RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik

Reykjavik’s whale watching can feel like a big search and a long wait. This one is different because you’re on a small RIB boat that stays close to the action and covers more water looking for whales, dolphins, and sea birds. I also like that the crew is a marine biologist guide, so the spotting comes with real context, not just guesses.

The main drawback to consider is the weather and ride conditions. You’re in a fast, open boat, and while many people say it is fun and manageable, some mention a rougher ride when the sea gets choppy.

If you want a lively, close-up North Atlantic outing that still feels personal, this is a smart way to spend about 2 hours near Reykjavik’s harbor.

Key points before you go

• Small group size (max 12) for easier spotting and a more personal feel
• RIB speed and sea-level closeness for watching whales from a really engaging angle
• Puffin island stops in season (early May to end of August) with a short, focused look
• Coveralls, gloves, hats, and safety gear help you stay warm and comfortable
• Shock-absorbing suspension seats designed to reduce discomfort and injury risk
• If no whales are seen, you get a ticket for an alternative tour

A water-level RIB safari in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour

This tour works because it keeps you near the wildlife, not parked far away like some bigger excursions. The boats are small and fast, and that matters. When whales surface close to the search area, being able to get there quickly gives you a better chance at real sightings, not just distant blows.

Another thing I like is the tone of the experience. It is built around spotting and explaining, led by a professional marine biologist guide. You’re not just riding out and hoping. You get guidance on what you are looking for and why it’s happening where it is.

That said, you should treat this as an outdoor North Atlantic activity. A RIB ride is always more exposed than a sealed cabin boat. If you are sensitive to motion or you have knee issues, pay extra attention to the tour notes and what you can handle comfortably.

Where the tour starts, and how the timing works

The meeting point is Ægisgarður 5d, 101 Reykjavík, and the tour returns to the same spot. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan to get there under your own steam, ideally with public transport or a short walk.

The tour lasts about 2 hours (approx.). On board time is organized into a couple of short stops, then a longer whale-search window, followed by a return that includes scenic harbor viewing from the sea.

If you can, book early. The average booking time is about 46 days in advance, which usually means popular departures can fill up.

Stop 1: Puffins and first whale searching near the Old Harbour

The day begins from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour of Reykjavík, with the crew heading out in search of wildlife. During the puffin season, you may also visit puffins in their natural habitat around the Reykjavík area.

What makes this first stretch useful is the way it sets the pace. You’re not just waiting for the “real action.” The crew is actively scanning and repositioning, and the boat design helps them cover more search area than slower options.

One practical note: because it is a small boat, you will feel more of the wind and sea state than you would on a larger vessel. The good news is you’ll be given warm coveralls and safety gear to help you manage the exposure.

Stop 2: Puffin islands (Akurey, Engey, or Lundey) in the season

If you travel during the early May to end of August window, this stop becomes a highlight. The boat heads to the Islands of Akurey, Engey, or Lundey, just outside Reykjavík. The time on the islands is short, about 5 to 10 minutes.

Why this works well: puffins are busy, and they are easy to miss if you arrive too late or wander without a plan. A brief, guided look gives you focused viewing time while the crew can still keep hunting whales.

From the descriptions, you should also keep an eye on the bigger cast of sea birds. Puffins share the sky and cliff edges with species like auks and gannets, so even when puffins are not landing exactly where you want, the area can still feel alive.

Stop 3: The long whale safari in Faxaflói Bay

After the puffin stop, you shift into the main event, heading toward Faxaflói Bay. This is the longest segment, about 1 hour 30 minutes, and it is where the crew does the serious searching.

The core value here is the combination of speed, stability, and access. The RIBs are designed to run fast while staying controlled, and you are watching whales from near sea level. That changes the experience. When a whale surfaces, it feels close and real, not like you’re staring at a dot on the horizon.

In the review set, whale sightings are the main reason people love this tour: humpbacks and minke whales show up often, and dolphins are commonly spotted alongside the search. Some groups even describe whales surfacing right by the boat, including multiple humpback breaches.

Comfort matters too. The boats have high performance suspension seats meant to reduce shock and improve safety and comfort, lowering the risk of injuries. That feature shows up in how people describe the ride, especially if the sea turns rough.

A balanced warning: a few people mention the ride can get choppy, particularly on the way out or back. If you know you get seasick easily, it is smart to prepare and consider how you handle motion on boats in general. The provided gear helps with warmth, but it does not change the ocean.

The sea-side return: photos near Sun Voyager and Harpa

Once the whale safari wraps up, you sail back toward Reykjavík. During the return, you get a panoramic view from the sea, including passing the Sun Voyager sculpture on the seafront.

