Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

A small RIB speedboat can turn whale watching into two outings in one: a brisk, bumpy ride across Faxaflói Bay and a patient search for whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins. The 12-seat boat gives you a better view than a packed upper deck, and the captain can move quickly when a blow appears.

I like the intimate group size, which keeps the wildlife hunt personal and gives everyone a fair chance to look out. I also like the warm overalls, goggles, and gloves, especially because speedboat wind can bite even on a bright summer day. The drawback is clear: this is an active, sometimes rough ride, and sightings depend on weather, season, and luck.

Key points at a glance

• Fast access to whale areas: The RIB can cover a large stretch of Faxaflói Bay in a short time.
• Only 12 seats: You get open views and a closer feel than on a large sightseeing boat.
• More than whales: Minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, puffins, and seabirds may appear.
• Lundey and Engey: The route passes Reykjavík’s nearby islands, including Puffin Island.
• Warm gear included: Overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety equipment are supplied.
• A second chance: If you see no wildlife, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again.

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

You check in at Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, at least 30 minutes before departure. A self-service kiosk lets you scan the barcode or QR code on your ticket, then the staff provide the equipment you need for the boat.

There is no hotel pickup, so plan your own way to the harbour. If you drive, check the stated parking information before setting out, since the meeting point itself is not described as a hotel transfer stop.

The boat holds just 12 people. That matters. On a large whale-watching vessel, you may spend time moving between decks or peering around other people. Here, the group is small enough for the guide to keep the outing focused, and the captain can make quick changes when animals appear.

The RIB is not a sightseeing launch designed for a quiet, smooth ride. You sit or half-stand with your legs ready to absorb the movement as the boat hits the water. That makes the ride fun for many people, but it also explains the age, height, pregnancy, and back-problem restrictions. Children under 10 and people shorter than 145 centimeters cannot join.

The first run across Faxaflói Bay

The opening part of the trip is often the fastest. The captain takes the boat away from Reykjavík and across the bay toward areas where whales have been seen. One account of the route described about half an hour reaching the main whale area, followed by roughly 45 minutes watching animals and a return past the islands.

That timing can change. Wildlife does not follow a schedule, and the captain may spend longer in one area if whales are active. Still, you should understand the tradeoff before booking: on a two-hour tour, some of your time is spent getting to and from the animals.

This fast crossing is part of the appeal. The RIB can cover a wide area and respond quickly to distant blows or dolphin activity. A captain may spot a whale in the distance and head toward it rather than waiting in one fixed position. That flexibility is one reason this trip can feel more active than a standard harbour cruise.

The speed also creates the main comfort issue. Wind hits hard at the front of the boat, and the ride can be bumpy. Wear warm layers under the supplied suit, cover your ears, and consider a face covering if cold air bothers you. The provided goggles help protect your eyes, but they do not remove every effect of wind and spray.

Humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises

The main goal is to see marine life in open water, not to visit a fixed attraction. Humpback whales are often the dramatic prize. They may surface repeatedly, blow beside the boat, slap their tails, or show more of their bodies as they move through the bay.

Several outings have recorded multiple humpbacks, including groups of six, seven, ten, and even more. That does not create a promise for your departure, but it shows the kind of encounter possible in the right conditions. The best moments come when the captain and guide give the animals room while positioning the boat for a clear view.

Minke whales can be harder to spot because they are smaller and may surface briefly. They are still rewarding, especially if you are paying attention to the guide’s instructions. A quick appearance can be easy to miss if you are looking at the wrong side of the boat, so keep scanning rather than staring at one patch of water.

Dolphins can add a burst of action. White-beaked dolphins have been seen close to the RIB, sometimes in groups moving quickly around the boat. Harbour porpoises are another possible sighting, though their smaller size and short surfacing pattern demand sharper attention.

The guide helps turn a passing shape into a real sighting. Claudia, Klaudia, Julian, Julien, Bianca, and Claudine have all been singled out for clear explanations, enthusiasm, or calm support on different departures. Guide assignments can change, but you can expect the live commentary to be in English.

Engey and Lundey add a second side to the trip

The route passes Engey, the second-largest island in the Kollafjörður area of Faxaflói Bay. From the water, the island helps give you a sense of Reykjavík’s coastal setting and the open space beyond the city.

Lundey means Puffin Island in Icelandic. It is a small, uninhabited island off Reykjavík’s western coast, and the boat passes it while returning toward the harbour. Puffins are especially associated with the warmer months, though exact numbers depend on the season and conditions.

This part of the trip can be a welcome change from the whale search. You may see puffins sitting on the water, flying close to the island, or gathered around the rocky shore. Seabirds add interest even when the whales stay hidden.

The city views are another reason not to look only at the water. From the bay, you can see Reykjavík’s waterfront and landmarks such as Harpa concert hall. On a clear day, the surrounding mountains add a strong backdrop. The boat lets you see the city from a lower, wider angle that you miss while walking the harbour streets.

