A fast RIB changes how you see the sea.

I love the speedboat-style access here, because the RIB can cover more water and get you closer to whales and dolphins than a larger, slower vessel. I also like the small-group setup (limited to 12) plus the warm overalls and shock-absorbing seats, which matter when the North Atlantic has opinions. One thing to consider: this is a high-energy ride, and it is not a good match if you have a back problem or you’re pregnant.

You meet at Reykjavik Old Harbour, gear up with provided coveralls, and then head out with a professional captain and English-speaking wildlife guide. If you’re lucky, you’ll find whales, dolphins, seabirds, and in the May-to-August window, puffins in their breeding areas.

What makes the hunt feel different

This tour is built around the idea that wildlife viewing is half science, half searching. The smaller boat, the larger search area, and the guided scouting all increase your odds of a real moment instead of a distant sighting. And if you miss out entirely, you may get a complimentary ticket for another ride.

Key things to know before you go

• Rigid inflatable speedboat (RIB) energy: fast, low-in-the-water thrills that help you see wildlife up close.
• Shock seats for comfort: warm overalls plus suspension seats designed to reduce the jolt on open water.
• Small-group limit of 12: easier spotting, more guide attention, less crowding.
• Reykjavik shoreline views from the water: you cruise past landmark sights, not just open sea.
• Puffins May–August: short stop at breeding grounds when conditions line up.
• If wildlife is a no-show, you’re not out of luck: there’s a complimentary ticket if you don’t spot marine life.

Whale Watching by Speedboat in Reykjavik: RIB thrills with real wildlife focus

Reykjavik whale watching can go two ways: a long ride on a big boat where you mostly point, or a focused search where you actually get positioned for sightings. This Speedboat RIB tour leans hard into the second approach. You’re on a rigid inflatable boat, built to move quickly across the water, which changes the whole rhythm of the outing.

The timing also helps. You get about 2 hours on the water, which is long enough for a real search and short enough that you’re not spending your whole day trying to will a whale into view. And the small group size (12 max) means you’re not lost in a sea of people when something surfaces.

I also like that the tour doesn’t treat the sea like a vague background. You’re given a proper safety briefing, warm coveralls, and the right equipment so you can concentrate on spotting wildlife instead of worrying about being cold or awkward in rougher conditions.

Meeting at Reykjavik Old Harbour and getting geared up fast

You’ll meet at Old Harbour of Reykjavik, Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavik. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early so you’re not rushed when it’s time to suit up and board.

They provide warm overalls and all necessary safety equipment. The main item you bring is simple: closed-toe shoes. This is Iceland, so your feet matter. Closed shoes help with wet decks and boot-like grip when you hop on and off.

A practical heads-up: they do not allow luggage or large bags. If you’re traveling with a big suitcase, sort it out before you head to the harbour. Pack light for this day, or at least keep essentials easy to carry.

Also, there are clear boundaries for who should join. This tour is suitable for children over age 10 and over 145 cm. It is not recommended if you have a history of back problems, and it’s not suitable for pregnant women. If you fall into any of those categories, you’ll likely be uncomfortable—this boat ride is meant to move.

Two hours on open water: what the RIB ride is really like

After a safety briefing, you pull on the provided coveralls and hop aboard. Then it’s out of the harbour and into a more active style of wildlife search.

The best way to think about the experience is this: the RIB is designed to be quick and responsive. That means you can cover a larger search area during your 2-hour window. It also means your “where are we now?” feeling changes constantly. You’re not stuck waiting in one spot while the sea decides your fate.

The tour uses new, high-quality suspension seats, described as shock seats for safety and comfort. That’s a big deal because at speed, you want to feel steady, not beat up. If you’ve ever taken a boat where every wave turns into a body lesson, you’ll appreciate that they planned for this.

A note about seasickness and seat choice

The information here doesn’t say anything about motion sickness medicine, but the ride is fast enough that you should be honest about your own comfort level. Some people love sitting in the front area for the sensation of speed; one booking described a front-row seat making it feel more like you were right in the action, especially when the sea was calm. If you’re sensitive to motion, you might prefer a more stable-feeling spot—though exact seating selection isn’t specified, so treat that as a general comfort strategy rather than a guarantee.

Wildlife viewing near Reykjavik: whales, dolphins, seabirds, and puffins

This is the core reason you’re here: close-up wildlife viewing from the water near Reykjavik’s coastline and nearby islands.

Whales and dolphins: why the RIB helps

Because the boat is low and fast, you’re more likely to be positioned well when animals surface. The tour is set up for close observations of whales, dolphins, and seabirds. In past outings tied to this experience, people reported sightings including minke whales and humpback whales, along with dolphins that actively played around the boat.

I like that the guide and captain are described as actively working the hunt—one account notes they kept going to try to ensure an experience even when it meant going farther from the harbour than you might expect.

Puffins in breeding season (May to August)

Between early May and the end of August, you have a real chance to see puffins in their breeding grounds. The tour makes a short stop at the puffin area early in the outing.

