Reykjavik: Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour

A small RIB boat puts you close to the water, close enough to hear a whale breathe when conditions are right. The two-hour trip starts with puffin islands and then searches wider waters for humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises before returning past Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture. Fast, wet, and bouncy is the honest description.

I like the small group, limited to 12 people, and the chance to learn from a trained marine guide rather than simply scan the sea in silence. I also like that the crew shares pictures taken during the trip, a real help when the boat is moving too much for steady photography. The catch is simple: you may get cold and wet, and wild animals do not follow a schedule.

Key points to know before booking

• Puffin season runs from April 20 to August 20, while the tour operates from April 1 to October 31.
• The RIB is quick and nimble, giving the captain more range than a larger sightseeing boat during a short tour.
• Humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds have all been seen on these trips, but sightings are never guaranteed.
• Warm waterproof overalls, gloves, hats, and goggles are provided, though you should still bring warm layers and sturdy shoes.
• A two-hour outing suits a packed Reykjavik day, but the shorter time leaves less room to search than a longer whale safari.
• The ride is genuinely rough at times, so this is best for people who enjoy speed and waves, not for anyone seeking a calm cruise.

Leaving Reykjavik’s Old Harbour by RIB

You meet at the ticket office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour at least 30 minutes before departure. That extra time matters because you need to sign a waiver, collect protective clothing, and listen to safety instructions before boarding.

The boat carries no toilet and no food, so use facilities before you arrive and bring nothing that needs a meal break. High heels are not allowed. Hiking shoes or other secure, practical footwear are the right choice.

The group limit of 12 gives this outing a friendly, uncluttered feel. You are not trying to peer over a crowd of heads, and the guide can keep an eye on everyone more easily. The captain and guide work together: one handles the boat and the other watches the water, explains animal behavior, and points out features of the coast.

The RIB has shock-absorbing seats, a useful detail on a boat designed for speed. You still feel the waves, but sitting correctly and following the crew’s instructions makes the ride more manageable.

First stop: puffin islands in season

The trip usually heads toward the islands near Reykjavik first, where puffins gather to nest during the warmer months. Puffin season is listed as April 20 through August 20, though sightings can become less reliable near the end of that window. Outside those dates, do not book this excursion specifically for puffins.

The small boat can approach the islands in a way that gives you a better view of the birds on the water and around the nesting areas. You may see puffins flying low, sitting on the sea, or gathering near the rocks. You also get a chance to see other seabirds, which adds interest even if the puffins are distant.

The boat cannot make the birds perform for you. On one late-season trip, the puffins had already left, while a whale appeared instead. On another, puffins were still present but far away. That is normal wildlife watching, not a flaw in the outing.

Bring patience and keep your expectations flexible. If puffins are your main goal, book during the heart of the season rather than near August 20, and remember that the boat may need to stay at a respectful distance.

Searching for whales, dolphins, and porpoises

After visiting the island area, the RIB heads farther out to search for marine life. Its speed and maneuverability are useful here. A small boat can cover a wider area during a two-hour trip and adjust course quickly when the crew spots activity.

Common sightings include minke whales and humpback whales. Dolphins and harbor porpoises also appear, along with many seabirds. Some outings produce several species in one morning, while another might bring just one whale. A few lucky departures have seen whales close to the boat, including humpbacks swimming beside or beneath it.

You should know how to watch a whale. The first sign may be a small puff of breath, followed by a dark back and, sometimes, a tail. The animal may surface once and vanish for several minutes. A trained guide helps you read those moments and tells you where to look, which can make the difference between seeing the whale and missing it.

Humpback whales are especially exciting because they can show more of their body and occasionally breach or slap the water. Minke whales are smaller and often less dramatic, but repeated surfacing can give you several good looks. Dolphins may move faster than the boat, racing alongside it or appearing in groups.

The crew’s approach to the animals matters. The guides and captains are trained to keep a respectful distance, even when another boat moves closer. You may not always get the nearest position, but responsible handling protects the animals and gives you a calmer, more natural encounter.

What the two-hour length really means

Two hours is a useful middle ground for a Reykjavik itinerary. You get a real trip into the bay, not just a quick ride beyond the harbor, while still keeping much of your day free for museums, food, or a drive outside the city.

The tradeoff is search time. Whales move, and the crew may need to cover a large area before finding them. One visitor specifically recommended a longer trip because it can be hard to catch whales near the surface. This two-hour option can produce excellent sightings, but a longer safari gives the crew more time to wait, reposition, and search.

If you have only one free morning in Reykjavik, the shorter tour makes sense. If seeing whales is the central purpose of your Iceland trip, compare it with a longer departure before paying.

The boat ride is part of the attraction

Do not think of the RIB as just transportation to the wildlife. The ride itself is a major part of the experience. The captain can travel quickly across open water, and the boat’s low position makes the sea feel immediate.

At the same time, the ride can be rough. The front seats receive the most spray and movement, which suits an adrenaline-loving passenger but may not suit someone prone to motion sickness. The water can be windy even when Reykjavik feels comfortable on land.

Protective clothing helps, but it does not turn the trip into a dry indoor excursion. Wear warm layers underneath the provided suit, plus sturdy footwear. Sunglasses can help with glare, and the supplied goggles protect your eyes from wind and spray. Keep cameras and phones secure because the boat may bounce just when a whale surfaces.

