Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

A RIB makes whales feel close. I like this Reykjavik whale-watching trip because it runs on a 12-seater RIB speedboat that can chase marine life fast across Faxaflói Bay and the Reykjavik coastline. You also get big-city landmarks from the water, including views toward Harpa concert hall.

I really like the practical part: they suit you up in warm overalls plus gloves and goggles, so the cold wind does not ruin the day. And the “try again” perk matters. If you do not see any wildlife on your outing, you get a complimentary ticket to return another day.

One drawback to know up front: this is weather-dependent, and the ride can be bumpy when the sea is up. It is not for everyone, and if you are sensitive to cold or motion, you’ll want to plan for that.

Key things I’d plan around before you go

• Small 12-seater RIB boat means a more intimate, close-up style of whale watching
• Real Reykjavik sightseeing from the water with passes near Harpa and the coastline
• Faxaflói Bay route includes Engey and Lundey (Puffin Island) along the way
• Warm overalls, gloves, and goggles keep you comfortable in harsh North Atlantic conditions
• No wildlife, no problem. If sightings do not happen, you get a complimentary ticket to try again
• Weather decides the plan, so expect a captain who prioritizes safety and comfort

Why this Reykjavik whale-watch style works so well

There are two kinds of whale watching. The first is a big-deck cruise where you hope the animals show up near you. The second is what this RIB trip is built for: speed, agility, and quick reroutes when something blows or swims into view.

A small boat helps for two reasons. First, you can get better viewing angles in rougher weather than you’d get from a crowded vessel far out. Second, the crew can reposition fast if the action starts one corner of the bay and not the other. In practice, that means you spend more time looking at wildlife and less time watching empty water.

The other big win is the setting. Reykjavik’s harbor sits close to Faxaflói Bay, and that short distance is part of the magic. You are not burning half the day on travel to a remote area, so the full two hours feel like they belong to the hunt.

Meeting at Old Harbour House, and how to start without stress

You meet at Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík. Plan to arrive early and check in 30 minutes before departure. The check-in is simple: scan the bar or QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk.

If you drive, the key thing is to find the nearest free parking spot listed for the meeting area, so you do not waste time in Reykjavik traffic. Then keep it easy on yourself, bring comfortable shoes, and focus on dressing warm rather than packing a fashion show.

No hotel pickup is included, so treat this as a short, focused harbor experience. You’ll want to be ready to step into provided gear quickly and head out on time.

What the two hours feels like once you leave the Old Harbor

As soon as you head out from the Old Harbor, the vibe changes. The boat ride is fast, and the crew actively looks for activity rather than drifting along politely. That energy is exactly why people choose this option over slower tours when they want a more hands-on experience.

The route keeps you close to Reykjavik’s shoreline and the nearby islands in Faxaflói Bay. Expect passes that break up the scenery: open water stretches, the sightlines toward the city, and the quieter pockets near the islands.

The boat layout is built for movement and watching, not just sitting back for a long sermon. One practical tip from the trip experience: you will be in waterproof gear, and you’ll likely do some half-sit, half-stand positioning to handle the ride and reduce the impact when the boat hits the surface. It’s not hard, but it is also not a wheelchair-friendly “sit and forget” cruise.

Engey and Lundey (Puffin Island) are part of the real show

The tour route includes Engey, the second-largest island in the Kollafjörður or Faxa Bay area. Then you also cruise past Lundey, literally Puffin Island in Icelandic. These island passes matter because they help you understand where you are. You are not just “going out to look.” You’re moving through a living neighborhood of seabirds and marine life.

Lundey is especially memorable because it’s tied to puffins. Even when whales are the headline, it’s a nice bonus when you spot seabirds close enough to feel part of the same ecosystem.

Also, the islands break up your sense of distance. From a RIB, the world feels tighter, almost like you can reach the horizon with your camera. That proximity changes how the wildlife sightings land. A brief blow, a sudden turn, or a quick fin cutting the surface can feel instantly real.

Panoramic Reykjavik views, including Harpa concert hall from the water

One of my favorite “not-just-whales” perks is that this is also a Reykjavik sightseeing ride. You’ll pass along the coast and get panoramic water views of the city and its landmarks, with Harpa concert hall called out as a key visual marker.

Seeing Harpa from the water gives you a different sense of Reykjavik’s scale. From land, it can look like a single destination. From the bay, it becomes part of a larger story of port life, islands, and ocean access.

It’s also a good day plan if you want a compact Reykjavik activity that feels both outdoorsy and city-connected. You’re still out in North Atlantic air, but you’re not missing the urban highlights.

