Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik

Whales in Reykjavik feel unreal. I love the small-group energy on a 12-seater RIB, and I also like that they hand you warm overalls and gloves so you can focus on spotting spouts. The main drawback to plan for is splash and wind, especially if conditions are choppy, because this is real open-water riding.

This is built for maximizing your odds. You’re faster than big tour boats across the bay, and the route keeps you in prime whale territory just minutes off the coast. Along the way, you also get Reykjavik’s waterfront landmarks and island scenery, without turning the trip into a long lecture.

One more note before you go: the whale-watching part is always a little bit luck. You can still have an amazing trip when whales show up close, but if you’re expecting a guaranteed animal parade, you should keep your expectations flexible.

Key things I’d bet on before you book

• Small 12-seater RIB: easier sightlines and more direct attention from your guide.
• Faster crossing to Faxafloi Bay: gives you more chances when marine life moves around.
• Warm gear included: overalls, gloves, and safety kit so you stay comfortable for the ride.
• Marine mammal focus: targets species like minke, humpback, killer whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
• Reykjavik views on the water: Harpa’s glass facade and the Sun Voyager show up from the bay.

The real reason this RIB whale tour feels different

A lot of whale tours in Iceland are about getting everyone out to the same spot. This one is also about getting you there quickly, while keeping the group small. On a 12-seater RIB, you feel the action more, because you’re physically closer to the water and there’s less “big-boat crowd energy.”

I also like the way the tour is set up around timing and movement. Whales and dolphins do not stay put. When your boat can travel fast across the bay, you’re more likely to intersect with animals that are feeding or traveling.

The included gear matters too. You’re going to be in cold salt air, and you will get sprayed. The tour provides overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety equipment, which takes the stress out of guessing what to wear.

From Old Harbour House to Faxafloi Bay: how the ride works

Your trip starts at Old Harbour House, near the water in central Reykjavik, and it ends back at the same meeting point. That point-to-point simplicity is a big deal when you’re on a tight schedule, because you’re not spending half the day commuting.

Once you’re on the RIB, expect a fast, bumpy, straddle-your-seat kind of ride. It’s not the slow scenic ferry experience. Think more like, hold on, breathe through the spray, and keep your eyes up.

How long will you be out? The core whale-watching tour is about two hours. That time window is long enough for multiple searching runs and a couple of close encounters, but short enough that the cold does not take over your day, especially with the included overalls.

Reykjavik landmarks from the bay, Harpa and Sun Voyager

Even if the whales are the headline, the surroundings are part of the payoff. This tour builds in panoramic views of Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager statue as you cruise around Reykjavik’s harbor area.

Harpa is the concert hall and conference center with a distinctive colored glass facade inspired by Iceland’s basalt landscape. From the water, that geometry and color read in a totally different way than from street level. It’s a nice “Reykjavik reset” while you’re out there, especially if you’re doing a day with other activities back on land.

Why Faxafloi Bay is the heart of the hunt

Faxafloi Bay sits on the southern shore west of Reykjavik, and it’s a practical whale-watching zone because it’s accessible and productive. From Reykjavik, you can often see the peninsula of Akranes, and on clear days you may even spot Snæfellsjökull at a distance of about 120 km (75 miles).

The key for you is how that geography supports the tour. Faxafloi Bay has fewer islands than Breiðafjörður to the north, and the islands that do exist are closer to shore. That helps keep the route efficient, which matters when you’re on a speed-focused RIB.

Also, it’s the kind of bay where conditions can change quickly. If it’s calm, the ride is more tolerable. If wind and waves pick up, you will feel it immediately. That’s not a flaw, it’s just the physics of open water in Iceland.

The island route: Engey, Lundey, and Viðey

Part of the experience is cruising past islands that often sit in the same overall wildlife area. You don’t just go “out, stop, back.” You move around the bay, and the boat passes several named islands that help frame the scenery.

Here’s what you should know before you go:

• Engey is the second largest island in the Kollafjörður area near Reykjavik. It’s one of those landmarks that looks close enough to walk to, yet it’s clearly still in the wild ocean zone.
• Lundey, literally Puffin Island, is a small uninhabited island. Even if puffins are not guaranteed, the name alone tells you why bird watchers keep one eye on the cliffs and rocky edges.
• Viðey is the largest island in the Kollafjörður Bay near Reykjavik. It gives you scale, because you can see how wide this coast really is from the water.

These island passes are not just sightseeing. When marine mammals are active, they can show up near where birds, prey, and currents overlap. A route that keeps you in productive water beats a route that locks you into one slow location.

Species you might see, and how the guide increases your odds

The tour is designed around seeing a mix of marine mammals. Depending on season and conditions, you might encounter:

• minke whales
• humpback whales
• killer whales
• white-beaked dolphins
• harbour porpoises

Seasonality is real here. The summer is the peak period, but there can still be sightings all year, since ocean-going mammals may show up close to the coast.

