Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

The best part of this Reykjavík outing is the combination of serious wildlife watching and a genuinely fast boat ride. The small RIB can cover a wide stretch of Faxaflói Bay, then turn quickly when the captain spots a whale blow or a pod of dolphins. You may see humpbacks, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, puffins, and plenty of sea birds.

I like the 12-person limit, which keeps the boat personal and gives you a better view than a crowded cruise deck. I also like the free return ticket if no wildlife appears. The catch is the ride: it can be cold, windy, and bumpy, and it is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone shorter than 145 centimeters.

Quick points before you book

• Small boat, wide search area: A 12-seater RIB can move quickly across Faxaflói Bay and approach sightings with less crowding.
• Wildlife can be varied: Humpback and minke whales are the main prize, but dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and other sea birds may also appear.
• The ride is part of the attraction: You travel at speed between Reykjavík, Engey, Lundey, and the open bay.
• Warm gear is included: You receive overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety equipment, but bring warm layers and cover your ears.
• Sightings are not promised: If the sea produces no wildlife, you receive a complimentary ticket for another attempt.
• Weather can change the plan: Rough wind and waves can cancel or replace the RIB departure with a larger vessel.

Leaving Reykjavík’s Old Harbor

The tour begins at Old Harbour House, Aegisgarður 2, about 30 minutes before departure. Check in by scanning the bar code or QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to reach the harbor on your own.

The harbor is a handy starting point. You are close to Reykjavík’s central sights, and the first minutes on the water give you a fresh view of the city. Harpa concert hall is one of the clearest landmarks, its glass front catching the light as the RIB heads away from the quay.

If you drive, check the supplied parking information before setting off. The nearest free parking is not necessarily right beside the meeting point, so allow time to park, walk, check in, and get suited up.

The operator supplies waterproof overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety equipment. Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing underneath. I would add a hat or ear covering, since the wind can cut through gaps around your head even when the suit keeps your body warm. A face covering is also useful if you are sensitive to cold air at speed.

What the 12-seat RIB feels like

This is not a quiet sightseeing cruise. The RIB is a rigid inflatable boat built for speed and quick movement, and the ride across the bay can be bumpy. You sit and brace yourself as the boat moves over the water, with the motion becoming more noticeable when the sea is choppy.

That physical side is important. The fast run is exciting, but it may not suit everyone. One account described the ride as a kind of half-sitting, half-standing position that helps absorb the impact. If you would avoid a rough amusement ride, have a bad back, or are prone to seasickness, think carefully before choosing this format.

A few people can still feel queasy even when the weather looks good. Take that seriously. The boat is small, exposed, and moving quickly. On the other hand, the small size is exactly what makes it appealing. You are not looking over rows of heads or waiting for a large vessel to turn. With only 12 seats, the guide can speak to the group more directly, and the captain can reposition the boat without dealing with a broad passenger deck.

The safety call belongs to the captain. The tour runs only when conditions are suitable, and the captain may reschedule it if wind or waves make the RIB uncomfortable or unsafe. On some departures, the RIB has been replaced at short notice by a larger boat. That can feel like a letdown if speed is the reason you booked, but it is the sensible choice in Icelandic weather.

Crossing Faxaflói Bay in search of whales

Once clear of the harbor, the RIB heads across the waters off Reykjavík. The first part is often about covering ground. A whale-watching boat cannot simply wait beside the pier and expect wildlife to appear, so the speed helps the crew reach feeding areas and scan more water during the two-hour outing.

Humpback whales are the sightings that create the biggest excitement. They may surface repeatedly, show a back and dorsal fin, blow above the water, or, with luck, slap a tail or leap. Several departures have seen multiple humpbacks, including groups of three and much larger gatherings. Nobody can promise that pattern on your day, but the boat’s mobility gives the crew a useful tool when whales are spread across the bay.

Minke whales can be less dramatic but are still special. They are smaller and may appear only briefly, so keep watching rather than waiting for a grand theatrical breach. Dolphins can be just as entertaining. White-beaked dolphins have been seen close to the RIB, sometimes in active groups beside the boat.

Harbor porpoises are another possibility. They are often harder to spot because they are small and surface quickly. Your guide helps by pointing out what to look for, explaining the difference between a whale blow, a dolphin group, and a porpoise surfacing.

The English-speaking guides have included Claudia or Klaudia, Julian or Julien, and Bianca. Their roles go beyond naming animals. They help the captain direct your attention, explain marine life, and answer questions while the boat is stopped or moving slowly. Bring a camera, but keep your eyes on the water too. Wildlife appears without warning, and a perfect photograph is never guaranteed.

Engey and Lundey, two different island stops

The route passes Engey, the second-largest island in Kollafjörður, also called Faxa Bay. It is a useful reminder that Reykjavík’s waterfront quickly opens into a broad, island-dotted sea. The views back toward the city are especially appealing on clear days, when mountains and shorelines frame the bay.

Lundey is smaller and better known by its English translation, Puffin Island. It is uninhabited and lies off Reykjavík’s western coast. The RIB may pass near it on the way back toward the harbor, giving you a chance to see puffins and other sea birds.

Puffins are strongly seasonal. Sightings are most likely during the warmer months, and several spring and summer trips have seen large numbers. By September, the chance may be lower as the season winds down, though puffins have still appeared on some outings. Treat them as a welcome extra, not the main reason to choose this tour.

