Whale Watching in Reykjavik by Speedboat

Cold water. Fast boat. Big marine life.

This 2-hour whale watching in Reykjavik by speedboat is built for close-up sightings, not a slow cruise. I like that you ride a small, rigid inflatable boat that can move quickly, which means the crew can search more water and position you better for whales, dolphins, and seabirds near the islands off Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.

Two big perks for me are the warm overalls (seriously helpful in North Atlantic wind) and the suspension-style, shock-reducing seats that make the ride more comfortable than you might expect on a speed-focused tour. One consideration: this is a high-speed RIB, so if you have a back issue or you get seasick easily, you’ll want to think carefully before booking.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Small-group tour (up to 12) means you spend time with your guide and captain, not stuck waiting around.
• Rigid inflatable boat speed lets you cover a wider search area and potentially get closer views than larger, slower boats.
• Shock seats plus provided coveralls help you handle wind, spray, and the ride itself.
• Puffins between May and August can be part of your itinerary, with a short stop near their breeding grounds.
• You cruise the shoreline on the way back, with viewpoints of Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall from the water.
• If whales do not show up, the captain offers a complimentary ticket for another ride before you leave.

Speedboat Whale Watching From Old Harbour: What the 2 Hours Feels Like

Reykjavik whale watching works for two types of trips. The classic version is slower, more “hang out and scan.” This one is more like a mission with a good chance of payoff: you get out on open water quickly and you stay moving.

You start from the Old Harbour area, at Ægisgarður 5. After you meet your captain and wildlife guide, you get a quick safety briefing, then you put on the warm coveralls that the tour includes. Then it’s out of the harbor, where the boat zips along and your attention flips from the city to the sea.

The whole tour runs about two hours, which is a smart length. Long enough to search and run a proper shoreline return, short enough that you are not spending your Reykjavik day waiting for a long, drawn-out schedule. It also keeps your chances alive: if wildlife is active nearby, the crew can react fast.

The RIB Ride: Coveralls, Shock Seats, and How Comfort Actually Works

This is a rigid inflatable boat (RIB), the kind that looks playful from shore and feels serious once you’re aboard. The key idea is simple: the boat is small and powerful, capable of speed, and designed to travel with stability.

The company equips you with warm coveralls and safety gear. That matters more than it sounds. In Reykjavik, “cold” is often wind-cold plus spray, not just air temperature. Having the overalls means you can focus on the wildlife instead of wrestling with layers mid-ride.

I also like the new, high-quality suspension seats, sometimes described as shock seats. Translation: the crew is trying to reduce the jolts you can get on a fast craft. It’s not going to turn the experience into a cruise ship lounge, but it can make the difference between, I’m enjoying this and, why did I do this.

One practical note from the ride style: if the boat has seating choices, you’ll generally want the front row for the most direct feeling of speed. People have praised that front-row vantage as a way to fully enjoy the ride. If you’re sensitive to motion, you might prefer a calmer position and keep your eyes on the horizon.

Wildlife Search Near Reykjavik: Whales, Dolphins, and Seabirds Close Up

The big promise here is close-up wildlife viewing. The way they try to make it happen is through boat performance and a larger search pattern. Because the RIB can move quickly, your guide and captain can cover more water than a slower boat, and that improves odds.

You’ll be scouting around islands near Reykjavik Old Harbour. That’s a good location choice. It keeps you relatively near the city, while still giving access to a section of coastline and offshore areas where marine life can show up.

On successful trips, people have seen minke whales, humpback whales, and dolphins with dolphins that seemed comfortable enough to play near the boat. Even when whales are not present, you are still likely to see something moving: porpoises, seabirds, or dolphins that follow the wake.

Here’s the balanced reality. Whale watching is never guaranteed. That’s why I like that the tour has a built-in safety net. If you do not spot any whales, the captain provides a complimentary ticket for another ride before you leave. That turns a “miss” into a “try again,” which is valuable when you’re on a tight Reykjavik schedule.

Puffins in Breeding Grounds: May to August Timing That Matters

Between early May and the end of August, you have a real shot at seeing puffins on this tour. The tour includes a short stop by the puffins’ breeding grounds at the start of the experience.

This is the right time window to hunt for puffins in Iceland, because that’s when you can often spot them actively around nesting areas. The tour approach also makes sense: you do not just pass the region and hope. You plan a focused window early, then you switch back to open-water searching for whales and dolphins.

One tip for puffin spotting: manage expectations with your eyes low and patient. Puffins are small, and the best views often come when you slow your scanning and watch where the crew points. The guide’s job is to help you connect what you’re seeing with what it means, like behavior around the breeding grounds.

