From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by Speedboat

The thrill begins before you spot a whale: a compact RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) carries you from Reykjavík’s old harbor into Faxaflói Bay, where humpbacks, minkes, dolphins and other wildlife may appear. It’s a lively way to get out on the water, with the city’s landmarks shrinking behind you.

I like two things in particular: the close-up view of puffin nesting islands and the boat’s small scale, with 12 suspension seats that give you a more personal outing than a large vessel. The guides also share information about the wildlife and the city as you go.

The trade-off is the ride. Wind and waves can make the RIB very bumpy, and no one can promise a whale sighting. Wear warm clothes, choose a calmer day if you have that option, and don’t book this for a child under 10.

• A small RIB with 12 suspension seats gives you an energetic ride and a close-to-the-water view.
• Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but Faxaflói Bay is home to up to 23 whale species, as well as dolphins and seals.
• Puffin islands are part of the route, with the boat heading close to nesting areas.
• Waterproof overalls, gloves, goggles, a scarf and a life jacket help you face the Icelandic weather.
• The two-hour trip starts near central Reykjavík, at Ægisgarður 5G, a five-minute walk from the city center.

From Reykjavík Harbor into Faxaflói Bay

The trip starts at Ægisgarður 5G in the old harbor, a short walk from central Reykjavík. Before boarding, you put on the warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles and scarf, along with a life jacket. Wear warm clothes underneath, too. The supplied outer gear helps with spray and wind, but it is not a reason to dress lightly.

The boat has 12 suspension seats, a useful feature on a ride that can bounce over waves. A smaller RIB can get you closer to the water and wildlife than a large tour boat, but it also makes the sea feel more immediate. If you are uneasy with speed or rough water, think carefully before booking.

Once aboard, the guide provides information about whales, wildlife and Reykjavík. Tours are guided in English or Icelandic. The crew’s role is more than narration: they scan for animals, help passengers understand what they are seeing and answer questions along the way.

The first stretch is a harbor outing as well as a wildlife trip. You pass Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture, with the city’s waterfront providing a striking contrast to the open bay ahead. These views are a pleasant start, though the main reason to book is the time spent searching for animals.

Searching the waters of Faxaflói Bay

Faxaflói Bay is the heart of the tour. Up to 23 whale species may be found in the area, along with dolphins and seals, but wildlife is wild and sightings vary. A whale may surface nearby, or you may spend much of the trip scanning the water. The guide can help you know where to look, but the outcome is not something the crew can control.

Humpback whales are among the animals seen on these trips. Minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, pilot whales and harbor porpoises have also been spotted. That variety gives you a sense of what might be out there, not a checklist of guaranteed encounters. Even when you see a whale, you may catch only a back, a breath or a brief glimpse of movement.

That can still be an affecting sight. A humpback surfacing to breathe makes its size clear, even if it does not leap from the water. One memorable kind of encounter is a dolphin pod swimming around the boat, appearing and disappearing as the animals move through the water. It is nature on its own terms, rather than a staged show.

The guide and boat navigator work together to search and follow animals when conditions allow. This is a key part of the experience: the crew must balance getting a good view with respecting wildlife and keeping the boat safe. When the search succeeds, the small boat can put you close enough to see details that are harder to make out from farther away.

There is a chance the ride itself becomes part of the story. On a windy day, the RIB can be rough, with waves lifting and jolting the boat. One person described it as flying over the waves; another found the ride bumpy in strong wind. Both reactions make sense. The speed and motion can be fun for some, but tiring or unnerving for others.

A close pass by puffin-nesting islands

The route also takes you near islands in Faxaflói Bay where puffins nest and lay their eggs. The boat approaches the nesting areas for a closer view of the birds. You may see puffins flying above the water, swimming, or gathered along the shore and cliffs.

Puffins add a different kind of wildlife encounter from whale watching. They are smaller and easier to spot in groups, and the island setting gives the trip a clear change of pace after scanning open water. You may see many, or only a few. The birds are not there for a performance, so keep your eyes moving and listen to the guide.

