Reykjavik: Premium Whale and Puffin Watching Evening Tour

The best reason to choose this evening RIB tour is the combination of speed, small-group size, and Iceland’s long summer light. You may watch humpback whales and dolphins in open water, then return along Reykjavík’s shore as the Sun Voyager and Harpa glow in the late light. I especially like the 12-person limit and the way the boat covers more water than a large sightseeing vessel.

I also like that the outing can fit neatly into a full Reykjavík day. You do not have to spend your prime afternoon hours on a boat, and puffin islands, whales, dolphins, seals, and city views can all fit into two hours. The tradeoff is simple: a fast RIB ride is more exposed and bouncy than a large boat, so it is not suitable for pregnant people, anyone with back or knee problems, or children under 10. Bring warm layers even in July.

Key points at a glance

• Small boat, only 12 people: You get a better chance of seeing the guide’s wildlife pointers and do not have to peer over a crowd.
• Evening timing: The bright Icelandic summer night leaves plenty of light for an after-dinner style cruise.
• Puffins are seasonal: Look for them from about May 15 through August 20, not throughout the entire year.
• Fast RIB route: The custom-made boat can reach open water quickly and search a wider part of Faxaflói Bay.
• Strong summer sighting odds: Whales are seen on more than 95 percent of summer departures, though wildlife is never guaranteed.
• Helpful backup plan: If you see no whales, you receive a complimentary ticket for a later ride on a larger boat.

Leaving Reykjavík’s Old Harbour in a 12-person RIB

Your trip begins at the ticket office at Ægisgarður 5 in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour. Arrive 30 minutes before departure. That extra time matters because you need to check in, put on the provided warm overalls, and get ready for a boat built for speed rather than lounging.

The RIB holds only 12 people. That is one of the most useful details here. On a small boat, you have a clearer view in every direction, and the captain can point out wildlife without speaking to a large crowd. You also spend less time getting away from the harbor and more time in the bay.

The boat is described as highly stable, but stable does not mean still. You will be seated on a powerful inflatable craft that can move quickly across open water. Hold on, follow the crew’s instructions, and keep loose items secure. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and loose clothing is a poor choice.

The included overalls help, but they are not a substitute for your own warm clothing. Wear layers, a hat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes. A July evening can look mild beside Reykjavík’s harbor and feel quite cold once the boat is moving.

Puffin islands first, from about May 15 to August 20

The route loops around wind-beaten islands near the harbor, where puffins live and feed in their natural setting. This is a different kind of wildlife sighting from watching a single large whale. Puffins are small, quick, and easy to miss, so keep your eyes moving and listen closely when the guide calls them out.

The timing of your visit matters. Puffin season runs approximately from May 15 to August 20. If you book outside that window, you should not expect puffins, even if the rest of the trip operates normally.

In season, the numbers can be impressive. One July outing produced views of hundreds of puffins, while another late-August trip caught puffins shortly before they left for the season. That makes the exact date worth checking if puffins are a major reason for booking.

This stop also gives the trip a useful rhythm. You begin with the islands and seabirds, then head farther into Faxaflói Bay to search for larger marine life. The scenery changes from harbor structures and low islands to open water, which makes the short tour feel varied.

Searching Faxaflói Bay for whales and dolphins

After the puffin islands, the captain heads into open water. The RIB’s speed lets the crew cover a larger area than a classic boat, which can be valuable when animals are spread across the bay. You are not simply circling one fixed spot and waiting. The captain and wildlife guide scout for signs of whales, dolphins, and other animals.

The summer sighting rate is listed at more than 95 percent for whales. That is an excellent reason to consider the tour, but it is still a probability rather than a promise. Wildlife follows its own timetable, and no captain can order a whale to appear beside the boat.

The most praised sightings have included humpback whales, dolphins, seals, and puffins. One evening produced multiple whales beneath the late light. Another included humpbacks on two separate occasions, several dolphins, and hundreds of puffins. These are the moments that justify the price, especially if you value a small boat and close views.

The RIB can approach wildlife more closely than a large vessel, but the crew’s behavior matters just as much as the boat’s performance. The trip is intended to scout and observe rather than crowd the animals. One especially appealing detail is the effort to avoid hounding whales or gathering with a pack of boats. You may find yourself with a broad stretch of sea around you, which makes the encounter feel calmer and less staged.

Do not expect a safari with constant animal action. The two-hour duration includes travel out from Reykjavík, searching, viewing, and returning. You might spend quiet periods scanning the water before a fin, blow, or group of dolphins changes the mood in seconds. That uncertainty is part of wildlife watching, but it is also why a good guide matters.

Why the guide and captain make a difference

The tour includes a professional captain and an English-speaking wildlife guide. Names reported from recent trips include Maria and Miquel, who were specifically praised for their work during close humpback and dolphin sightings.

