Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

A whale can surface almost anywhere in Faxaflói Bay, but this 12-seat RIB speedboat gives you a lively way to search. You zip past Reykjavík’s islands, watch for blows and fins, and may find humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins close to the boat.

I like the small group, which gives the captain room to maneuver and keeps you near the action without a crowded deck. I also like the free second chance if the sea stays empty. The catch is the ride itself: it can be cold, windy, and bumpy, even with warm gear, so this is not a good fit for young children, pregnancy, back problems, or anyone under 145 centimeters tall.

Key points to know before you book

• Humpback whales are the main prize: Sightings can include several humpbacks, with minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and seabirds adding variety.
• The RIB is genuinely fast: The boat can cover a large area and move toward distant whale blows more quickly than a standard sightseeing boat.
• Lundey adds a puffin stop: The small island, whose name means Puffin Island, is often part of the return route.
• The ride is intimate but physical: The boat carries 12 people and uses a half-standing riding position to soften the impact of waves.
• Warm clothing is supplied: You receive an insulated overall, gloves, goggles, and safety equipment, but a warm base layer still matters.
• Weather controls the day: The captain decides if conditions are safe, and a trip may be moved or changed if wind and waves are unsuitable.

Leaving Reykjavík’s Old Harbor for Faxaflói Bay

You check in at the Old Harbour House on Ægisgarður 2, beside Reykjavík’s Old Harbor. Arrive 30 minutes before departure, scan the bar code or QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk, and collect your gear before heading to the boat.

There is no hotel pickup, so you need to reach the harbor on your own. If you drive, check the supplied parking information before setting out. The meeting point is close to central Reykjavík sights, making it easy to pair the trip with time around the harbor and Harpa concert hall.

The boat is a rigid inflatable boat, or RIB. It has a firm hull, inflatable sides, and a compact seating layout designed for speed rather than comfort in the usual ferry sense. The 12-person limit is important. You are not looking across several rows of heads or fighting for a place along a rail.

Before departure, the crew supplies warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety equipment. Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothes underneath. The suit helps a great deal, but it does not cancel out the Icelandic wind. One useful tip is to cover your ears and lower face if cold air bothers you, since the speed creates a strong blast.

The fast run among Reykjavík’s islands

Once you leave the harbor, the RIB heads into the waters around Reykjavík and the islands of Faxaflói Bay. The first part can feel more like a speedboat ride than a quiet wildlife trip. You may sit or half-stand with your knees loose as the boat meets the chop.

That riding position is part of the experience. It helps reduce the jolt when the RIB lands after a wave, but you still need reasonable balance and comfort with motion. This is why the age and height limits matter. Children under 10 are not permitted, and the activity is also unsuitable for pregnant people, anyone with back problems, or anyone below 145 centimeters.

The reward for accepting the bumps is range. A fast boat can spend less time simply traveling and more time checking likely wildlife areas. One detailed outing covered a large stretch of water, took roughly half an hour to reach the main whale area, spent about 45 minutes watching whales and dolphins, then returned toward Reykjavík for birds near Lundey.

That timing is not a promise for every departure. Wildlife moves, sea conditions change, and the captain decides where to search. Still, it gives you a sensible idea of the rhythm: a fast outward run, a period of patient watching, and a return along the islands and coast.

Searching for whales, dolphins, and porpoises

The wildlife is never guaranteed, even in the best months. Iceland’s main whale-watching season runs from April through September, and spring and summer outings can bring large groups of puffins as well as whales and dolphins. April departures have produced sightings of hundreds of puffins, while late-season trips can still find whales and some puffins in October, though the bird season is less dependable.

Humpback whales are the encounters most likely to make the day unforgettable. On good outings, you might see one or several animals surfacing, blowing, rolling, breaching, or slapping the water. Sightings have included groups of three humpbacks, half a dozen animals, and even a dozen in one outing. Those numbers are fortunate results, not a standard promise, so set your expectations around seeing wildlife rather than counting whales.

Minke whales also appear in the bay. They are smaller and often less dramatic than humpbacks, but spotting one is still a worthwhile part of the trip. Dolphins and harbour porpoises can provide more frequent action, especially when a pod travels near the boat. White-beaked dolphins have been seen right beside the RIB, sometimes in large numbers.

Your guide helps turn quick sightings into something meaningful. Guides have included Claudia, Klaudia, Julian, Julien, Bianca, and Claudine, though the person on your departure can differ. They explain what to look for, identify species, answer questions, and help you understand the behavior rather than simply pointing at a fin.

One practical weakness is sound. With engine noise, wind, and passengers looking in different directions, it may be hard to hear the captain’s instructions about where to look. Keep your eyes moving, watch the guide’s gestures, and do not wait for a perfect announcement before scanning the water.

Engey and the wide views from the water

The route can pass Engey, the second-largest island in the Kollafjörður area of Faxaflói. From the water, the island forms part of the broad setting around Reykjavík rather than a formal sightseeing stop. You will not disembark, but the island helps show how close the city is to open sea and low, uninhabited shore.

The views back toward Reykjavík are a useful bonus. Harpa concert hall is especially easy to recognize from the bay, and the city looks different when seen from offshore. On a clear day, you may also see mountains around the bay, giving you a stronger sense of Reykjavík’s position between urban waterfront and open water.

