Reykjavik whales feel close on a RIB. This is a fast, small-boat ride from the Old Harbour that trades big-deck cruising for sharper searching in Faxaflói Bay—plus warm gear and the city views from sea level.

What I really like is the scale. A 12-seater RIB keeps things intimate, and the crew can swing quickly when wildlife shows. I also love how much warmth they build into the experience with provided overalls, gloves, and goggles—so you’re not just hoping you’ll stay comfortable.

One consideration: the boat ride is speedy and can feel bouncy in wind and waves, and the cold gets in if you’re underdressed. This trip also isn’t a good fit for people with back problems or for kids under 10.

Key points before you go

• 12-seater RIB speedboat for a more personal feel than big tours
• Old Harbour House check-in and a straightforward, self-service ticket scan
• Engey and Lundey passes for scenery even if whales are elsewhere
• Warm overalls, gloves, goggles included for Reykjavik weather
• Free return ticket if you don’t see wildlife on your day
• Captain-driven weather decisions for safety and comfort

RIB speedboat starts at the Old Harbour House

Your tour begins in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour area at the Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavik. Plan to check in 30 minutes early, then scan your ticket at the self-service kiosk. If you’re driving, you’ll want to use the nearest free parking option provided for this meeting point so you’re not scrambling when the boarding time hits.

This “get geared up first” style matters. Before you even get to the open water, the staff help you with the outfit: waterproof overalls, gloves, and goggles. That setup is the difference between enjoying the ride and counting minutes until you’re warm again.

Also, no hotel pickup here. If you’re staying in or near the center, that’s usually fine. If you’re farther out, you’ll want to budget extra time to reach the Old Harbour on your own.

Faxaflói Bay run: Engey, Lundey, and Reykjavík views from water

Once you leave the harbor, you head out off Reykjavik’s coast into Faxaflói Bay. This is not a “sit and wait” style of tour. It’s more like a guided search: cruise among nearby islands, then reposition quickly based on where the animals are showing.

You’ll pass Engey, the second-largest island in the Kollafjörður (Faxa Bay) area, which gives you a good stretch of coastline and island scenery. You’ll also cruise by Lundey, literally Puffin Island, a small uninhabited island off Reykjavík’s western coast. Even when whale sightings are slow, these island passes add variety. Plus, from the water, Reykjavik landmarks look different—Harpa concert hall is a standout when the weather is clear.

What I like about this route is that it gives you two “types” of payoff:

1) Reykjavík from the water (instant wow)

2) Wildlife time where they’re actually feeding and moving

How the captain hunts whales fast (and why it matters)

This tour lasts 2 hours, which sounds short until you understand what RIBs do well. RIBs are made for speed and quick changes of direction. That means the crew can chase sightings as soon as they’re spotted—rather than staying locked into one spot like some slower tours.

In practice, the difference shows up in the closeness. Many sightings in the data include whales and dolphins from relatively near positions, and people specifically appreciate that the boat can maneuver toward animal activity quickly. When you’re looking for minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and porpoises in Icelandic waters, time matters. The longer you spend steaming at the wrong speed or the wrong direction, the less chance you have to line up with the animals.

Still, wildlife isn’t guaranteed. The captain bases the decision to go out on conditions, and they’ll search for life in the water when it’s safe and reasonable. If you want certainty, no whale tour offers it. What this one offers is a serious effort and a plan if you don’t get lucky.

What you’re most likely to see: whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins

The star animals are the large whales—especially humpback whales—with frequent chances for minke whales. Dolphins show up often, including white-beaked dolphins. Harbour porpoises also appear in the sightings.

You might also spot seabirds, and puffins are a recurring theme because the route includes Lundey. Some departures include puffins alongside marine mammals, which makes the experience feel like more than just “wait for a blow.”

One thing to keep your expectations realistic: Iceland waters can be busy, but sightings depend on where the animals are that day. Even on a great day, you may see brief surfacing or a more playful burst of activity, then they move on. When people report multiple species, it usually means the animals were active in the same general search area during your 2-hour window.

Comfort on a chilly RIB: the gear and the wind reality

The tour includes warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, which is a big deal in Reykjavik. Reviews also highlight that the suits actually work—people mention staying warm enough and not getting drenched, depending on conditions.

But here’s the honest part: the boat is fast, and wind can feel sharp. If you’re sensitive to cold air, I’d treat this like a winter workout. Wear layers under the provided suit if you run cold, and think about wind protection for your face and ears. Some people also reported a touch of seasickness, and it’s not hard to imagine why—RIBs move quickly over waves.

Your best strategy:

• Dress in warm layers under the gear if you tend to feel cold
• Bring a camera (you’ll want it within reach)
• Keep your expectations flexible if the sea is bumpy

Why this is better than big-deck cruising for wildlife time

A lot of whale watching is crowded: big boats, long distances to the action, and a slow shuffle back to the dock. This tour avoids much of that by keeping the group small—12 seats on the RIB—and by using speed to cut to where the animals are.

