Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

Watching whales in Iceland gets better when you are not stuck on a giant deck. This Reykjavík RIB speedboat tour feels lively, fast, and close, with an intimate 12-seater setup and the chance to zip between sightings in Faxaflói Bay. You also get Reykjavík’s sights from the water, including Harpa, the concert hall that looks like stained glass even when you are bouncing on waves.

What I like most is the way the crew hunts for wildlife without crowding you. The tour supplies warm gear so you are not just enduring the wind, and the guides can move the boat quickly when they spot blow, movement, or birds like puffins. One drawback to plan for: this is a speedboat ride, so it can feel bumpy and chilly, and it is not the best match if you have a sensitive back or motion sickness.

Key highlights you will actually care about

• 12-seater intimacy, so you are not lost behind a wall of people
• Old Harbor start with Reykjavík and Harpa views right from the water
• Engey and Lundey passes (Puffin Island), great for birds even on whale-light days
• Warm overalls, gloves, and goggles included, which matters in real Iceland wind
• Wildlife is not guaranteed, but you get a complimentary ticket to try again
• Captain-driven routing based on weather, so safety and comfort come first

RIB whale watching in Reykjavík, not a crowded cruise

This experience runs out of Reykjavík’s Old Harbor area and stays focused on the waters right offshore. You cruise through Faxaflói Bay and along the Reykjavík coastline in a compact RIB speedboat, which is a big part of why this tour is such good value. Larger boat rides can be comfortable, but you often spend more time drifting and less time actively getting in position. Here, the speed and maneuverability help you go where the action is.

You should expect a real “on the water” outing, not a long scenic drive by the shoreline. The plan includes passing nearby island areas you will recognize from the water, like Engey and Lundey. That gives the ride variety: city views, open-water searching, and a stop in an area where seabirds like puffins can show up.

The wildlife list you are aiming for is also clear: whales, dolphins, and porpoises are all on the menu. In the best cases, you can stack species in one outing. Reviews mention minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins (including white-beaked dolphins), and harbour porpoises, plus seabirds like puffins. That’s the sweet spot, and the RIB format is what helps you reach it.

The 2-hour plan, from Old Harbor to Faxaflói Bay

Your tour lasts about 2 hours, which is long enough to get moving, search intelligently, and still return without feeling rushed. It is also short enough that weather changes do not destroy the whole day, which matters in Iceland.

From the start, you head out from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor, using the water route for sightseeing as you go. You pass along viewpoints where Harpa, the harbor landscape, and the Reykjavík skyline can pop into view between waves.

Then it shifts into “find wildlife” mode. You cruise near the islands of Faxaflói Bay, and you may pass Engey, the second-largest island in the Kollafjörður (Faxa Bay) area. Engey is known for birdlife, and even when whales are quiet, the ecosystem around you can still feel alive.

Next up is Lundey, often called Puffin Island because of how strongly puffins are associated with the place. Even if you come for whales, this stop can turn into a nice backup highlight. Reviews mention puffins showing up alongside whale or dolphin sightings, so it is not just a scenic detour.

A practical note: the route depends on conditions. The captain decides based on years of experience, prioritizing safety and passenger comfort. That means your “exact” path can vary, but the tour stays within the Reykjavík offshore hunting grounds.

What the RIB ride is like when the wind is real

This is a RIB speedboat, and you feel it. The boat’s speedboat style makes the search for whales more efficient, but it also makes the ride more active. In good conditions, it can feel like controlled excitement, the kind where you look forward to the next turn because it might line up with the next blow.

If it is windy or choppy, expect cold air to hit you in bursts. The company provides warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, and that makes a huge difference. Many reviews specifically praise the warmth and how the gear helps in the cold. Some people also mention the ride is not extremely wet, especially in decent weather, but you should still assume you may get a bit splashed and you will be exposed to wind on the open water.

You may also notice how people position themselves. One review described how the boat encourages a half-sit, half-stand posture to reduce the impact of movement. I think that’s a good tip to keep in mind, because it helps your body absorb the bouncing instead of fighting it.

For your planning, take this seriously if you are prone to seasickness or have back issues. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems, and multiple reviews mention that some riders felt seasick depending on conditions.

Wildlife spotting, the part that makes people book this twice

Here is the honest truth: wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Iceland is full of animals, but they do not follow schedules. What you are paying for is the system behind the hunt, meaning fast boat positioning, a small group, and an experienced captain and guide team watching closely for signs.

When sightings happen, they can happen fast. Reviews include moments like seeing humpback whales at close range, having dolphins in abundance near the boat, and even getting multiple species in one outing. People mention close encounters with humpbacks, blow timing help from the captain, and guides who explain what you are seeing in plain English while you are looking out over cold gray water.

The tour also includes a safety net. If you do not see any wildlife during your trip, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again another day. That changes the risk math. For something as luck-dependent as whales, a free retry is a comfort.

You should also know what else the crew might watch for besides the animals. Puffins and other seabirds often serve as hints that something is happening in the water below, and Lundey’s Puffin Island association makes that easier. In practice, even a whale-light day can still feel productive because you are scanning for multiple kinds of marine life.

