Whale Watching in Reykjavik by Speedboat

A rigid inflatable boat gives this Reykjavik whale watch a livelier feel than a standard cruise. You skim low across the North Atlantic, cover more water, and may get close views of minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds. The ride itself is part of the attraction, not just transport to the wildlife.

I like the small group size, capped at 12, and the brand-new suspension seats, which take some punishment out of the rougher water. I also like the second chance offered if no whales appear: you receive a complimentary ticket for another ride. The catch is clear: this is a fast, bouncy boat, so it is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone under 145 centimeters tall.

Key points at a glance

• A low, fast RIB: The boat reaches open water quickly and can search a broad area for whales and dolphins.
• Seasonal puffin stop: From early May through late August, the tour makes a short stop near puffin breeding grounds.
• Small group of 12: You get a more personal outing than on a large whale-watching vessel.
• Two useful city views: The return route passes the Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall from the water.
• Warm gear supplied: Coveralls and safety equipment are provided, but you need closed-toe shoes.
• Wildlife is never guaranteed: Sightings have included minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, seabirds, and even a shark, but an empty sea is possible.

Why choose a RIB over a regular whale boat?

The main difference is the boat. A rigid inflatable boat sits low on the water, has a small passenger capacity, and can travel quickly. That lets the captain search a larger area than a slower vessel might cover during a two-hour outing.

You also feel every change in the sea. On calm water, the speed creates a genuine sense of adventure. Several departures have included fast runs, playful turns near the harbor, and dolphins riding alongside the boat. If you sit in the front row, you get the clearest view and the most spray, motion, and wind.

That same design can be a drawback. The trip may be exciting, but it is not a gentle ride. The suspension seats help absorb jolts, yet the boat can still bounce across waves. If you prefer a steady platform, or if you are prone to back trouble, choose a larger boat instead.

The RIB also gets closer to the water than a classic cruiser. That low position can make a whale’s back, a dolphin’s leap, or a puffin’s flight feel close at hand. It also means that a whale may appear below your eye level, so you need to watch carefully and follow your guide’s directions.

Meeting at Reykjavik Old Harbour

You make your own way to Ægisgarður 5, in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure. That extra time matters because you need to check in, listen to the safety briefing, and put on the supplied warm coveralls before boarding.

Do not bring luggage or large bags. A small personal item may be possible only if the operator allows it, so keep your packing simple. Closed-toe shoes are required, and practical footwear is more useful here than anything delicate or hard to walk in.

The Old Harbour is a convenient starting point for a day in central Reykjavik. You can combine the trip with time around the waterfront, but keep your schedule flexible. Weather at sea may not match the conditions on land. One departure was canceled even though the weather in town looked fine, because the sea conditions were not safe. That is a useful reminder: the captain is judging wind and waves offshore, not just the view outside your hotel.

The safety briefing and warm coveralls

Before you leave the harbor, the captain explains how to sit and what to expect from the boat. You then pull on warm overalls and receive the required safety equipment. The coveralls are especially useful because the boat is exposed to wind, spray, and cold North Atlantic air.

The provided gear does not mean you should dress lightly underneath. Wear warm layers and closed shoes. The exact weather can change quickly, and the open boat offers little shelter. You should also be ready for the possibility of a wet ride even if the sea looks calm at the start.

The suspension seats are an important detail. They are designed to reduce the impact of the boat landing on waves, which makes the ride more comfortable and safer than a basic bench. Still, they do not turn a speedboat into a smooth cruise. Sit properly, hold on when the captain increases speed, and follow the crew’s instructions.

Racing past the Reykjavik shoreline

The captain normally gets you out of the harbor quickly. That first run gives you a different view of Reykjavik, with the city receding behind you and the open water ahead. The trip is not only about waiting for an animal to appear. The boat movement, sea air, and changing view make the outward leg part of the experience.

The group limit of 12 is a real advantage here. You are less likely to feel lost in a crowd, and the guide can point out sightings without shouting across a packed deck. The smaller boat also makes it easier to turn and reposition when wildlife appears.

There is a tradeoff. A small boat offers less room to move around, and you cannot escape the wind by stepping inside. If you get motion sick, the speed and wave action may be challenging. The operator specifically rules out the trip for pregnant women, people with back problems, children under 10, and anyone shorter than 145 centimeters.

Searching for whales, dolphins, and seabirds

Once offshore, the captain and wildlife guide scan the water for movement. The RIB can cover a wide search area, which improves your chances compared with staying close to the harbor. You might see minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, seabirds, and other marine life.

Sightings vary from one departure to the next. Some outings have produced several minke whales and a humpback. Others have included dolphins jumping and following the boat, which can be every bit as entertaining as a whale sighting. A few reports describe only a brief glimpse of one minke whale, while other trips saw dolphins but no whales.

That uncertainty is part of any wildlife trip. You are paying for a skilled search and a chance to see wild animals, not a staged display. The captain may spend extra time looking when conditions allow, but no crew can order a whale to surface.

I like the practical backup offered here. If you do not see any whales, you receive a complimentary ticket for another ride before leaving. It does not solve every scheduling problem, especially if you are flying out soon, but it makes the $200 price easier to accept.

