Two hours. One sea-level chase. This small-group RIB tour from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour is built for close wildlife sightings, whether you’re chasing puffins in season or scanning for whales and dolphins. I like how it keeps the group tight (up to 12) and how you’re out on the water fast, in boats that put you at sea level for that wow-I’m-right-there perspective.

The main thing to consider is comfort in real North Atlantic conditions. Even with warm coveralls and shock-absorbing seats, the ride can be choppy, and it’s not recommended for knee problems (and young children). If you’re sensitive to motion, plan for that reality.

Key points worth knowing before you go

• Max 12 people means more time watching, less time waiting and craning
• Puffin season (early May to end of August) includes short visits to nearby islands
• Faxaflói Bay scanning covers a big area to improve your odds of seeing whales and dolphins
• Sea-level RIBs get you closer than big-boat routes
• Warm coveralls + safety gear are included, plus a professional marine biologist guide
• No sightings plan: if whales don’t show, you’ll receive a ticket for an alternative tour

Reykjavík RIB Whale Watching: What You’re Actually Buying

You’re not just paying to be on a boat. You’re paying for positioning—being close to the action at sea level, with a small crew and a guide who’s there to spot wildlife, not just drive a route.

The boat style matters. This is a RIB speedboat: fast enough to cover more search area, small enough to get you nearer to what’s happening. The goal is simple. Find whales, dolphins, and sea birds, then watch from the best angles possible without feeling like you’re stuck behind a crowd.

And you’re also buying a second experience: a quick coastal ride back past Reykjavík’s landmarks. Even if your wildlife moments are the headline, that shoreline perspective from the water is a nice bonus.

Finding the boats at Ægisgarður 5d (and why the small group feels better)

The tour starts at Ægisgarður 5d, right in Reykjavík, and it returns to the same meeting point. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to arrive with enough time to check in and get your gear on.

Once you’re there, the maximum of 12 travelers is the difference-maker. Big tours can turn whale watching into a photo contest where nobody can see anything clearly. Here, the tighter group setup means you can spread out a bit, stay focused, and actually track the birds and the water for movement.

This also helps your guide do their job. A marine biologist guide can point things out, explain what you’re seeing, and adjust the boat’s position based on what’s happening. In practice, that means you’re more likely to understand the “why” behind the sightings, not just stare at something far away.

Puffin season islands: the short stop that can steal the show

If you’re traveling early May through end of August, this tour includes puffins in their natural habitat. The island options are Akurey, Engey, or Lundey just outside Reykjavík.

You don’t spend forever here—expect about 5 to 10 minutes with the puffins. That sounds quick, but it matches how wildlife viewing works at the islands. The birds are active, and conditions can change fast with wind and waves. The quick stop is a trade-off: you get an extra close encounter without losing the prime time needed for whale searching.

What makes this part feel special is variety. You’re not just looking for puffins. Sea birds like auks and gannets can dominate the skies and sea cliffs, and the timing near Reykjavík often gives you that concentrated “birds everywhere” feel.

One practical note: this stop is outside and brief. Dress like you’ll be standing still in cold wind, because you will.

Faxaflói Bay whale safari: getting closer from sea level

After the bird moment (if you’re in season), you head out into Faxaflói Bay for the whale search. This is the core of the trip, and it runs for about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Why does this feel different from big-boat whale watching? Two reasons:

First, the RIB can reach the areas the guide wants to search more quickly. That means more time scanning in the right places, and less time wasting on slow travel.

Second, you’re lower and closer. When whales surface near the boat, you don’t just see a speck. You see the behavior—breathing blows, movement at the surface, and the way dolphins sometimes interact with the boat’s wake.

The sightings can be impressive. Guides on this tour are trained to keep eyes on multiple cues at once—birds spotting, water texture, and timing—so if conditions cooperate, you can get repeat sightings. Some travelers even describe whales surfacing very close to the RIB, which is exactly what sea-level positioning is meant to do.

There’s also a comfort upgrade here: the boat uses high-performance suspension seats. Those shock-absorbing seats help reduce the jolt when the sea gets rough, which matters when you’re out for over an hour.

Reykjavík from the water: Harpa and the Sun Voyager photo pass

Once the whale safari wraps up, you don’t just speed back and disappear. You return to Reykjavík and take a short ride along the coastline.

You’ll pass the Sun Voyager sculpture and get a panoramic view from the sea. Then you’ll go by Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, with time to appreciate the famous glass façade from the harbor side.

This section is short—more like a moving viewpoint than a full city tour. Still, it’s a good way to keep your time feeling complete. After the excitement on open water, it’s also calming to slow down and switch your focus from wildlife scanning to the skyline.