City views from the water, including Harpa and the harbour line

One of the underrated reasons to pick this particular Reykjavík whale watching format is the sightseeing value that comes before you ever see an animal. Reykjavík from the water hits differently. The harbor is tighter, the angles are sharper, and buildings feel like they belong to the coastline.

Harpa is the standout landmark mentioned in the tour description, and it really does look striking from water because it catches light in a way you might miss from streets or in daylight walking tours. As you cruise out, you also get a moving panorama of the city edge, then the scenery transitions to open-water hunting grounds.

This is also a nice balance if you are pairing activities. Reykjavík can be compact on land, so it is easy to feel like you have “seen the city” after a day of walking. Time on the water adds a second layer, and it helps you see the coastline, islands, and harbor layout as one working system.

Warm gear and what you should bring so you stay comfortable

The tour includes warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety equipment. That is not a small point. Cold wind can turn a great whale moment into a cold cleanup operation, and gear prevents that.

Still, you should bring your own basics:

• Comfortable shoes (you will move around a bit)
• Warm clothing underneath the provided overalls
• A camera, because when the boat lines up with a blow or a jump, you will want fast access

Also consider a face cover for wind, especially if you run cold easily. One review specifically mentioned bringing a face cover if you cannot handle wind exposure from the speed.

If you hate bumpy rides, do not overthink it. This tour is not designed for smooth, glassy comfort. It is designed to position quickly.

Weather, rescheduling, and how the captain decides your route

This is the part of Iceland travel that you must accept: the tour depends on suitable weather conditions. The captain makes the call based on experience, keeping passenger safety and comfort in mind. Translation: you might not sail on every plan at every moment, and you should go in expecting at least one weather decision along the way.

In the supplied information, you also have cases where a RIB can be canceled last minute due to wind and waves, with an alternative offered (like moving to a larger boat or another vessel). I would treat that as a possibility rather than a promise. Either way, the important thing is that the operator is prioritizing safety.

One benefit of going in summer, April through September, is that whale watching tends to be best during that season. That does not guarantee whales, but it improves the odds compared to off-season timing.

Price and value: why $200 makes sense on the right trip

At $200 per person for about 2 hours, this is not the cheapest thing to do in Reykjavík. But whale watching is naturally expensive because it requires a capable boat crew, fuel, and constant scanning for animals that can be unpredictable.

So where does your money go?

• Into a small 12-seater setup, which helps you feel part of the action instead of an observer behind a crowd
• Into speed and maneuverability, meaning the captain can move toward sightings rather than waiting
• Into included cold-weather gear, which would cost you money and time elsewhere
• Into the chance of real close-range wildlife viewing, where a fast hunt increases the odds of meaningful encounters
• Into a free retry if you do not see wildlife at all, which reduces the heartbreak factor

Some reviews also note that this RIB format felt better than standard boat rides because it stayed closer to animals and did not feel crowded. That matters, because whale watching is fleeting. If you are far away, you might watch a distant blow and spend the rest of the time wondering if that was it.

If you want a “safe and comfortable” boat experience only, a bigger cruise can be calmer. If you want higher chances of close encounters and a more hands-on search style, this RIB format is the logical bet.

Who should book this RIB tour, and who should skip it

This is a strong match for:

• Adults who want active whale watching and are okay with wind
• People who care about small-group viewing and fast positioning
• Camera users, because when whales show up, you want to be ready
• Travelers who want Reykjavík sightseeing from the water, not just an open-ocean drive

This is a weaker match for:

• Children under 10 years
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• Anyone under 4 ft 8 in (145 cm)

Also, if you know you get seasick easily, plan carefully. Some reviews mention seasickness, even in good weather. Bring whatever personal anti-nausea strategy you trust, and consider sitting in a spot that feels most stable for you when you board.

Should you book this Reykjavik whale watching by RIB speedboat?

If you want the best chance to see multiple species in a short time, and you like the idea of an intimate 12-seater with warm gear, this is an easy yes. The big reasons are simple: you get city views like Harpa from the water, the ride is built for quick repositioning when animals appear, and the free retry removes a chunk of the uncertainty.

If you are trying to avoid any bumpy speedboat feel, or you are dealing with motion sensitivity or medical limitations listed by the operator, choose a different style of tour. This one is made for active searching, and that means you should be prepared for wind and movement.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

You check in at the Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík.

How early should I arrive?

Please check in 30 minutes before departure at the Old Harbour House.

How long is the whale watching tour?

The tour duration is 2 hours.

What is included in the price?

Included are the boat tour in a 12-seater RIB boat, Reykjavík sightseeing from the water, and warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and all necessary safety equipment.

Is a whale sighting guaranteed?

No. Sightings of wildlife cannot be guaranteed. If you do not see anything on your tour, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again another day.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera.

Is this tour suitable for kids or everyone?

It is not suitable for children under 10 years, pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone under 4 ft 8 in (145 cm).

What if the weather is bad?

The tour depends on suitable weather conditions, and the captain will decide whether to sail based on safety and comfort. The tour may be rescheduled if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

How do cancellations and payment work?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later (book your spot and pay nothing today).