Whales don’t wait for slow boats. This Reykjavik RIB whale watching tour mixes high-speed searching with real time on the water, plus puffin stops when the season lines up. You start at the Old Harbour, scan a big chunk of Faxafloi Bay, and finish with a sea-level look at the shoreline landmarks.

I especially like two things: first, the small-group setup (max 12) that keeps you from getting lost behind other people. Second, you get a professional marine biologist guide and the close-to-the-action viewpoint that a small RIB gives you at sea level.

One thing to think about: the ride can get choppy, and it is not recommended for knee problems. If you’re sensitive to rough water or you’re traveling with older folks, dress for warmth and prepare for motion.

Key highlights at a glance

• Small RIB, small group (max 12): you get nearer to the action than you will on big tours
• Marine biologist guide included: you learn what you’re seeing while you’re seeing it
• Puffins near Reykjavik (seasonal): quick island stops when conditions match May to August
• Big search area time: you spend roughly 1.5 hours scanning Faxafloi Bay
• Warm coveralls + safety gear: you’re not left to freeze on the open water
• Harpa and shoreline views from the sea: photo time along the waterfront after the whale safari

Why a small RIB makes whale watching better

If you want the best shot at whales, speed matters. Not speed like racing. Speed like covering ground. A fast, stable small RIB can search more area while keeping you at water level. That matters because whales and dolphins often surface close to the sea surface, where the distance from the boat can make or break the moment.

This tour also keeps the crowd factor down. With a maximum of 12 travelers, you’re more likely to keep a clear view than on larger boats where you spend half the time looking over shoulders. I like that practical reality: less jostling, more time watching, and easier movement when you shift positions to track a splash or a spout.

And then there’s the guide angle. You’re not just on a boat hoping for luck. A professional marine biologist guide is included, and the vibe from past trips is that the crew is actively tracking sightings and explaining what you’re seeing as you go. In trip feedback, I kept seeing names such as Maria and Sam linked to that guide role, which tells you this is staffed by people who care about wildlife, not just numbers.

Meeting at Reykjavik Old Harbour and getting ready for the water

You meet at Ægisgarður 5d in Reykjavík, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point. It’s a convenient start if you’re already planning time around the Old Harbour area, and it keeps the logistics simple: you don’t need a complicated transfer plan.

Before you ever leave the harbor, you’ll get use of coveralls and all necessary safety equipment. Coveralls are a big deal on the North Atlantic. Even when it looks calm at the dock, wind and spray have a way of finding the gaps. Past trip notes also highlighted that the suits help you stay warm and dry, which makes a difference when you’re waiting for wildlife to surface.

You also want sturdy footwear. Sturdy footwear isn’t a fashion choice here. It helps when the deck gets slick with spray or when you’re moving around to see.

Puffins near Reykjavik: Akurey, Engey, or Lundey (seasonal quick stop)

The tour’s puffin portion is seasonal: early May through the end of August. If you’re traveling outside those months, don’t assume the islands stop will happen. But if you’re in-season, this is one of the smartest ways to add variety without losing your main focus on whales.

There are two different ways puffins show up during the day:

1) Puffin season can be part of the early scanning along the way out from Reykjavík.

2) You may do a short island visit at places like Akurey, Engey, or Lundey just outside the Old Harbour.

The island stop is short—about 5 to 10 minutes. That’s not a long lunch break. It’s just enough time to see puffins in their natural habitat and watch the birds around the cliffs. In practice, I like short stops like this when you’re on a wildlife-focused boat tour. You spend energy getting ready, then you get the payoff fast, and you don’t lose too much of the whale-search window.

A quick note on what you might see besides puffins: past trip feedback and the tour description both point to auks, gannets, and other sea birds in the area. Even if puffins are the headline, the bird life can make the whole outing feel busy and alive.

Whale safari in Faxafloi Bay: the real 90-minute wildlife search

After the early portion, you shift into the main whale time in Faxaflói Bay. This is where the itinerary turns into a true safari. You’ll spend about 1 hour 30 minutes out on the water searching for whales, dolphins, and birds.

This part is built for sightings. The RIB setup lets the crew cover more area than slower boats, so you’re not stuck watching one small patch of water for too long. When whales show up, you’re positioned closer to the action than you would be on a large vessel. That sea-level perspective is one of the biggest reasons people keep calling this a must-do.

And the boat setup helps you enjoy the search period. The RIB has high-performance suspension seats, designed to reduce shock and improve comfort. That helps if conditions get bumpy, and it can make you feel less beat up when you’re waiting for spouts.

How often do you see whales? That depends on the day and the weather. What you can control is that the tour is designed to maximize chances. Past trip feedback repeatedly praises the spotting team for finding whales and dolphins, including humpbacks and minke whales, plus porpoises in some outings. One person even described multiple humpback breaches in the same day, which is the kind of moment that makes the whole trip feel like it went beyond expectations.

What it feels like to watch whales up close from a small RIB

Whale watching isn’t only about seeing a whale. It’s about how you see it.

Here, you’re watching from sea level, and that’s huge. When a humpback or minke surfaces close to the boat, you’re not watching from a distance through binoculars alone. You’re watching with your eyes, with the sound of water right under you, and with enough proximity to track behavior like tail movement or multiple surface cycles.

