RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik

The best part of this Reykjavik whale-watching trip is the small RIB boat, which puts you close to the water and lets the crew cover a broad search area. You are not peering over rows of heads on a large vessel. You sit in a compact group of no more than 12, with a good chance to see the guide point out wildlife before it slips away.

I like two things in particular. First, the outing combines a thrilling speedboat ride with serious wildlife watching, so even a quiet spell at sea has some energy. Second, during puffin season, you visit the birds near Akurey, Engey, or Lundey before heading farther into Faxaflói Bay. The main caution is the rough ride, especially on the return. The suspension seats help, but this is not a gentle boat trip for anyone with knee or back trouble.

Key points at a glance

• Small boat, maximum 12 people: You get more room to look and a better view of the water than on a standard whale-watching vessel.
• Puffins from early May through late August: The boat visits nearby islands and spends about 5 to 10 minutes near the birds.
• Marine biologist guide: Guides such as Sam, Maria, Ann, and others explain the animals and help you keep watch between sightings.
• A real search across Faxaflói Bay: The crew may find humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and other seabirds.
• Warm gear is supplied: Coveralls and safety equipment are included, with gloves, hats, and goggles provided on some departures.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can cancel the RIB trip, and an alternate date or full refund is offered.

Leaving Ægisgarður for a low-water view of Reykjavik

Meet at Ægisgarður 5d in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. The tour lasts about two hours and ends at the same place, so you can easily pair it with a walk around the harbour, a visit to Harpa, or a meal nearby.

The boat is fast, stable, and built for open-water trips. Its suspension seats absorb some of the shock when the sea gets choppy. That is useful, but do not mistake the seats for a soft ride. The RIB can still bounce over waves, and the trip may feel rough on the way back. One outing involved a long, very choppy run offshore before the whales were found, while another was described as smooth enough for someone who often gets seasick.

That difference tells you what to expect: conditions can change. You should be comfortable with a lively ride and able to climb into and sit on a small boat for the duration. The operator asks for moderate physical fitness and does not recommend the trip for people with knee problems or young children. Children must be over 10 and taller than 145 centimeters.

The crew supplies coveralls and all required safety equipment. Dress under the suit with wool or fleece, and bring a hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes. Rain, wind, and spray are part of the North Atlantic setting, so warm layers matter even when the day looks mild from shore.

Akurey and the puffin islands, early May to late August

During puffin season, the boat makes a short run to one of the islands outside Reykjavik: Akurey, Engey, or Lundey. The exact island can vary, but the idea is the same. You get a close look at puffins in their natural setting, along with auks, gannets, and other seabirds around the cliffs and water.

The visit lasts about 5 to 10 minutes. That may sound brief, but it is enough time to watch birds flying low over the water, resting on the sea, or gathering around the island. The small RIB helps here because it can reach the islands quickly and position itself near the birds without carrying a large crowd.

Puffins are not guaranteed to pose neatly for photographs. They are quick, and the boat may be moving in wind or swell. Still, this stop gives the tour a welcome second focus. You are not relying only on whale sightings to make the trip worthwhile.

Outside the early May to late August season, the puffin stop is not part of the outing. The whale search remains the main purpose of the trip, so check the season if seeing puffins is important to you.

Faxaflói Bay and the long search for whales

After the nearby islands, the boat heads into Faxaflói Bay. This is the heart of the trip, and roughly 90 minutes of the two-hour outing is devoted to finding whales and dolphins.

The RIB’s speed gives the crew a useful advantage. Rather than staying in one small patch of water, the boat can cover more ground while searching. That does not guarantee sightings, since these are wild animals moving through open water, but it improves the chance of reaching active areas.

The most frequently reported sightings include humpback whales and minke whales. You might also see white-beaked dolphins, porpoises, and large numbers of seabirds. The best moments come without warning. A humpback may surface near the boat, a whale may breach several times, or dolphins may play alongside the RIB. One outing included a double humpback breach, while another saw several humpbacks, a minke, and a porpoise.

Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire trip looking through it. A whale can appear in one second and vanish before you frame the shot. The crew sometimes takes photographs and shares them afterward, which lets you watch the water instead of trying to record every surface.

The guide also helps fill the quiet stretches. Marine biologists and other trained guides explain the animals and keep scanning while you wait. Names reported from different outings include Sam, Maria, Ann, Milán, Pedro, Emily, and Lefterius. The exact crew depends on the departure, but the guide is an important part of the experience, not just someone giving safety instructions.

What the suspension seats can and cannot do

The high-performance suspension seats are one of the practical reasons to choose this RIB over a basic speedboat. They reduce some of the jarring motion and help you stay secure as the boat moves across uneven water. For many people, that makes the ride more comfortable and gives them a better chance to focus on the animals.