What improves your chances is not magic, it’s process. A skilled captain and guide keep scanning, adapt the route when animals appear, and stay in a good viewing area long enough for you to actually see behavior, not just a fleeting spout.

You can also expect a guide who cares about explaining what you’re seeing. On past departures, the crew included marine biologists and highly engaged staff. Names like Claudia, Julien, and Eva have come up, all linked to friendly, attentive guiding and strong effort to find animals.

Even then, there’s no way to force whales to surface on schedule. Your best strategy is to stay present, keep your eyes moving, and be ready to shift your focus quickly when the captain changes course.

What it feels like to be close to whales on a RIB

This is where the small boat shines. Big ships can be impressive, but they often leave you far from the action. A RIB sits lower and closer, and when whales approach the boat’s area, you feel it in the moment.

When you get a good sighting, you may see the whales surface and blow, then move down again. With dolphins, you can sometimes get that playful behavior where they approach the boat and show up around it. Puffins can show up on the way back depending on timing and conditions.

Speed matters. With a RIB, you can reach a location quickly and reposition fast if animals move. That’s one reason this style of tour often feels more exciting than waiting for a big vessel to get there, especially if you only have one day in Reykjavik.

The tradeoff is comfort. This boat is meant for speed. So you dress for spray, not for comfort like a warm lounge.

Gear and clothing: stay warm without overthinking it

The tour provides:

• warm overalls
• gloves
• goggles
• all necessary safety equipment

That sounds straightforward, and it is. But the best advice from real-world experience is to use all the equipment they give you, not just parts of it. Wear the full one-piece layer, keep gloves on properly, and use the goggles if they provide them for eye protection and visibility through spray.

Bring a hat if you have one. You’ll likely want something for wind and spray that tucks under your hood or sits comfortably with your gear.

Shoes matter too. Salt spray can soak through what you think is fine. If you’re wearing anything you care about, this may be your reminder to pick practical footwear.

And plan to get wet. Even on better days, you will feel seawater mist on your face and hands. If being dry is your number one goal, this isn’t the best match.

Price and value: what you’re paying for at about $145

At around $145 per person, the value comes from a few practical elements, not just the animal promise.

You’re paying for:

• a small-group experience
• a fast 12-seater RIB that can chase movement in the bay
• included warm gear that reduces your packing and clothing stress
• time on the water that also includes Reykjavik’s waterfront scenery

Is it cheaper than the largest operators? Often, smaller RIB tours are priced higher than basic group cruises, but the money typically buys more closeness and more maneuverability.

If you’re in Reykjavik for only a short time, that speed and efficiency can feel like good value, because you squeeze in wildlife time without sacrificing all your daylight.

If you’re comparing tours, consider what matters most to you. If you care most about maximum closeness, RIB style usually wins. If you hate splash and rough riding, you might prefer a larger, steadier vessel.

When this tour is a great fit, and when it isn’t

This is a strong choice if:

• you want a close-to-the-action whale tour
• you like fast-paced searching and changing directions
• you don’t mind getting wet if it means better sightlines
• you want Reykjavik landmarks like Harpa while still prioritizing wildlife

It’s less ideal if:

• you have low tolerance for bumpy rides and spray
• you’re traveling with someone who is very temperature-sensitive, even with provided gear
• you need a completely calm, scenic cruise only

If you’re a family, it can work well when everyone dresses properly and accepts that the first part of the trip might be more about braving the sea than spotting animals. The payoff comes when the wildlife shows up and you’re close enough to appreciate behavior, not just a distant view.

Should you book the RIB whale watching from downtown Reykjavik?

My take: if you’re choosing between a big-ship whale cruise and this RIB option, I’d lean RIB for most people who can handle cold spray. The small group size, faster movement in Faxafloi Bay, and included warm gear all support the same goal: more meaningful wildlife time.

Book it if you want the experience to feel active and immediate. Book it if you want Harpa and other Reykjavik water views without losing your focus on whales.

Skip or rethink it if you hate wet weather, dislike bumpy rides, or you’re traveling during a period when you already know you’ll be uncomfortable in cold wind. In Iceland, the ocean decides how smooth things are, and this tour does not pretend otherwise.

If you do book, pack smart for spray, use all the provided gear, and treat sightings like a best-odds hunt, not a factory production line. When conditions line up, this is the kind of wildlife encounter that stays in your memory long after you’re back on land.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching tour?

It’s about 2 hours on the water.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Old Harbour House and ends back at the same meeting point.

What boat size is used for this experience?

It’s a small 12-seater RIB speedboat.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 12 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What wildlife might I see?

The tour focuses on marine mammals in Faxafloi Bay, including minke, humpback, and killer whales, plus white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises.

What is included for staying warm and safe?

You get warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and all necessary safety equipment.

Does the tour include hotel transfer?

No. Hotel transfer is not included.

Is the tour easy to join?

Most travelers can participate, and it’s near public transportation.

What if the weather is bad or the tour is canceled?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.