Whales off Reykjavik can feel shockingly close. This 12-seater RIB speedboat blasts out from the Old Harbor, so you can search Faxaflói Bay for whales, dolphins, and porpoises fast, then share the moment with a small group instead of a deck full of people. The views from the water also make the whole outing feel like part sightseeing, part wildlife safari.

I especially like the way the crew builds a good shot at sightings. When guides like Claudia, Julien, and Bianca are on the mic, they help you spot blow, movement, and behavior, and they move the boat when the animals show up. I also appreciate the practical bonus built into the tour, a free ticket to try again if you do not see wildlife that day.

One real consideration is how rough and cold the ride can feel. The tour is weather dependent, and even with warm overalls, wind can be strong and the boat can be bumpy, so it may not be a great fit if you have a sensitive stomach, back issues, or you are very uncomfortable in chilly conditions.

Key Highlights That Matter on This RIB Whale Safari

• Small 12-seater boat keeps the experience more personal and lets the crew position quickly
• Faxaflói Bay cruising for a mix of whale potential and Reykjavik sightseeing from the water
• Engey and Lundey passes for bird life and the special context of this coastline
• Warm overalls, gloves, and goggles reduce the cold stress on a fast, windy ride
• Free retry if no wildlife turns a random day into a second chance
• Captain decides based on conditions for safety and passenger comfort

From Old Harbor to Open Water, Why This Feels Different

This tour starts at the Old Harbour House near Reykjavik’s harbor area. You check in by scanning the bar or QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk, and you’ll get outfitted before you head out. The big idea here is simple: instead of slowly drifting around and hoping the animals come to you, this RIB speedboat can reposition fast when the captain spots action.

That speed matters in whale watching. Whales and dolphins are not on a timetable. They travel, surface briefly, and then vanish again. A small, nimble boat helps the crew close the gap during that short window when you can actually see something clearly, and you feel it from the first minutes out of the harbor.

You also get a different feel for Reykjavik. From water level, landmarks look more dramatic, and the city reads as part of a bigger coastline story. It is not just about the animals. It is also about seeing Harpa and the surrounding shoreline while the boat powers along at a pace that keeps you engaged.

The 2 Hour Route: Faxaflói Bay, Engey, and Lundey Puffin Island

The tour clocks in at about 2 hours, and in that time you cruise out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor into Faxaflói Bay. The route is designed for both wildlife searching and quick sightseeing, so you are not stuck in one spot for the entire trip.

Here’s what you’ll likely notice as you go:

• You cruise among the nearby islands and along the Reykjavik coast, keeping your eyes scanning for blow and surfacing.
• You pass Engey, the second-largest island in the Kollafjörður area (also described as Faxa Bay). Even when whales are not in view, Engey gives you a strong sense of geography, why this coast works for marine life.
• You also pass Lundey, which means Puffin Island. When puffins are active, you may spot them during the ride or around the area the crew calls out.

A practical note: you are moving. So even if you do not see a whale the whole time, you should still feel like the crew is actively working the search. Many people highlight that the smaller boat lets the crew react quickly, instead of following a fixed, crowded route.

Wildlife Odds: Humpbacks, Minke Whales, Dolphins, Porpoises, and Puffins

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the pattern is clear from what you can realistically expect in this region. You go looking for whales, dolphins, and porpoises, and the best days can stack species together.

Based on what has been commonly reported, you might see:

• Humpback whales, sometimes with multiple individuals close to the boat
• Minke whales, often seen briefly but with great payoff if you catch the timing
• Dolphins, including white-beaked and other dolphin species reported on the tours
• Harbour porpoises, sometimes in the same stretch of water
• Puffins and other seabirds, especially around the island area where Lundey comes into play

Two things I like about this setup for your expectations. First, you are hunting the animals off Reykjavik itself, which reduces the long-distance slog that can eat time on larger options. Second, your chances improve because the boat can adjust quickly when the captain finds signs like blow or spouts.

If you are hoping for a particular species, set your plan based on the season and the reality of whale behavior. The tour notes the best chance is in summer months from April through September. Outside that window, you can still be lucky, but your odds usually shift with the animals’ timing and the weather.

How the Captain Searches, and Why Safety Comes First

On a RIB tour, excitement is real, but safety is not an afterthought. The captain makes the decision about whether to sail based on suitable weather conditions, prioritizing passenger safety and comfort. That matters because this is not a gentle cruise. It is a fast ride on choppy water when conditions demand it.

You’ll also see how crew behavior improves the experience. When a whale shows up, the boat can adjust quickly, and that often leads to those clear moments when you can see behavior, not just distant silhouettes. The best reports emphasize that guides explain what to look for and answer questions patiently during the run.