How the small boat changes the whale-watching experience

I like the RIB format for people who want motion as part of the day. You feel the boat accelerate, turn, and cover distance. When a whale surfaces nearby, the encounter can feel immediate because you are close to the water rather than looking down from a high deck.

The 12-seat limit also helps. There are fewer people competing for the best view, and the guide can answer questions without trying to reach a huge crowd. The boat is small enough to maneuver around wildlife areas, though it must still keep a safe distance and follow the captain’s judgment.

There are limits. A low boat can offer a thrilling view, but it can also leave you more exposed to spray, wind, and movement. One passenger found the larger replacement yacht less exciting but appreciated avoiding a cold, wet ride during poor conditions. That is a useful comparison: the RIB is the choice for energy and closeness, not maximum shelter.

The captain decides if conditions are safe and comfortable enough to sail. Wind and waves can lead to a cancellation or a switch to a larger boat. A replacement vessel may be slower, but it can be the better option when the sea is too rough for the RIB.

Weather, seasons, and the odds of seeing wildlife

April through September is described as the best period for whale watching in Iceland. Spring and summer also give you a better chance of seeing puffins around Lundey. April departures have produced puffins, dolphins, and whales, while late summer trips have included several humpbacks and dolphins.

October can still produce whale and dolphin sightings, but daylight, temperature, and sea conditions become more demanding. You should not book this as a guaranteed whale encounter in any month. The operator gives you a complimentary ticket if the tour produces no wildlife, but that is only useful if you have another day in Reykjavík.

The weather decision belongs to the captain, based on safety and comfort. That is sensible, but it means your exact plan can change. The tour may also be rescheduled if too few people book a departure.

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera. Keep the camera secure and be ready to use it quickly. Whales surface for only moments, and fast movement makes steady photography difficult. Your best memories may come from watching the animal rather than trying to capture every blow.

Is $200 a fair price for two hours?

At $200 per person, this is an expensive two-hour activity, even by Reykjavík standards. The price feels easier to justify if you value the small group, the fast boat, the supplied cold-weather gear, and the chance to cover a broad area of the bay.

The value depends on what you want from whale watching. If you prefer a calm platform, indoor seating, and more protection from wind, a larger boat may suit you better. If you want a lively ride and a better chance of reacting quickly to sightings, the RIB offers something distinct.

The free repeat ticket improves the deal when the boat finds no wildlife, but it does not remove the risk. You still need time for another departure, and you may be leaving Iceland before you can use it. I would book this early in your Reykjavík stay if seeing whales is important to you.

The high rating of 4.7 from 621 ratings reflects strong satisfaction overall, with 87 percent giving the transport a perfect score. The strongest praise centers on the guides, the small boat, the speed, and close sightings of humpbacks, dolphins, and puffins. The most important caution is equally consistent: the boat can be cold and bumpy, and wildlife is never certain.

Who should choose the RIB, and who should skip it?

This tour suits you if you want an active outing, enjoy speed, and are comfortable spending two hours on open water. It is especially good for couples, friends, and older children who meet the age and height rules and can handle a firm, moving ride.

It also suits photographers who want low water-level views, though you should accept that the boat’s movement makes photography tricky. People interested in marine biology will appreciate the guide’s explanations about whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds.

I would think twice if you have back problems, are pregnant, dislike roller-coaster-style movement, or get seasick easily. Even good weather has produced some seasickness, and calm conditions cannot be promised. A larger boat may be more comfortable, especially if wind and waves are forecast.

The tour is in English, so you should be comfortable following spoken directions such as where to look and when to hold on. One useful practical point: a guide may point toward an animal while the boat is moving, and hearing that instruction clearly can be difficult in wind. Stay alert and keep your view open.

Should you book this Reykjavík whale trip?

Book it if you want whale watching with a real sense of motion and a small group. The best version of the day combines a fast ride, several humpbacks, dolphins near the boat, puffins by Lundey, and a guide such as Claudia or Julian who can explain what you are seeing without turning the trip into a lecture.

Skip it if comfort matters more than speed or if your body does not handle bumps well. Also avoid placing it on the final hours of your Iceland visit if a second attempt would be important to you.

For most active visitors, I see the $200 as a reasonable splurge when placed early in a Reykjavík stay and booked during the April to September season. Just dress for wind, expect the sea to make the final decision, and treat any whale sighting as a privilege rather than a guarantee.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavík RIB whale-watching tour?

The tour lasts two hours, including the trip out from Reykjavík, time searching for wildlife, and the return to the Old Harbour.

Where does the tour meet?

Check in at Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík. You should arrive 30 minutes before departure and scan the barcode or QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk.

What wildlife might I see?

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

What happens if no wildlife appears?

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

Is warm equipment provided?

Yes. The tour includes warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and the required safety equipment. You should still bring warm clothing and comfortable shoes.

Is the RIB suitable for everyone?

No. The activity is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone under 145 centimeters tall. The ride can be bumpy and windy.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The captain decides if conditions are suitable, with safety and comfort in mind. The tour may also be rescheduled if the minimum number of participants is not reached.