Gear and comfort: coveralls, gloves, and the motion reality check

What you wear can make or break a cold-water boat trip in Iceland. This tour includes coveralls, plus all necessary safety equipment. That’s a real value item because layering the wrong way can leave you damp, chilled, or stuck.

Based on what’s worked well for many visitors, come prepared with the basics:

• wool or fleece layers
• hat and gloves
• sturdy footwear

Even with coveralls, you’ll feel wind. And even with suspension seats, you’ll still be on a fast boat in real sea conditions.

So here’s the honest balance: people do report wildly fun rides, but you should also expect that some days bring choppier water. If you’re older, have balance issues, or get motion sick easily, I’d treat this as a “get ready and manage it” kind of outing, not a gentle cruise.

Also, it’s not recommended for travelers with knee problems. That’s not about judgment—it’s about safety and how you’ll need to move around and brace on a boat.

The guide factor: marine biologists who actually help you see

This experience includes a professional marine biologist guide. That’s not just a title. The guide’s job is to spot wildlife, interpret what you’re seeing, and position the boat where your odds improve.

Some guides you might run into on this operator’s tours include people named Maria, Sam, Ann, Milán, Pedro, and Lefterius, plus a driver/captain named Emily mentioned alongside the crew. I can’t promise who you’ll get, but it’s a sign that the team tends to be talkative, patient, and focused on the science and the spotting.

You’ll also likely get practical help if you’re struggling with cold or motion. Several travelers note the crew’s ability to adjust for comfort and explain what to watch for—like how to track whales and how birds relate to marine life.

If you care about photos, ask in advance if the crew takes group shots or shares images afterward. People have described receiving photos and even shared media tied to their sightings.

Price and value: is $208.09 for about 2 hours worth it?

At $208.09 per person for roughly two hours, this isn’t the cheapest way to do whale watching. But it’s also not trying to be.

You’re paying for a package of value drivers:

• a small group (max 12), which improves sight lines and attention
• RIB speedboat access for closer, more active wildlife searching
• a marine biologist guide
• included coveralls and required safety gear
• a route that includes both wildlife time and Reykjavík’s harbor views

If you’ve done big-boat whale watches elsewhere, you know the trade-offs: more people, more distance, more waiting. Here, the RIB format is the whole point.

The other reason it can feel worth it is that wildlife viewing is a numbers game. A guide who can cover more area and put you in position matters. This tour is designed to improve odds by searching a wider area and keeping you close when sightings happen.

Who should book this RIB whale watching tour?

This is a strong fit if you want:

• close wildlife viewing at sea level
• a small-group experience instead of a crowded boat
• winter-proof gear handled for you (coveralls included)
• a guide who can explain what’s going on, not just point vaguely

It’s also a good option early in your Iceland trip. If you want a fast hit of “Iceland is real” on day one or day two, this delivers. You get wildlife, sea scenery, and Reykjavík harbor landmarks in one shot.

You should think twice if:

• you have knee problems
• you’re traveling with young kids (children must be over age 10 and over 145 cm)
• you’re highly sensitive to motion and rough water days

If whales don’t show: your options on the water

Wildlife is wildlife. This tour includes a clear plan for failed sightings: if you don’t get whale sightings, you receive a ticket for an alternative tour.

Weather is another factor. This activity requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

That’s important because Iceland boat days can’t be forced. Even with excellent planning, the ocean decides sometimes.

Should you book Whale Safari’s Reykjavík RIB tour?

I’d book it if your priority is close encounters with whales and dolphins, plus puffins in season, and you’d rather be on a smaller RIB than in a big crowd. The included coveralls, professional marine biologist guide, and sea-level viewing all add up to a meaningful experience for the money.

I’d pause and reconsider if you or your group can’t handle choppy water or you’ve got knee concerns. In those cases, you might be happier with a more relaxed sightseeing style.

If you’re flexible and you dress for cold wind, this is the kind of Iceland outing that turns into a story you’ll tell later: whales breaching or surfacing close, puffins popping up on the islands, and Reykjavík’s harbor lights waiting for you on the way back.

FAQ

What’s the meeting point for the tour?

The tour starts at Ægisgarður 5d, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the RIB whale watching tour?

It runs about 2 hours total (approx.).

How many people are on the boat?

This experience has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

When can I see puffins?

Puffin season is early May through the end of August.

What animals might I see?

You may see whales, dolphins, and birds, and in puffin season you’ll also visit islands for puffins.

What should I wear in Iceland cold weather?

Dress warmly with wool or fleece layers, a hat, gloves, and sturdy footwear. Coveralls are provided.

Is this tour suitable for kids or anyone with knee problems?

Children must be over age 10 and over 145 cm tall. It is not recommended for travelers with knee problems.

What happens if there are no sightings or the weather is bad?

If there are no sightings, you’ll get a ticket for an alternative tour. If the trip is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.