Then you also pass the harbor side of Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. It is a quick look, about 5 minutes, but it adds variety to a trip that could otherwise be only wildlife focused.

This part is not why you booked the tour, but it is a nice payoff. It turns the return trip into a short “bonus harbor cruise,” and it helps justify the time cost since you are still getting views, not just heading back.

Price and what makes it feel worth it

At $208.09 per person, this is not the cheapest way to do whale watching. So how do you decide if it’s worth your money?

For me, the value comes from three things you are paying for:

• Small-group experience (max 12), which usually means less jostling and better attention when whales appear
• RIB design, which can get you closer and help the crew cover more water
• Marine biologist guide plus gear, including coveralls and safety equipment

You’re also paying for the possibility of a very memorable “sea level” moment. Multiple reviews highlight close whale encounters, with people describing whales surfacing near the boat and repeated breaches. If you want a premium feel compared with big-boat whale watches, this one leans that way.

What is not included is also part of the math. Food and drinks are not provided, so plan to bring water or snacks if that works for you. Also, there’s no hotel pickup, which means you should budget a little time to reach the meeting point.

Getting warm and staying safe on an open RIB

This tour is physically active, but not strenuous. Still, it helps to have moderate physical fitness, because you will move around the boat before you settle in.

The operator gives you coveralls and safety equipment. Based on descriptions from the experience, the gear is warm and weather-appropriate, and people often mention staying relatively dry even in rainy conditions. The crew preparation also shows up in how people describe feeling confident on board.

What you should bring:

• Sturdy footwear that works on a moving deck
• Wool or fleece layers
• Hat and gloves
• Any personal cold or wind protection you already use in Iceland

Dress for the wind. In Reykjavik, the air can shift fast, and boats make it feel colder.

Health considerations are important here. The tour is not recommended for travellers with knee problems, and children must be over age 10 and over 145 cm. If you’re managing a mobility issue, it’s worth thinking twice about boarding and shifting positions on a smaller craft.

Weather, cancellations, and the reality of whale sightings

This experience requires good weather. When conditions are not right, the tour may be canceled. The plan in that case is either offered a different date or a full refund.

There’s also a meaningful wildlife guarantee. In case of no sightings, you get a ticket for an alternative tour. That does not mean you’ll automatically see whales, but it reduces the risk of paying and coming home empty-handed.

The review notes include a couple of disappointment stories tied to weather, including one where a substitute boat still did not produce whales. That is a reminder that “alternative tour” helps, but the ocean still decides what shows up. Your best strategy is to book and plan around Iceland’s weather like a local: flexible mindset, warm layers, and good humor.

Who this RIB whale tour is best for

This is a great fit if you want:

• Close-up wildlife from a sea-level viewpoint
• A small-group outing with active crew spotting
• A mix of wildlife and harbor scenery in one go
• A guide who can talk about what you’re seeing, since the tour includes a marine biologist

It is likely less ideal if:

• You have knee problems (explicitly not recommended)
• You are traveling with very young kids
• You are highly sensitive to motion and rougher water, since ride conditions can vary

For first-time whale watchers, this can also be a strong choice. The guides use the short time well, and people report feeling the day moves fast once the search is underway.

Should you book this Reykjavik RIB whale watching tour?

Yes, I’d book it if your priority is a closer, more personal whale and puffin experience than what you usually get on larger boats. The combination of small-group size, fast RIB approach, and a marine biologist guide makes it feel like you’re buying into the hunt, not just watching from the sidelines.

If you are worried about choppy water, take a careful look at your tolerance for boat motion. If you have knee issues, skip it. And if you’re traveling in the puffin season, this tour gives you that extra seasonal payoff.

Bottom line: for most people who are ready for the North Atlantic reality, this is a strong value way to spend your time near Reykjavík’s harbor and come away with whale sightings that feel genuinely close.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet in Reykjavik?

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

How long is the RIB whale watching tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours (approx.) from start to finish.

How many people are in the group?

This activity has a maximum of 12 travelers, which is why it tends to feel more personal than large-boat tours.

What wildlife can you see on this tour?

You can look for whales and dolphins, plus birds. If you travel during the puffin season (early May to end of August), you can also see puffins near the Reykjavík area.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What exactly happens during the puffin season?

During the puffin season (early May to end of August), the tour visits puffins at islands just outside Reykjavík, such as Akurey, Engey, or Lundey, with about 5 to 10 minutes spent there.

What if no whales are spotted?

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

What if the tour is canceled due to weather, or if you change your mind?

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