Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

Reykjavik whale watching on a RIB speedboat is interesting because it trades slow sightseeing for fast, flexible animal searching, right off the harbor. What I love is the small 12-seater setup that keeps things personal instead of crowded, and the way the ride lets you move quickly when the captain spots activity. One drawback to keep in mind: the trip can feel chilly and bumpy, especially when wind kicks up, so dressing for the cold matters.

I also like that you get more than whales. You cruise past the islands in Faxaflói Bay, including Engey and Lundey, and you see parts of Reykjavík like Harpa from the water, all in a tight 2-hour window.

Key highlights at a glance

• 12-seater RIB ride that stays more intimate than big-deck cruises
• Old Harbor departures with panoramic Reykjavík views from the water
• Route includes Engey and Lundey (Lundey is nicknamed Puffin Island)
• Warm safety gear included: overalls, gloves, and goggles
• Free return ticket if you do not spot wildlife on your trip
• Captain-led decisions based on weather and sea conditions for safety

Gear Up at Old Harbour House: warm overalls and what you should wear

Your day starts at Old Harbour House in Reykjavík. Plan to check in about 30 minutes early, then scan the bar or QR code from your ticket at the self-service kiosk. No hotel pickup here, so you will want to arrive already oriented and dressed for a sea day.

The operators provide what makes or breaks a RIB trip in Iceland: warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, plus safety equipment. This matters because the ride is fast and the air gets cold quickly once you’re moving. I like that you are not left guessing what to bring, but you still need to bring the right layers under the provided gear.

Here’s how I’d dress so you stay comfortable the whole time:

• Wear warm base layers and something insulating under the overalls
• Choose comfortable shoes you can stand in on the boat
• Bring a camera, and expect wind to be part of the experience
• If you are sensitive to cold, bring a face covering, because wind is the main comfort killer on these runs

One small tip from how people describe the ride: you will likely alternate between sitting and standing positions to reduce the pounding of the boat over waves. It is not hard, and it helps you feel more balanced.

Racing Past Engey and Lundey: what you see in Faxaflói Bay

Once you leave the Old Harbor, you head out for whale watching in Faxaflói Bay and along Reykjavík’s coast. The early part of the cruise is not just “getting there.” It sets the mood, because you get city views from a perspective that most people never see.

You pass by Reykjavík’s nearby islands in the Kollafjörður area (Faxa Bay). Engey is a key stop on the route, and Lundey, literally Puffin Island, is another named highlight you may cruise past. You also look for marine wildlife while circling the coastal zone, which means the captain is not treating this like a straight-line cruise.

The Reykjavík views can be surprisingly good even when the weather is only fair. Harpa, the concert hall, is specifically mentioned as a landmark you can spot from the water. And since you are on a fast boat, the scenery changes quickly: water, islands, city edges, and then open sea.

One practical note: because this is a RIB, you are not doing long hours in one place. Instead, you cover area efficiently, then you slow down when there is a sighting worth working. If you like motion and variety, this format tends to feel more exciting than a slow, extended cruise.

How the Small 12-seater Helps You Find Whales Faster

I get why people pay for a RIB. It is not only the thrill. It is also the search advantage.

A smaller boat with about 12 seats helps in a few ways:

• You typically feel closer to the action when wildlife surfaces
• The crew can shift positions quickly if sightings pop up
• You are not packed shoulder to shoulder like on larger decks

Many people also describe the crew as moving purposefully once they detect whale activity. The practical result is that you spend more of the 2 hours actually watching animals, and less time “hoping they are out there.”

Another point I appreciate is that you are not meant to sit back and forget the real work of whale watching. The guides are there to help you spot what to look for. When whales surface, you often need a quick read on cues like blow location and movement patterns. If you are wondering how to do that, you can ask questions and the guide will explain what they are watching for and why they are changing course.

What You Might See: minke, humpback, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins

Reykjavík’s nearshore waters can produce big surprises. The tour is designed for sightings of whales and dolphins and often includes other wildlife too, like puffins.

Here are the species that come up most often:

• Humpback whales: often reported with close, repeated encounters
• Minke whales: sometimes brief, but exciting when you catch sight of them
• Dolphins: reported as present in multiple sightings, including pods seen near the boat
• Harbour porpoises: mentioned along with dolphins and whales
• Puffins: you may spot them around Lundey and in the coastal bird areas

Some of the most memorable moments described by people are when the whales are active, like breaching or tail-slapping. Even when the whale is not fully showing off, you can still get those classic signs of life: blows on the water and then the movement pattern as they travel.

