From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by Speedboat

Fast boat, close whales, cold sea air. On a 2-hour RIB ride out of Reykjavik harbor, you hunt for whales in Faxaflói Bay, then cruise near puffin islands, with major city landmarks in your first few minutes.

I love the warm waterproof gear and the fact it is made for real ocean spray, not museum weather. I also love the small, 12-seat setup with suspension seats, so the ride feels controlled even when the sea gets pushy.

One drawback to plan for: whale sightings are never guaranteed, and on windy days the ride can get bumpy, so it is not ideal if you hate speed and chop.

Key things I’d watch for on this Reykjavik whale watching speedboat

• Faxaflói Bay whale chances: up to 23 whale species, plus dolphins and seals are commonly seen
• Close-to-the-islands puffins: you get time near nesting areas where puffins lay their single egg
• Harpa and Sun Voyager views early on: the city landmarks make the start of the trip feel special
• Brand new RIB feel: suspension seats and a modern rigid inflatable boat setup
• Guides that keep working the search: they share facts and focus on finding wildlife respectfully
• Go prepared for weather: Iceland weather shifts fast, and it affects comfort on the water

Reykjavik Harbor Start, right by Harpa and Sun Voyager

The whole experience begins at Ægisgarður 5G, about a 5 minute walk from the city center. Even before you hit open water, you get the Reykjavik “wow” factor because you pass Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture early in the cruise.

This matters more than it sounds. When your day is mostly about wildlife, it helps to have the first part of the trip feel like you are already doing something memorable. It also gives you a smooth transition into the colder, windier part of the day, instead of going from city streets to rough seas with zero ramp-up.

If you want good photos, aim for the first stretch after departure. The harbor and skyline views usually give you steadier angles than the deeper-out search zones.

Why this RIB format is ideal for whale spotting (and for motion sickness)

This is a luxury RIB experience on a 12-seat rigid inflatable boat with suspension seats. That combination is the big difference-maker. A smaller boat means you can get close to wildlife areas without feeling like you are stuck far out. Suspension seats help your body handle the sea’s rhythm, especially when the boat hits short waves.

Still, do not pretend it will feel like a calm lake cruise. RIBs are built for speed and maneuvering. Some days feel thrilling. Other days, especially windier ones, can feel rough, like the boat is constantly adjusting its line.

Based on real ride feedback from past guests, the experience is less forgiving if you are fearful or sensitive to motion. If you know you get queasy, plan on taking that seriously before you board, and dress extra warm so your body is not fighting cold stress.

The main game: cruising Faxaflói Bay for whales, dolphins, and seals

Your best wildlife odds are in Faxaflói Bay. This is the zone where the tour focuses, and it is also the reason this route gets so much attention. The boat heads out looking for up to 23 species of whales, alongside dolphins and seals, and you may also spot seabirds during the cruising search.

Two practical points make your wildlife viewing more realistic:

1. Whales can be harder to spot at sea than in an oceanarium. You are scanning open water for brief surfaces and breathing moments, not watching a guaranteed show.
2. Timing and patience matter. When the guide’s job is to keep eyes up, your part is to stay ready and keep watching without constantly checking your phone.

What to look for:

• For humpback whales, sightings often mean seeing backs and occasional surfacing and breathing.
• For dolphins, watch for fast movement close to the boat, including pods that may follow and dip in and out around your path.
• For seals and seabirds, look for patterns along the water surface and sudden changes in bird activity.

On strong wildlife days, you can get more than one kind of animal in the same trip. Past experiences have included close dolphins and humpback sightings, plus other whale species such as minke whales. It is never guaranteed, but the search style gives you a real chance.

Puffins on the island approach: what you are really seeing

After the whale search time, the cruise turns toward the puffin nesting areas. The plan is to sail up close to islands where puffins nest and lay their one egg.

Puffins are a different kind of wildlife moment than whales. They are smaller, louder, and more active on land and near the waterline. The best signs you are near them are the sudden bursts of movement: puffins flying low, landing, and heading toward nesting spots.

One useful tip: keep your eyes split between sky and sea. Puffins can come in waves, so you might miss the best action if you stare only at the horizon or only at one stretch of water.

