Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

The best part of this Reykjavík trip is the combination of wildlife watching and a fast, open-water ride. A 12-seat RIB can move quickly across Faxaflói Bay, then turn toward a whale blow or pod of dolphins without the feel of a large sightseeing boat. On good days, you may see humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, puffins, and plenty of sea birds.

I like the small group size, which gives you a better view and lets the guide talk with you directly. I also like the warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, since Iceland’s wind can be sharp even in summer. The trade-off is real: this is a rough, windy ride, and the $200 price is a serious outlay if wildlife does not appear.

Key points to know before you book

• A 12-seat RIB reaches wildlife quickly: The boat covers a broad area of Faxaflói Bay and can respond fast when whales are spotted.
• Expect several possible species: Humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and other sea birds are all possible, but no sighting is guaranteed.
• The ride is part of the attraction: You sit low in a powerful inflatable boat, with a half-standing position used to soften the bumps.
• The best season runs from April through September: Puffins are especially likely in the warmer months, while whale sightings depend on conditions and luck.
• You receive warm gear: Overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety equipment are supplied, but bring warm layers and cover your ears and face.
• A wildlife guarantee softens the risk: If you see nothing, you receive a complimentary ticket for another attempt, though that is less useful if you are leaving Reykjavík soon.

Leaving Reykjavík Old Harbor for Faxaflói Bay

You check in at Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, at least 30 minutes before departure. The self-service kiosk accepts the barcode or QR code on your ticket, and the harbor location is handy for combining this trip with Reykjavík’s waterfront, Harpa concert hall, and nearby restaurants.

If you drive, check the parking information before arriving. The meeting point is not a hotel pickup location, so you must make your own way there. That is easy enough from central Reykjavík, but allow time to find parking and complete check-in.

The crew supplies a warm flotation-style overall, gloves, goggles, and the required safety equipment. Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing underneath. The suit helps a lot, but it does not make the boat warm. A face covering and extra ear protection are sensible if cold wind bothers you.

The boat carries only 12 people. That number matters. You are not looking over several rows of heads or waiting for a large vessel to turn. You can usually shift your view quickly when the guide points toward a blow, fin, or group of birds.

The RIB ride is exciting before the whales appear

A RIB, or rigid inflatable boat, is not a sedate cruise platform. It is quick, low to the water, and responsive. The ride across the bay is part of the fun, with Reykjavík receding behind you and the mountains and islands opening around the boat.

The motion can be bumpy. One useful technique is to half-sit and half-stand, keeping your knees loose as the hull meets the water. You may find the ride tiring if you have back problems, and motion sickness is possible even in fairly good weather. Some people reported feeling seasick despite calm conditions.

This is why the age and height limits matter. The trip is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone under 145 centimeters. It is also a poor choice if you dislike amusement-park-style motion. The captain decides if conditions are safe and comfortable, and strong wind or waves can lead to a cancellation or a change to a larger boat.

The wind can make it difficult to hear the captain at times. Stay alert, watch where the guide is pointing, and keep your goggles ready. The crew’s safety decisions may mean slowing down or changing plans, but that is preferable to forcing a small boat into poor conditions.

Searching among Engey and Lundey

The route passes among the small islands in Faxaflói Bay and along Reykjavík’s coast. Engey, the second-largest island in Kollafjörður, gives you a different view of the bay and city. Lundey, known as Puffin Island, is a small uninhabited island off Reykjavík’s western coast.

Lundey is a useful bird-watching stop, especially from April into the summer season. Puffins may be sitting on the water or flying around the island, and several trips have also produced large numbers of sea birds. The birds are not a substitute for whales, but they make the return portion of the trip more rewarding if the larger animals remain elusive.

You also get a fine water-level view of Reykjavík. Harpa concert hall is especially striking from offshore, and the city looks more compact when seen from the bay. On a clear day, you can take in the mountains around the water while the boat moves between the islands.

The exact order depends on wildlife and sea conditions. A typical outing may spend about half an hour reaching the main whale area, around 45 minutes watching whales and dolphins, then a shorter period near Lundey before returning. The crew may stay out longer when an animal is close to the harbor or when conditions allow, but you should treat the two-hour duration as the firm planning guide.

What you might see in the bay

Humpback whales are the main prize on many summer trips. They can surface repeatedly, blow near the boat, slap their tails, or lift their backs high enough for you to follow their movement. Several outings have encountered multiple humpbacks, sometimes as many as seven or more.

Minke whales are smaller and can appear more briefly. You may see only a quick surfacing or blow, so keep watching instead of focusing only on the biggest animal. White-beaked dolphins can be especially entertaining because pods may move close to the boat and remain in view as they travel.

Harbour porpoises are another possible sighting, though their smaller size and quick movement make them harder to spot. Puffins and other sea birds add interest throughout the route. The wildlife is free-ranging, not performing on a schedule, so every trip has a different rhythm.

The captain’s ability to cover distance is a major advantage. If a blow appears far away, the RIB can move toward it faster than a large boat. That does not guarantee a close encounter, since the animals choose their own direction, but it gives you more chances during a short two-hour outing.

