Midnight sun plus whales is a winning mix. This RIB Speedboat tour from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour is built for fast, close-up wildlife viewing in Iceland’s summer glow. I love two things most: the small group size (only 12 per boat) and the way the evening timing keeps wildlife action going when most people are still sightseeing on land.

One thing to weigh, though: this is a high-performance speedboat outing, and it is not a good fit if you have back or knee problems, or if you are expecting a calm, slow cruise.

Key Things I’d Plan Around

• Small-group RIB ride: only 12 people per boat, which helps keep the experience personal.
• Evening wildlife odds: whales can still be active at night in summer, with wildlife sightings reported as very common.
• Faster coverage, closer views: the RIB’s stability and speed let the captain search more area than classic boats.
• Puffins from the islands: you’ll loop around wind-beaten bay islands where puffins show up in season.
• Warm overalls included: you get gear for cold spray, but you still should dress for wind.
• If whales are missed: if you do not spot whales, you receive a complimentary ticket for another ride on larger boats.

Reykjavik at Midnight Sun Speed: What the 2-Hour Cruise Delivers

This tour is all about timing. In Iceland’s bright summer nights, the day never really turns off, so you can see Reykjavik, then head out when the light is still flattering and the sea stays lively.

The boat choice matters. You’re on a rigid inflatable boat designed to be stable even when it’s moving fast, and that speed is practical, not just for thrills. It helps the captain cover more water and aim for whales and dolphins sooner than slower, more limited routes.

I also like that the experience is set up as an active wildlife search, not a passive sit-and-wait cruise. Your captain and wildlife guide are there to read conditions and keep you in the right zone.

Meeting at Reykjavík Old Harbour, and Getting Ready

You meet at the ticket office at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík. Arrive 30 minutes early so you can check in, get fitted with any provided gear, and settle before departure.

Warm gear is part of the deal. You’ll get warm overalls and all the safety equipment you need, which is a big value point for a winter-bias country like Iceland, even in summer. Still, bring layers because the wind on open water can cut through.

Plan for your feet too. Wear closed-toe shoes you can trust on wet boarding steps, and bring a hat and gloves since you’ll be outside the whole time.

The tour also has a clear physical fit. It is not suitable for pregnant women and it is not recommended if you have a history of back or knee problems. It also isn’t designed for people with mobility impairments.

The Puffin Zone: Bay Islands and Close Wildlife Time

The first part is about setting you up for the smaller stars of Iceland’s seabirds. Just off Reykjavík, you’ll loop around the wind-beaten islands of Faxaflói Bay, where puffins can be spotted in their natural habitat.

This is the moment where the cruise feels like you’ve switched from city mode to coast mode. Instead of staring at the horizon, you get the chance to track movement closer to the boat. Puffins are tiny, but they are busy, and in summer they are part of why people look forward to Iceland’s seabird season.

The puffin season is roughly May 15 to August 20. If you’re traveling right outside that window, you might still see seabirds, but puffins may not be guaranteed in the same way.

Also, the route is a loop, not one straight line. That matters because it gives your guide multiple “looks” at the same kind of coastline and bird areas, not just a single pass-by.

Open Water Search: Whales and Dolphins in the Bright Night

After the islands, the tour heads out toward open water for the main event: whale and dolphin scouting. The whole pitch here is that summer evening wildlife can stay active.

The idea is simple and smart. Whales don’t fully sleep, so you can still encounter the same kinds of animals you’d hope for on a daytime tour. In summer, sightings are reported as very common, with whales found on over 95% of tours.

When you’re out there, you’re not stuck far away from the action. A key feature of the RIB is that it can reach higher speeds while staying stable, and that can translate into more time in the best hunting or feeding zones. In practical terms, you’re more likely to get the closer, clearer views that make whale watching feel like more than a distant dot on the water.

You’ll also look for dolphins. Dolphins often show up quickly when the sea is moving and the right food is present, and the captain typically keeps searching until you’ve had a real chance to spot them.

One subtle but important review theme is respect and distance. People have praised that the animals weren’t harassed and that there weren’t lots of boats crowding the sightings. That doesn’t mean every moment is perfect, but it tells you the operation is aiming for responsible viewing, not a competition for selfies.

What the 12-Person Group Size Actually Changes

Small group size sounds like a marketing line until you feel it. With only 12 people per boat, you get better sight lines and less crowding at the railing. You also move through the experience faster as a unit, which helps when the captain spots wildlife and needs everyone ready.

It also makes the wildlife guide’s role easier. With fewer people, they can explain what you’re likely seeing and adjust directions and focus without repeating the same instructions to a full busload.

