Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

Reykjavík whale watching is usually either a slow cruise with lots of people, or a fast adventure where you actually feel the weather. This one is interesting because you jump onto a 12-seater RIB and chase wildlife out in Faxaflói Bay fast, then circle back with Reykjavík views from the water. I love how small and close it feels when you are looking for blow spouts, and I love that the guides focus on helping you understand what you are seeing.

One consideration is that wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. The captain runs the trip only when conditions are safe and comfortable, so your exact animals and timing depend on weather and where the animals decide to surface.

If you have ever pictured whale watching from a distance, this changes the angle. You get warm gear, a real speedboat ride, and multiple chances to spot whales, dolphins, porpoises, and often birds around the islands off Reykjavík.

Key things to love about this RIB whale watching tour

• 12 passengers max feel, so you can actually hear the guide and reposition when wildlife appears
• Fast maneuvering in a RIB that can get you closer sooner than bigger boats
• Warm overalls, gloves, and goggles so cold wind feels less miserable
• Faxaflói Bay island route, with cruises past Engey and Lundey (Puffin Island)
• Try-again free ticket if you do not see wildlife on your outing

Why Faxaflói Bay + a RIB Speedboat Feels More Real

The magic of Iceland whale watching is not just the animals. It is the moment your attention locks in, when you stop thinking about the city behind you and start reading the water for signs, like spouts, surface activity, and sudden changes in bird behavior.

Doing this from a small RIB changes your odds and your experience. Instead of being stuck on a deck far away, you are on a boat built for motion. The crew can shift course quickly when they get cues that something is happening just off the Reykjavík coast.

You also get that rare combo of city perspective and wilderness motion. Reykjavík landmarks are right there from the water early on, then the route opens into wide bay views as you head for the wildlife zone.

Price and Value for a 2-Hour Safari

At $200 per person for a 2-hour outing, you are paying for three things you cannot fake:

1. Time in the water where whales and dolphins might actually surface
2. A boat that can move quickly without turning your day into a long, waiting game
3. The included cold-weather kit, plus safety gear and a live English guide

Is it expensive? Iceland often is. But this feels like solid value because the boat is small, the ride is active, and the operator provides the gear you need to stay comfortable in real wind and spray. Plus, there is a strong practical safety net: if you do not see wildlife that day, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again another day.

If you want a low-risk, sit-still experience, this is not that. But if you want the kind of trip where the crew can react fast and where your odds depend on timing, the RIB format makes the money feel more justified.

Old Harbour House: Where You Start, Scan In, and Suit Up Fast

Your check-in point is Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure. You will scan the QR or bar code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk, which is designed to keep the line moving.

Then comes the best part for anyone worried about Iceland wind: you get geared up before you ever feel cold. The tour includes warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and the needed safety equipment. This matters because RIB trips are exposed. Even on decent days, wind can cut fast at sea level.

In my view, the included gear is part of the value. If you show up underdressed, you will spend the whole trip thinking about discomfort instead of watching whales. With the provided layers, you can focus on spotting animals and listening to the guide.

Cruising Past Harpa, Engey, and the Islands That Set the Scene

Before the whale hunting gets serious, you start with Reykjavík from the water. It is one of those small moments that improves the whole day: you come out of the harbor and suddenly Reykjavík feels less like buildings and more like a waterfront story.

The route includes sightseeing along the Reykjavík coast and through the islands in Faxaflói Bay. You pass Engey, the second-largest island in the Kollafjörður or Faxaflói Bay area. You also cruise past Lundey, which is literally nicknamed Puffin Island.

What I like about this setup is that it gives you wildlife and views in layers. Even if the main whale action takes a bit to line up, you still have interesting scenery and birdlife possibilities as you move around the bay.

And if you love harbors, concert halls, and photo angles that are impossible on land, you are going to appreciate the time you spend looking back at Reykjavík landmarks from the water.

How the 12-Seater RIB Hunt Typically Plays Out

This is a live guided trip in English, and the smaller boat size makes the guide part feel more personal. In the best moments, the crew spots something first and your whole group gets to react together.

A common pattern on this kind of RIB tour is:

• Go out quickly toward likely areas
• Slow down when you get signs of marine wildlife
• Watch actively as animals surface, move, and sometimes put on real behavior

Many people highlight that they had close encounters, including humpbacks and minke whales, plus dolphins and porpoises. That closeness is not guaranteed, but it is one reason the RIB format is so popular. A bigger sightseeing boat often limits how quickly the captain can reposition without disrupting comfort.

I also like the group size because you are not squeezed into a crowded deck with a bad view. With a 12-seater, you can find a clear angle, and the crew can shift your position when sightings happen.

In several accounts, guides such as Claudia, Julien, Julian, Bianca, and Claudine came through as organized and clearly focused on getting you the best chance at sightings. Their job is not just narration, it is tracking and timing your time in the right place.

