Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

Whales can appear close to Reykjavík. This two-hour RIB speedboat trip offers a lively way to search Faxaflói Bay for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, and harbour porpoises. I like the 12-seat boat, which feels far more personal than a large sightseeing vessel, and the quick ride between Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, nearby islands, and open water. I also like the free return ticket if wildlife does not appear. The trade-off is a rough, windy ride that can be uncomfortable for anyone with back trouble or a weak stomach.

You check in at Old Harbour House 30 minutes before departure, put on the provided warm suit, gloves, goggles, and safety gear, then board with an English-speaking guide and captain. The trip is exciting even before the first whale appears, but sightings are never promised, and the RIB may be cancelled or replaced when wind and waves make conditions unsuitable.

Key points at a glance

• Small 12-seat RIB: A compact boat gives you a better chance of seeing animals from different sides without a crowd blocking the view.
• Fast access to Faxaflói Bay: The boat can cover ground quickly, which matters when whales are feeding well away from the harbour.
• Wildlife beyond whales: You may see humpbacks, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, puffins, and other seabirds.
• A real speedboat ride: Expect a bouncy, wind-filled trip, not a quiet cruise. You sit or half-stand to soften the impact over waves.
• Views of Reykjavík from the water: Harpa concert hall, the harbour, the coast, Engey, and Lundey give the trip a strong sightseeing side.
• Free second chance: If you see no wildlife, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again on another day.

Leaving Reykjavík’s Old Harbour

The tour begins at Old Harbour House on Ægisgarður 2, close to Reykjavík’s waterfront sights. Check in 30 minutes before departure by scanning the bar or QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk. This is a simple start, but do not arrive at the last minute. You need time to check in, collect clothing, and listen to the safety instructions.

If you are driving, check the supplied map for the nearest free parking. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your own way to the harbour. The meeting point works well if you are already exploring central Reykjavík, especially before or after a visit to Harpa.

The clothing is an important part of the package. You receive warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety equipment, which makes a big difference in Icelandic wind. Still, wear warm layers underneath, comfortable shoes, and something that covers your ears and face if cold air bothers you. One useful practical point from the trip reports is that the wind can hit hard at speed, even on a pleasant day.

The RIB ride across Faxaflói Bay

The boat carries up to 12 people, a size that helps the crew keep the outing personal. A smaller RIB can also change direction quickly when the captain spots a blow or a pod of dolphins. Several outings recorded close views of humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and puffins, with some boats finding many animals in a single trip.

The ride itself is part of the attraction. This is not the gentle, steady motion of a large whale-watching ship. The RIB moves quickly and can bounce across the water, so you may half-sit and half-stand with your legs bent to reduce the jolt. That position is not difficult for most fit adults, but it is worth taking seriously if you have a bad back, joint problems, or motion sickness.

The speed has a practical benefit. One trip reached the main whale area in about half an hour, then spent roughly 45 minutes watching whales and dolphins before returning toward Reykjavík. Exact timing depends on animal locations, but you should understand the basic pattern: some of your two hours are spent travelling, not watching wildlife.

The boat also gives you a good view in every direction. Unlike a large vessel with many people gathered on one side, a small RIB can let you look over the bow, sides, and rear. The drawback is that finding the animal can be harder when the captain points from a distance. One report noted difficulty hearing directions over the engine, so keep your eyes moving and listen carefully when the guide calls out a sighting.

Engey, Lundey, and Reykjavík from the water

The route passes among small islands in Faxaflói Bay and along the Reykjavík coast. Engey, the second-largest island in the Kollafjörður area, gives you a different view of the city and bay. It is not a landing stop, but passing near it helps show how open and island-filled the water around Reykjavík really is.

Lundey, whose name means Puffin Island, is another highlight. The small, uninhabited island attracts puffins and other seabirds, especially during the warmer months. Puffin sightings appeared repeatedly on spring and summer trips, and some outings reported large numbers of birds. You might see them on the way back, after the main whale search.

From the water, Reykjavík’s landmarks take on a new shape. Harpa concert hall is especially easy to pick out near the harbour, while the city shoreline and distant mountains frame the bay on clear days. The sightseeing is not an add-on in the usual sense. It fills out the experience when the ocean goes quiet and gives you worthwhile views even during a slow wildlife search.

What you might see in different seasons

The strongest whale-watching period is listed as April through September. That does not make other months pointless, but it does mean your odds and the mix of wildlife can change outside the main season.

Spring trips have produced puffins, dolphins, and more than one kind of whale. Summer outings have brought frequent reports of humpback whales, along with minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, puffins, and seabirds. In July and August, some groups saw several humpbacks in one area, while a few fortunate boats counted around ten or more.

Autumn can still be rewarding. October trips have included minke whales, dolphins, and several whales, though conditions may become colder and more changeable. One of the strongest advantages here is the free repeat trip if no wildlife appears. That offer has real value if you are staying in Reykjavík for several days, but less value if you are on your final morning in Iceland.

No captain can guarantee an animal encounter. Whales move, weather shifts, and the sea does not follow a timetable. The best mindset is to treat the wildlife as the main prize and the fast boat ride, islands, and city views as part of the experience you receive either way.

The guides and the quality of the outing

The guide makes a noticeable difference on a trip like this. You are not simply being driven around the bay. The guide explains what you are seeing, answers questions, and helps you understand the animals rather than just pointing at a fin.