One small reality to plan for: wind can interfere with hearing. Even with the guide talking, you may catch instructions in flashes between the roar of the engine and the push of cold air. If you really want to follow along, watch for nonverbal cues too, and use moments at slower speeds to ask questions.

Cold-Water Comfort: Warm Overalls, Gloves, Goggles, and What to Wear

The tour provides serious protection for the weather: warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, plus necessary safety equipment. This is a big deal in Iceland, where a “light breeze” can still feel sharp once you are speeding over cold water.

What you should still bring and plan around:

• Warm clothing under the provided gear, since the wind chill effect can be intense
• Comfortable shoes for boarding and moving around
• A camera, because the best sightings are often short and you want to be ready

Many people say they did not get soaked in decent weather, but do not assume every day stays dry. Bring your own common sense too. If you hate wind on your face, a face cover or something that shields your ears can help a lot. Also consider how easily cold air makes some people feel seasick, even when they are not usually prone to motion sickness.

And yes, the ride can be bumpy. Reviews often describe the posture as more active than a normal boat, with people half sitting and half standing to reduce the impact of the boat riding over the waves. If you have a back problem, or you are prone to discomfort on uneven motion, take that seriously.

Price and Value: Why $200 Can Feel Worth It Here

At around $200 per person for 2 hours, this is not the cheapest way to see wildlife from Reykjavik. But the value logic makes sense if your priority is quality sightings, not a relaxed sightseeing cruise.

Here’s where the money tends to pay off:

• Capacity is only 12 seats, which reduces the feeling of being packed in
• The boat is fast and agile, which improves how often you can reach animals when they surface
• You get Reykjavik views from the water during the run, not only at the end
• The tour includes a free retry ticket if you do not see any wildlife on your first attempt

That last point is quietly important. Whale watching is random by nature. A free rebook option helps you absorb the risk of a blank day, especially on weeks where weather can change quickly.

Still, you should also be realistic. If the sea state is rough or visibility is poor, the crew may adjust the plan, and sightings might be fewer. And if you are comparing this to a big boat option, the trade-off is comfort versus speed. Here, you choose excitement and mobility, and you accept that wind and bumps come with it.

Who This Tour Suits Best, and Who Should Skip It

This tour is best for people who want a fast, active wildlife hunt and who can handle cold wind and rough water.

It is not suitable for:

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

It also helps if you are comfortable with the nature of RIB rides. If you get motion sickness easily, plan carefully, because wind and waves can trigger it even when the crew provides warm gear.

Who should love it:

• Couples and friends who want a high-energy outing without a crowded vibe
• First-timers who want the best chance to actually find whales rather than just ride along
• People who care about getting closer and seeing behavior, not just distant spouts

My Practical Tips Before You Go

These are the small choices that can make the difference between a good ride and a great memory.

Pick your timing with the season in mind. The tour notes summer months from April through September as the best time for whale watching. If you have flexibility, those months are the safest bet for more reliable activity.

Dress for wind, not just temperature. Iceland can feel colder on moving water than on land. The provided gear helps, but your goal is to seal out wind chill at the neck, ears, and face.

Arrive ready to check in quickly. You meet at the Old Harbour House at Aegisgardur 2 and should check in 30 minutes before departure. You will scan your ticket at the self-service kiosk.

Use the crew’s search rhythm to stay engaged. When the captain turns toward signs in the water, focus on the crew cues and the horizon. Animals might appear briefly, then move on.

Remember: wildlife is the goal, not the itinerary. The captain chooses the sailing plan based on conditions, and whale watching is always subject to what the ocean gives that day. If you do not see wildlife, the tour offers a complimentary ticket to try again.

Should You Book This RIB Whale Watching Tour?

Book it if your top priority is a small-group, fast-moving RIB experience with a serious search for whales, dolphins, and porpoises off Reykjavik’s coast. The price starts to feel fair when you factor in the 12-seat setup, the weather-ready gear, and the free retry if the day is blank.

Skip it if you know you are sensitive to choppy rides, cold wind, or you fall into the tour’s non-suitable categories like pregnancy or back problems. In those cases, a different style of boat or tour might treat you better.

If you want to maximize enjoyment, plan for weather, dress like the wind is your enemy, and keep your expectations flexible. When conditions line up, this is exactly the kind of tour that turns a Reykjavik day into a whale story you will keep replaying.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Reykjavik whale watching tour?

You meet at the Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík. You will check in there before departure.

How early should I check in?

Check in 30 minutes before departure at the Old Harbour House.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

What is included in the ticket?

The tour includes the boat ride on a 12-seater RIB boat, Reykjavik sightseeing from the water, and warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety equipment.

What wildlife might I see?

The tour searches for marine wildlife including whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Puffins and other sea birds may also be spotted, especially around Lundey.

Is wildlife guaranteed?

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

What should I bring or wear?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera. You will also be given warm overalls, gloves, and goggles.