Speed and sea spray make this whale watch different. This 2-hour RIB (rigid inflatable boat) cruise heads out of Reykjavik’s old harbor toward Faxaflói Bay, where you have real odds at whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds, and puffins, all with big-city sights along the route.

I especially love the comfort and safety upgrades. The boat is a brand new 12-seat model with suspension seats, and you get a warm waterproof overall plus gloves and goggles, so you’re not fighting Iceland’s wind just to enjoy the show.

The one drawback to plan for is simple: whale sightings are never guaranteed, and on the water whales can be harder to spot than in an oceanarium. Add unpredictable weather and a potentially choppy ride, and this tour is best for people who can handle rough-and-real sea conditions.

Key things to know before you go

• RIB comfort first: 12-seat boat with suspension seats, plus warm waterproof overall, gloves, and goggles
• Faxaflói Bay is the target: up to 23 whale species, along with dolphins and seals
• Puffin timing and islands: you’ll cruise close to islands where puffins nest and lay their single egg
• City views included: you pass Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture before wildlife spotting
• Not a calm-day activity by default: wind can make the ride bumpy, so don’t expect a smooth glide

Reykjavik To Faxaflói Bay, What Your 2-Hour Cruise Really Does

This tour is built around one idea: use the speed of a RIB to get you out into whale country quickly, then keep searching without eating your whole day commuting. You meet at Ægisgarður 5G, about a 5-minute walk from the city center, in the old harbor area of Reykjavik. From there, you’ll gear up, listen for the safety briefing, and then head out.

The day starts with a practical win, you pass famous Reykjavik landmarks right at the start, before the boat turns into open water. You go by Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture. Even if you’ve already seen these from land, it’s a different perspective when they slide past at sea level.

Then comes the part you paid for: the cruise to Faxaflói Bay. This is where the tour concentrates its wildlife effort. The operator frames it as a location where you can often find up to 23 whale species, plus dolphins and seals. That “often” matters, because whale watching is a game of search and timing, not a scripted performance.

You’ll cruise in and around the islands where seabirds work hard year-round, including puffins. You’re also encouraged to ask your guide questions during the trip, so the cruise doesn’t just feel like transport plus waiting. It becomes a moving lesson in how to read the water for blow patterns, movement, and bird behavior.

The New 12-Seat Luxury RIB, Why It Matters For Your Comfort

This isn’t a tiny dinghy tour. It’s a brand new RIB with suspension seats, and the operator highlights 12 suspension seats for comfort and safety. That’s not a marketing detail you can ignore. When conditions get windy and choppy, seat comfort affects whether you can actually enjoy the wildlife, or whether you’re just trying not to brace your spine every time the boat hits a wave.

You also get real weather protection. You’ll be provided a warm waterproof overall, plus gloves and goggles, and a life jacket rental. The tour also asks you to bring your own whale watching scarf. That’s a small thing, but it helps keep wind off your neck and throat, which is exactly where Iceland weather tends to sneak in.

From the reviews, I’d take this as a strong theme: the ride can feel exhilarating, but it can also be rough when the wind is up. One review straight-up notes the ride was rough on a very windy day, and another mentions it can be bumpy depending on wave size and wind direction. So here’s the practical takeaway: if you’re sensitive to motion, aim for the calmest day you can, and dress as if you’ll be outside the entire time, because you will.

Harpa And Sun Voyager, Wildlife Spotting With A Reykjavik Opening Act

A lot of whale watching tours make you drive away from the city and disappear into logistics. This one adds a quick “look around” moment that costs you nothing. As you depart, you pass Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture. That gives you an easy first win for your camera and your sense of place.

Why does this matter? Because it sets expectations. You’re not trapped in the boat with nothing to see until you reach open water. Even before wildlife spotting begins, you’re seeing Reykjavik from the water, with the harbor architecture and sculpture views giving you context for where you are.

Also, it helps you mentally switch gears. You start in city mode, then transition to sea mode without a hard stop. For many people, that first stretch makes the experience feel like it’s already happening, not like you’re “waiting for the good part.”

Faxaflói Bay Wildlife, How The Search Usually Plays Out

Faxaflói Bay is where this tour focuses its wildlife efforts. The operator mentions that the area can hold up to 23 whale species, along with dolphins and seals. That broad potential is important, because on-water whale watching is never one guaranteed animal.

When whales do show up, you’re looking for the practical signs. In reviews, people describe humpback whales feeding and blowing air intermittently. Another review notes a humpback came out of the water to breathe, and several mention seeing mostly backs rather than full jumps. That’s normal. Whales are not dolphins, and they don’t always show dramatic behavior on demand.

Dolphins are a big part of why this cruise feels lively even when whales are distant. Reviews mention friendly dolphins that stayed close, circling under and around the boat, diving in and out. White-beaked dolphins also came up in reports, with close views on the way out. Even when whale sightings are limited, this is the kind of activity where dolphins can keep the energy up.

Seals and seabirds round out the mix. You may see sea birds of various species, and the itinerary explicitly includes lookout time for the puffins that nest on the islands in the bay.

And puffins are one of the most satisfying parts of this tour because you’re not just watching them from far away. You cruise up close to the islands where puffins nest and lay their one egg. Several reviews describe puffins flying and swimming around the boat in the nesting area. Another mentions puffins on cliffs and beach areas during the trip.

