5 Unmissable Zodiac and RIB Whale Watching in Reykjavik

1.Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 621 reviews · 2 hours · from $200Our pick

From Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, you board a 12-seat RIB with a captain and English-speaking guide such as Claudia, Julian, or Bianca. The fast boat crosses Faxaflói Bay, passes Engey and Puffin Island, and searches for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds. Warm suits, gloves, and goggles are supplied.

“Very good Whale-Watching tour. Did see Dolphins, Puffins and various Humpback Whales up close. Would definitiely recommend. We were only 4/12 people on the tour but they still went out and didn't cancel. Cudos to that for sure!”

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2.Whale Watching Tour by RIB Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 393 reviews · 2 hours · from $194Best value

You’ll spend two hours searching Faxaflói Bay from a fast RIB boat with shock-absorbing seats, warm flotation gear, and an English-speaking guide. The route can include minke and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and summer puffins near Akurey. Guides such as Rebekka, Rebecca, Patrick, Joel, and Daniel have made this trip especially engaging.

“The experience was amazing!We knew that the chances to see a whale are small, but we also knew that we going to enjoy the speed boat itself and we will going to see some wildlife. After about an hour we spotted some whales and that was something mind blowing. We saw them swimming along our boat, tale slapping, flipper slapping and blowing. Our amazing guide Eva convinced captain Jens to stay little bit longer and we were able to see the whale breaching!Captain Jens kindness and Eva's energy and knowledge about the whales made this trip so enjoyable. Thank you so much.”

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3.Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 293 reviews · 2 hours · from $200

From Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, you’ll ride a small RIB with up to 12 people toward puffin islands and whale-feeding waters. A trained guide, sometimes a marine biologist such as Maya or Max, explains the wildlife while the captain covers distance quickly. Warm waterproof gear, gloves, and goggles are provided, and crew photos are shared afterward.

“We were so blessed to be able to see so many whales on this short tour! The weather was beautiful and the tour guide Alex was very informative and engaging!”

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4.RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 241 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $208

Join Whale Safari at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour for a two-hour RIB trip capped at 12 people. Your marine biologist guide takes you past puffin islands, across Faxaflói Bay in search of humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, and porpoises, then back along the waterfront past Sun Voyager and Harpa. Warm coveralls and safety gear are provided.

“Despite the weather was not the best, the experience itself left me wordless, we saw minke whale and humpback whales, the guide was very professional, explained a lot about them. She knew not only about whales but also how to handle people with a sea sick on the board.”

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5.Whale Watching in Reykjavik by Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 77 reviews · 2 hours · from $200Top rated

Join a captain and English-speaking wildlife guide at Reykjavik Old Harbour for a fast, two-hour RIB tour. The small boat reaches whale and dolphin areas quickly, with puffin stops from May through August. Warm overalls and suspension seats help, but the ride is not suitable for pregnant women, children under 10, or anyone with back problems.

“Everything was very very good! Perfect tour and we saw a lot”

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