The Best Wildlife Targets: Whales, Dolphins, Porpoises, and Birds

The tour is built around the chance to see:

• Whales
• Dolphins
• Porpoises

The island route also sets you up for birds. Because you cruise past Lundey (Puffin Island), puffins are a realistic bonus when conditions and timing line up.

From what people experienced, humpbacks often steal the show, and you might also see minke whales. Dolphins and porpoises can appear in the same overall window of excitement, which is a nice consolation if whale sightings are brief.

What matters most is how wildlife shows up in real life. It is rarely a guaranteed schedule. Instead, you get short bursts of action, then quiet stretches. The crew’s ability to spot clues and reposition quickly is the difference between feeling lucky and actually feeling like you made the most of your time.

So I would set expectations like this: you are not just buying the idea of whale watching. You are buying a guided shot at wildlife that moves, plus a boat that can chase that movement.

Comfort, Cold Wind, and Motion: What the Ride Feels Like

Let’s be honest, this is Iceland. Even in warmer months, the water and wind can be brisk.

The included warm overalls and gloves help a lot. Many people also say the ride is not always brutally wet, which is good because wet clothes in wind are the fastest route to misery. Still, you should dress for wind and expect spray. If you are sensitive to motion, plan ahead.

Some participants reported that the trip can be bumpy and that a few people felt seasick. That is not surprising on a RIB, and it is one reason the tour has limits: it is not suitable for people with back problems, and it is not suitable for pregnant women.

My practical tip: if you hate cold wind, bring a face cover or extra wind protection in your daypack, and make sure you have warm layers under the provided overalls. Keep your camera secure, and take a moment to settle your stance before speed increases.

Also remember that the best whale watching angle can mean holding position while the boat changes pace. This trip often asks you to stay ready and watch, not sit and forget.

Who Should Book This RIB Whale Watch (and Who Should Skip)

This tour is best for adults and older kids who can handle cold wind and a spirited ride.

It is not suitable for:

• Children under 10 years
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• Anyone under 4 ft 8 in (145 cm)

If you are tall enough, fit enough, and comfortable with wind and motion, this can be a fantastic match because the boat can get you closer and keep the experience active.

If you are traveling with mixed abilities, I would treat it like an adventure tour, not a gentle nature walk. The included gear helps, but the ride style still needs basic comfort with speed and waves.

If you want maximum control of your comfort level, go in warm layers, dress for wind, and plan to spend the trip mostly standing and watching when wildlife is around.

Timing and Weather: Setting Yourself Up for the Best Chance

The tour runs when conditions allow it. It is dependent on suitable weather conditions, and the captain makes the call based on years of experience with passenger safety and comfort.

You can improve your odds by going during summer months (April to September), when whale activity is more likely and the weather can be friendlier. That said, Iceland weather changes fast, so you should still be flexible.

Another smart expectation: even when the sea is calm enough to go out, wildlife sightings still cannot be guaranteed. That is why the operator includes a complimentary ticket to try again if you do not see any wildlife on your outing.

This try-again policy is more than a marketing line. It changes how you plan. If you have two days in Reykjavík, you can think of this as one of your priority activities with a second chance built in.

If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the trip may be rescheduled. So if you are working with a tight schedule, I would book this earlier rather than placing it on your only spare hour.

Should You Book This RIB Whale Watching in Reykjavík?

I think you should book this if you want:

• A small-boat experience where you are not stuck far away
• A chance at multiple species, not just one generic whale sighting
• Warm gear included, so you can focus on watching instead of shopping for Iceland survival clothing
• A guide-led hunt that can move quickly when something surfaces

I would skip it if you:

• Need a gentle ride, and motion could ruin your day
• Are dealing with pregnancy, back issues, or concerns about standing and bumpy sea conditions
• Have no flexibility at all, since weather and participant minimums can shift the timing

If your goal is to see whales and dolphins in their real environment, this is one of the more action-packed ways to do it from Reykjavík. When it works, it feels close, fast, and genuinely alive.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavík Whale Watching tour by RIB Speedboat?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík. Check in 30 minutes before departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What boat size and style is used?

You ride a 12-seater RIB speedboat.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

The tour is designed for spotting whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The route also includes cruising past Lundey (Puffin Island), so bird sightings like puffins are possible.

What clothing and safety gear are provided?

You get warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, plus the necessary safety equipment.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?

No. Sightings cannot be guaranteed. If you do not see any wildlife on your tour, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again another day.

What language is the guide?

The live tour guide provides English.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, and anyone under 145 cm (4 ft 8 in).

What happens if weather is bad or the tour cannot run?

The captain decides based on suitable weather for safety and comfort. The tour may also be rescheduled if the minimum number of participants is not reached.