The key point for your expectations: what you see can vary. Some days you’ll get a standout whale moment. Some days you may see only partial views. But the bay has a mix of animals that can keep you busy for the full 2 hours, especially if dolphins and puffins are active that day.

The Puffin Island Part, What Close Cruising Feels Like

The puffin stop is more than a checklist moment. You’re searching for a specific behavior, nesting in the islands where puffins lay a single egg. That changes how you look. Instead of scanning for the biggest splash, you pay attention to smaller motion, quick flight paths, and the way birds behave around the island edges.

In review notes, puffins showed up as both airborne activity and close-up swimming. One report describes an aerial and water display by many puffins, while another highlights lots of puffins on cliff and beach areas. Even if you’re not an expert birder, puffins are usually easy to spot once you’re in the right zone, and the guide information helps you notice what you’re seeing.

Keep your scarf, gloves, and goggles ready here. The puffin part is often when you’re moving your head a lot, tracking fast birds against choppy water and island shapes. Iceland wind makes everything harder, but the provided gear does a good job keeping you comfortable enough to actually track motion.

Gear And Clothing Rules, So You Don’t Spend The Trip Uncomfortable

The tour is very clear about footwear and warm layers. You’re not allowed to wear sandals or flip-flops, and open-toed shoes are also not permitted. This is not just for “safety theater.” It’s because you’ll be in wet conditions and you need stable grip if you shift position on the boat.

Plan on dressing in warm clothing. The operator explicitly says the weather can be unpredictable and to wear warm clothes. You’ll receive a warm waterproof overall, and you’ll also have gloves and goggles provided, which helps a lot if you show up without the perfect gear.

Still, assume you’ll want warm base layers under the overall, especially because the ride can be bumpy and wind can blast across your face. The scarf is for you to bring, and it’s a small but meaningful item for warmth around your neck.

One more practical note from the reviews: even when the sky is overcast or light drizzle hits, it may not spoil the trip. The gear helps, but you should still aim to have dry comfort in mind.

Price And Value, Is $192 Worth It For A 2-Hour RIB Tour?

$192 per person is not cheap, so let’s talk value in real terms. You’re paying for three things at once:

1. Speed and access: A RIB can reach Faxaflói Bay efficiently and search multiple spots in the 2-hour window. In whale watching, that search time matters.
2. Weather-ready equipment: The warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and life jacket rental reduce the hassle and cost of preparing gear on your own.
3. A high-energy wildlife mix: You’re not hunting only whales. The tour targets whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds, and puffins, so you have multiple “wins” even if one animal is elusive.

From the reviews, the strongest value signal is this: the experience is often described as fun and exhilarating, not just educational. People highlight how close the boats get to whales and how dolphins and puffins can create extended moments of excitement.

So, is it worth it? If you want the whale watching experience with a thrill factor, and you’ll actually dress for conditions and handle motion, the price can make sense. If you’re looking for a gentle, guaranteed wildlife encounter with minimal movement, this may feel too active and unpredictable.

Who This Speedboat Whale Watch Fits Best (And Who Should Rethink)

This tour has a clear audience fit.

It’s a great match if you:

• Want a close-to-the-water experience rather than distant viewing
• Enjoy dynamic, fast boat rides
• Can tolerate motion and wind
• Like guided wildlife spotting, not just a passive tour

It may not be ideal if you:

• Get anxious with bumpy rides or rough water
• Expect guaranteed whale sightings (they cannot be guaranteed)
• Have very young kids, because it’s not suitable for children under 10

The motion factor deserves emphasis. One review describes the RIB as flying over waves and notes it’s not for the fearful ones. Another says the ride was rough on a windy day. If that would stress you out, consider shifting your expectations or choosing a calmer day when possible.

My Booking Advice, The Quick “Should I Go?” Checklist

If your goal is to maximize your odds in a short window, and you’re ready for Iceland weather and a real boat ride, I think this is a smart booking. You’re paying for access, comfort gear, and a wildlife route built around Faxaflói Bay.

Here’s how I’d decide:

• Book if you want close wildlife chances plus a lively cruise from Reykjavik harbor.
• Reconsider if you’re highly motion-sensitive, or you need a guaranteed sighting.
• Pick your day carefully if your schedule allows. Reviews repeatedly connect better comfort with calmer conditions.

If you’re the type who’ll love spotting whales by blow and movement, tracking dolphins in the wake area, and getting excited when puffins pop into view near the islands, this 2-hour RIB tour is built for you.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik whale watching speedboat tour?

The cruise lasts 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Ægisgarður 5G, which is about a 5-minute walk from the city center.

What wildlife can you see on this cruise?

The tour focuses on spotting whales in Faxaflói Bay, and you may also see dolphins and seals. Sea birds and puffins are also part of the experience.

Is it guaranteed that you will see whales?

No. Seeing whales cannot be guaranteed, and whales can be harder to spot in the sea than in an oceanarium.

What clothing and gear are provided, and what should I wear?

You get a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and life jacket rental. You should wear warm clothes and bring your own whale watching scarf. Sandals or flip-flops and open-toed shoes are not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children under 10 years old.