Whale Watching in Reykjavik by Speedboat

What makes this Reykjavik whale watching special is the mix of speed and access, you are out on open water fast in a rigid inflatable boat, then you get quick shoreline stops for major icons like Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall. It is also one of the more action-first ways to hunt for wildlife right off the city.

I especially like the small group size and the close-up feel that comes from a boat designed to move and turn quickly. I also like that you are given warm coveralls plus safety gear, which matters when the wind off the North Atlantic bites.

The main drawback to plan around is ride style. This tour is genuinely fast, so if you have a history of back problems or prefer a very smooth ride, you should think twice before you climb in.

Key highlights you will feel right away

• Rigid inflatable boat speed helps cover a larger search area and improves your odds of closer wildlife views.
• Shock suspension seats are built for comfort, so the ride does not have to feel like constant jolting.
• Puffin season timing runs from May through August, with a short stop at breeding grounds early in the tour.
• Reykjavik shoreline icons are part of the return route, including Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall.
• A true small-group format with limited capacity, so you get more attention from the guide.
• Plan B if whales do not show up, since you can receive a complimentary ticket for another ride.

Reykjavik Whale Watching From Old Harbour, Fast and Up Close

If your idea of a good Iceland day includes cold air, salt spray, and the thrill of scanning the water for blows and breaches, this is a solid match. The tour runs from Reykjavik Old Harbour and uses a small, fast RIB that heads out into open water rather than staying close to shore.

The big value here is not just that you might see whales. It is the way you chase them. A fast boat can cover more ground, then adjust quickly when wildlife shows up. That matters because whales and dolphins do not show on a schedule, they show when they show, and the ocean decides.

You also get a built-in Reykjavik sightseeing component without turning the day into a tour bus day. On the way back, you cruise the shoreline and make short stops to admire landmark sights like the Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall.

The Boat Experience: RIB Speedboat With Warm Coveralls

This is not a quiet, sit-and-wait cruise. You zoom out on a rigid inflatable boat, with a professional captain and a wildlife guide on board. The tour includes warm overalls and all necessary safety equipment, which is more practical than it sounds.

In Reykjavik, wind is part of the deal. Even if the weather looks fine from land, the open water can feel colder once you are moving. Having the coveralls provided means you can dress normally for Iceland and still stay comfortable out on the water.

Another detail that really helps is seating. The boats have brand new high quality suspension seats described as shock seats. Translation: you still feel motion, but it is designed to reduce impact during fast driving. If you can handle a lively ride, you will probably enjoy it a lot.

Wildlife Chances: Whales, Dolphins, Seabirds, and Puffins

The wildlife focus is broad by design. You are out scouting around islands near Reykjavik Old Harbour and given time to search over a large area. The goal is close-up views of whales, dolphins, and seabirds, which is exactly what you want from a speedboat style tour.

From early May through the end of August, you also have a chance at puffins. The tour makes a short stop at the puffin breeding grounds early in the outing. That is not the same as wandering a cliff for hours, but it does put you in the zone during the best window for seeing these seabirds active around breeding.

In past departures, guides have helped spot minke whales, dolphins, and even moments that sound like a full wildlife highlight reel, like humpback whale breaches and groups of dolphins playing close to the boat. I would not count on any single animal, but the pattern you can reasonably expect is this: when wildlife is around, the boat’s speed and low feel help you experience it up close.

Your 2-Hour Route, What Happens When

This tour is listed as about 2 hours, and the pacing is built around scouting first, then shoreline icons on the way back. The exact animal sightings are up to the ocean, but the flow of the day is pretty consistent.

Meeting at Reykjavik Old Harbour and getting ready

You meet at the Old Harbour of Reykjavik, Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavik. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. That extra time helps with the safety briefing and getting you into the warm overalls before the boat heads out.

The meeting point matters because you are not being picked up at a hotel. You will need to make your own way to Old Harbour.

Safety briefing, coveralls, then out on the water

After a quick safety briefing, you pull on provided coveralls and hop aboard. From there, the captain zips you out and you start scanning for wildlife right away.

This is where the RIB style makes a difference. You are not stuck watching from a big vessel. You get a more direct sense of the water surface and movement, because you are low and close to where animals surface.

Short stop for puffins during May to August

If you are traveling between May and August, you may get the puffin portion. Early in the tour, there is a short stop at puffin breeding grounds. This is specifically described as a stop made at the breeding grounds, so you are not just looking for puffins from a distance.

If you are outside that May to August window, you still get the main whale and dolphin search portion, but you will not be counting on puffins as a season-specific target.

Return cruise past Reykjavik shoreline icons

On the way back, you cruise the shoreline and spot the sights from the sea. You also get quick stops to admire the Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall on the shoreline.

