indoor sightseeing bus.

Akurey and the puffin islands from early May to August

During puffin season, the first wildlife stop is one of the nearby islands: Akurey, Engey, or Lundey. The exact island can vary, but the trip out is short, and the boat spends about 5 to 10 minutes near the birds.

This part adds more than a quick photo stop. The islands are home to puffins, auks, gannets, and many other seabirds, and they sit just outside Reykjavík. You get a look at Icelandic bird life before heading farther into Faxaflói Bay.

The RIB’s small size helps here. It can approach the islands quickly and get close without the scale of a large vessel. You should keep your expectations sensible, though. Five to 10 minutes is enough to see the colonies and take photos, but not enough for a long bird-watching session.

Puffin season is limited to early May through the end of August. If you book outside those months, the tour focuses on whales, dolphins, and other marine life rather than a puffin-island visit.

Searching Faxaflói Bay for whales and dolphins

Most of the tour is spent in Faxaflói Bay, with roughly 90 minutes devoted to the whale search. This is where the boat’s speed earns its keep. The crew can cover a wide area and follow signs of activity as they appear.

The species seen on different trips have included humpback whales and minke whales, along with white-beaked dolphins and porpoises. Some outings have produced only a few sightings, while others have seen multiple humpbacks, several whales close to the boat, and dolphins playing alongside it.

That range is worth keeping in mind. No whale safari can promise a particular species, a breach, or even a sighting. The operator provides a ticket for an alternative tour if there are no sightings, but wildlife remains unpredictable. Book this as a chance to see wild animals, not as a guaranteed show.

The guide is an important part of the experience. A marine biologist leads the trip, explaining animal behavior and helping the crew search effectively. Guides named in trip accounts include Sam, Maria, Ann, and Milán, along with crew members such as Emily, Pedro, Lefterius, and others. The strongest experiences combine a sharp eye for wildlife with a calm hand when the boat gets rough.

The crew may also take photos during the trip and share them afterward. That is useful because whale watching demands attention. If you spend the whole ride holding up your phone, you can miss the moment an animal surfaces somewhere else. Put the camera down from time to time and let the guide direct your eyes.

Suspension seats help, but the sea still moves

The RIB is fitted with high-performance suspension seats. These shock-absorbing seats reduce the impact of the boat hitting waves, and several accounts singled them out as a real comfort benefit.

Still, do not confuse suspension with a smooth ride. The open North Atlantic can be choppy, especially during the long run out to the search area and on the return. Some people with seasickness have found the ride manageable, while others describe it as very rough.

The operator specifically advises against the tour for people with knee problems, and the general fitness requirement is moderate. The supplied information also says it is not recommended for young children. Children must be over 10 years old and at least 145 centimeters tall.

I would take those limits seriously. If you have back, knee, or mobility concerns, the larger classic whale-watching boat is likely the safer choice. If you are fit and enjoy a fast boat ride, the motion is part of the fun.

Reykjavík’s waterfront on the way home

After the wildlife search, the boat returns along Reykjavík’s shore. This gives you a different view of the city, with the sea opening up a broad angle toward the waterfront.

The route passes the Sun Voyager sculpture, one of Reykjavík’s best-known seaside landmarks. The boat also passes Harpa Concert Hall, whose glass façade catches the light beside the harbour. These final views make the return journey feel like more than a simple ride back to the dock.

Do not expect a full city tour. The waterfront sights take only a few minutes, and the focus remains the ocean. But it is a pleasant finish, especially if you enjoy taking photos from the water.

The total duration is about two hours, including the harbour departure, puffin stop when in season, whale search, coastal return, and arrival back at Ægisgarður. It is long enough to feel worthwhile without consuming an entire day in Reykjavík.

What the $208.09 price really buys you

At $208.09 per person, this is not the budget whale-watching option. You are paying for a maximum group size of 12, a fast RIB, a marine biologist guide, supplied coveralls, safety equipment, and the chance to view wildlife from sea level.

The value depends on what you want. If your priority is the lowest price, a larger boat may suit you better. If your priority is personal space, close viewing, and an energetic ride, the extra cost is easier to justify.

The small group makes a practical difference. You can hear the guide more easily, move your attention quickly when an animal surfaces, and avoid the crowding that can happen around the rail of a big vessel. The boat can also get close to islands and cover more search area.

For many people, the best value comes from the combination of experiences. You are not only buying a whale search. In season, you also get puffins, and on the return you get Reykjavík from the sea. If you see several humpbacks, dolphins, and seabirds in one outing, the price may feel well spent. If weather cancels the RIB and you end up on an alternative boat with no sightings, the value becomes harder to judge, though the operator’s policy offers a different date or a full refund for weather cancellations.

Weather, cancellations, and choosing your departure day

The experience requires good weather. High winds can cancel the RIB outing, and the operator may offer another date or a full refund. In one poor-weather situation, an alternative larger-boat trip went ahead but produced no whales, so you should understand that a replacement outing may not feel the same as the original plan.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

I would avoid placing this trip on the final morning of a short Iceland visit. A weather cancellation or a postponed departure could leave you without another chance. Booking early is sensible, especially since the experience is often reserved well in advance, with an average booking lead time of about 46 days.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This tour suits you if you want a close, active wildlife experience rather than a quiet boat cruise. It is a strong pick for adults, older children who meet the height and age rules, photographers, and anyone who enjoys fast boats and outdoor conditions.

It is also useful for a first day in Iceland if you want a brisk way to stay awake after an overnight flight. The boat ride provides plenty of movement, and the wildlife search gives the day a clear focus.

I would choose another option if you dislike bouncing over waves, need easy movement aboard a boat, or have knee or back problems. A big vessel may offer a gentler ride and more indoor shelter, even though it cannot provide the same small-group feel.

Bring patience, too. The strongest outings may include long stretches of searching between sightings. A good guide fills those gaps with information about whales and seabirds, but the animals decide the schedule.

Should you book the Reykjavik RIB whale safari?

Book it if close wildlife views and a small group matter more to you than price or a smooth ride. The mix of fast boat travel, sea-level whale watching, puffins in season, and Reykjavík waterfront views gives you a full two hours with plenty of variety.

I would book this for a fit adult or older child who understands the physical demands. Dress warmly, keep your expectations realistic, and leave room in your schedule in case the weather changes. Skip it if you need a gentle cruise or cannot handle a rough return trip.

With a 4.7 rating from 241 ratings and 93 percent of customers recommending it, the strongest pattern is clear: the crew, close sightings, warm gear, and small boat receive the most praise. The main caution is just as clear: the sea can be rough. Know that before you go, and this can be one of Reykjavík’s most memorable outings.

FAQ

Where does the RIB whale-watching tour depart from?

The tour starts at Ægisgarður 5d in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour and returns to the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The full outing lasts about two hours, including the harbour departure, wildlife search, coastal return, and arrival back at the harbour.

Can I see puffins on this tour?

Yes, but puffin visits operate during the season from early May through the end of August. The boat visits Akurey, Engey, or Lundey and spends about 5 to 10 minutes near the birds.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and other seabirds. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

What should I wear?

Wear warm outdoor clothing, including a wool or fleece sweater, hat, gloves, and sturdy footwear. Coveralls and necessary safety equipment are supplied.

Is the trip suitable for children or people with knee problems?

Children must be over 10 years old and taller than 145 centimeters. The tour is not recommended for young children or people with knee problems, and it requires a moderate level of physical fitness.