Reykjavik’s whales don’t wait, so you shouldn’t either. This 2-hour RIB tour is built for quick hops across Faxaflói Bay, with waterproof gear, an English-speaking expert, and a good shot at seeing humpbacks and dolphins. I especially like the warm overalls and safety kit handling the cold for you, and the small group size that keeps the experience personal. One thing to weigh: this ride can feel bouncy when the sea is rough, and it is not the best match if you have back issues or other mobility concerns.

If you want a whale-watching trip that feels active (not sit-and-hope), this is the style. You start at the Old Harbour ticket office, get suited up, then head out toward feeding areas. In summer, you also get a stop at Akurey, one of Iceland’s famous puffin nesting islands, so the trip has more going on than just scanning the water.

Key things I’d bank on before you go

• A 12m custom-built RIB with shock-absorbing, suspension-style seats to take the sting out of choppy water
• Small group size (max 12 travelers), which makes it easier to hear your guide and track sightings
• Faxaflói Bay search for multiple species like humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises
• A summer stop at Akurey for puffins, adding a second wildlife target
• No-sighting safety net: if you don’t see wildlife, you’re offered a complimentary ticket to try again

Entering The Old Harbour: Check-in, gear, and getting set

The tour starts at Ægisgarður 5 in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. If you choose hotel pickup, you’ll be shuttled to the Special Tours ticket office first; if not, you go directly to the ticket office. Either way, plan to arrive early—at least 30 minutes before departure—so you can check in and go over safety basics with your guide.

Once you’re checked in, you’ll get suited up with warm overalls, a life vest, gloves, and goggles. The point is simple: you’ll be on fast-moving water in cold wind, and your comfort depends on being properly protected. Don’t treat the gear as optional—this is the kind of trip where the right layer makes the difference between enjoying the ride and just surviving it.

One practical note from real-world experience

The change area can get crowded during busy departures, so wear what you can under the overalls and keep your bag light. If you’re the type who hates tight spaces when you’re dressed for winter, show up early so you’re not rushing.

The New 12m RIB Express: Fast, close, and the comfort trade-off

This is a brand-new 12m custom-built RIB express boat, designed to move quickly between whale-watching zones. That matters in Reykjavik because whales and dolphins don’t politely stay in one spot for hours. A faster craft lets the crew react when animals show up or shift locations.

On board, you’ll sit in seats designed to be shock-absorbing and more stable than typical hard-ride RIB setups. Still, RIBs are RIBs. One recurring theme from people who love this tour is that it feels like a roller-coaster ride; one recurring caution is that rougher seas can make the ride jarring.

So here’s the honest framing: if you’re healthy and comfortable in cold, you’ll probably find the motion part of the fun. If you have a sensitive back, issues with joints, or you’re dealing with a medical limitation, think twice. The operator specifically flags that pregnancy or back problems may make this a bad match, and the tour is also not recommended for children under 10 or under 145 cm.

Out to Faxaflói Bay: Where you’re actually hunting whales

After boarding and the safety talk, you head out into Faxaflói Bay to search for whales at their feeding grounds. The route includes scenic cruising, including views of Esja mountain as you go out—Reykjavik’s shoreline is dramatic, and it’s not just a backdrop while you wait.

Your guide is there for the real work: spotting conditions and tracking animal activity. The tour targets several likely species in this area:

• Humpback whales
• Minke whales
• White-beaked dolphins
• Harbour porpoises

In the best-case scenario, you don’t just see a whale for a second. People describe following humpbacks for long stretches and watching dolphins swim right near the boat. And even when a sighting is brief, the RIB’s speed can help you reach the next promising spot rather than wasting time far from action.

A big reason people feel this tour is worth it

You’re not paying for a guarantee of wildlife. You’re paying for a tour method that improves your odds: quick travel, an expert guide, and the ability to get into the right areas fast. That’s why so many people talk about “getting close” when sightings happen.

Akurey puffin island stop: The extra wildlife bonus in summer

If you’re visiting during the warmer months when puffins nest in Iceland, you’ll stop at Akurey—one of the most popular puffin islands. This is a smart add-on because it gives you a second wildlife target even if whales don’t cooperate that day.

Puffins are small and fast, so you may not always get a perfect view from a distance. Still, the stop adds variety and makes the trip feel like a full wildlife outing, not just a boat ride with lots of scanning.

