Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

A 12-seater RIB puts you close to the water and lets the captain cover ground quickly in search of whales. The real prize is seeing humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins in Faxaflói Bay, with Harpa concert hall and Reykjavík’s shoreline behind you. I like the intimate boat and the warm gear supplied. The trade-off is a rough, windy ride that can be hard on anyone with a bad back or a weak stomach.

I also like the free return ticket if the sea gives you nothing on the first outing. That matters because wildlife is never promised, even in Iceland’s best season. Just remember that the RIB can be canceled or replaced by a larger boat when wind and waves make the smaller craft unsafe.

Key points to know before you book

• Small boat, fast search: The 12-seat RIB can move quickly toward whale blows and dolphin activity without the crowds found on larger vessels.
• Wildlife varies by day: Humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, puffins, and seabirds are all possible, but no sighting is guaranteed.
• Warm equipment is included: You receive an insulated overall, gloves, goggles, and safety gear, but you should still dress warmly underneath.
• The ride is part of the attraction: Expect speed, spray, wind, and bumps as the boat crosses the bay.
• Good city views: The route passes Reykjavík’s coast, Engey, and Lundey, the island known as Puffin Island.
• Best for sturdy riders: The tour excludes children under 10, pregnant women, people under 145 centimetres, and people with back problems.

Why the RIB changes whale watching in Reykjavík

A whale-watching boat is only as useful as its ability to find the animals. The RIB’s main advantage is speed. It can leave the Old Harbor and reach the wider feeding areas of Faxaflói Bay faster than a slow sightseeing vessel, then change direction when the captain spots a blow or a moving pod.

That does not mean the boat chases animals recklessly. The captain decides how close to approach and where to position the boat. The best sightings come from patience after arrival, not simply from racing toward every splash.

The small size also changes the feel of the trip. With a maximum of 12 passengers, you are not fighting for a place on a crowded outer deck. You can usually turn and look in several directions, though the captain’s instructions may be harder to hear over the engine and wind. One passenger specifically noted this problem, so keep your eyes on the guide and ask for directions if you miss the first call.

A larger boat can be more comfortable in rough weather, with indoor areas and toilets, but it will not give you the same lively ride. Choose the RIB because you want both wildlife watching and a brisk trip across the bay, not because you expect a quiet cruise.

Check-in at Reykjavík’s Old Harbor

The meeting point is Old Harbour House at Ægisgarður 2, in central Reykjavík. Check in 30 minutes before departure, not at the scheduled sailing time. You scan the bar code or QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk inside the Old Harbour House.

There is no hotel pickup, so allow time to walk or arrange your own transport. If you drive, use the supplied parking information to find the nearest free parking area. The harbor is also a practical place to visit before or after the trip, with waterfront views and a clear look toward Reykjavík’s modern harbor buildings.

The early check-in is useful rather than needless ceremony. The crew needs to fit you with the right overall and safety equipment, and the departure can involve a quick briefing before you reach the boat. Do not arrive dressed only for a mild city walk. The air on the water can feel much colder once the RIB gets moving.

Getting suited up for two hours at sea

The operator supplies warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and all required safety equipment. The overalls are important. Even on a sunny day, speed creates a strong wind chill, and the boat may cross exposed water where the air feels sharply colder than it did at the harbor.

Wear comfortable shoes and warm layers beneath the suit. Bring a camera, but protect it from spray and make sure you can handle it with gloves. A face covering is a useful extra for sensitive skin, and one passenger advised covering the ears against the cold wind.

The provided goggles help with wind and spray, though they do not turn the ride into a dry one. In calm weather, you might return without getting very wet. In rough or rainy conditions, expect a more physical outing. Keep loose belongings stored according to the crew’s instructions rather than trying to manage bags while the boat is underway.

The ride through Faxaflói Bay

Once clear of the harbor, the RIB begins the fast part of the outing. You may half-sit and half-stand with bent knees to absorb the impact as the boat meets the water. That position is part of the normal riding style, but it tells you what kind of activity this is: an outdoor speedboat trip, not a gentle harbor cruise.