The puffin stop also makes the outing worthwhile for anyone interested in more than whales. A whale sighting can be the big prize, but seabirds and dolphins bring their own moments of surprise. The mix of wildlife makes the tour less dependent on one particular animal appearing.

What the RIB ride feels like

This is not a slow, sheltered cruise. The RIB is built for a brisk trip across open water, and passengers have described high-speed stretches and sharp turns. The suspension seats help soften the ride, while the supplied waterproof gear is designed to protect you from spray and weather.

Still, the boat’s speed and the sea’s mood matter. A calm day can make the journey more comfortable; strong wind and waves can make it rough. If you have flexibility, choosing a day with calmer conditions is sensible. The weather in Iceland can change, so bring warm layers even when conditions look mild at the harbor.

The ride is not suitable for children under 10. It also may not suit anyone who dislikes speed, bouncing or exposure to open water. Sandals and open-toed shoes are not allowed, so wear closed shoes that you are comfortable having out at sea.

The provided goggles are practical, not decorative. They help protect your eyes from wind and spray, while gloves and the overall add warmth and coverage. You receive a scarf to wear, too. These details matter because the experience is outdoors, moving quickly, with little shelter from the elements.

Is $192 worth it for two hours?

At $192 per person, this is a premium-priced, short outing. The value depends on what you want from a whale-watching trip. You are paying for a small, fast boat, a two-hour guided search, the excitement of the ride, and the chance to see whales, dolphins and puffins in one trip.

The RIB’s small size is central to the price. You are not simply buying transport across the bay. The boat gives you a closer, more active view of the water, and the 12 suspension seats keep the group limited in size. The crew also supplies protective gear and provides guidance about wildlife and the city.

But the price does not buy certainty. If your main goal is a guaranteed whale sighting, no wildlife tour can offer that. You might see several kinds of animals, or have a quieter search. Consider the boat ride and puffin islands part of the value, rather than treating a whale as the only measure of success.

The tour makes the most sense if you enjoy being on the water and want a brisk, close-up outing from Reykjavík without spending half a day at sea. If you prefer a calmer ride or want more time aboard a larger vessel, this may not be the right fit. The two-hour duration is convenient, but the speed and bumps make it feel like an activity in its own right.

Who should book this trip

Book it if you want a spirited boat ride, are comfortable with changing weather and will enjoy wildlife even when sightings are brief. It is especially appealing if you want to combine a search for whales with puffin viewing and harbor scenery in a compact outing.

It is less suitable if you are looking for a quiet cruise, are nervous on small boats or have a low tolerance for rough water. The age limit is firm: children under 10 are not suitable for this trip. Closed shoes and warm clothing are essential.

The crew’s friendliness, information and attention to safety have been recurring strengths of the experience. Names of individual guides are not specified, so you should not expect a particular person. Instead, expect a guided trip in English or Icelandic, with the crew helping you follow the wildlife and understand the bay.

The booking terms offer some flexibility: you can reserve now and pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Check available departure times when planning, and keep the weather in mind if you have room to choose your day.

FAQ

How long is the whale-watching tour?

The trip lasts two hours, including the harbor departure, wildlife search in Faxaflói Bay and return.

Where does the boat leave from?

Meet at Ægisgarður 5G in Reykjavík’s old harbor. It is about a five-minute walk from the city center.

What wildlife might I see?

The bay is home to up to 23 whale species, as well as dolphins and seals. Puffins and other seabirds may also be seen. Sightings are not guaranteed.

What gear is provided?

A warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles and a scarf are provided. A life jacket is part of the safety gear. Wear warm clothes underneath.

Is the ride rough?

It can be. Wind and waves affect the ride, and the RIB may feel bumpy on a windy day. The 12 suspension seats are intended to improve comfort.

Can children join the tour?

Children under 10 are not suitable for this activity. Sandals and open-toed shoes are not allowed.