The puffin breeding grounds from May to August

From early May to close to the end of August, the trip includes a short stop near puffin breeding grounds. This is a seasonal feature, so you should not expect puffins outside that period.

Puffins are a pleasant bonus, but they are not the main reason to book this outing. The boat makes a brief stop near the breeding area early in the trip, then continues into the wider search for marine mammals. If puffins are high on your Iceland list, this tour can help, but the whale and dolphin search remains the central focus.

The small boat is useful at the puffin stop because you are close to the water and can look toward the breeding grounds without a large crowd around you. Bring patience. Birds move quickly, and the guide’s ability to locate them matters more than simply reaching the area.

Returning past the Sun Voyager and Harpa

The return journey follows Reykjavik’s shoreline. This gives you a calmer sightseeing angle after the wildlife search, with the city viewed from the water instead of from the usual streets and sidewalks.

The route includes the Sun Voyager, the steel sculpture shaped like a dream ship, and Harpa Concert Hall, with its striking geometric glass exterior. You also pass colorful fishing huts and waterfront restaurants. These quick stops add a welcome city element to a trip that could otherwise feel like two hours of open sea.

Do not expect a full harbor tour or long photo stop. The emphasis remains wildlife, and the shoreline sights are brief. Still, this is a smart way to use the return route. You get familiar Reykjavik landmarks from an unusual angle without adding a separate boat sightseeing trip.

The captain may add a playful spin in the harbor at the end. That can be fun, but it is not guaranteed and should not be treated as a scheduled attraction.

How much value does $200 offer?

At $200 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend two hours. The price reflects a small group, a high-speed RIB, specialist crew, warm overalls, safety equipment, and the ability to search a broad area.

The value depends on what you want. If you mainly want a relaxed boat ride, a larger vessel may offer more comfort for less money. If you want a faster outing with a group of no more than 12, a low view of the water, and the chance to get close to dolphins or whales, the premium has a clear purpose.

The complimentary return ticket also changes the calculation. Wildlife is unpredictable, and a no-sighting day can feel expensive. A second ride gives you some protection, though you need enough time in Reykjavik to use it.

The strongest outings combine several elements: a lively boat ride, good sea conditions, an informed guide, and active wildlife. Past guides have included Elsa and Raoul, and the crew has been praised for clear explanations, safety, and a friendly manner. The educational side matters because a guide can help you understand what you are seeing instead of leaving you to guess at a distant fin.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this tour if you want your whale watch to feel active and compact rather than slow and leisurely. It suits adults, families with children over 10 and taller than 145 centimeters, and anyone who likes the idea of speed, sea spray, and a small group.

It is also a good choice if your Reykjavik schedule is tight. The outing lasts about two hours, starts from the central Old Harbour, and adds shoreline views on the way back. You can fit it into a morning or afternoon without giving up an entire day.

You should think twice if you dislike motion, have back problems, or want a quiet indoor boat with plenty of room. Pregnant women and children under the stated age or height limits cannot take part. The operator also does not allow luggage or large bags, so leave bulky belongings elsewhere.

Practical tips for a better outing

• Arrive 30 minutes early: You need time for the briefing and coveralls.
• Dress in layers: The provided overalls help, but the boat is exposed to wind and spray.
• Wear closed-toe shoes: This is a stated requirement, not just a comfort tip.
• Choose the front row if you can: It offers an exciting ride and a clear view, but expect more motion.
• Keep your schedule flexible: Sea conditions can cancel a trip even when Reykjavik looks calm.
• Treat wildlife as a bonus, not a promise: Dolphins may be the highlight, whales may appear briefly, and sometimes the sea gives you very little.
• Book early in the puffin season: The breeding-ground stop runs from early May through late August.
• Keep the backup ticket in mind: If no whales appear, ask about the complimentary return ride before leaving.

The cancellation terms are friendly: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The tour runs in English, with a live captain and wildlife guide.

Should you book Whale Safari?

Book it if you want a fast, close-to-the-water wildlife trip and you accept that wild animals do not follow a timetable. The compact group, suspension seats, seasonal puffin stop, and complimentary whale-free return ticket make this a well-considered choice for the right passenger.

Skip it if you need a smooth, sheltered ride or if you are sensitive to jolts. At $200, the tour asks you to pay for the RIB experience as much as for the wildlife. For many people, that is exactly the point. You get a lively boat ride, a chance at whales and dolphins, and a fresh look at Reykjavik from the sea.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik speedboat whale-watching tour?

The tour lasts about two hours, including the wildlife search and the return along Reykjavik’s shoreline.

Where does the tour meet?

You meet at Reykjavik Old Harbour, Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavik. You make your own way there, since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and seabirds. Past outings have included minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, puffins, and a shark, but wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Are puffins seen all year?

No. The puffin stop operates from early May through late August, when the birds are at their breeding grounds.

Is the boat suitable for children?

Children must be at least 10 years old and at least 145 centimeters tall. Children under either limit cannot join the tour.

What happens if I do not see any whales?

You receive a complimentary ticket for another ride before leaving. This gives you a chance to try again if no whales appear during the scheduled outing.