If you like your wildlife with speed, this is it. This 2-hour RIB boat tour from Reykjavik puts you out on Faxaflói Bay fast, with expert help for spotting whales and dolphins. You also get scenic cruising past landmarks like Esja and, in summer, a stop at puffin nesting island Akurey.

I especially love how the tour handles cold and sea conditions for you. You’ll get warm waterproof overalls, gloves, goggles, and a life vest, plus shock-absorbing suspension seats to make the ride easier on your body. And with a small group (max 12), the guide can actually focus on the spotting, not just herd people.

One thing to consider is that this is an active, bouncy boat. Even with the shock seats, the ride can feel intense in rougher weather, and it is not recommended for children under age 10 or under 145 cm.

Key highlights worth your attention

• 12m RIB express speed helps you reach feeding grounds quickly instead of idling far offshore
• Small-group format (max 12 travelers) makes spotting and guidance feel personal
• Whale and dolphin focus on humpbacks, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises
• Winter-to-summer bonus stop at Akurey for puffins during summer nesting season
• All the cold-weather gear included, so you’re not guessing what to pack
• No-sighting fallback: you’ll receive a complimentary ticket to try again on another whale-watching option

RIB Boat Whale Watching in Reykjavik, fast access to the action

Reykjavik whale watching gets real when you get out far enough and soon enough. That’s why I like the RIB approach. A 12m custom-built express RIB can get you between sighting areas quickly, which matters because whales and dolphins are on the move.

The tour targets humpback whales and minke whales, and it also looks for white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. On the water, that translates to scanning constantly, changing position when the guide signals, and following what the captain finds.

This is also a tour where the expertise shows up in your odds. You’re not just looking at the sea and hoping. You’re getting help to read the water, notice blow patterns, and understand what you’re seeing once you do spot wildlife.

Meeting at Ægisgarður 5 and getting your gear sorted without drama

Your tour starts at the meeting point at Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík. If you selected hotel pickup, you’ll be taken to the Special Tours ticket office in the Old Harbour. If you did not pick up, you meet there directly.

Give yourself time to check in. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early so you can handle safety info with the guide before boarding. This part matters because everyone needs to be suited up correctly for the cold wind, spray, and wet deck.

Once you’re checked in, you’ll put on warm waterproof overalls, then add life vest, gloves, and goggles. This setup is a big part of the value, because it reduces the guesswork on layering. You’ll feel warmer faster, and you won’t waste your energy fiddling with clothes while the boat is ready to go.

Boarding a 12m custom-built RIB, what to expect once you’re out

After the safety speech, you’ll board a brand-new 12m RIB express boat built for fast, stable cruising. The seats use shock-absorbing suspension, which helps with comfort when waves hit and the boat changes direction.

The captain and guide teamwork is the heartbeat of the tour. One person watches the sea and wildlife cues from the helm area, while the other focuses on tracking and explaining what you’re looking for. In practice, that means quicker decisions when you’re near the feeding grounds.

You’ll head out from Reykjavik into Faxaflói Bay. On the way, you’ll enjoy the scenery, including the famous Esja mountain. If you like photos, this is one of your best windows, because the boat is moving but you’re still close to recognizable landmarks.

Following whales and dolphins in Faxaflói Bay, the real spotting game

The core of your 2 hours is searching out the whale feeding areas. The tour time is short by design, which is why the RIB speed matters so much. Instead of spending most of the day waiting, you focus on the moments when wildlife shows itself.

When sightings happen, you may get repeated looks rather than a single distant glance. Some experiences include humpbacks and calves interacting in the same area, or dolphins moving in pods that keep pace with the boat. You might also see white-beaked dolphins and minke whales during the chase for the day’s activity.

A useful mindset: think of this as active wildlife tracking, not a museum trip. Even when conditions are good, whales are not on a schedule. The guide can steer you toward the right zones, but nature decides the final outcome.

Also, the captain and crew follow a whale-watching code of conduct. Translation: you should see animals clearly while the boat stays respectful of the wildlife. That balance is part of why the experience feels both thrilling and controlled.

The puffin stop at Akurey in summer, what it is and what to aim for

During summer months when puffins are nesting in Iceland, the tour includes a stop at Akurey, one of the most popular nesting islands. This is not just a quick photo opportunity. It’s a chance to see puffins in their summer routine, which is usually a crowd-pleaser.

That said, don’t expect every puffin to be easy to spot. From the distance available on the water, some sightings can be tricky, especially if you’re near the back or standing in windy conditions. Bring patience and plan to scan for movement and surface activity rather than trying to pick out individual birds instantly.

What I like about adding Akurey is that it gives you a second type of payoff. Even on days when whale sightings are limited, you can still get that classic Iceland wildlife moment with puffins.

