From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by Speedboat

A RIB (rigid inflatable boat) whale trip out of Reykjavik is interesting because it swaps the slow, sleepy vibe of many cruises for an in-your-face, high-energy chase. The goal is simple, find whales in Faxaflói Bay, plus dolphins, seals, and seabirds, all from very close range.

I like this tour for two very practical reasons. First, the boat uses suspension seats, so you are not getting bounced around like a pinball. Second, you are kitted out with warm, waterproof gear, which matters in Iceland when the wind decides to show up early.

The main drawback is also the honest one. Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed, and whales are harder to spot in open water than they are in an oceanarium.

Key Things I’d Put on Your Radar

• A 2-hour hunt in Faxaflói Bay: enough time to search without burning your whole day.
• Brand-new, 12-seat RIB feel: close-up viewing with suspension seats for comfort.
• Harpa Concert Hall and Sun Voyager first: you get Reykjavik sights before you chase wildlife.
• Many chances at different animals: up to 23 whale species can show up in the area.
• Puffin islands are part of the plan: cruise up close where puffins nest and lay one egg.
• Wind affects comfort: if the sea is rough, the ride can feel intense.

Why This RIB Whale Tour Feels Different Than Most

Reykjavik whale watching often sounds like the same story, see something spout-shaped, take photos, return. This one feels different because the boat is built for speed and for getting you close, fast. You are not just watching from a distance. You are out on the bay, searching, adjusting, and aiming for those moments when nature decides to cooperate.

I also like the tour’s rhythm. It does the Reykjavik sightseeing pass early, then turns fully into wildlife mode once you reach Faxaflói Bay. That flow helps if you are on a tight schedule and want the day to feel like two experiences for the price of one.

Just remember the Iceland reality check. You can be in the right place, with the right guide, and still come home without a whale. That is not the operator failing you, it is the nature of the sea.

Meeting at Ægisgarður 5G, Then Gear Up Like a Local

You meet at Ægisgarður 5G, about a five-minute walk from the city center. This is the kind of departure that keeps things simple. You show up at the old harbor area, get sorted quickly, and you are out soon enough that you are not stuck standing around in the cold.

The tour provides a full warm waterproof overall, plus life jacket rental, gloves, and goggles. You are also expected to bring your own whale watching scarf (the tour mentions using your own scarf). That scarf part is easy to forget, so pack a real one, not a thin summer accessory.

One small but important detail: sandals and flip-flops are not allowed, and open-toed shoes are also off the list. Closed shoes are the safe bet for comfort and safety on a wet, moving boat.

Harpa and Sun Voyager Before the Whale Search

Before you get deep into the Faxaflói Bay wildlife zone, you get an eye-level pass around Reykjavik landmarks. The cruise route takes you past Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture.

For many people, this is a smart setup. You start the experience with something familiar and photogenic, then transition into the more unpredictable part. It is also just a nice way to frame the trip: you leave the city behind, but you still get a taste of it from the water.

If you are starting your Reykjavik visit, these landmarks are a quick reminder of why the harbor area is such a strong base for day trips. Even if the wildlife timing is imperfect, you still get an enjoyable cruise segment.

Faxaflói Bay Wildlife: What You’re Actually Looking For

The tour heads to Faxaflói Bay, where you can often find up to 23 whale species, along with dolphins and seals. That number is a big promise, but it also tells you something useful: the region is active, and the guides are not flying blind.

This is not a zoo-style encounter. You are searching in natural conditions, and whales are harder to spot in open water than they are behind glass. So if you feel like you are not seeing anything after the first few minutes, stay patient and trust the process.

You can also look for seabirds as you cruise. Birds often hint that something is happening in the water below, and the guide will point you toward the right areas. In past trips, the sightings included humpback whales and minke whales, plus dolphins that sometimes followed and circled close to the boat.

One theme that shows up strongly in the experience feedback is how the crew works as a team to spot and follow whales when conditions allow. When you are lucky, the “search” becomes an actual viewing moment, not just a repositioning exercise.

Humpbacks, Minke Whales, and the Reality of Close Encounters

Close encounter does not mean the whale will do a full show on cue. In practice, whales often appear as backs or spouts that pop up and disappear. That is exactly what makes the tour feel more real. You are watching animals that are not performing for humans.

Humpback whales have been spotted, sometimes with the classic blow pattern followed by moments where the body is visible. Minke whales have also been seen, though more sightings likely depend on the day’s movement and how food and currents are lining up.

One helpful way to set expectations: if you only see one whale, that can still be an amazing payoff. There are trips where one humpback became the focus, and the rest of the experience delivered through dolphins and puffins later in the route.

Puffins on the Islands: The Portion That Feels Like a Nature Show

If whales are the “maybe,” puffins are the “watch this area closely.” The cruise sails up close to islands where puffins nest and lay their single egg. In Faxaflói Bay, that nesting behavior turns the islands into a recurring attraction.

The puffin segment can be surprisingly active. Past trips described puffins flying and swimming around the area, plus lots of puffins around cliff and beach spots. This is where you often get the most constant visual interest, since puffin activity can be fast and frequent.

