2-Hour RIB Boat Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik

Speed and saltwater, then whales in Reykjavik Bay. This 2-hour RIB whale watching tour runs out of Reykjavík’s Old Harbour into Faxaflói Bay, where the boat’s speed helps you reach wildlife faster than slow tour options. It’s built for real time on the water, not long waits on shore, and the small group size (up to 12) keeps the whole experience feeling focused.

I really like the practical setup: you get warm waterproof overalls, lifejacket, gloves, and goggles, then step straight onto a brand-new 12m custom-built RIB with comfort-focused suspension seats. I also love that you’re not just drifting and hoping, the guide and captain work the hunt together, including hands-on guidance that helped people spot humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises. I even heard names like Captain Yoda, guide Blanca, and lead guide Jonathan tied to memorable sightings.

One drawback to consider is the ride itself. A RIB is fast and can feel very bouncy when conditions turn rough, and it’s not a fit if you have mobility limits or a back or heart condition. The gear helps a lot, but comfort on the water still depends on how the sea is that day.

Key things I’d lock in before you go

• Up-close odds with a fast RIB: You cover more water quickly when wildlife is out there.
• Warm, provided gear: Overalls, gloves, goggles, and a lifevest mean you can focus on the water.
• Comfort seats for rougher conditions: Suspension seats are a big deal for a 2-hour run.
• Summer puffins at Akurey: You can add a puffin island stop when nesting season is on.
• Small group (max 12): More personal guiding and less time stuck waiting your turn.
• No whale guarantee: If you miss wildlife, there’s a complimentary try-again option on other whale tours.

Old Harbour check-in, wet-weather gear, and why arriving early matters

Most of the “how does this day go?” depends on the first 30 minutes. You’ll either get hotel pickup (if you choose that option) to the Special Tours ticket office in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, or you’ll meet directly at the office at Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík. From there, it’s check-in, then you put on the warm overalls and safety equipment before boarding.

I like this flow because it reduces last-minute scrambling. When the air is cold and the wind is cutting, standing around in your own clothes is the worst option. With this tour, you’re suited up early and you’re listening to the guide’s safety talk before you step onto the boat.

One practical tip: arrive at least 30 minutes early. The pace on RIB tours is efficient, but you still need time for changing, fastening the lifevest, and getting your goggles sorted so you’re not rushing at departure. Also, the meeting place is near public transportation, which is useful if you prefer not to rely on pickup.

Entering the RIB: 12m speed, suspension seats, and what that really changes

This is a 2-hour outing on a 12m custom-built RIB express boat. That size and design matter because you’re not on a long, lumbering vessel. Instead, you’re on a quick, agile craft that can reposition fast when the guide spots signs of whales or dolphins.

Inside, the shock-absorbing seats are specifically meant for comfort and stability. Reviews mention the ride feeling like a roller coaster, exciting for some people and too intense for others. The key is that “bumpy” isn’t just a vibe. When conditions are rough, a RIB can jar your body more than you expect, even with thermal coveralls and the right safety gear.

You’re also moving at speed toward the feeding grounds in Faxaflói Bay, and the boat is capable of around 30 knots in the right conditions. That speed is a major reason why this tour can boost your chances. Wildlife is not a guarantee, but reaching the right area sooner helps.

If you’re sensitive to motion, take the ride seriously. I’d think twice if you have a back problem, mobility challenges, or any reason you should avoid being jolted for a sustained period. People have had a great time even when sea conditions were described as rough, but you should plan for the possibility that it will feel intense in swellier weather.

Faxaflói Bay run: Esja mountain scenery and the hunt strategy on the water

Once you leave the harbour, you’re not just going straight to “whales or bust.” The trip includes the scenery and the actual searching part. Expect views across Faxaflói Bay, with landmarks like Esja mountain showing up along the route. This matters because it sets expectations: you’ll see water, wind, and coastline up close for the full two hours, even before any wildlife appears.

Then comes the real reason to choose this type of boat. The guide and captain can reposition quickly when they get signals. A small crew paired with a RIB’s speed gives you more chances to intersect with whales and dolphins while they’re actively feeding or moving through the bay.

The species targets in this tour include:

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

What counts as a good outing? Not every whale is going to breach. Sometimes you get quick blows, sometimes you track a calmer surface movement for a while. One of the recurring success patterns in the feedback is following whales for stretches of time and seeing tail flukes or close surface interaction, especially with humpbacks and dolphins.

Also, this tour follows an approach aligned with the IceWhale code of conduct, which is important. Close encounters are thrilling, but the right rules protect the animals and keep the experience ethical. You should feel safe and informed, not rushed into dangerous distance.

What you’re really buying with a whale tour: expertise and repeat options

With wildlife, the honest truth is that you can’t control what’s out on the water that day. This tour spells that out clearly. Wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, and if you don’t see animals on your trip, you’ll receive a complimentary ticket to try again on Whale Watching Classic or Whale Watching Express tours.

That policy changes how I think about value. If this were just a single shot, a miss could sting at this price. But a try-again option means you’re not walking away with a blank day, assuming there’s availability on a later outing.

The “expert guide” piece is the other value driver. In practice, it means you’re not interpreting distant spouts on your own. The team works together, and a lot of the best memories people tied to this tour involve guidance that helped them locate whales and dolphins fast, then stick with the right area long enough for the interaction to matter.