The ride experience, speed, comfort seats, and when to sit out

This RIB experience is fast. In calmer water it can still feel lively, and in rougher water you should expect bumpy motion. One review experience mentioned the ride feeling like a roller coaster, while another noted shock seats made a big difference.

Both of those can be true. The suspension seats help, but they do not turn open water into a smooth car ride. If you have a heart condition, a bad back, or other physical concerns, you should take the ride seriously and consider choosing a gentler option.

Mobility matters too. Getting in and out of the boat on a moving RIB is not the easiest thing in the world, even with a safety setup. If stairs or stepping down could be a problem for you, be cautious.

The tour notes that this is not recommended for children under age 10 or under 145 cm. Special Tours also says people who are pregnant or have back problems should not join this tour, so if any of that applies, it’s worth comparing alternatives.

How long is it, and how to time your day around the 2 hours

This is a short tour on purpose, about 2 hours total. That makes it easier to fit into an Iceland itinerary. You can pair it with other Reykjavik activities the same day, without losing half your daylight.

The practical timing trick is to plan your buffer. Arrive early for check-in and suit-up, and assume weather can shift the day’s pace. If it is too rough, the operator may cancel and offer a different date or a full refund. That’s not “bad luck,” it’s part of running a safe water tour.

If you’re visiting in peak season, book early. The average booking window is about 49 days in advance, which is a hint that good weather slots can go quickly.

Price and value at $189.87, what you actually get for the money

At $189.87 per person, this isn’t a budget excursion. But the price starts to make sense when you count what’s included and what you’re optimizing for.

First, the tour includes the cold-weather protection you need to enjoy the ride: warm waterproof overalls, life vest, gloves, and goggles. That alone saves you from buying or borrowing gear in Reykjavik wind.

Second, you’re paying for a small group, expert guidance in English, and a captain who can maneuver quickly when wildlife shows up. The RIB format helps you increase your chances because you can reach feeding grounds fast and reposition when the guide calls it.

Third, there is a safety net if wildlife doesn’t cooperate. Sightings are not guaranteed, but if there are no wildlife sightings on your tour, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again on another whale-watching option (Classic or Express). That matters because whale watching is inherently variable, and this reduces the risk of a total disappointment.

So the value question becomes: are you comfortable with an active RIB ride and paying for the best odds? If yes, this is a strong choice.

Who this tour is best for in real terms

You’ll likely be happiest on this tour if you want a fast, hands-on wildlife experience from Reykjavik. If you like speedboats, cold-weather gear, and scanning the sea for action, you’re in the right place.

It’s also a great option for couples or small families who can handle the bumpy ride. Some families do well when the kids are tall enough and mature enough for safety gear and steady positioning during the chase.

If you’re dealing with mobility limits, back pain, or other physical constraints, you may want to choose a different format. The tour’s own guidance points away from kids under age 10 and under 145 cm, and away from pregnancy or back problems, because the ride can be intense.

Tips to improve your odds and your comfort

• Wear good shoes with solid grip. You’ll be moving around on a wet deck, and you want stable footing.
• Bring a camera, because the Reykjavík coastline and Akurey stop are both photo opportunities, even when whale sightings are brief.
• Listen carefully during the safety speech, then follow your guide’s instructions for where to stand and how to move.
• Dress warm even though overalls are provided. Wind can still cut through if you under-layer.
• If you’re aiming for puffin views, scan steadily instead of expecting instant bird-level spotting from far out.

Should you book this RIB whale watching tour from Reykjavik?

Book it if you want the highest-energy version of Reykjavik whale watching: a small group, a fast RIB, expert tracking, and the bonus puffin island stop in summer. The included waterproof gear is a real convenience, and the complimentary ticket offer is a smart way to reduce the risk of going home whale-free.

Skip or consider a gentler alternative if you know the bumpy ride is likely to bother you, especially if you have back problems, heart conditions, or mobility concerns. Also, if you’re traveling with young kids under the posted limits, this likely isn’t the right match.

If you’re flexible, arrive early, dress for wind, and treat the sea like a live hunt for wildlife, this tour has the kind of payoff that makes Reykjavik feel like more than just a pretty city stop.

FAQ

What is the duration of the RIB whale watching tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What wildlife will the tour look for?

The tour searches for humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises.

Does the tour include a puffin island stop?

In summer months, the tour includes a visit to Akurey, a popular puffin nesting island.

What gear is included?

You’ll be provided with warm overalls, life vest, gloves, and goggles. The boat also has suspension seats for extra comfort.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is optional. The tour mentions hotel transfers can be added for an additional fee.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?

No. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. If there are no sightings on your tour, you’ll get a complimentary ticket to try again on the Whale Watching Classic or Whale Watching Express tours.