The captain usually covers a broad area in search of marine life. Reports from strong outings include long stretches of open water followed by concentrated whale watching once the boat reaches the feeding area. On one particularly productive trip, the journey out took about 30 minutes, the group spent roughly 45 minutes watching whales and dolphins, and the return included time near Puffin Island.

Timing will vary with the animals and sea conditions. If whales are nearby, the crew may spend more time watching them. If sightings take longer, the fast boat helps recover some of that lost time, but two hours still goes quickly.

The speed is exciting, yet it comes with a cost. The ride can be bumpy, especially in wind and waves. The operator does not recommend it for people with back problems, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women, children under 10, or anyone shorter than 145 centimetres. If you would avoid a rough amusement-park ride, choose a larger whale-watching boat instead.

Engey, Lundey, and Reykjavík from the water

The route is not only about whales. You pass among the small islands of Faxaflói Bay and travel along Reykjavík’s shoreline, gaining a different view of the city than you get from land.

Engey is the second-largest island in Kollafjörður, the fjord area within Faxaflói. It is uninhabited and low-lying, with seabirds and open views around it. The boat also passes Lundey, whose Icelandic name means Puffin Island. This small, uninhabited island is a useful wildlife stop, particularly during the puffin season.

Puffins are most likely from spring into summer, and sightings have been reported as early as April and around the end of the season in September. Some trips have found large numbers of puffins, while others have seen only a few. The island also brings seabirds into the picture, so bring binoculars if you have them, though they are not listed as part of the equipment.

From the bay, Reykjavík’s landmarks take on a clean, wide setting. Harpa concert hall is especially easy to recognize from the water. On clear days, you may also see mountains around the bay. This part of the route gives the outing value even during a slower wildlife day, although the whales remain the main reason to book.

What you might see in the bay

The most frequently praised sightings include humpback whales. These large whales may surface repeatedly, blow visibly, or show their backs and tails as they move through the water. Several outings have seen multiple humpbacks, with especially lucky groups reporting six, seven, a dozen, or more individuals.

Minke whales are another possibility. They are smaller and can surface briefly, so you need to watch closely. A minke may appear near the boat for only a moment, making the guide’s help important.

White-beaked dolphins can be just as rewarding. Pods may travel quickly beside the RIB, sometimes appearing in abundance and making repeated close passes. Harbour porpoises are smaller and less dramatic, but spotting one adds another species to the trip.

Puffins and other seabirds often appear near Lundey, particularly during the breeding season. The exact mix depends on the date and conditions. April through September is considered the best period for whale watching in Iceland, but wildlife remains wild and unpredictable at any time.

You should also set your camera expectations. Animals surface without warning, and the boat may be moving. Watch first, photograph second. A whale’s blow or a dolphin’s quick appearance can be gone before you have framed the shot.

Guides, captains, and the quality of the outing

The guide’s role is more than naming species. A good guide helps you scan the water, explains what you are seeing, answers questions, and keeps the group focused when the animals surface in different directions.

Guides named on past outings include Claudia, Klaudia, Julian, Julien, Bianca, and Claudine. Their backgrounds and personalities vary, but the strongest trips have featured guides who were energetic, clear, and well informed about whale behavior and marine life. One Julian was described as a French marine biologist, while other passengers singled out Claudia, Klaudia, and Bianca for their calm explanations and friendly manner.

The captain matters just as much. The boat must move fast enough to search a wide area but approach wildlife responsibly. Captains have also been praised for making passengers feel safe and for adjusting the plan to sea conditions.

Do not assume the guide can always be heard perfectly. The engine and wind can swallow instructions, particularly when everyone is looking toward a whale. If you are unsure where to look, ask the guide to repeat the direction. Sitting or standing where you have a clear view of the guide can help.