They do not remove the need for caution. Several departures involved a rough ride, especially on the return to Reykjavik. If you have knee or back problems, this is a serious consideration, not a minor footnote. The operator specifically advises against the tour for people with knee trouble.

If you are prone to seasickness, the experience is less predictable. One outing was described as manageable even by someone who usually feels sick at sea, while another involved difficult conditions. The boat’s speed may shorten the time spent crossing rough water, but it can also make the motion feel sharper.

I would choose this trip if you like an active ride and have reasonable mobility. If you want a slower, steadier platform, a larger whale-watching boat may suit you better, though you will give up some of the small-group feel and low-level view.

Returning past Sun Voyager and Harpa

After the wildlife search, the boat heads back along Reykjavik’s shoreline. This final stretch gives you a different view of the city, with the water providing a wide angle that you cannot get from the pavement.

The route passes the Sun Voyager sculpture, one of Reykjavik’s most recognizable waterfront sights. The RIB then goes by Harpa Concert Hall, whose glass exterior catches the changing light. This portion lasts only a few minutes at each listed stop, but it is a pleasant finish after the open-water search.

Do not expect a full city sightseeing cruise. The shoreline ride is a bonus, not the main event. It gives you a chance to take photographs and see the harbour from a new position before returning to Ægisgarður, about two hours after departure.

Is $208.09 a fair price?

At $208.09 per person, this is a costly two-hour activity. You are paying more than you would for a standard large-boat excursion, so the value depends on what you want from whale watching.

The price makes more sense if you care about a maximum 12-person group, a low seat near the water, a fast boat that can search a wider area, and a marine biologist guide. You also get warm coveralls and safety equipment, plus the puffin stop during the proper season. Several outings produced multiple humpback sightings, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins in one trip.

The price is harder to justify if your main goal is simply to get on the water cheaply. Wildlife is never guaranteed. If there are no sightings, the operator provides a ticket for an alternative tour, but that does not change the uncertainty built into any whale safari.

I see this as a good-value splurge for a short Reykjavik visit, especially if you prefer active experiences and do not want to spend half a day on a large boat. It is less appealing if you are watching your budget, have limited time flexibility, or dislike rough rides.

Weather, cancellations, and simple planning

This trip requires suitable weather. High winds or poor sea conditions can lead to cancellation, and you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Keep that rule in mind when planning a tightly packed Iceland itinerary.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund. Since the tour is often booked well in advance, with an average booking lead time of about 46 days, reserve early if your dates are fixed.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You make your own way to the Old Harbour, which is near public transportation. Food and drinks are not included, so eat beforehand or plan something after the boat returns.

The operator confirms your booking at the time of reservation. English is the listed tour language.

Who will enjoy this RIB whale safari most?

This is a strong choice for adults, older children who meet the age and height rules, couples, families with active teenagers, and anyone who prefers a personal outing over a large shared boat. The small group makes it easier to hear the guide and move your view from one side of the boat to the other.

It also suits photographers who want a low position close to the water, though you should protect your camera from spray and keep your attention on the sea. The crew may provide photos afterward, which takes some pressure off getting perfect shots yourself.

I would think twice if you have knee or back problems, dislike bouncing over waves, or need a guaranteed animal sighting. The crew can search widely, but no operator can control wild whales or the weather. You should book this as a well-run wildlife outing with a strong chance of sightings, not as a fixed performance.

Should you book the Whale Safari RIB tour?

Book it if you want the most personal version of whale watching from Reykjavik and the idea of a fast, open-water ride sounds fun. The combination of a 12-person boat, marine biologist guide, puffin islands in season, and close-to-water whale watching gives the two hours plenty of variety.

Skip it in favor of a larger boat if comfort matters more than speed, or if rough water could cause pain. For everyone else, the trip offers a good shot at humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds, with the added pleasure of returning past Sun Voyager and Harpa. At this price, I would schedule it early in your Reykjavik stay, leaving enough room to move the outing if the weather turns.

FAQ

Where does the RIB whale-watching tour start?

The tour starts at Ægisgarður 5d in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The full experience lasts about two hours. The main search in Faxaflói Bay takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

How many people can join the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers, making it a small-group experience.

Are puffins included on every departure?

Puffins are included during the puffin season, from early May through the end of August. The boat visits Akurey, Engey, or Lundey, depending on the outing.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, auks, gannets, and other seabirds. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

What should I wear?

Dress warmly with wool or fleece layers, a hat, gloves, and sturdy footwear. Coveralls and required safety equipment are provided.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children must be over 10 years old and taller than 145 centimeters. The activity is not recommended for young children.

Is the trip suitable for someone with knee problems?

No. The tour is not recommended for people with knee problems, and the ride can become rough in open water.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather cancels the tour, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. If the tour has no wildlife sightings, you receive a ticket for an alternative tour.