Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

Off Reykjavík’s coast, a small RIB can make the search for whales feel close and immediate. The two-hour trip leaves the Old Harbor, threads past nearby islands, and ranges into Faxaflói Bay in search of minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises. On lucky outings, puffins and other seabirds join the show.

I like two things here: the 12-seat boat keeps the group small, and its speed helps the captain reach distant sightings faster than a large tour boat can. You also get Reykjavík’s landmarks from the water, with warm overalls, gloves, and goggles supplied. The trade-off is a bumpy, windy ride, and wildlife is never guaranteed.

The essentials at a glance

• A small boat, not a crowded deck: The RIB holds 12 people, making it easier to see and hear what is happening around you.
• A fast route through Faxaflói Bay: The captain can cover ground and head toward signs of wildlife.
• More than whale watching: The route passes Engey and Lundey, with views back toward Reykjavík and Harpa concert hall.
• Warm gear is included: You receive overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety equipment, but dress warmly underneath.
• A second chance if wildlife is absent: If you see no wildlife, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again.
• Not for everyone: Children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, and people under 145 cm are not permitted.

Setting out from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor

Your trip starts at the Old Harbour House, at Aegisgardur 2. Check in 30 minutes before departure by scanning the barcode or QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own route to the harbor.

The harbor is an appealing starting point because you are already close to the water and the city’s waterfront sights. Once aboard, Reykjavík quickly becomes part of the view rather than just the place you left behind. Harpa concert hall is among the landmarks you may see from the water, and the city’s position against the bay gives the ride a strong sense of place.

The outing lasts about two hours, but the time is not divided into fixed stops. This is a wildlife search, so the captain may alter the route based on conditions and sightings. Some trips spend time watching animals in one area; others need to travel farther before finding them. That uncertainty is part of the experience, and it helps explain why a fast boat can be useful.

A small RIB changes the feel of the trip

This is a 12-seat RIB, not a large sightseeing vessel. The smaller group means you are closer to the water and have fewer people between you and the view. It also gives the captain room to maneuver quickly when wildlife appears.

Speed matters most when the boat is covering the bay. One trip can take around half an hour to reach an area with whales, then spend a good stretch watching them before heading back toward Reykjavík. The ride itself is part of the fun, but it can be rough. One account likened the bouncing to a theme park ride, a useful warning if you dislike jolting motion or have a sensitive back.

The boat is not a guarantee of closer wildlife encounters. The captain must keep a safe distance, and animals move on their own terms. Still, a small, quick boat can adjust its position faster than a larger vessel, which may give you more chances to watch an animal from different angles.

Watching for whales, dolphins, and porpoises

The main goal is to find marine wildlife in its natural habitat. Minke and humpback whales are among the species commonly seen on successful outings. Dolphins and harbour porpoises may appear too, and seabirds, including puffins, can add another reason to keep looking.

Sightings vary. Some trips have brought several whale species, dolphins, and puffins; others have seen puffins but no whales. Even when whales appear, the encounter may be brief, or the animals may surface repeatedly near the boat. You should go hoping for wildlife, not expecting a particular species or a guaranteed close approach.

A guide helps make the search more rewarding. Guides such as Claudia, Julian, and Bianca have led trips, explaining what is happening and answering questions. The captain watches for signs of animals and steers toward sightings, while the guide helps you know where to look. On a moving boat, it can be difficult to hear directions clearly, so keep your eyes open and follow the guide’s gestures as well as their commentary.

Puffins are a welcome possibility, especially near Lundey. The island’s name means Puffin Island in Icelandic, and it is a small, uninhabited island off Reykjavík’s western coast. You may see puffins there, but their presence is not guaranteed on every trip. The route also passes Engey, the second-largest island in the Kollafjörður area of Faxaflói Bay.