The island section also gives the trip some variety. You are not spending two hours staring at one patch of open water. The route combines city views, island scenery, fast crossings, and wildlife searches, though the exact order depends on conditions and where animals are found.

How much wildlife can you expect?

No responsible whale-watching company can guarantee animals. The bay is wild, and whales move. The strongest sightings have included humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and puffins on one outing. Other trips have produced several whales and dolphins but no puffins, while some have seen puffins without whales.

This tour offers a useful safety net: if you see no wildlife at all, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again. That matters most if you are staying in Reykjavík for several days. It matters less if you are on a brief stopover or leaving the city immediately, so check your schedule before you book.

The free return option does not turn a quiet sea into a guaranteed sighting, but it reduces the financial risk. The experience also has value even on a slow wildlife day because you still get the RIB ride and views from the water. That said, most of the $200 price depends on the wildlife search, so your expectations should stay realistic.

The best period is generally April through September. Spring can bring puffins and calmer days, while summer often offers longer daylight and more reported whale activity. October trips can work, but weather becomes a bigger factor and daylight is shorter. The supplied information places the main whale-watching season from April to September, so I would give those months priority when planning.

The views are part of the experience

It is easy to think of this as a race to the whales, but Reykjavík looks different from the bay. Harpa concert hall, the harbor, the shore, and the surrounding mountains form a broad view that you cannot get from the city streets.

On a clear day, the setting can be as memorable as the animals. You may see the city recede behind you, with islands scattered between the RIB and the coast. The boat moves quickly enough to cover a lot of water, but there are also slower moments when the captain searches or watches an animal surface.

The weather controls how much you enjoy these views. In sun and calm water, the open bay feels spacious and bright. In wind, rain, or rough waves, your attention may shift from scenery to staying warm and steady. The overalls help, and some people report remaining dry in decent weather, but no clothing can remove the chill of an exposed speedboat.

Is $200 a fair price?

At $200 per person for two hours, this is an expensive short outing, especially in an already costly destination. You are paying for a small boat, the captain’s ability to search a wide area, supplied protective gear, and a more direct wildlife-watching setup than a large cruise.

I see the value if you care about whales and want the ride itself to be exciting. The small group is a real advantage. You can get closer to the action in a practical sense, not because the boat should chase animals, but because it can move toward a sighting without maneuvering a large hull. The crew can also keep the group focused when a whale surfaces.

The price is harder to justify if you mainly want a gentle cruise or a guaranteed animal encounter. A larger boat may suit you better if stability and shelter matter more than speed. One canceled RIB departure was replaced with a slower yacht because of cold, wind, and waves. The passengers still saw whales, but the experience was not the same product they had originally chosen.

The 87 percent perfect transport rating and overall score of 4.7 from 621 ratings point to a consistently strong experience, but the practical limits remain. Weather, animal behavior, and your comfort on a bumpy boat will shape the day more than the ticket description does.

Who should choose this tour?

I would choose it for an adult or older child who wants a lively outing and is comfortable with open water. It is especially suitable if you have only a short time in Reykjavík and want to combine wildlife, city views, and a fast ride in one two-hour slot.

It is also a good fit for photographers who prefer a small group and a closer sense of the water. Keep your equipment secure and protected from spray, and do not let the camera distract you from watching for quick surfacings.

I would not choose it for children under 10, pregnant people, anyone under 145 centimeters, or anyone with back trouble. If motion sickness is a concern, the RIB format deserves caution. The trip can be fun, but it is not a soft, slow harbor cruise.

Plan at least some flexibility into your day. The operator may reschedule if too few people book, and the captain may cancel or alter the departure when the sea is unsuitable. A flexible schedule makes both possibilities easier to handle.

Practical booking details

You need to check in 30 minutes before departure at Old Harbour House, Aegisgarður 2, in Reykjavík. Scan the bar code or QR code on your ticket at the kiosk.

The tour lasts two hours and runs with an English-speaking guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Comfortable shoes, warm clothes, and a camera are recommended, while the operator supplies the outer suit, gloves, goggles, and required safety equipment.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Confirm the departure time when booking, since availability varies.

Should you book the Reykjavík RIB tour?

Book this tour if the boat ride matters almost as much as the whales. You get a small group, a fast and maneuverable RIB, strong chances of seeing several kinds of wildlife in the right season, and a free second attempt if the sea is empty.

Skip it if you need a smooth, sheltered ride or if your schedule cannot absorb a weather change. For most adults who can handle cold and bumps, this is a lively way to reach Faxaflói Bay and see Reykjavík from the water. Just remember that the captain can find whales, but cannot order them to surface.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching tour depart from?

It departs from Old Harbour House at Aegisgarður 2, 101 Reykjavík.

How early should I arrive?

You should check in 30 minutes before departure.

How do I check in?

Scan the bar code or QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk inside Old Harbour House.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts two hours.

How many people fit on the RIB boat?

The RIB has space for 12 people.

What wildlife might I see?

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

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?

No. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. If you see no wildlife, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again.

What clothing and equipment are provided?

The operator provides warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and necessary safety equipment. You should also bring warm clothing and comfortable shoes.

Is the tour suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children under 10 years old. It is also not suitable for people under 145 centimeters tall.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The captain decides if conditions are suitable, and the tour may be rescheduled because of unsuitable weather or too few participants.