Past trip notes also mention sightings that felt especially intense:

• whales surfacing very near the boat
• dolphins moving alongside the RIB
• repeated sightings that made people stop taking photos because they wanted to keep watching

That last point is funny, but it’s also honest. When the wildlife is good and the boat is positioned well, you forget you’re holding a camera.

Comfort and safety: coveralls and suspension seats

The tour includes coveralls and safety equipment, and that’s not fluff. On a cold, windy ocean, warmth keeps you alert. If you’re shivering, you’ll miss subtle behaviors.

The suspension seats are another comfort upgrade. I’ve been on tours where the boat ride is so jarring that the whole time becomes about surviving the motion. Here, the seats are specifically designed to reduce shock and help safety and comfort. That tends to matter most during the outbound and return stretches when the water gets rougher.

Still, be realistic. Some trip feedback notes that the ride back can be rough on certain days. If you’re prone to seasickness or you’re traveling with anyone who is older or has mobility limitations, bring that caution into your planning and dress as warmly as you can.

The shoreline bonus: Sun Voyager and Harpa from the sea

After the whale safari, the tour doesn’t just drop you back and disappear. You also get a scenic ride along the coast of Reykjavík.

You travel back and take a panoramic view of Reykjavík from the sea, which is especially handy if you want photos without walking in circles. The boat passes the Sun Voyager sculpture, and you also ride by Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre on the harbor side for a short stop.

Harpa is the kind of building you recognize instantly once you see it. Viewing it from the water gives you a different angle than most postcards. Even if you’re mainly there for whales, this side of the tour makes the total experience feel more like a Reykjavík outing, not only a boat event.

Price and value: is $208.09 worth it?

At $208.09 per person, this is not a budget activity. So the question isn’t only whether it’s expensive. The question is whether the structure justifies the price.

Here’s what you’re paying for, in practical terms:

• Small group size (max 12) that improves your view and comfort
• Professional marine biologist guide included
• Close-up RIB experience at sea level
• Warm coveralls + safety equipment included
• A meaningful chunk of search time in Faxafloi Bay (about 1.5 hours)
• Puffin add-ons during season, plus shoreline sightseeing afterward

In other words, you’re paying for higher odds of good viewing plus a better on-the-boat experience. If you compare this to big-boat whale watching where you share space and distance, the value starts to make sense. You’re not just buying a ride. You’re buying the chance to see wildlife up close and the gear to enjoy it without freezing.

The one missing piece is food and drinks. Those aren’t included, so you’ll want to plan a meal before or after.

Who should book this RIB tour, and who should skip it

This is a strong fit if you want:

• a small-group whale watching experience
• a guide who explains wildlife while you’re out there
• the best odds possible by covering more water
• a mix of mammals and seabirds (puffins in season)

It’s also a decent choice if it’s your first day in Iceland and you want something active right away. The itinerary is only about 2 hours, so you’re not sacrificing a whole day.

But skip it or think carefully if:

• you have knee problems (not recommended)
• you need a very smooth ride, because conditions can get rough
• you’re traveling with younger kids. The tour says children must be over age 10 and over 145 cm tall.

If you’re worried about “what if we don’t see whales,” you’re not totally out of luck. The tour states that in case of no sightings you’ll get a ticket for an alternative tour. That’s a fair safety net when wildlife weather is unpredictable.

A practical packing checklist for Iceland RIB sea time

I won’t guess what you’ll wear. But I will tell you what you should plan for.

Bring or wear:

• wool or fleece layer
• hat and gloves
• sturdy footwear
• warm outer layers you don’t mind getting splashed
• a dry layer in your day bag if you tend to get cold easily

The coveralls help a lot, but your outer system still matters. Cold air plus wind chill can turn “fun” into “why did I wear summer boots?”

And if you’re the type who gets seasick, take that seriously. The tour is designed with safety and comfort in mind, but it’s still open water.

Should you book this Reykjavik RIB whale watching tour?

If your priority is real wildlife time with a better viewpoint, I think this tour is a strong booking choice. The small-group format, marine biologist guide, and sea-level perspective are the three biggest reasons to choose it. Add the seasonal puffin opportunity and the shoreline bonus near Harpa and Sun Voyager, and you get a full Iceland-in-a-few-hours experience.

I’d only hold back if you know you’re sensitive to rough water, or if knee issues make the ride unsafe for you. In that case, you’ll likely enjoy a different style of boat outing more.

FAQ

How long is the RIB whale watching tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours (approx.).

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Ægisgarður 5d, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What wildlife can you see?

The tour searches for whales and dolphins, and it also includes bird-life. During puffin season, you may see puffins on the islands near Reykjavík.

When does the puffin season happen on this tour?

Puffins are part of the itinerary during early May through the end of August.

Is a guide included?

Yes. A professional marine biologist guide is included.

Are coveralls provided?

Yes. The tour provides coveralls, along with all necessary safety equipment.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What if there are no sightings?

If there are no sightings, you get a ticket for an alternative tour.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What is the cancellation/weather policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. The tour requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.