One more camera tip: in summer, light stays up later, and the bay atmosphere can create great photo conditions. Just remember you’ll likely be bundled in gear, so keep a camera that’s easy to access.

Reykjavík coastline on the return: Views without the downtime

On the way back, the tour includes views of the Reykjavík coastline. This is the payoff for the ride time you spend earlier in the trip. While you’re still on the water, you’re not stuck in a waiting-only phase—there’s scenery, salt-air, and another chance to spot movement.

For me, the best return moments are when your brain finally stops focusing on the horizon and starts noticing details: cliffs, harbor edges, and the way Reykjavik sits right against the bay. It’s one of those views that makes you remember you’re not in a generic coastal town. You’re in Iceland.

What the small-group size changes (besides the obvious)

With a maximum of 12 travelers, this tour is more manageable than bigger boats. That shows up in practical ways:

• Your guide can spend time explaining what you’re seeing (and what you might be missing).
• The boat can move with less chaos around passengers.
• You’re more likely to hear the plan and adjust your watching position quickly.

People also mention standout guides and captains by name. Names like Blanca and captains like Yoda come up, which is a good sign that the crew is engaged rather than just running a script.

Who this is best for—and who should skip the RIB

This tour works best if you can handle quick movement and cold weather. You should have a moderate physical fitness level, and you’ll want to wear solid shoes even if you’ll be in overalls.

It’s a great fit if you:

• Want a fast, active whale-watching style
• Enjoy boats and don’t mind a bouncy ride
• Prefer a smaller group where you’re not lost in the crowd

It’s not a great fit if you have:

• Back problems or conditions that make jarring motion risky
• Mobility limits that make getting in and out of the boat difficult
• Heart conditions that make bumpy water a concern

This is also not recommended for children under 10 or under 145 cm. If you’re traveling with kids, choose based on comfort with cold gear and rougher water.

Price and value: Is $189.87 fair for a 2-hour trip?

At $189.87 per person, this is not the cheapest whale-watching option. The value comes from what you get included and how the tour is designed.

You’re paying for:

• A 2-hour RIB experience (fast boat, efficient searching)
• All key cold-weather and safety gear (overalls, life vest, gloves, goggles)
• An English-speaking expert guide
• Comfort-focused seating designed to reduce shock from waves
• In summer, a puffin island stop at Akurey

Then there’s the biggest value lever: the tour is designed around improving your odds, but it also includes a follow-up if wildlife doesn’t show. If you don’t see wildlife on your trip, you get a complimentary ticket to try again on their Classic or Express whale-watching options.

So the math is less about “paying to see whales,” and more about “paying to maximize your chances with the right boat and crew,” plus a safety net if the bay goes quiet.

A note on wildlife rules and getting close

When sightings happen, this kind of tour tries to balance closeness with responsible watching. One mention from the operator’s guidance is that they follow the IceWhale code of conduct, which matters because whale watching is sensitive. You want animals to remain animals, and you want a crew that knows how to handle boats around marine life.

Should you book this Reykjavik RIB whale watching tour?

Book it if you want a lively, speed-focused Reykjavik whale watching experience and you’re comfortable dressing for serious cold. The combination of fast RIB transport, small group size, and included gear is exactly what makes this style of tour feel efficient and fun, especially if you care about the chance of seeing multiple species in one outing.

Skip it or think hard first if you’re worried about bumpy water. Even with suspension seats, rougher seas can still feel intense. If that’s your situation, you might prefer a more gentle option that matches your body better.

One final tip: bring your camera, but also bring a calm mindset. Your odds improve with this boat style, yet wildlife timing is still nature’s decision. When it comes together, this trip can feel like a front-row seat to the real Iceland—not a slow, quiet look at empty water.

FAQ

How long is the RIB whale watching tour?

It runs for about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at the meeting point in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour at Ægisgarður 5 and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfers are not included by default, but pickup can be added for an additional fee.

What wildlife can you see on this tour?

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

What happens if there are no wildlife sightings?

Wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed. If you don’t see wildlife on your tour, you’ll receive a complimentary ticket to try again on their Whale Watching Classic or Whale Watching Express tours.

What gear is included?

You get warm overalls, lifevests, gloves, and goggles, plus suspension seats for extra comfort.

What age or height limits apply?

The tour is not recommended for children under 10 or under 145 cm, and you should have a moderate physical fitness level.