2-Hour RIB Boat Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik

A 2-hour RIB whale watching run out of Reykjavik is interesting because it turns a big, open bay into a fast-moving search for wildlife. I love the RIB boat format since it gets you between sightings quickly in Faxafloi Bay. The small group setup also makes it easier for the crew to keep an eye on you and your questions, not just the horizon.

I also love the expert tracking with an English-speaking guide, and it shows in how they handle the hunt when whales or dolphins show up. On one trip Captain Yoda and guide Blanca were singled out for guiding people toward sightings like humpbacks and dolphins. The main drawback to consider is that this is a fast, can be bouncy ride, so it may not suit everyone if you have back problems or other physical limits.

Quick hits before you go

• Max 12 travelers, so you get more crew attention and less crowd noise
• A brand-new 12m custom-built RIB with shock-absorbing seats for stability
• Warm overalls, lifevest, gloves, and goggles included, so you can focus on the sea
• Faxafloi Bay route includes views of Esja mountain and the Reykjavik coastline
• Summer stop at Akurey for puffins when nesting season is underway
• No whale guarantee, but you can get a complimentary ticket to try again

Why a RIB whale-watching run makes sense in Reykjavik

Reykjavik’s harbor puts you close to real open water, and Faxafloi Bay is where you go to meet marine life that uses the area for feeding and movement. What makes this tour stand out is the vehicle choice. A RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) is made for speed and quick turns, which matters because whales and dolphins are not sitting politely in one spot for you.

This is also a good fit for people who get impatient with slow sightseeing. On a RIB, you feel the engine and the momentum early on. You are not just watching the sea. You are actively heading toward it. One reason people get excited is that the “search” part often feels like the main event, even before you spot wildlife.

Is the $189.87 price fair for a 2-hour whale hunt

At $189.87 per person for about 2 hours on the water, this is not a budget activity. But the value is built into the details, not just the word whale.

First, you are paying for more than a boat ride. You are paying for expert guidance in English, plus the ability to cover more area quickly. In whale watching, time and positioning are everything, and the RIB format is designed to help you reach the right water fast.

Second, you avoid the cold-weather gear math. You get warm overalls, lifevests, gloves, and goggles included, along with the suspension seat setup for comfort. That is a real savings if you would otherwise have to rent or buy winter layers and eye protection.

Finally, there is a practical safety net. If wildlife sightings do not happen on your trip, you are offered a complimentary ticket to try again on their Whale Watching Classic or Whale Watching Express tours. That helps you justify the cost, because nature is not a vending machine.

Old Harbour check-in: warm overalls, safety briefing, and tiny-group feel

Your tour starts either with hotel pickup (if you selected it) or straight at the Special Tours ticket office in the Old Harbour. The actual check-in point is at Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík for the meeting information, but you will be directed to the Old Harbour ticket office area for registration.

Plan to arrive 30 minutes early. That buffer matters because you will need time to check in, get suited up, and listen to the safety speech before boarding. The gear part is not optional busywork. Waterproof overalls, a lifevest, gloves, and goggles are part of how you stay comfortable while the wind cuts across the bay.

One small logistics note: the changing area can feel tight when the group is readying at the same time. I would treat this as a “be ready to move fast” situation. If you arrive early and keep your layers simple, the whole process goes smoother.

Inside the new 12m RIB: shock-absorbing seats and the real ride factor

You board a brand-new 12m custom-built RIB express boat. The big comfort feature is the shock-absorbing or suspension-style seats. That is not marketing fluff. It makes the ride feel less punishing and more controlled, especially in choppier water.

Still, be honest about the ride factor. This is a RIB, so it can feel like a fast, bouncy run over waves. Multiple people describe it as exhilarating, even roller-coaster-like. Under calm conditions, it is more manageable. Under rougher conditions, you feel the impact.

If you have a sensitive back, joint problems, or you are worried about heart or circulation strain, this is where you should pause. People have recommended skipping if you have back issues, since the boat movement can feel intense. Mobility also matters at boarding time, because getting into a small RIB can be harder for some.

On the plus side, the crew usually keeps things safe and controlled. Reviews highlight a strong safety feeling and a competent, calm approach from captains. If you are comfortable dressing for wind and cold, the boat itself becomes part of the fun.

Following humpbacks and minke whales to the feeding grounds

Once you leave shore, your 2-hour tour focuses on finding whales and the marine life that often travels with them. The target species in Faxafloi Bay include humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises.