Names like Captain Yoda and guide Blanca show up in standout stories, and lead guide Jonathan is mentioned in another memorable account. When you see those names linked with both animals and safety, it suggests the crew style is hands-on and consistent.

One more thing you should know: you might get multiple sightings, but you can also get a slower day. A few people mentioned seeing only one whale, or seeing whales on one trip but not another. That’s not a reason to avoid it, just a reminder to think of this as a guided search, not a guaranteed animal show.

The summer Akurey puffin stop, and why it’s worth the timing

During summer months when puffins are nesting, the tour includes a stop at Akurey, one of the popular puffin nesting islands. This is a meaningful add-on because it gives you a second wildlife “lane” beyond whales.

Puffins can be easier to enjoy because they’re stationary compared to whales that move through the water. Even if your main priority is whales, the puffin stop can rescue the day if sightings are limited or if the sea is choppier than expected.

Just note the scale of distance. Some feedback suggests it can be hard to get very close views from the boat while you’re out by the island. That doesn’t mean you won’t see them, it just means you should pack realistic expectations and bring a camera you’re comfortable using in windy conditions.

And when you return, you get Reykjavík coastline scenery as you head back to Old Harbour. It’s one more reason this tour feels like a full time-on-the-water experience, not a short taxi ride to the “spot” and back.

Comfort, safety, and who should avoid this kind of RIB ride

This part matters. A RIB is built for speed and responsiveness. That also means it can feel intense.

A few practical points based on the tour details and real-world concerns:

• The boat ride can be bumpy in rougher seas.
• You’re wearing cold-weather gear, which helps warmth, but it doesn’t change the physics of the boat.
• The tour is not recommended for children under 10 or anyone under 145 cm.
• You should have moderate physical fitness level.
• It is not recommended for people with back issues or who may struggle with mobility on and off the boat.

If you’re traveling with older adults, or someone with health considerations, I’d treat this as an important compatibility check. One review said the ride felt fast and bumpy, and another said it can be exhilarating but might not work for everyone. If your goal is a calm, smooth sightseeing cruise, this probably won’t match that mood.

That said, many guests describe the shock seats and provided thermal gear as exactly what makes the experience tolerable even with wind and swell. So the comfort story is mixed, but the offered gear and suspension seats are real safeguards.

Price and value: is $189.87 really fair for 2 hours?

At $189.87 per person, this tour is not cheap. The question is what you get for the cost, and how that stacks up with what’s included.

Here’s what’s included:

• Warm waterproof overalls, lifevests, gloves, and goggles
• Suspension seats for extra comfort
• An expert guide in English
• A stop at Akurey during summer nesting season
• Safety equipment

What’s not included:

• Hotel transfers, though they can be added

So you’re paying for a guided search on a fast RIB, not just general sightseeing. You’re also paying for the “hard parts” of cold-weather outfitting, the smaller group experience (max 12), and the extra seat comfort built for impact and stability.

If you compare it to a cheaper whale tour, the biggest difference is time efficiency. The RIB can reach feeding grounds quickly, and that’s a real advantage when whales are moving through the bay. You’re also more likely to get a closer, more interactive experience because the boat is agile and responsive when wildlife appears.

Is it worth it? For many people, yes, especially if:

• you want more action and less waiting,
• you’re comfortable with a bouncy fast ride,
• you’re okay with the whale sighting not being guaranteed.

If you’re the type who needs calm and comfort above all, I’d consider a more gentle option instead, even if you pay a bit less or wait longer for sightings.

Should you book this RIB whale watching from Reykjavík?

Book it if you want the highest intensity version of whale watching in Reykjavík Bay, and you’re the kind of person who thinks speed and wind are part of the fun. This tour is built for quick repositioning, small-group guiding, and cold-weather readiness. The shock-absorbing seats and provided gear are practical advantages, not marketing fluff.

Also, book it if you like the idea of “plan B built in.” The complimentary ticket option if you miss whales takes some of the edge off the uncertainty. And if you’re visiting in summer, the Akurey puffin stop adds a second wildlife moment to your itinerary.

Skip or rethink it if you:

• have a back condition, heart condition, or mobility limitations,
• need a calm, smooth ride,
• are traveling with younger kids under the stated age or height limit.

If you do book, my best advice is simple: arrive early, dress for the wind, and trust the crew once you’re on the water. When Captain and guide work the bay effectively, this is one of those Reykjavík experiences that feels like you were out there for a real reason, not just following a schedule.

FAQ

How long is the RIB whale watching tour?

The tour runs for about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup is available if you select the option. If you do not select pickup, you meet at the ticket office in Old Harbour.

What wildlife are you searching for?

The tour looks for humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises.

Do you stop at a puffin nesting island?

Yes. During summer months, the tour includes a stop at Akurey, a popular puffin nesting island.

What gear is included?

You get warm overalls, lifevests, gloves, and goggles.

How many people are in the group?

The maximum group size is 12 travelers.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, the expert guide provides guidance in English.

What if we do not see whales?

Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. If there are no sightings on your tour, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again on Whale Watching Classic or Whale Watching Express tours.

Is the tour suitable for children?

It is not recommended for children under age 10 or under 145 cm.