Weather, cancellations, and the backup plan

The captain decides whether the RIB can sail based on wind, waves, passenger comfort, and safety. This is an important feature of the operation, not a minor footnote. A fast, open RIB is much more exposed than a large boat, and conditions that are acceptable for a yacht may be unsuitable for the smaller craft.

Some departures have been canceled or changed shortly before sailing because of wind. In those cases, the operator may offer a trip on a larger vessel instead. That replacement can feel disappointing if you chose the RIB for speed, but it may provide a warmer and steadier ride on a difficult day. One changed outing still produced a close humpback sighting beside the larger boat.

The tour may also be rescheduled if too few people are booked. One small group of only four passengers was taken out rather than canceled, but the minimum-participant rule still applies. Keep some flexibility in your Reykjavík plans, especially if this is a major highlight of your visit.

If no wildlife appears, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again another day. This is useful only if you have enough time in Reykjavík, so do not book the tour on the last possible morning if seeing whales is your top goal. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option allows some flexibility while planning.

Is $200 a fair price for two hours?

At $200 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend two hours. Iceland is expensive, and the price reflects a small group, specialist boat, crew, fuel, warm equipment, and the ability to search a wide area quickly.

The value improves if you care about the boat as much as the animals. You are paying for an active RIB ride, open-water views, and a more personal group than a standard whale-watching cruise. The boat may also reach wildlife faster and position itself more easily than a large vessel.

The price is harder to justify if you want guaranteed whales or a relaxed sightseeing trip. Wildlife is not guaranteed, and a return ticket does not help if you leave Reykjavík the next morning. A larger boat may offer better shelter and comfort for the same general purpose.

For me, the RIB makes the most sense when you have a strong interest in marine life, enjoy speed and cold-water conditions, and can spare time for a second attempt. The high rating of 4.7 from 621 bookings reflects strong satisfaction, but it should not replace a careful look at your own comfort needs.

Who should book the RIB?

Book it if you want a small group, fast movement across the bay, and a chance to see whales from a low position close to the water. It suits active adults and older children who meet the minimum height and age requirements.

It is also a good pick for photographers who prefer a less crowded boat and for anyone who has already taken a standard harbor cruise and wants a more physical outing. The city views, islands, puffins, and seabirds give you something to watch during the search.

Choose a larger whale-watching boat if you have a bad back, dislike bouncing over waves, are sensitive to cold wind, or want indoor shelter. The RIB can be thrilling in decent weather, but the same speed that makes it fun can make a rough day tiring.

Should you book this Reykjavík whale-watching trip?

I would book this RIB tour if you have at least one flexible day in Reykjavík and want the ride itself to be part of the adventure. The strongest combination is a calm or moderately clear day, a warm base layer, and enough time to accept a reschedule or use the free return ticket.

The tour has a real advantage over a standard boat: 12 passengers, quick handling, and a close feel on the water. Humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and seabirds are all possible, but luck still controls the final score.

Book it for speed, small numbers, and the chance of a memorable wildlife encounter. Skip it for comfort, certainty, or a last-minute schedule with no room for another attempt.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching RIB tour leave from?

It departs from Old Harbour House at Ægisgarður 2, 101 Reykjavík.

How early should I arrive?

You should check in 30 minutes before departure. Use the self-service kiosk at Old Harbour House and scan the bar code or QR code on your ticket.

How long is the tour?

The boat trip lasts two hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

What animals could I see?

Possible sightings include humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises, puffins, and other seabirds. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if I see no wildlife?

You receive a complimentary ticket to try the tour again on another day. This is most useful if your schedule allows a second outing.

What should I wear?

Wear warm clothing beneath the supplied overall and use comfortable shoes. Gloves, goggles, and safety equipment are provided. A face covering can help protect you from cold wind.

Is the RIB suitable for children?

No. The activity is not suitable for children under 10 years old or for anyone under 145 centimetres tall.

Can I join if I am pregnant or have back problems?

No. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems because the boat can be fast and bumpy.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The captain decides whether to sail based on weather, waves, safety, and passenger comfort. The tour may also be rescheduled if the minimum number of participants is not reached.