Whale Watching in Reykjavik by Speedboat

The boat ride is part of the show. This two-hour RIB tour combines fast open-water travel with wildlife watching, and I like the way its small size helps you cover more sea than a standard whale-watching boat. I also like the quick shoreline views of the Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall, two Reykjavik sights that look especially good from the water.

The trade-off is comfort and certainty. The suspension seats help, and warm overalls are provided, but this is still a brisk ride on the North Atlantic, not a gentle harbor cruise. Wildlife is never guaranteed, though the company offers another ride if you see no whales.

Key points to know before booking

• Small group of up to 12: You get a more personal ride and better views than on a large sightseeing vessel.
• Fast RIB boat: The rigid inflatable boat covers a broad search area and can bring you close to whales, dolphins, seabirds, and puffins.
• Puffin season runs from early May to late August: The tour makes a short stop at nearby breeding grounds during this period.
• Suspension seats reduce the jolt: These shock seats add comfort and safety, but the trip can still feel lively in rough water.
• Great guides and captains: Past departures have praised guides including Elsa and Raoul for clear explanations and friendly service.
• A whale-free outing is not a total loss: If no whales are seen, you receive a complimentary ticket for another ride.

Leaving Reykjavik Old Harbour by RIB

You meet at Reykjavik Old Harbour, at Ægisgarður 5, close to the city center. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure. That extra time matters because you need to check in, hear the safety instructions, put on the supplied warm overalls, and get settled before the boat leaves.

The vessel is a rigid inflatable boat, or RIB. It has a solid hull, inflatable sides, and enough power to move quickly across open water. With space for no more than 12 people, it feels closer to a small expedition boat than a standard sightseeing cruise.

I like the limited group size here. You are less likely to spend the trip peering around rows of heads, and the guide can speak to the group without needing a microphone. The captain and wildlife guide work together, with the captain handling the boat and the guide watching for animal activity and explaining what you see.

You should wear closed-toe shoes. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so leave suitcases elsewhere and bring only what you need. Warm overalls are supplied, but you should still dress for Icelandic weather. The water can feel much colder than the harbor, especially when the boat is moving at speed.

The first rush across Icelandic waters

The departure itself is a major part of the appeal. The boat accelerates out of the harbor, giving you a strong sense of speed before the search for wildlife begins. Several people have found the ride exciting even when sightings were limited, which is important when you are deciding if the $200 price fits your idea of a good day.

The new suspension seats, often called shock seats, are designed to soften the impact as the RIB crosses waves. They are a useful feature, especially on a fast boat. Still, they do not turn the trip into a smooth ferry ride. You may bounce, brace yourself, and feel the movement of the sea.

The experience is not recommended if you have back problems, and it is not suitable for pregnant women. Children must be at least 10 years old and at least 145 centimeters tall, or about 4 feet 8 inches. These limits are practical rather than fussy. The boat’s speed and movement require passengers who can sit securely and follow instructions.

If you have a choice of seats, the front row can be especially fun in calm conditions. One past passenger described the front as giving a more open feeling, almost as if the boat were yours. That position can also mean more spray and stronger movement, so it is best for people who want the full speedboat experience.

Searching for whales, dolphins, and porpoises

The RIB’s main advantage is range. Because it is fast and carries a small group, the captain can search a larger area than a slower, heavier boat. That does not guarantee whales, but it gives the crew more room to look for signs of life.

You might see minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, seabirds, or other marine life. Sightings described on this route have included dolphins playing near the boat, minke whales, humpback whales, and even a shark. The exact mix changes with the day and the season.

Dolphins can be especially memorable from a low RIB. From close to the water, you may see them traveling beside the boat or jumping through the wake. One outing included several dolphins following the vessel and putting on what felt like a private performance. Of course, wild animals set the schedule, not the captain, so you should treat this as a possibility rather than a promise.

Whales can be more elusive. A minke may appear only briefly, and sometimes you see little more than the back before it disappears. On better days, the boat has encountered several minke whales and a humpback breaching the surface. The contrast explains why this tour can feel thrilling one day and merely pleasant the next.

The guide adds value by explaining the animals and the local waters as you search. Elsa has been praised for her warmth and conservation-focused explanations, while Raoul has been noted for his friendly manner. The strongest feedback consistently points to guides who combine information with a relaxed, approachable style.

Puffin islands from May through August

From early May to near the end of August, the tour begins with a short stop near puffin breeding grounds. This is a seasonal feature, so do not expect puffins on an autumn or winter departure.

The islands near Reykjavik Old Harbour provide breeding habitat for these colorful seabirds. You may see puffins sitting on the water or moving around the island area, along with other seabirds. The stop is fairly brief, and puffins are not always the main event once whales or dolphins appear.

I would treat the puffin stop as a bonus rather than the sole reason to book this boat. The bird encounter gives the trip a good opening focus, especially for a summer visit, but the larger purpose is the search for marine mammals. If puffins are high on your list, confirm that your departure falls within the May to August period.