It is also one of the best reasons to do a short, focused tour like this. A two-hour experience gives you time to search for whales, then shift your attention to puffins when you reach the nesting zone. You get variety without wasting half a day.

The Boat Ride: Comfort, Safety, and What Wind Does to Your Plans

This is a luxury-feeling RIB with 12 suspension seats. That matters because the ride on the water is a real factor in Iceland. On calm days, you get speed, motion, and a thrilling sense of being right there. On windy days, you get bumps, and the boat can feel more intense.

You should be ready for that variability. Some trips mention a rough ride when it was especially windy, and even the most enthusiastic passenger can feel it in the stomach for a moment. If you are anxious about choppy water, consider choosing the calmer part of your schedule when you can.

On the positive side, the provided warm waterproof overall can make a huge difference. When you stay dry and warm, the experience shifts from miserable to manageable. Even people who wanted a thrill still came away saying the gear helped them enjoy the ride.

Safety is also part of the package. You get a life jacket rental and goggles, and the crew provides full guidance with information about whales, wildlife, and the city.

How Much Is It, and Is It Good Value at $192?

At about $192 per person for a two-hour tour, you are paying for three things: speed, access, and specialist wildlife guiding.

If you compare this to slower whale cruises, the value is in the boat and the format. A 12-seat RIB is small enough to feel personal, but large enough to keep things organized. The suspension seats help you stay comfortable during the pursuit. You are also not going out empty-handed on a vague promise. The bay is known for multiple species, and the route includes both whale searching and puffin islands.

Are you guaranteed whales for that price? No. The sea is not a theme park. But you are paying for the best chance to find wildlife in close range, with the added benefit of Reykjavik landmark views before you even reach the search area.

If seeing puffins is also on your priority list, that adds more value. Puffins tend to be a strong highlight when the tour reaches the nesting areas.

With an overall rating of 4.7 from 119 reviews, the general signal is that the experience delivers more often than it misses. Still, I would book it with the whale-sighting mindset of a nature observer, not a shopper expecting a specific product in a box.

Who This Tour Suits Best, and Who Might Want a Different Day

This tour fits best if you want wildlife close up and you do not mind the Iceland factor, unpredictable weather and changing sea conditions.

It is also a good match if you like a guide who keeps the experience moving. Past trips mention guides that were friendly, informative, and ready to help you spot what matters. You are encouraged to ask questions during the cruise, and the guidance covers whales and other wildlife, plus facts about Reykjavik.

It is not suitable for children under 10. So for families with younger kids, you may need another option.

If you get motion sickness easily, treat this as a potential risk. The RIB ride can be rough on windy days, and the speed can make the movement feel faster. You might want to plan this on a day when your weather forecast looks calmer.

Practical Tips to Make Your Chances Better

You cannot control when whales show up, but you can control your comfort and focus.

• Wear warm layers under the provided overall. The boat can get cold, fast.
• Bring a real scarf. Your own scarf is part of the setup.
• Use closed-toe shoes that handle wet conditions. Sandals and open-toed shoes are not allowed.
• If you see bird activity, pay attention to the guide’s cues. The tour expects you to look for sea birds alongside marine mammals.
• Keep your expectations flexible. Sometimes you get a full whale story, sometimes it is one whale, and sometimes the dolphins and puffins do the heavy lifting.

Also, if you want to be extra strategic, consider booking with the expectation that Iceland weather can change quickly. The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, so you can adjust if conditions look grim.

Should You Book This Speedboat Whale Watching Tour?

I think you should book this tour if your ideal Reykjavik day includes real wildlife searching, not just a passive sightseeing boat. The combination of a 12-seat suspension-seat RIB, a strong focus on Faxaflói Bay species, and the puffin nesting stop gives this trip more than one way to succeed.

Skip it or choose another option if your top priority is guaranteed whale sightings, or if you are very sensitive to choppy water. This is nature, and the sea decides the pace.

If you do book it, go in prepared. Bring the scarf, wear closed shoes, dress for cold, and give the crew your attention as they scan and reposition. When the bay cooperates, this is the kind of trip where the water feels alive and you come back with that rare mix of thrill and wild joy.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik whale watching tour?

The cruise lasts 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at Ægisgarður 5G, which is about a five-minute walk from the city center.

What wildlife might I see on the cruise?

The tour focuses on whales in Faxaflói Bay, with the chance to see up to 23 whale species. You may also see dolphins, seals, seabirds, and puffins.

Does the tour include puffin viewing?

Yes. The route includes sailing close to islands where puffins nest and lay their one egg.

What gear is provided, and what should I bring?

You get a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a life jacket rental. The tour also asks you to bring your own whale watching scarf.

Are sandals or open-toed shoes allowed?

No. Sandals or flip flops are not allowed, and open-toed shoes are also not allowed.

Is this tour suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children under 10.

What languages are the live guides?

The live tour guide offers English and Icelandic.

Can I get a full refund if plans change?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is seeing whales guaranteed?

No. Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed, and whales can be harder to spot in the sea than in an oceanarium.