That smaller setup has two knock-on benefits:

• You can actually follow what’s happening outside without craning your neck over a crowd
• The crew can reposition quickly without wasting time coordinating with hundreds of people

People also note that seeing whales close is part of what makes it unforgettable—the moment the animals show up and the boat lines up with them.

Weather and safety: when the captain calls the shots

This activity is weather dependent. The captain decides whether conditions are safe and comfortable. If weather is too rough or the tour can’t run as planned, you may see rescheduling.

There’s also a minimum-participant concept listed for this tour. If the minimum isn’t reached, the departure may be rescheduled. So, if your Reykjavik schedule is tight, keep some flexibility around your chosen tour time.

The good news is that safety decisions here come from experience and put passenger comfort in the mix. Also, the fact that they provide gear means they’re planning for cold conditions, not pretending it will be mild.

The free return ticket: how it changes the risk

Wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed. What you do get instead is an important safety net: if you don’t see any wildlife, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again.

That’s not a magic wand—you still might have a weather day or animals that don’t surface nearby—but it reduces the “I paid a lot and got nothing” risk. In a place like Iceland, where conditions can shift quickly, that extra try can be the difference between a good day and a trip that sticks with you for years.

Duration and itinerary timing: what 2 hours feels like

With only 2 hours on the water, the tour is built around search and response. You’re not spending the full time watching just one viewpoint. Instead, you’ll cruise, pass the key islands, and then focus on areas where whales and dolphins are reported or spotted.

That’s why the experience can feel intense—in a good way. When animals surface, the boat often moves toward them fast, then you watch for signs: blowing, movement near the surface, and how quickly animals appear and disappear. People who saw multiple humpbacks and pods of dolphins often describe the experience as surreal because it stacks moments close together within the short window.

A small critique you might hear in general with short tours: if whale activity is concentrated far from Reykjavik, you could spend a chunk of the time traveling to the main area, then return. But the RIB setup is also why you’re not stuck for long if animals are close to the route.

Price and value: is $200 worth it?

At $200 per person for a 2-hour RIB tour, this isn’t a budget activity. But in Reykjavik, whale watching usually costs more because:

• You’re paying for a small specialized boat
• You’re paying for fuel and crew time to chase sightings
• You’re paying for included cold-weather gear
• You’re paying for the ability to move quickly when animals appear

Where value feels strongest is when you see multiple species and get close enough for meaningful viewing. Many people specifically call out the intimacy of the small RIB and the fact that the crew can move toward sightings better than larger crowded options.

Also, the included gear helps justify the price. In colder weather, that equipment can otherwise mean extra purchases or discomfort. Add the free return ticket if you see nothing, and the value equation improves further.

Who should book this RIB whale-watching tour (and who shouldn’t)

This tour fits best if you:

• Want wildlife-focused time, not a slow cruise
• Prefer a smaller boat with room to move and watch
• Are comfortable dressing for Reykjavik wind and cold

It may not fit if you:

• Are under 10 years old
• Are pregnant
• Have back problems
• Are under 4 ft 8 in (145 cm)

If you’re an able-bodied adult who’s okay with bouncier rides and cold air, you’re the target audience. If you’re trying to keep things calm and flat, you might find a slower vessel more comfortable, but that would be a different style of day.

Should you book this Reykjavik RIB whale watching tour?

I’d book it if your goal is a fast, intimate shot at real marine life off Reykjavik, with 12 seats, included cold-weather gear, and a route that mixes Reykjavik views with Faxaflói Bay islands like Engey and Lundey. The odds improve because the crew can respond quickly, and the free return ticket reduces the risk of a total miss.

I’d think twice if you get motion sick easily, can’t handle cold wind, or fall into the listed groups for comfort and safety (pregnancy, back issues, or younger ages). If that’s you, you’ll likely enjoy the day less than you should.

If you’re on the fence, this is the kind of Reykjavik experience that’s worth doing once—because it combines the excitement of a RIB ride with the chance to see whales close enough that it feels personal.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching tour?

The tour duration is 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Check in at the Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík.

What time should I arrive?

Arrive and check in 30 minutes before departure.

What’s included in the ticket price?

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

Do I get hotel pickup or drop-off?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What animals might I see?

The tour searches for whales, dolphins, and porpoises, and you may also see seabirds such as puffins around the islands on the route.

Is wildlife guaranteed?

No. Sightings are not guaranteed, and if you don’t see any wildlife on your tour you receive a complimentary ticket to try again.

When is the best time to go whale watching in Iceland?

The best time is during summer months, from April until September.

What languages are offered on the tour?

The live tour guide is in English.

Is there any flexibility on booking or cancellation?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s also a reserve now & pay later option.