Whales feel close in Reykjavik. A modern RIB tour sends you into Faxaflói Bay for real-time whale, dolphin, seal, and puffin spotting. You also start with prime harbor views of Harpa and Sun Voyager.

I love the practical comfort: warm waterproof coveralls and a 12-seat RIB with suspension seating. I also like how the boat setup and guide talk keep you focused on wildlife, not on freezing hands or guessing where to look.

One thing to consider is that whale watching is never a guarantee, and Iceland’s weather can turn visibility and ride comfort into a variable.

Key things I’d mark on your mental map

• 12 suspension seats on a modern RIB: less jostling than you might expect on a speedboat
• Faxaflói Bay is the target zone: up to 23 whale species, plus dolphins and seals
• Harpa Concert Hall and Sun Voyager views first: you get a Reykjavik-style kickoff before you go offshore
• Puffin islands with a single egg per pair: you may see birds flying and swimming around nesting spots
• Warm waterproof gear included: coveralls, gloves, and goggles mean you can dress for success

Faxaflói Bay: why this RIB whale watch feels more real

This tour is built around one of Iceland’s best near-shore wildlife areas: Faxaflói Bay. Your cruise starts from Reykjavik’s old harbor and pushes out far enough that you’re in the natural feeding and nesting zone where marine life actually shows up.

What makes this setup appealing is the mix of goals in a short 2-hour window. You’re not only looking for whales; you’re also tracking other animals that often share the same waters. The tour description points to frequent sightings of dolphins and seals alongside whales, and it also highlights sea birds in the area. That matters because it changes the day from either a success or failure. If the whales take their time, you’re still likely to get action.

The best part? You’re on a fast, maneuverable rigid inflatable boat designed for staying close without slow cruising. In calm conditions, you can get that rare feeling of being close enough to track surfacing patterns. In wind, the boat still does the job, it just turns the ride into more of a roller-coaster.

Start at Ægisgarður 5G: quick meet-up, smart warm-up

You meet at Ægisgarður 5G, about a five-minute walk from the city center. That’s a gift on travel days when you don’t want a complicated pre-tour scavenger hunt.

The whole experience is geared around keeping you comfortable and safe from the moment you arrive. You’ll put on a warm waterproof overall, plus a life jacket rental, and you’ll be given gloves and goggles. You’re also expected to bring your own whale watching scarf. (I treat this as a small packing win: one scarf can work as neck warmth and wind protection, and it helps keep you from borrowing gear later.)

One practical note that’s easy to miss: no sandals or flip-flops, and no open-toed shoes. The tour crew needs you in fully covered footwear for safety around wet decks and gear.

Also, the tour isn’t for everyone. It’s listed as not suitable for children under 10, which tells me this is more of an active nature trip than a gentle sightseeing cruise.

The Reykjavik sightseeing stretch: Harpa and Sun Voyager before the wildlife chase

Before you settle into the whale-spotting phase, you get a Reykjavik sampler from the water. The cruise passes Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture. This is more than just a quick photo stop. From the harbor, these landmarks give you a sense of scale: you’re leaving a compact, walkable city and heading into open water fast.

Why I like this part of the tour: it helps you get oriented quickly. You can look at the landmarks early while your brain is fresh, then spend the rest of the 2 hours watching horizons and swells like a pro.

On the RIB: comfort, safety, and what “close” really means

This is the heart of the experience: a 2-hour cruise on a 12-seat RIB with comfortable suspension seats. The suspension seats are a big deal. Speedboats can feel like you’re bouncing along in a washing machine, but suspension seating makes the ride more tolerable so you can actually keep your eyes up.

Your guide drives the hunt while you sit facing the water and scan for movement. The tour description emphasizes that you’ll get full guidance with information about whales, wildlife, and the city. I like that balance because it turns the boat trip into more than just spotting shapes. You’re learning what you’re likely seeing: breathing patterns, general behavior, and why certain areas matter.

If the water is rough, you’ll feel it

The ride is fast and weather-dependent. One key consideration is that Iceland can be unpredictable, and wind can make the water rough. If you get seasick easily, I’d be cautious. The tour doesn’t promise calm seas.

That said, the RIB experience is also part of the fun. The boat’s speed and tight turns can feel exhilarating, especially once you’re bundled in warm gear and you’re not fighting cold air.

What you might see (and what you shouldn’t force)

The tour targets whales in Faxaflói Bay, and it notes that up to 23 species of whales can occur there. That’s a broad range, and it’s also a quiet reminder that seeing whales cannot be guaranteed. Whales can be harder to spot at sea than in an oceanarium.