If puffins are your priority, this season timing is one reason the speedboat format can be worth the money. You get both land-adjacent wildlife viewing time and the chance for the big open-water species.

Sun Voyager and Harpa From the Water: Shoreline Views You Don’t Get Elsewhere

After the open-water portion, you cruise back along Reykjavik’s shoreline. This is a nice add-on because it turns the tour from pure wildlife only into a mini Reykjavik viewpoint session.

From the sea, you get perspective on two of the city’s most recognizable sights: Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall. Harpa in particular can look very different from the waterfront than it does from sidewalks, and it’s a good reminder that you’re not just doing nature. You’re also seeing the city through a different angle.

Along this part of town, you can see colorful fishing huts and busy restaurant areas that make Old Harbour feel lively even when the weather is doing its Iceland thing. It’s not a museum stop, and it’s not a long walk. It’s just a smooth, scenic return, and you’ll feel like you got more than just one activity.

Meeting Point, Timing, and What to Bring for a Smooth Start

This tour is straightforward to join, but you’ll want to be on time. You should arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure at the Old Harbour meeting point: Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavik.

Bring closed-toe shoes. It sounds basic, but it matters on boats where you might be stepping around on slick surfaces. The tour provides warm coveralls, so you mainly need footwear and the ability to stay comfortable.

Also plan around the rules: no luggage or large bags are allowed. Keep it light. If you’re doing other Reykjavik activities the same day, think about what you’ll actually need for a short ride and quick shoreline viewing.

The tour includes a live English guide. Your captain is also central to the experience, handling the route and safety as you move between search areas and return to harbor.

Price and Value: Is $200 Worth It in Reykjavik?

At $200 per person for a two-hour tour, this isn’t a budget add-on. But it can be strong value when you compare what you’re paying for: speed, a small group, and a mission-style search.

You’re paying for the RIB format, which is designed to cover more water and potentially position you for closer wildlife encounters. You’re also paying for the included gear (warm overalls) and the guide setup. The tour is limited to 12 people, and that matters because it makes spotting and guidance easier when everyone is in the same boat, facing the same direction.

How to judge value for your own trip?

• If whales and dolphins are your top priority, this format increases your odds of meaningful sightings.
• If you’re the type who hates wasting time waiting for something to happen, speed-focused tours tend to feel more “worth it” because they stay active for the full two hours.
• If wildlife is nice but you’re mostly doing Reykjavik for city sights, you might find a cheaper option works just fine.

One more point on value: people have also experienced weather-related changes at sea and still managed to reschedule when conditions were right. That suggests the crew takes safety seriously, and you’re not stuck in limbo without options.

Who This Speedboat Tour Fits Best, and Who Should Skip It

This tour is best for active adults and older kids who can handle a fast ride.

It’s suitable for children over age 10 and over 145 cm. If you’re traveling with a teen who loves animals and wants excitement, this can be a good match.

It is not recommended for pregnant women or for anyone with a history of back problems. And because it’s a speedboat, it’s also the kind of ride where you should think about motion sensitivity. If you know you get sick on boats, plan carefully.

If you’re traveling solo, couples, or small groups, the small-group size can feel more personal, with better chances to hear the guide and react to sightings quickly.

If you’re traveling mainly for comfort and a gentle pace, keep in mind the ride is part of the experience. People describe the speed and low-water feeling as a thrill, and you should only book if that sounds like fun to you.

Should You Book Whale Watching by Speedboat in Reykjavik?

Book it if you want the best chance at memorable wildlife views without turning your day into a long wait. The combination of a small group (up to 12), fast RIB capability, and included warmth means you’re set up to enjoy both the sea action and the Reykjavik shoreline highlights.

Skip or reconsider if you are dealing with back issues, are pregnant, or know you struggle with boat motion. In those cases, the speed and ride style are a mismatch.

If you’re flexible about timing, also consider that marine conditions matter. When sea conditions are unsafe, you can run into changes, but people have successfully rescheduled when conditions improved, which gives you a workable backup plan.

Bottom line: if you’re coming to Reykjavik for whales, dolphins, seabirds, and possibly puffins, this speedboat format is one of the more focused ways to spend two hours on Iceland’s water.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the whale watching tour?

You meet at the Old Harbour of Reykjavik, Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavik.

How long is the whale watching tour by speedboat?

The experience lasts about 2 hours.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes a professional captain and wildlife guide, use of warm overalls, and all necessary safety equipment.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring closed-toe shoes. Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

Is food and drinks provided?

No, food and drinks are not included.

Who can join the tour, and who should avoid it?

The tour is suitable for children over age 10 and over 145 cm. It is not recommended for people with a history of back problems or pregnant women.

What happens if whales are not spotted?

If you do not see whales, the captain provides a complimentary ticket for another ride before you leave.