A reality check, but an important one: sightings are never guaranteed. Even with an experienced captain and a well-run search, marine wildlife can be unpredictable day to day. Still, what I like about this specific format is the effort to find animals quickly when they are present. You are not stuck in “tour mode” for the whole session.

Also, wildlife type can vary. Some days are heavy on whales. Other days are better for dolphins and birds. I would treat the puffin element as a bonus, not the main event, even though it can be a fun add-on when you pass Lundey.

Weather, Safety, and the Real Talk About Bumpy Water

This is an outdoor boat experience, and Iceland weather gets its own vote.

The captain makes the call on whether to sail based on conditions and safety and comfort. That is not window dressing, it is the main reason RIB whale watching can either feel thrilling or physically challenging.

Expect these weather factors:

• Wind can make everything feel colder fast
• Waves can mean a bumpy ride
• Seasickness is possible for some people, especially in rougher conditions

Several people note that they did not get very wet and that the provided gear helps you stay warm. Others mention seasickness for at least some passengers. If you are on the more sensitive side, consider bringing your preferred anti-nausea plan before you go and dress as warmly as you can.

Who should pay extra attention:

• People with back problems may not be suited for this type of motion
• Pregnant women are listed as not suitable
• Children under 10 are not recommended
• The tour has a height limit of 4 ft 8 in (145 cm)

And one comfort tip: if you feel the wind cutting across your face, that is usually fixable with a face covering and proper layers. The goggles can also help you focus on the horizon instead of squinting in cold air.

Price and Value: is $200 per person fair for this kind of whale hunt?

The price is about $200 per person for 2 hours. In Iceland, that is not pocket change, so let’s talk value in plain terms.

This tour earns its cost in a few concrete ways:

• You are paying for time on water in a fast RIB, not a slow deck cruise
• Your boat is small, with intimate viewing instead of big crowds
• The tour includes the important cold-weather gear, so you are not buying a bunch of last-minute items
• You get Reykjavík scenery from the water, including Harpa and the island passes
• There is a safety-minded search approach that tries to put you where wildlife actually is

Then there is the big value lever: if you do not spot any wildlife, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again another day. That is a meaningful safety net when whale watching turns quiet. It does not change the fact that sightings are uncertain, but it lowers the risk of paying for a trip that feels like empty water.

Is it perfect value? Not always. On a truly slow wildlife day, you might feel like 2 hours passes quickly. One person even wished it could run longer, mainly because getting to the right area can take time. Still, the whole point of this format is to cover area efficiently and react to sightings fast.

If you want the best chance of an exciting encounter close to the boat, this is one of the more logical ways to spend your money in Reykjavík, especially if you do not want a crowded cruise.

Should you book the RIB Whale Watching from Reykjavík?

Book it if:

• You want a small-boat whale watching experience with quick movement and a better shot at close viewing
• You are ready for cold wind and possible bumpy water, and you will dress properly
• You care about the Reykjavík views from the water, not just the animals
• You like the idea of a free retry if wildlife is not spotted

Skip it if:

• You have a sensitive back, you are pregnant, or you know motion on water will be a problem
• You are traveling with kids under 10, or you do not meet the 145 cm height requirement
• You are expecting whale watching to be guaranteed, because it is not

If you are choosing between options, I’d see this one as the more active, more hands-on way to hunt for whales near Reykjavík. The gear helps, the boat size helps, and the captain-led approach helps. When it works, it can feel like a front-row seat to Iceland’s marine life, right from the heart of the city.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

You meet at Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík. Check in 30 minutes before departure.

How long does the whale watching tour last?

The tour duration is 2 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the boat tour on a 12-seater RIB, Reykjavík sightseeing from the water, and warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety equipment.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

The tour focuses on marine wildlife off Reykjavík, including whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Puffins may also be spotted as you pass Lundey.

When is the best time for whale watching in Iceland?

The best time is during the summer months, April through September.

Is wildlife guaranteed on this tour?

No. Sightings cannot be guaranteed, because the tour depends on suitable weather and where animals are.

What happens if I do not see any wildlife?

If you do not see any wildlife on your tour, you get a complimentary ticket to try again another day.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, there is a live tour guide in English.