Here’s how I’d reframe that for your expectations:

• Think of whale spotting as the highlight if it happens.
• Treat dolphins, seals, sea birds, and the puffin segment as real parts of the plan, not “backup.”

Whale spotting tips that actually help

You’re scanning a huge water area from a moving boat. That means your job is simple but focused: look where your guide tells you to look, and keep your eyes moving.

A few practical strategies:

• Bring your scarf and keep it positioned at the neck. Wind can steal warmth fast, and once you’re chilled, your attention drops.
• Wear the provided gear correctly. The gloves and goggles are there for a reason, and using them keeps spray out of your eyes.
• Ask questions early. The guide is there to explain what they’re doing and what you should watch for next.

The tour also emphasizes that whales and other creatures are in their natural environment. One theme from the vibe of this kind of operation is respect: you’re close enough to enjoy, not close enough to interfere.

Puffins up close: nesting islands and that one egg

After the offshore whale zone, you may head toward the puffin nesting areas in Faxaflói Bay. The description points out that puffins come to the islands to lay their one egg, which helps explain why this time of year and these specific spots matter.

If conditions line up, this is where the tour can shift from “patient scanning” to “active bird show.” Puffins are built for visibility: they move across the water and pop in and out of view. The tour description specifically mentions sailing close to the islands where they nest and lay their eggs, so you’re not stuck looking at birds from far away.

From a photographer’s and nature-lover’s perspective, this segment is valuable because it gives you wildlife that behaves differently than whales. Whales can be sudden and brief. Puffins can feel more continuous—flying, landing, and moving along cliff and shoreline areas.

Even if you don’t get a whale close-up, puffins can still make the day feel complete because you’re seeing a real nesting story, not just passing wildlife.

How $192 fits the value equation for a 2-hour cruise

At $192 per person, this isn’t a budget add-on. But it also isn’t just “sit on a boat and hope.” The value is in the combination:

• A modern, small RIB with 12 suspension seats (comfort + ability to move quickly)
• Warm waterproof gear included, including coveralls plus gloves and goggles
• Guided wildlife spotting, with information about whales and the local area
• A tight 2-hour schedule that covers both Reykjavik harbor views and a wildlife-focused bay

Price-wise, you’re paying for access to a craft that can get you close enough to matter, while keeping you warm and safe. If you’ve only done slow sightseeing boats before, this can feel like paying for the difference between looking at nature from a distance and tracking it in motion.

Also, there’s a practical planning benefit. The tour is offered with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, which helps if Reykjavik weather is the big unknown in your itinerary.

Who should book this RIB whale watching (and who should skip it)

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• A short, active Iceland nature experience from Reykjavik
• A fast boat ride with real wildlife potential
• A guide-led trip where you learn what you’re seeing instead of just staring out at the sea

I’d be more cautious if:

• You’re sensitive to rough water. Wind can make the ride bumpy.
• Your group includes kids under 10, since the tour is listed as not suitable for them.
• You’re hoping for a guaranteed whale encounter. Whale sightings can’t be promised.

Should you book this Reykjavik speedboat whale watch?

If your goal is a close-to-the-action nature outing, I think this is a good booking. The RIB setup, the warm waterproof gear, and the focus on Faxaflói Bay give you a serious shot at whales and a strong backup plan with dolphins, seals, sea birds, and puffins.

I’d choose a day when you’re mentally ready for Iceland weather. If conditions are calmer, the ride can feel more comfortable and spotting gets easier. If it’s windier, you’re still likely to have an unforgettable experience thanks to the boat’s agility and the puffin segment.

Book it if you want to trade a slow day for a guided wildlife mission with big Iceland energy.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

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

How long is the tour?

The cruise lasts 2 hours.

What’s included with the tour besides the boat ride?

The included items are full guidance (whales, wildlife, and city info), a warm waterproof overall, gloves and goggles, and a life jacket rental, plus you’ll bring your own whale watching scarf.

What should I wear, and what shoes are not allowed?

You should wear warm clothing, and you must avoid sandals/flip-flops and open-toed shoes. You’ll receive a waterproof overall and you’ll use the gloves and goggles provided.

Can I guarantee I’ll see whales?

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

Is this tour suitable for children?

It is listed as not suitable for children under 10.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether anyone in your group gets motion sickness. I can help you decide the best day and packing priorities.