There is also a useful seasonal difference in the feel of the tour. Summer gives you the best chance of seeing puffins, while other months can still offer whales and dolphins. A spring or autumn ride may suit you if the birds are less important than the open-water experience.

Reykjavik from the sea

After the wildlife search, the boat returns toward the harbor along Reykjavik’s shoreline. This part of the trip slows the focus from animals to city views. You get a different angle on the capital, with the waterfront, colorful fishing huts, restaurants, and harbor activity spread along the edge of the water.

The Sun Voyager sculpture is one of the city’s most recognizable sights. From land, you see its sweeping steel form against the sky. From the boat, you view it as part of the waterfront, with the sea helping explain its ship-like design.

Harpa Concert Hall provides another strong shoreline reference point. Its glass facade changes as you move past it, and seeing it from the water gives you a useful sense of how close the cultural center is to the harbor. These are short viewing stops, not formal shore visits, so do not expect time to get off and explore either attraction.

The return ride may include a playful turn or spin in the harbor. Captains have been praised for adding a cheeky speedboat maneuver near the end, provided conditions allow. It is a small touch, but it gives the journey a lively finish.

What the $200 price really buys

At $200 per person, this is not the cheapest way to look for whales in Reykjavik. The price makes more sense if you value speed, a small group, and the physical excitement of a RIB. You are paying for a two-hour outing with a professional captain, wildlife guide, warm overalls, safety equipment, and a boat capable of covering a broad area.

The small group is a real part of the value. With up to 12 people, you have a better chance of seeing over the side without a crowd around you. The guide can also keep the commentary more direct and personal.

The price is harder to justify if your main goal is simply to see any whale at all. Wildlife sightings remain uncertain, and one past outing saw only the back of a single minke whale. Another saw dolphins but no whales. The complimentary return ticket helps reduce that risk, but you still need time in your schedule for another ride.

Compared with a larger cruiser, the RIB gives you more speed and a lower position near the water. That can produce closer, more exciting views. The cost is a rougher ride and less space to move around. I would pay the premium if the boat experience itself sounds appealing, not just the animal checklist.

Weather, safety, and the canceled departure question

Conditions at sea can differ sharply from conditions in Reykjavik. One departure was canceled even though the weather on land looked fine. After the company explained the sea conditions, the passengers were able to reschedule for the next day and enjoyed a calm ride with dolphins and whales.

That is a useful warning. A sunny street in Reykjavik does not mean the open water is suitable for a fast RIB. A cancellation may be frustrating, but it is a sensible safety decision. If your schedule is tight, avoid placing this activity on the final morning before an important flight.

The provided overalls and safety equipment are included, and you receive a safety briefing before departure. The suspension seats are another safety and comfort feature, though the company still advises against the trip for people with back problems and pregnant women.

Bring closed-toe shoes and keep your belongings light. Since large bags are not allowed, this is not an activity to combine with luggage transfer or airport travel.

Who will enjoy this boat most

I would choose this tour for a person who wants wildlife watching with some action. It suits couples, families with older children, and anyone who finds a fast ride as appealing as the chance of seeing whales.

It is also a good match if you have only a short time in Reykjavik. The meeting point is in the Old Harbour, the activity lasts about two hours, and the shoreline views give you a quick introduction to several city sights from a new angle.

You should think twice if you want a calm, quiet cruise. The boat is designed to move quickly, and the North Atlantic can be rough. People under 145 centimeters, children under 10, pregnant women, and people with back problems should not book it.

Photography can be rewarding, but it is not always easy from a moving RIB. Keep your camera secure, and do not let the search for a perfect picture distract you from watching the water. The best moments may last only a few seconds.

Booking advice and final verdict

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Choose from the available start times, then allow enough time to reach the Old Harbour 30 minutes early.

I would book this tour if you want a small-group wildlife trip with a real sense of speed. The dolphins, whales, puffins, and waterfront sights provide plenty to look for, while the captain and guide add useful context and keep the outing organized.

I would skip it if you need a guaranteed whale sighting, dislike bouncing boats, or have a physical condition that makes a fast sea ride unsuitable. At $200, the tour asks you to pay for both the wildlife search and the ride itself. For the right person, that combination is the point.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching speedboat tour meet?

It meets at Reykjavik Old Harbour, at Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavik.

How long does the tour last?

The boat trip lasts approximately two hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $200 per person.

What animals might I see?

You might see whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, seabirds, and other marine life. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Can I see puffins on this tour?

You may see puffins from early May to near the end of August, when the tour stops briefly near their breeding grounds.

What happens if no whales are seen?

You receive a complimentary ticket for another ride if no whales are spotted.

What should I bring?

Bring closed-toe shoes. Warm overalls and required safety equipment are provided.

Is the tour suitable for children?

It is suitable for children aged 10 and older who are at least 145 centimeters tall.

Is the tour suitable for people with back problems or pregnant women?

No. The tour is not recommended for people with back problems or for pregnant women because of the boat’s movement and speed.