Several guides received especially warm praise, including Claudia or Klaudia, Julian or Julien, Bianca, and Claudine. The names appear with different spellings in the trip details, so your guide may be someone else. The consistent strength is the crew’s enthusiasm and attention. Guides were described as friendly, well informed, patient, and eager to help nervous passengers feel safe.

The captain’s skill matters just as much. The boat needs to move quickly toward sightings while keeping a respectful distance from wildlife and a safe speed for the sea conditions. Trips have included captains who stayed out longer to find a minke whale, moved toward distant blows, or continued searching with only a small number of people on board.

There is one practical limitation: the RIB’s engine, wind, and waves can make spoken instructions difficult to hear. If you have trouble catching the guide’s words, ask for a repeat rather than guessing where to look.

Weather, cancellation, and comfort on the water

The captain decides if the boat can sail, based on wind, waves, passenger safety, and comfort. This is the right policy for an exposed bay and a fast boat. A RIB that feels thrilling in calm weather can become unpleasant in rough conditions.

There have been occasions when the RIB was cancelled shortly before departure because of wind and waves. In one case, passengers were offered a slower yacht instead. That substitution can protect the day’s whale-watching chance, but it will not feel like the product you originally chose. A large yacht is less bumpy and may be better in rough weather, but you lose the compact, quick-moving character of the RIB.

Even in good weather, some people may feel seasick. The trip is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone shorter than 145 centimetres, or 4 feet 8 inches. Those limits are not minor fine print. The seating position, speed, and repeated impacts make this a demanding boat ride.

Bring only what you need on the water. A camera is useful, but keep it secure. The provided goggles help with spray and wind, while warm clothing underneath the suit remains important. A face covering and extra ear protection can be wise for people sensitive to cold air.

Is $200 a fair price?

At $200 per person, this is an expensive two-hour activity, especially in an already costly country. The value depends on what you want from a whale-watching trip.

You are paying for a small boat, a fast search area, warm gear, an English-speaking guide, Reykjavík views, and the possibility of a return trip if no wildlife appears. If the RIB finds humpbacks, dolphins, and puffins, the price can feel justified. Several trips saw multiple species, and the close, small-boat setting was a major part of the appeal.

The price is harder to defend if your main goal is simply to get out on the bay at the lowest cost. A larger boat may offer a steadier ride and more space, though this experience’s information does not provide a comparison price. The RIB is aimed at people who value speed, a small group, and the excitement of moving quickly toward sightings.

I would also factor in your schedule. The free second trip is useful if you have extra days in Reykjavík. It is not much help if you are leaving immediately after the tour. Keep your plans flexible enough to accept a weather delay or a substitute boat.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would choose this trip if you want an active wildlife outing and do not mind a rough ride. It suits adults, older children who meet the age and height limits, photographers who prefer a small boat, and anyone who would rather see Reykjavík from the bay than spend two hours on a large vessel.

It is also a good choice if you have only a short time in Reykjavík and want several experiences in one outing: a speedboat ride, coastal sightseeing, island views, and a chance to see whales and dolphins. The boat’s size gives the day a more personal feel, while the guide adds useful context.

I would think twice if you are prone to seasickness, have back pain, dislike cold wind, or need a quiet and steady boat. The trip can be wonderful in calm conditions and uncomfortable in rough ones. A large yacht may be the better fit for comfort, even though it will not provide the same fast, close-feeling ride.

Booking details worth knowing

The activity lasts two hours, with departure times depending on availability. Check in 30 minutes early at Old Harbour House, Ægisgarður 2, 101 Reykjavík. The tour is conducted in English, and hotel transport is not included.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. The trip may be rescheduled if the minimum number of participants is not reached, although small groups have sometimes gone ahead.

The strongest months are April through September. If wildlife is your priority, leave room in your schedule for a second attempt. If the tour sees nothing, the complimentary return ticket is offered, subject to your time in Reykjavík and available departures.

Should you book the Reykjavík RIB whale tour?

Book it if you want a small, fast, lively boat and accept that the sea controls the result. The combination of humpback and minke whales, dolphins, puffins, Reykjavík views, and a capable guide can make this a major trip highlight.

Skip it if you need a smooth ride, have a back problem, or cannot spare time for a possible weather change. At $200, it is not a casual add-on, but the 12-seat format, warm equipment, free second chance, and chance to reach whales quickly give it a solid case for visitors who value the experience more than the lowest price.

FAQ

How long is the whale-watching RIB tour?

The tour lasts two hours, including the ride from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, the wildlife search, and the return to the harbour.

Where do I meet the boat?

Check in at Old Harbour House, Ægisgarður 2, 101 Reykjavík. You should arrive 30 minutes before departure and scan the bar or QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises, puffins, and other seabirds. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if no wildlife appears?

You receive a complimentary ticket to try the tour again on another day. This is most useful if you have enough time left in Reykjavík.

Is warm clothing provided?

Yes. The tour includes warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and necessary safety equipment. You should still bring warm clothing and comfortable shoes.

Is the RIB tour suitable for children?

Children under 10 are not permitted. The tour is also not suitable for people under 145 centimetres, or 4 feet 8 inches.

Can I take the tour if I have back problems or am pregnant?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women and people with back problems because the RIB ride can be fast and bumpy.

What happens if the weather is too rough?

The captain decides if conditions are safe and comfortable. The RIB may be rescheduled or replaced with another boat if wind and waves prevent the planned departure.