For you, that means less fumbling with jackets and cameras once you’re already searching. You’ll be in position, ready to look, and not worrying about where everyone else is standing.

Shoreline Finish: Sun Voyager and Harpa Views

The tour doesn’t end with the sea. When you return, you get a ride along the city shoreline with great views of Reykjavík landmarks.

The highlights here are the Sun Voyager sculpture and the glittering Harpa Concert Hall. This part is valuable because it turns the “transport back” into a final mini-sightseeing stretch, and it happens while the city lights reflect off the water.

You’ll also pass through the look of this part of town: colorful fishing huts and a busy restaurant atmosphere. Even if you’ve already seen Old Harbour on foot, this angle adds a new layer without adding extra time.

If you were hoping for a perfect wildlife ending, this shoreline section helps you land the experience with something you can immediately enjoy on land, even if conditions on the water are harder.

If You Miss Whales: The Backup Plan That Matters

Whale watching includes nature’s randomness. Some evenings are clear on the wildlife front, and some are not.

This tour has a built-in remedy if you do not spot whales. The captain provides a complimentary ticket for another ride on the larger boats before you leave. That’s a practical safety net because it acknowledges that you came for whales, not just for the boat ride.

It also changes how you should approach the day. You can book the tour with confidence that the operator is thinking about fairness, not just checklists.

Price and Value: Is $200 Worth It?

At $200 per person for a 2-hour outing, this is a premium activity. You’re paying for two big things: a fast small RIB operation and guided wildlife searching from the most productive areas near Reykjavík.

Here’s how I see the value. You get warm overalls, safety equipment, and a professional captain plus wildlife guide. You’re also paying for the ability to cover more water and to aim closer than slower boats, which matters if you want whales to feel real.

You’re also paying for the evening slot. In summer, that evening timing lets you use the bright midnight sun hours efficiently, so the tour fits neatly into a packed day without losing the chance to enjoy the city.

The final value point is the “if no whales” complimentary ride option. That reduces the risk you take on booking something wildlife-dependent.

If your priority is whales and dolphins with strong odds and good viewing conditions, this price makes sense. If you just want a casual boat ride, it may feel steep.

Comfort, Safety, and Who This Is For

Dress for wind, even when it looks mild on shore. You’ll be outside, and you’ll move fast across water, so cold air and spray are real.

Bring your own layers plus the extras you can control: hat, gloves, closed-toe shoes. Even though warm overalls are included, gloves and a hat help you stay comfortable so your focus stays on wildlife instead of shivering.

This is not a good fit if you have mobility limits, and it’s not recommended for people with back or knee issues. The boat is stable, but it is still an RIB speedboat experience with quick movement.

Age also matters. It’s suitable for children over age 10 and at least 145 cm tall. If you’re traveling with kids, that height threshold is a key checkpoint.

The Season Timing: Puffins and What You Can Expect

If your trip includes the puffin season, plan for it. Puffins are expected approximately May 15 to August 20, and your route includes the bay islands where they show up.

Whales are the main target year-round, but your exact species list will vary by day. What you can count on is the search pattern: islands first for seabirds, open water next for whales and dolphins.

The best advice is to treat it as a wildlife hunt in Iceland’s summer conditions. You’re not booking a guaranteed show, but the operational design and the evening timing are built to maximize your odds.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Premium Whale and Puffin Evening Tour?

Book it if you want an evening plan that feels like a real expedition, not a sightseeing checklist. The small group size, RIB speed, and guided wildlife focus are exactly what you want for close-up chances with whales and dolphins.

I’d also book it if you’re the type who hates waiting. This is an active search with faster movement and smarter coverage, and that tends to make the time feel worth every minute.

Skip it or look for an alternate option if you cannot handle the physical demands. It’s not suitable for pregnant women, and it’s not recommended with back or knee problems, plus it’s not designed for mobility impairments.

Finally, if you’re traveling in the puffin season, you’re stacking the deck. This route includes the bay island areas where puffins show up, and evening timing keeps the whole cruise feeling more alive in the midnight sun.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavík premium whale and puffin evening tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

Where is the meeting point in Reykjavík?

Meet at the ticket office at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík.

What should I bring for the boat ride?

Bring warm clothing, a hat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes. Warm overalls and safety equipment are included.

What is the minimum age and height for children?

The tour is suitable for children over age 10 and at least 145 cm tall.

Is this tour suitable for people with back or knee problems, or for pregnancy?

It is not recommended for those with a history of back or knee problems. It is also not suitable for pregnant women.

When is the puffin season for this tour?

Puffin season is approximately May 15 to August 20.

What happens if we don’t spot any whales?

If you do not spot any whales, your captain will provide a complimentary ticket for another ride on the larger boats before you leave.