If the sea is calmer, your viewing tends to feel easier because you can hold steady on the waterline. Windy conditions can make you work for your sighting, but the close approach still gives you a stronger chance than staying far offshore.

Passing the iconic Reykjavik sights without losing your wildlife day

The tour does more than “just” whale watching. It also uses your departure route to show you Reykjavik’s landmarks.

You pass Harpa Concert Hall and Sun Voyager before heading into the wildlife zone. Then you head back toward the harbor when the cruise finishes. That structure is smart. It gives you city context at the start, then gets you out into real habitat conditions for the rest of the trip.

If you are combining this with other activities in Reykjavik, think of the cruise as the outdoor anchor of your day. It is often easier to plan around a fixed 2-hour window than around longer hikes or museum-heavy blocks.

Comfort and safety gear: what you actually need to bring

The tour supplies a warm waterproof overall, gloves and goggles, and life jacket rental. You also wear your own scarf (you are told to bring it). That combination is built for wind, spray, and cold hands.

You should plan your clothing around that. You are still going to be outside on a moving boat, so warm layers under the waterproof overall help. The overall and gloves are there to stop water from turning the cold into a problem.

Also follow the shoe rules:

• No sandals or flip flops
• No open-toed shoes

These rules exist for a reason. On a RIB, you need secure footing while stepping around equipment and holding your balance during turns.

One small detail that some people have noted: you might receive a bandana souvenir on certain departures. It is not something I would plan around, but it is a nice bonus if it happens.

Price and value: what $192 buys you in real-world terms

At about $192 per person for a 2-hour Reykjavik whale watching cruise, you are paying for three things at once:

• A premium boat setup (a modern RIB with suspension seats and a small 12-seat arrangement)
• A structured wildlife search in Faxaflói Bay, where the chances include whales plus dolphins and seals
• Included cold-weather safety gear, so you do not have to shop for Iceland boat gear the day you arrive

The honest value question is not the price by itself. It is whether the day’s conditions line up with what you want.

If whales are your top priority, remember the key reality: whale sightings cannot be guaranteed. Even on excellent days, you are still scanning for wildlife that only surfaces briefly. If your main goal is to be out on the water in winter gear and enjoy puffins, dolphins, and birds, then you are much more likely to leave feeling satisfied even if whale sightings are light.

So for value, I’d frame it like this:

• Worth it if you want a high-energy, close-to-wildlife water experience with included gear.
• Less worth it if you are hoping for a guaranteed “whale show” every time, or if bumpy ride conditions would ruin your mood.

Who this tour suits best (and who should pick something else)

This one fits best if you enjoy:

• fast, moving outdoor experiences
• scanning for wildlife without expecting a predictable show
• close approaches to seabirds and islands

It is not suitable for children under 10, so families with younger kids should look at other options.

It also suits people who want a guide who shares facts and helps with search focus, instead of simply dropping you near a viewing area and calling it done.

If you are sensitive to motion, treat that as a real deciding factor. Wind and wave direction can make the ride rough, even with suspension seats. Choose your comfort level honestly.

Should you book this Reykjavik whale watching speedboat tour?

I’d book it if you want a proper Iceland nature outing that blends Reykjavik landmarks with real wildlife habitat. The included waterproof overall, goggles, gloves, and life jacket rental mean you can show up with normal travel clothes and still be comfortable enough to watch for long enough to get results.

I would not book it as a “sure thing whale guarantee.” The tour is built for chances, not certainty, and whales are naturally harder to spot at sea than in a controlled setting.

If you can handle brisk weather and a lively RIB ride, this is a strong pick for a 2-hour window in Reykjavik.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik whale watching tour by speedboat?

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 should I wear on the boat?

Wear warm clothes and bring your own whale watching scarf. You cannot wear sandals, flip flops, or open-toed shoes.

What gear is included?

The tour provides a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and life jacket rental.

Is seeing whales guaranteed?

No. Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed, and whales are harder to spot in the sea than in an oceanarium.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What wildlife and views should I plan for?

You are looking for whales in Faxaflói Bay, plus dolphins and seals. You can also see seabirds and puffins near islands where they nest and lay their one egg. You will also pass Harpa Concert Hall and Sun Voyager.

What languages does the live guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks English and Icelandic.