Here is what matters for you: these sightings are not staged. Wildlife moves. The crew’s job is to track, reposition, and follow when they find something worth watching. That is why an expert guide and a fast boat combination matters. You are not waiting in one place for the ocean to cooperate. You are responding to what the sea is doing right now.

When you spot wildlife, the best moments usually come from patience in the right area. Reviews mention following humpbacks for extended stretches, and seeing calves, tails, and dolphins moving alongside the boat. When you get lucky, it can feel close and immediate, not like a distant dot on the horizon.

Also, the tour operates with a respectful whale-watching style. One reviewer specifically referenced following the IceWhale code of conduct. That is a good sign if you want closeness without turning it into a free-for-all.

What you should expect in terms of scenery: the route out includes beautiful views around Faxafloi Bay, and on clear days Esja mountain is part of the backdrop. You might also get a strong sense of Reykjavik’s shoreline as you head out and later swing back.

Akurey puffin stop in summer, plus coastline views on the way back

During the summer months when puffins return for nesting, you will stop at Akurey, one of the most popular puffin nesting islands. This adds a second layer to your trip. Even if whale sightings are light, puffins can still turn the experience into a full stop-and-watch moment.

Two things to keep your expectations balanced:

• Puffins are active but can be hard to spot from a distance, depending on where you are positioned.
• You are there for a short visit, so do not expect a long land time.

Still, if you travel in the right season, this stop is a big part of why many people feel the tour is worth it. It turns a whale hunt into a broader “sea life in action” outing.

On the return, you also see more of Reykjavik’s coastline. That is where having your camera ready pays off, since the combination of cliffs, harbor lines, and the open water gives you photo angles you do not get from shore.

If you do not see whales: your free try and how to use it

This tour does not promise whales every time. That is not a deal-breaker, because the bay is not a controlled environment. What matters is what happens when nature gives you a quiet trip.

If you do not see wildlife on your outing, you get a complimentary ticket to try again on their Whale Watching Classic or Whale Watching Express tours. This option never expires, so you can plan another day when conditions might be better.

If you want to maximize your odds, use this practical strategy: watch the forecast and give yourself more than one chance if your schedule allows. The most common disappointment is not the lack of whales, it is booking a single outing and having it be the one quiet run. The free try option helps you fix that.

Also consider your tolerance for the ride. If you struggled with the bounciness on the first day, your next attempt might be better from a timing and weather perspective, not necessarily from a “same thing again” mindset.

Who this tour suits, and who should skip the RIB

This is one of those “read the fit” tours. It works best when you match the energy of a fast boat and you dress correctly.

You will likely enjoy it if you:

• Want a small-group experience (max 12) with room to hear the guide
• Prefer speed and repositioning over slow cruising
• Can handle cold wind and wet deck time with the included overalls
• Want a realistic chance at humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises in Faxafloi Bay
• Are traveling in summer and care about a puffin stop at Akurey

You should think twice or choose a different format if you:

• Have back problems or joint issues (the motion can be intense in rougher water)
• Have concerns about heart or circulation strain with a fast, bouncy ride
• Struggle with mobility getting into a smaller vessel
• Are traveling with children under 10, or under 145 cm, since the tour is not recommended for that age or height

And if you are the type who gets motion sick easily, prepare for the fact that the boat ride can be adventurous even with suspension seats. The gear helps, but it does not change physics.

Should you book this Special Tours RIB whale watching?

Book it if your top priority is maximizing your chances with a fast boat, you like the idea of a close-up sea experience, and you are comfortable dressing for cold wind. The combination of English guidance, the new 12m RIB, and included waterproof gear is solid value for what you are doing.

Skip or switch if your body hates rough rides. If you know you will not enjoy bouncing over waves, you will likely remember the discomfort more than the wildlife. Also skip if the idea of boarding a smaller boat feels stressful.

One final tip before you go: if you really want humpbacks or dolphin time, consider booking early and giving yourself flexibility. This tour’s average booking window is about 49 days, which is a hint that prime dates fill.

FAQ

How long is the 2-hour RIB boat whale watching tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour in Reykjavik?

You meet at the Special Tours ticket office in the Old Harbour. The meeting point address shown is Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

What should I bring or wear to the tour?

You will be provided with warm overalls, a life vest, gloves, and goggles. You should still dress warmly and wear good shoes. The guidance is to arrive ready for Icelandic cold and wind.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?

No. Sightings of wildlife cannot be guaranteed. If no sightings happen on your tour, you get a complimentary ticket to try again on their Whale Watching Classic or Whale Watching Express tours.

What wildlife might I see on this tour?

The tour searches for humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises. In summer months, you may also stop at Akurey to see puffins.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to bad weather?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.