Reykjavík looks different from the water

Wildlife is the headline, but the city views make the outing more than a hunt for whale blows. From the bay, you can take in Reykjavík’s waterfront and landmarks such as Harpa from a fresh angle. The small islands add variety to the route, and on a clear day the surrounding mountains may be visible beyond the water.

This is a worthwhile change of pace if you have already spent time walking the city. You get a sense of how close Reykjavík sits to the bay and islands, while the boat gives you a moving view instead of a fixed lookout. The ride can be windy and spray is possible, so this is not the calm, dry version of sightseeing. The supplied goggles and overalls are practical equipment, not just a photo prop.

Weather, warmth, and the ride back

Iceland’s weather can change the character of a trip. The captain decides whether conditions are suitable, with passenger safety and comfort in mind. If the RIB cannot go out, the trip may be rescheduled. In some cases, a different, larger boat may be offered instead. That can mean a slower ride, but it may be a sensible alternative when wind and waves make the RIB uncomfortable or unsafe.

You receive warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety gear. Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing underneath. The suit helps, but wind rushing across a fast boat can still make your face and ears cold. A face covering may be useful if you are sensitive to wind, and protecting your ears is worth considering. Bring a camera, but keep it secure and be ready to put it away when the boat is moving.

The ride can be bumpy even when the weather seems decent. A few people may feel seasick, so this is not the best choice if motion tends to trouble you. The operator specifically excludes people with back problems, pregnant women, children under 10, and anyone shorter than 145 cm. Take those limits seriously; the RIB’s speed and movement are central to the experience.

Choosing the right season and weighing the price

The stated best whale-watching period in Iceland is April through September. Sightings remain a matter of chance, though, and a good season does not promise a whale on your particular departure. If your schedule allows, leaving room for another attempt can make the complimentary return ticket more useful.

At $200 per person, this is a substantial outing. The value depends on what you want. You are paying for a small-group RIB ride, an English-speaking guide, warm gear, and the chance to cover more water than you would on foot or from the harbor. If you see whales, dolphins, or puffins, the two-hour trip can feel like a highlight. If wildlife does not appear, the included second chance softens the risk, but only if you have time to return.

Compare the RIB with a larger whale-watching boat before you book. The RIB is quicker and more intimate, and it can maneuver efficiently. A larger boat may suit you better if you want a steadier ride or dislike sitting close to the water. The RIB is best for people who see the ride itself as part of the adventure, not just a way to reach the animals.

Booking details that matter

The tour is operated by Sea trips Reykjavík, lasts two hours, and is guided in English. Check availability for departure times. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

If you are driving, free parking is available near the meeting point. Confirm the exact location using the parking link provided with your booking details. Allow time to check in 30 minutes before departure, rather than arriving at the last moment.

The operator may reschedule a trip if the minimum number of participants is not reached. Weather can also affect the plan. Keep some flexibility in your Reykjavík schedule if seeing wildlife is a priority, especially if you want to use the complimentary return trip after a wildlife-free outing.

Should you book this Reykjavík RIB tour?

Book it if you want an active, small-group whale-watching trip and are comfortable with speed, wind, and a bumpy ride. The combination of a quick RIB, an English-speaking guide, island scenery, and the chance to see whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins makes it a compelling way to spend two hours on the bay.

Choose a larger boat if comfort and a steadier ride matter more than speed and intimacy. And remember that no captain can promise a whale sighting. If the possibility of an empty wildlife search would spoil the day, this may not be the right $200 outing. If you can accept that uncertainty, and have room in your schedule to try again, the free return ticket is a useful safeguard.

FAQ

How long is the whale-watching trip?

The boat tour lasts two hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

Check in at the Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 30 minutes before departure to check in at the self-service kiosk.

What wildlife might I see?

You may see whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and other seabirds. Sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if I see no wildlife?

You receive a complimentary ticket to try again another day.

What clothing and equipment are provided?

Warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and necessary safety equipment are provided. Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera.

What is the best season for whale watching?

The stated best time is from April through September.

Who cannot join the tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, or people under 145 cm tall.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.