That return section is smart. If you had a whale sighting early, you still get a second payoff. If you had a quieter watch, you still finish with strong Reykjavik visuals that work even when wildlife goes quiet.

Guides and Captains: Why the Staff Quality Matters

This tour includes a professional captain and wildlife guide, and the guide is English-speaking. You can also feel how much effort is put into information because multiple accounts highlight both education and enthusiasm.

One guide name that comes up in the feedback is Elsa. People describe her as kind and able to share lots of information. Another name that appears is Raoul, mentioned in a more mixed wildlife outcome, yet still paired with friendly guiding.

The captain also gets credit in the feedback for safe navigation and getting a good spin in the harbor on the way back. That kind of moment is not why you book, but it contributes to the overall feeling that the team is competent and in control.

The Comfort and Motion Question: Who Should Consider It

You should think carefully about comfort needs before booking. This is not labeled as gentle.

The tour is not recommended for:

• People with a history of back problems
• Pregnant women

It is also suited only for:

• Children over age 10
• People over 145 centimeters tall

The requirement for closed-toe shoes is also a reminder to keep your gear simple and practical.

If you meet the height and age requirements and your back is fine, you should be prepared for an active ride. The shock seats are designed to help, and the coveralls help comfort in cold wind, but it is still a fast RIB.

If you have any doubt about comfort, you will be happier choosing a slower-style boat. That way your day is about wildlife, not about managing motion.

Price and Value: Is $200 Worth It?

At about $200 per person for roughly two hours, this is not a budget activity. The best way to judge value is not just price, it is what makes the odds better and what you get if things go wrong.

Here is what you are paying for:

• A fast RIB that can cover more search area than slower boats
• Close-up viewing potential that often feels more intense than large-ship cruising
• Warm coveralls and safety gear included, so you are not trying to improvise cold-weather clothing
• A small-group format capped at 12
• A complimentary ticket if you do not spot whales, based on the tour description

That last point is important. Not seeing whales is not your fault, and the company has a built-in way to reduce the sting. Several experiences also emphasize that even when conditions lead to delays or changes, staff work to reschedule and keep you in the game.

I would say the price makes more sense if you:

• Want the faster, closer RIB style, not a calm ride
• Are visiting during May to August and want puffins as a seasonal bonus
• Care about learning in real time from a guide while you scan for animals
• Can handle a lively ride

If you hate motion or you want a quiet sightseeing alternative, you will likely feel it is overpriced for your preferences.

Weather and Rescheduling Reality

Iceland weather can be stubborn, and sea conditions matter. There is at least one firsthand account of a tour being canceled due to weather after land conditions looked good. The practical takeaway is this: be ready to adjust.

If you see a cancellation notice or sea conditions change, do not assume it is a mistake. Open water can get rough fast, and safety rules apply.

If your trip is flexible, book early enough that you have another day to rearrange. If you are locked into one day only, this is still doable, but plan like you might need a shuffle.

Where This Fits in Your Iceland Day

This whale watching trip is built for a Reykjavik-based itinerary. The location at Old Harbour makes it easy to pair with other city time, and the return route gives you a bonus look at Harpa and Sun Voyager without adding extra transport time.

It also works well as your wildlife “anchor” activity. You go out, you search, you come back. In a country where wildlife spotting can be hit-or-miss, having a guided, fast pursuit with a guide onboard is a strong way to maximize your odds.

If you are planning to do puffin-focused activities elsewhere, note that this tour already includes puffin breeding grounds between May and August, so you might not need to stack too many similar experiences in the same window.

Should You Book This Speedboat Whale Watching?

Book it if you want a high-energy Reykjavik wildlife experience with a small group, you like the idea of getting close from a fast RIB, and you are traveling between May and August for a puffin chance.

Think twice if you:

• Have a history of back problems
• Are pregnant
• Prefer a slow, calm boat ride
• Want guaranteed animals, because wildlife is still wildlife

If you match the comfort profile and you are excited by the chase, I think this is one of the more satisfying ways to spend two hours in Reykjavik, especially when the water cooperates and the guide helps you spot what you came for.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

You meet at the Old Harbour of Reykjavik, Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavik.

How long does the whale watching tour last?

The tour duration is 2 hours.

What should I bring or wear?

Wear closed-toe shoes. The tour provides warm overalls and includes the necessary safety equipment.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is there a refund or do you get another chance if you do not see whales?

If you are unlucky and do not spot any whales, your captain will provide you a complimentary ticket for another ride before you leave.

Can children or people with certain health conditions join?

Children under 10 years old are not suitable, and you also need to be over 145 cm tall. The tour is not recommended for pregnant women or for people with a history of back problems.