The 9 Best Zodiac and RIB Whale Watching in Iceland

1.Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,221 reviews · 2 hours · from $175Our pick

Review of Húsavík’s two-hour RIB whale safari, with puffins, small groups, expert guides, practical tips, price advice, and weather notes.

“Took a guided tour with Gentle Giants on Sept 10 in the morning. Our guide was super knowledgeable and friendly, the speed boat was able to get to whale locations very fast, compared to the big slow crammed boats. We saw rare whales and humpbacks; at one point just over an arms length away. Our guide she educated us, the captain he knew what he was doing, everyone was so overjoyed. I am so happy I took a risk and spent a little extra on a much higher quality tour. Life changing experience! Sebastien and Tia”

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2.Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 979 reviews · 2 hours · from $198

Ride a small RIB from Húsavík to see whales, dolphins, puffins, and Tjörnes Peninsula with warm gear and expert guides.

“Fabulous! Zina was a wonderful guide and the whole trip was brilliant!”

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3.Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 621 reviews · 2 hours · from $200

Review of Reykjavik’s 2-hour RIB whale-watching tour, with dolphins, puffins, practical tips, pricing, weather advice, and who should book.

“Very good Whale-Watching tour. Did see Dolphins, Puffins and various Humpback Whales up close. Would definitiely recommend. We were only 4/12 people on the tour but they still went out and didn't cancel. Cudos to that for sure!”

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4.Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 501 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $203Top rated

Review of Húsavík’s Big Whales and Puffins RIB tour, with wildlife highlights, cold-weather tips, price value, logistics, and booking advice.

“We had great whale sightings, up close. The weather was not great but the crew tried hard for us to have a good experience.”

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5.Akureyri: 2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 489 reviews · 2 hours · from $200

Review of Akureyri’s 2-hour RIB whale watching tour, with humpbacks, fast boats, mountain views, practical tips, pricing, and honest drawbacks.

“Mack was a great guide and gave us loads of insights on whale behaviour. Found it really interesting. We saw many whales and it was great that the boat stayed a respectful distance from them allowing them to come toward us if they felt like it. It's the only tour we did in Iceland that I left feeling like it was well worth the money.”

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6.Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 417 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $180

Ride a fast RIB from Húsavík to spot whales, dolphins, and puffins, with warm suits, expert guides, and a small group setting.

“We had an amazing time! We saw minkes, humpbacks and the largest pod of dolphins I've ever seen jumping and playing all around our boat. Our guide and captain did a wonderful job! If you've never been on a rib boat before the seats are all individual - like a motorcycle or snowmobile - which allows you to bend your knees or stand when appropriate. This is important for when the boat is going fast and hits a wave hard. You will want to stand to prevent your back from being jolted on impact - think of it like going up and down in the saddle of a horse. Do…”

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7.Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by RIB Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 393 reviews · 2 hours · from $194

Review of Reykjavik's 2-hour RIB whale tour, with puffins, dolphins, warm gear, museum entry, practical tips, and honest value advice.

“we saw a humpback and several dolphins. and puffins! it was lovely! captain and guide were excellent!”

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8.Reykjavik: Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 293 reviews · 2 hours · from $200

Review of Reykjavik's 2-hour RIB whale and puffin tour, with marine biologist guides, warm gear, wildlife odds, costs, and practical tips.

“We received protective gear against water & wind which was amazing - the boatride is of course bumpy but the guides give you safety instructions and regularly check in if everyone is ok. We saw plenty of dolphins, puffins, a humpback and minke whales. Great experience”

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9.RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 241 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $208

Review of Reykjavik’s small-group RIB whale tour, with puffins, whales, dolphins, practical tips, price, comfort, and weather advice.

“The trip was incredible! The staff was so enthusiastic and informative. The trip itself was exceptional. The boat ride was exhilarating. We were able to see a whale breach 4 times!”

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