The seats are designed to soften the impact, and the crew gives instructions on how to sit. Take those instructions seriously. You will enjoy the speed more if you are properly seated and holding on as directed.

Guides, wildlife lessons, and crew photos

The guide adds much more than species names. A marine biologist or specially trained wildlife guide can explain how whales surface, why puffins gather around the islands, and how the animals respond to boats.

Several guides have been singled out by name in past departures, including Maya, Alex, Max, Emily, and Sam. Staff can change, so those names are not a promise of who will lead your trip. The consistent point is the guide’s role: helping you find animals, explaining what you are seeing, and answering questions in English.

I particularly like the photo service. The crew may take pictures during the outing and share the usable images afterward. This is valuable because you may be too busy holding on, watching the water, or reacting to a sudden whale to take a sharp photo yourself.

Do not treat the photos as guaranteed professional coverage. The crew can only photograph what appears and what the sea conditions allow. Still, receiving a few clear images can make the $200 price feel more worthwhile.

Returning past Harpa and the Sun Voyager

The trip back gives you a different view of Reykjavik. From the water, Harpa Concert Hall’s glass facade catches the light, and the Sun Voyager sculpture appears from an angle most city walks do not provide.

This closing section is quieter than the wildlife search, but it helps make the outing feel connected to the city rather than isolated offshore. You get open water, islands, seabirds, and then the Reykjavik shoreline in one compact trip.

It is also a good time to warm up and take in the view. If the boat has been moving hard through wind and spray, the return ride may feel more relaxed, though the sea can remain bumpy.

The $200 price and what you receive

At $200 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Reykjavik from the water. You are paying for a small group, a fast RIB, trained crew, protective clothing, safety equipment, and the added range that comes from a lightweight boat.

The value depends on what you want. If you only want a gentle harbor cruise, this is too expensive and too active. If you want a chance to see wildlife while also enjoying a high-speed boat ride, the price is easier to justify.

The included clothing is important. You receive warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, and the crew provides the required safety equipment. You still need to bring weather-appropriate clothing, hiking shoes, and your signed waiver.

The free crew photos add another useful touch. So does the reserve-now, pay-later option, which lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, giving you some protection if your Iceland schedule changes.

Who should book this RIB tour

I would choose this outing if you enjoy active excursions and want wildlife viewing in a small group. It is particularly good for couples, families with older children, and anyone who sees the fast boat ride as part of the fun.

The minimum age is 10, and the minimum height is 145 centimeters. The maximum weight is 140 kilograms. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, people over 75, or anyone below the stated height or above the weight limit.

You should also be comfortable with wind, spray, and repeated jolts. The provided suit protects you from much of the weather, but it cannot remove the physical movement of the boat.

If you prefer a stable, quiet platform, choose a larger whale-watching boat instead. It may offer more room and a smoother ride, though it will not maneuver like this RIB.

Practical timing and weather advice

The tour operates from April 1 through October 31. Puffins are seasonal, with the stated viewing period from April 20 through August 20. Whales and dolphins can still make an autumn trip worthwhile, as several late-season outings produced good sightings.

Weather can force a departure to move. The operator has rearranged trips when conditions were poor, with clear communication in those cases. That flexibility is useful, but you should avoid placing the tour immediately before a flight or an important connection.

Dress for the sea, not the temperature outside the ticket office. Warm wool or fleece layers, a hat, and secure shoes are sensible even when Reykjavik looks mild. Keep your hands warm so you can use binoculars or a camera, but do not let photography distract you from watching the water.

Wildlife sightings remain uncertain. You might see several humpbacks, dolphins, puffins, and minke whales. You might see only one whale. The crew can improve your chances, not control the animals.

Should you book it?

Book this RIB tour if you want an active wildlife outing, a small group, and the thrill of speeding across the bay. The best part is the combination of a marine guide’s explanations, a nimble boat, and the possibility of seeing whales close to the water.

Skip it if you need a smooth ride, dislike cold spray, or have limited mobility. If puffins are your priority, go during the middle of their season and accept that nature may still change the plan.

For most fit visitors who enjoy a little adventure, $200 is fair for the boat, gear, guide, city views, and chance at remarkable wildlife. Just board expecting a real sea trip, not a guaranteed animal show.

FAQ

Where does the whale and puffin tour leave from?

The tour leaves from the Old Harbour in Reykjavik. Meet at the ticket office at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.

How long is the RIB boat tour?

The tour lasts two hours.

When can I see puffins?

Puffin season is listed as April 20 through August 20. Sightings are seasonal and are not guaranteed, especially near the end of the season.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include puffins, humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, harbor porpoises, and other seabirds.

Is the boat ride rough?

Yes. The RIB can be fast, windy, wet, and bumpy. The boat has seats designed to absorb some impact, and the crew gives safety instructions.

What clothing does the operator provide?

The operator provides warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and necessary safety equipment. You should still bring weather-appropriate clothing and hiking shoes.

Is there a toilet or food on the boat?

No. Toilets and food are not provided on board.

What are the age and height requirements?

The minimum age is 10 years, and the minimum height is 145 centimeters. The maximum weight limit is 140 kilograms.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.