That means this isn’t just a “maybe we spot something” safari. If you’re traveling in the right months, puffins become part of the plan rather than a lucky bonus.

The shoreline highlights: Sun Voyager and Harpa from the water

The tour isn’t only about the open sea. When you’ve finished scouting, you head back and make quick stops to admire Reykjavik shoreline landmarks.

On the way back, you’ll cruise along the city’s coast and spot sights from the water, including:

• Sun Voyager (the sculpture along the shoreline)
• Harpa Concert Hall (the dramatic glass-and-steel venue)

This matters because it gives your 2 hours of motion a payoff beyond wildlife. Even if marine life is quiet, you’re still getting a different angle on Reykjavik—especially because you’re seeing the city from sea level instead of walking streets.

Price in Reykjavik: is $200 per person worth it?

At $200 per person for about 2 hours, this isn’t a budget activity. But the price starts to make sense when you add up what’s included and what you’re buying.

What you get for the money:

• A professional captain and wildlife guide
• Warm overalls and all safety equipment
• A fast RIB that covers more water during your time
• A small group limit of 12
• A fallback plan if you don’t see marine life: a complimentary ticket for another ride (as described in one account)

In other words, you’re paying for effort and positioning, not just the right to stand on a deck. Whale watching is unpredictable. This tour tries to push the odds in your favor by searching efficiently and getting you close enough for real viewing when the wildlife shows up.

If you’re choosing between a cheaper big-boat option and this RIB style, I’d consider what you want most:

• If you want a more relaxed outing, the RIB may feel intense.
• If you want maximum time searching and best odds of close views, the RIB is the point.

Small group, strong guiding: Elsa, Raoul, and the teamwork vibe

A lot of whale-watching is luck. What you can control is whether the team knows what it’s doing and whether you’re left to figure it out on your own. Here, the tour clearly emphasizes guiding and active scanning.

Some specific names from English-language guides associated with this experience include Elsa and Raoul. People describe guides as friendly, educational, and genuinely invested in conservation and what they’re seeing. Captains also get credit for safe, smooth operations and even a bit of fun when conditions allow.

And that small-group limit (12) is more than a number. It reduces bottlenecks when someone spots movement, and it makes it easier for the guide to keep everyone oriented. In a hunt, group management isn’t fluff.

Who this speedboat whale tour fits best

This tour is a good fit if:

• You want a fast, active style of whale watching rather than a slow cruise.
• You’re okay with a ride that feels like speedboat adventure.
• You’re traveling in May–August and want a shot at puffins in breeding areas.
• You prefer a small-group experience with an English-speaking wildlife guide.

It may not fit if:

• You have a history of back problems
• You are pregnant
• You’re traveling with a child under 10 or under 145 cm
• You’re not comfortable with a bouncy, high-speed vessel

If you’re on the fence and physical comfort is your main concern, pick the option that matches your body and your day. Iceland rewards the right choices, but not at the cost of being miserable.

Practical tips so your Reykjavik whale watch goes smoothly

Here’s how to get more out of the 2 hours you’re on the water.

• Wear closed-toe shoes you’re comfortable getting wet. Iceland can do both chill and splash in the same hour.
• Arrive early (30 minutes) so you can check in, get fitted with coveralls, and settle your gear.
• Pack light since luggage or large bags aren’t allowed.
• Dress for wind, not just temperature. Even with warm overalls, wind can cut.
• If you’re hoping for puffins, aim for May to August. That seasonal window is when the breeding-grounds stop makes sense.
• Bring patience for the sea. If the water conditions aren’t right, plans can change. One booking described a day cancellation because of sea conditions even when land weather looked fine, then a reschedule after a clear explanation.

Should you book Whale Watching in Reykjavik by Speedboat?

If your priority is close wildlife viewing and you want the boat to actively search rather than drift around, I think this is a strong pick. The combination of a small group (12 max), included warm overalls, and the shock-seat comfort adds up to a more “I’m doing something” feeling than many sightseeing tours.

Book it especially if you’re visiting in May through August and puffins are on your list. Even with whales and dolphins, puffins are the part that turns your odds into a seasonal plan.

Skip it if you know you won’t tolerate a fast RIB ride or you fall into the health limitations listed (back problems, pregnancy). In that case, look for a more suitable style of whale watching.

If you want the best chance of a memorable 2 hours on the North Atlantic, this is one of the more direct ways to do it from Reykjavik.

FAQ

What is the duration of the whale watching tour?

The tour runs for 2 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $200 per person.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at the Old Harbour of Reykjavik, Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavik.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring closed-toe shoes. You’ll also be provided with warm overalls.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included are a professional captain and wildlife guide, use of warm overalls, and all necessary safety equipment.

Is food or drinks provided?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Can kids join, and are there height limits?

Yes for children over age 10 and taller than 145 cm.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant people or those with back problems?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, and it’s not recommended for people with a history of back problems.

What if we don’t see whales or wildlife?

If you don’t spot any marine life, the captain may provide a complimentary ticket for another ride before you leave.