A good guide helps you understand what you are seeing and where to look. That is especially useful with puffins and dolphins, which can disappear quickly. The crew also manages the practical side of the ride, including safety equipment, weather exposure, and the best route through the bay.

I would choose this format over a crowded boat if you want more direct contact with the crew. With only 12 passengers, it is easier to hear instructions and receive help spotting animals. The small group does not guarantee better wildlife, but it improves the quality of the time you spend looking.

The captain’s skill also affects the comfort of the ride. The boat is designed for high performance, so you should expect quick movement. That will appeal to you if the ride itself sounds fun. If you prefer a quiet, gentle cruise, the larger-boat option may suit you better.

The return beside the Sun Voyager and Harpa

The final part of the route brings you back along Reykjavík’s shoreline. From the water, you see the Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall, along with colorful fishing huts, restaurants, and other city sights near the harbor.

This return route is more than a transfer back to the dock. It gives you a fresh view of Reykjavík after spending time offshore. The late Icelandic light can make the shoreline especially attractive, with the city glowing under a sky that never becomes fully dark in summer.

The evening departure is the tour’s smartest scheduling feature. You can use the earlier part of your day for museums, shopping, a city walk, or a day trip, then meet the boat in the evening while the sun is still up. The light remains strong enough for wildlife viewing, and the changing sky adds atmosphere without requiring a late-night finish.

You should still check the actual departure time when booking, since the starting hour can vary. The tour lasts two hours, so it is easy to fit around dinner or another Reykjavík plan, but you should leave enough margin for the required early arrival.

Is the $200 price fair?

At $200 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water. You are paying for a small group, a specialized RIB, warm overalls, a professional captain, a wildlife guide, and the ability to cover more water quickly.

The value is strongest if you care about three things: a limited number of passengers, a fast boat, and the chance for closer wildlife views. A larger boat may offer more room and a smoother ride, but it will not give you the same small-group feel. The RIB’s speed also means less time spent slowly leaving the harbor.

The price is harder to justify if you mainly want a relaxed boat ride or a guaranteed puffin experience. Puffins are seasonal, whales are wild animals, and food and drinks are not included. You will need to arrange your own snacks and refreshments before or after the trip.

There is one useful safeguard. If you do not see any whales, the captain provides a complimentary ticket for another ride on a larger boat. That does not erase the disappointment of a quiet trip, but it gives you a second chance and adds practical value.

The cancellation terms are also sensible for a weather-sensitive activity. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The trip requires at least two passengers to operate. If that minimum is not reached, you are offered a rescheduled departure or a full refund.

Who should book this evening cruise?

I would recommend it to adults and children over 10 who enjoy active sightseeing and do not mind cold, wind, or a lively ride. The minimum height is 145 centimeters, so check that requirement carefully for younger children.

This is a particularly good choice if you have only a short stay in Reykjavík. The Old Harbour meeting point is central, the tour lasts two hours, and the evening departure leaves your daytime free. It also suits anyone who wants both wildlife and city scenery rather than a trip focused only on whales.

You should think twice if you have back or knee problems, mobility impairments, or a strong dislike of speedboat movement. Pregnant people and children under 10 should not book this experience. The provider also advises against loose clothing, large bags, and luggage.

For comfort, I would wear several warm layers under the overalls and keep your hat and gloves easy to reach. The cold can become distracting once the boat is moving. Closed-toe shoes are required, and warm clothing will help you spend your time watching the bay instead of counting the minutes until you return.

My recommendation: book it for the boat, not only the whales

Book this tour if you want a compact, high-energy wildlife outing with a small group and a memorable ride back along Reykjavík’s waterfront. The combination of a 12-person boat, late summer light, puffin islands, and strong whale sighting odds makes the $200 price reasonable for the right kind of visitor.

Do not book it expecting a guaranteed close-up or a calm cruise. Wildlife can be unpredictable, and the RIB exposes you to the weather more than a large boat does. If you bring proper layers and accept that the sea makes the decisions, this is one of the more efficient ways to add whales, dolphins, puffins, and Faxaflói Bay to a Reykjavík day.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from the ticket office at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík.

How long is the whale and puffin tour?

The tour lasts two hours.

What time does the evening tour start?

Starting times vary. Check availability for the departure time on your chosen date.

How many people fit on each boat?

The small RIB boat carries a maximum of 12 people.

Are whales usually seen during the summer?

Whales are seen on more than 95 percent of summer tours, but sightings are not guaranteed.

When is puffin season?

Puffin season runs approximately from May 15 through August 20.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, a hat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes. Warm overalls and safety equipment are provided.

Is the tour suitable for children?

It is suitable for children over 10 years old who are at least 145 centimeters tall. Children under 10 cannot join.

What happens if no whales are seen?

You receive a complimentary ticket for another ride on the larger boats.