You should also keep expectations reasonable. One trip may produce several species and close whale encounters. Another may bring only puffins, a distant blow, or nothing at all. Sightings cannot be promised, even during the April to September season.

Guides who add more than directions

The guides are an important part of this experience because the animals can be hard to identify. Guides such as Julian, Julien, Klaudia, Claudia, and Bianca have been praised for explaining whale behavior, marine life, and what to watch for.

That information makes a difference. A minke whale’s brief appearance can otherwise look like a ripple, while a dolphin pod may vanish if you look down at the wrong moment. A good guide helps you understand where to aim your eyes and camera, and gives meaning to the short glimpses.

The small boat also creates a more personal setting. You can ask questions without trying to catch the attention of someone speaking to a full-sized vessel. The crew’s enthusiasm matters too. When a guide reacts quickly to a breach or tail slap, the whole group stays engaged.

Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole trip looking through a screen. Whales surface for only a short time, and your own eyes are often better than a delayed phone image. Waterproof protection for your camera is wise because spray and rain are possible.

Weather can change the plan

Icelandic weather decides a great deal here. Wind affects both comfort and safety, and the captain makes the final decision about sailing based on sea conditions. The RIB may be canceled or replaced by a larger vessel if the water is too rough for the small boat.

That change can alter the experience. A larger boat is slower and less thrilling, but it may offer a steadier ride in cold, windy weather. One outing changed from the RIB to a yacht shortly before departure, and the slower boat still reached humpback whales. If a RIB cancellation would ruin your plans, leave some flexibility in your Reykjavík schedule.

The clothing helps, but do not assume you will stay dry and cozy. Some people remain comfortable in decent weather, while others find the wind and spray cold. Wear layers, cover your ears, and bring something for your face if wind exposure is unpleasant.

The best whale-watching period is generally April through September. That does not make winter trips impossible, but the supplied information specifically identifies these months as the strongest season. Puffin sightings also fit best with the spring and summer period.

Is $200 a fair price?

At $200 per person, this is expensive for two hours. Iceland is costly, but the price still deserves a clear look. You are paying for a small group, a fast boat, warm equipment, a guide, and the ability to cover a large area quickly. If you value the RIB ride itself, the cost feels easier to justify.

The value is strongest when you see several species or spend meaningful time with whales. Humpbacks, dolphins, minke whales, and puffins in one outing can turn the trip into a major highlight of your Reykjavík stay. The small boat also gives you a more intimate experience than a standard whale-watching cruise.

The value is weaker if you only want a guaranteed whale sighting. Wildlife is not guaranteed, and the complimentary return ticket helps only if you have another day available. If your schedule allows, book early in your stay so you can use the second attempt if conditions or luck are poor.

The 4.7 rating from 621 ratings, with 87 percent giving the transport a perfect score, fits the main strengths: the boat is fun, the crew is warm and capable, and successful trips can be exceptional. Still, a high rating cannot remove the basic risks of wild animals, cold weather, and a moving boat.

Who should book this RIB trip?

I would choose this for an active adult or older child who wants wildlife and speed in equal measure. It suits you if you enjoy being outdoors, can handle bumps, and prefer a small group to a large sightseeing vessel.

It is less suitable for anyone with back trouble, motion sensitivity, pregnancy, or a strong dislike of wind and spray. If you are traveling with a mixed group, consider whether everyone will be comfortable in the same boat. A larger vessel may be a better compromise for people who want a smoother ride.

Book it early in your Reykjavík visit if possible. That gives you a chance to use the free return trip if the bay is quiet or the weather interrupts the outing. You should also check the starting time carefully and arrive 30 minutes before departure.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if the boat ride sounds almost as appealing as the whales. The 12-seat RIB offers speed, close water-level views, and a lively outing among Reykjavík’s islands. On a lucky day, you may see humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins in one trip.

Skip it if you need a smooth, dry, fully predictable excursion. The price is high, the sea can be rough, and wildlife may stay hidden. For an active visitor with flexible plans, though, this is one of the more exciting ways to search Faxaflói Bay from Reykjavík.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching RIB tour leave from?

You check in at Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík. The meeting point is in Reykjavík’s Old Harbor.

How early should I arrive?

You should check in 30 minutes before departure. Use the barcode or QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk inside Old Harbour House.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts two hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

What animals can I see?

Possible sightings include humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises, puffins, and other sea birds. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if I see no wildlife?

You receive a complimentary ticket to try again on another day. This is most useful if you have enough time left in Reykjavík.

Is warm clothing provided?

The operator provides warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and all required safety equipment. You should still bring warm clothing and comfortable shoes.

Is the RIB ride rough?

The boat can be bumpy and windy. Some people have experienced seasickness, even in fairly calm weather, so the trip is not suitable for people with back problems.

Who cannot take this tour?

The activity is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone under 145 centimeters tall.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The captain decides if conditions are suitable for safety and comfort. The trip may also be rescheduled if the minimum number of participants is not reached.