I would not book this only as a city sightseeing ride. The boat moves too quickly, and the wildlife search controls the route. But the city views make the outward and return legs more rewarding, especially when whale activity is quiet.

Lundey and the puffin part of the outing

Lundey means Puffin Island in Icelandic. It is a small, uninhabited island off Reykjavík’s western coast, and the RIB commonly passes it on the way back toward the harbor.

Puffins can be an excellent extra sighting. In spring and summer, you might see large numbers around the island, along with other seabirds. They are small, so do not expect the same close, towering encounter as with a humpback whale. Bring a camera with enough zoom if bird photos matter to you, and keep your expectations realistic on a moving boat.

The return past Lundey also gives the trip a second wildlife focus. If the whale search is quiet, the island and seabirds can still add interest. If the whales have been active, puffins provide a pleasant final chapter before the boat returns to Reykjavík.

Why the 12-seat RIB can be worth $200

At about $200 per person, this is an expensive two-hour activity, especially in an already costly destination. The price makes the most sense if you care about the boat experience as much as the wildlife and value a small group over a larger vessel.

The RIB’s main practical advantage is maneuverability. It can cover water quickly and turn toward a distant blow, while a larger boat may take longer to reposition. You are also closer to the water, with fewer people around you and a better chance of seeing activity from several sides of the boat.

That advantage does not guarantee closer whales. Captains still need to respect wildlife and keep a safe distance. Conditions can also force the operator to switch boats or alter the plan. On one windy departure, the RIB was canceled shortly before departure and passengers were offered a larger yacht instead. The slower boat was less thrilling, but it provided a safer option in cold, rough weather and still produced a very close humpback sighting.

The free return ticket helps reduce the risk of paying for a quiet day. You only receive that second chance if no wildlife is seen, and it is not very useful if your schedule has no spare day. Before booking, ask yourself if you have enough flexibility to go again. If you are in Reykjavík for one night only, the guarantee has less real value.

With a 4.7 rating from 621 ratings and 87 percent of passengers giving the transport a perfect score, the experience has a strong overall record. I would still treat the price as a choice for a special outing, not a cheap add-on.

Weather, comfort, and the chance of seasickness

The captain makes the final decision about sailing based on weather, wind, waves, passenger safety, and comfort. The minimum number of participants can also affect the schedule. A departure may be rescheduled if too few people book, so do not place this immediately before a flight or another fixed appointment.

Good weather makes a major difference. Calm water can make the RIB feel exciting and manageable, while wind and rain can turn the ride into a serious test of cold tolerance. The supplied overall keeps your main clothing dry and warm, but several people have still felt seasick even on a day described as not very windy.

If you are prone to motion sickness, think carefully before choosing the RIB. The boat is quick and the route can be bumpy. A larger vessel may feel steadier, though the supplied experience specifically offers the RIB format and may provide a yacht alternative when conditions prevent the speedboat from operating.

You should also protect your camera and phone from spray. Goggles help with wind, but the activity takes place on open water, and the boat’s speed can create spray even when rain is not falling. Keep extra clothing and bags secured according to the crew’s instructions.

Who will enjoy this more than a standard boat trip

I would choose this for an active adult or teenager who wants a fast ride, a small group, and the possibility of reaching wildlife areas quickly. It suits someone who sees the trip as both a marine safari and a little adventure on the water.

It is a particularly good match if you have already done Reykjavík’s standard harbor sightseeing and want something more physical. The limited seating also suits photographers and wildlife watchers who prefer a less crowded boat, though the movement makes steady long-lens photography difficult.

I would not choose it for small children, pregnant people, anyone with a back condition, or anyone below the stated height limit. It may also disappoint you if you want a calm, quiet boat ride with a smooth deck and easy access to indoor shelter.

Plan for two hours, plus check-in time. The trip begins and ends at the Old Harbor, and hotel transfers are not included. English is the tour language, and the guide provides live commentary during the outing.

Should you book the Reykjavík RIB whale watch?

Book it if you want a fast, small-group wildlife trip and can handle cold, wind, and a bumpy ride. The combination of quick movement, close water-level views, capable guides, and a possible second ticket gives the $200 price a fair case for a special day in Reykjavík.

Skip it if comfort matters more than speed, you have back or motion concerns, or you cannot return if wildlife does not appear. The sea makes the final call, and no operator can promise a whale.

For the best odds, aim for April through September, wear warm layers, arrive 30 minutes early, and leave space in your schedule in case weather changes the plan. If you see no wildlife, request the complimentary return trip, but remember that the offer helps only if you have time to use it.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching RIB tour leave from?

It departs from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor. Check in at the Old Harbour House, Ægisgarður 2, 101 Reykjavík.

How early should I arrive?

You should check in 30 minutes before departure. At the Old Harbour House, scan the bar code or QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk.

How long is the activity?

The boat tour lasts two hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

What wildlife might I see?

You might see humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises, puffins, and other seabirds. Sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if I see no wildlife?

You receive a complimentary ticket to try the tour again on another day. This is useful only if your schedule allows a second outing.

What clothing and equipment are 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 suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant people, people with back problems, or anyone under 145 centimeters tall.

Can the departure change because of weather?

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