Wildlife odds, and what the free return ticket actually means

Whale watching is never a vending machine. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and the tour itself makes that clear. What I like is that the activity is designed around that reality, not around pretending outcomes are controllable.

If you do not see wildlife on your tour, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again another day. That changes the risk math. You’re paying for a two-hour RIB outing, but you’re not locked into one attempt only.

What counts as success? The evidence is in the variety of what people report: minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins (including white-beaked dolphins), and harbour porpoises. Puffins and other seabirds also show up for some departures, especially around the island passes.

My practical advice: think of the “free return” as a safety net, not a guarantee. If your schedule allows a second try, you stand a real chance of turning one good outing into two.

Weather, warmth, and the bumpy ride reality

Let’s talk about the North Atlantic. This trip depends on suitable weather conditions, and the captain decides whether to sail based on years of experience, with passenger safety and comfort first.

So yes, you may get wind. Some people do mention cold effects and motion sensitivity. One review-style pattern is that even when conditions are manageable, the boat can still feel choppy enough to bother some riders. If you know you get seasick easily, plan smart: bring whatever motion-stomach remedies you normally trust, and dress like the wind is your main opponent.

The comfort kit is a major advantage. You get warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, plus safety equipment. That gear is specifically there so you can focus on spotting wildlife instead of thinking about getting frostbite.

If you’re packing, I’d add one more practical item to your mental list even though the tour supplies plenty: a face cover can help when wind hits your ears and cheeks. In cold air, that protection makes the difference between enjoying the ride and wanting it to end fast.

Guides, small-boat focus, and how information boosts the experience

A big reason people rate this tour so highly is the guide-led focus. You get an English live tour guide, and the best part is how the crew uses the boat’s speed to act on sightings.

Guide names show up repeatedly in real-world outcomes. People mention guides like Claudia and Klaudia, and also Julien and Julien/J. type spellings along with Bianca. One guide was even described as a French marine biologist, which gives you the feel that you are getting more than “look over there” narration.

The practical payoff for you is clarity. When whales surface, you have seconds. A guide who knows what to look for can help you understand what you are seeing: blows, fin angles, typical behavior patterns, and where to look next.

Price and value: $200 for two hours in Iceland

At around $200 per person for a two-hour experience, this is not a budget activity. But it’s also not priced like a long bus tour with vague odds. You’re paying for a specific format: a small RIB boat, experienced captains who can reposition fast, and provided cold-weather gear.

Here is how I judge the value. If you want close viewing potential and you dislike crowded decks, the small-boat setup is the reason you pay. If you would rather spend your money where the action is, and not where you’re far out hoping, this format makes sense.

The “try again for free” option also adds weight to the price. It doesn’t eliminate the risk of missing whales, but it lowers the cost of a bad luck day.

So is it worth it? If whales are a top priority and your schedule can handle flexibility, I think it’s strong value. If you hate speedboats, or you need a calm ride with minimal motion, you might decide the money is better spent elsewhere.

Who should book, and who should skip this RIB

This specific tour is listed as not suitable for:

• Children under 10
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• Anyone under 4 ft 8 in (145 cm)

That tells you a lot about the ride profile. It is fast and more physical than a big sightseeing vessel. Even with warm gear, the motion and cold wind matter.

Who it fits best:

• Adults who want maximum chances to locate wildlife in a short time
• People who prefer small-group experiences over crowded cruises
• Camera fans who want active movement, fast positioning, and strong viewing windows

If you fall into the “motion sensitive” category, you can still consider it, but go in with realistic expectations. Dress warm, plan for wind, and treat it as an adventure ride first, gentle sightseeing second.

What to bring so you actually enjoy the full ride

Here’s what the tour requests you bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Warm clothing
• Camera

Even though you’ll receive warm overalls, you still want layered warmth under them. I also recommend you wear footwear that gives grip, because harbor areas can be slippery. A camera with a strap helps, because you do not want to chase gear while you’re trying to track a whale’s blow.

If you’re worried about storage, there is a practical note from the experience style: you can safely store extra clothing or bags at the office. That keeps your hands free for spotting and photographing.

Finally, check your personal tolerance for wind. Some people use face covers and ear protection tactics because cold wind can hit fast on a speedboat.

Should you book this Reykjavik RIB whale-watching trip?

Book it if you want your Reykjavik whale watching to feel urgent and alive, not slow and passive. The small 12-seater setup, the warm gear, the route that includes Engey and Puffin Island Lundey, and the strong chance to see real wildlife make it a smart match for wildlife-first travelers.

Skip it if speedboat motion, cold wind, or rougher sea conditions are dealbreakers for you, or if you fall under the listed health and size limits. Also skip it if your day is so packed you cannot handle potential weather-related changes.

If you do book, the best strategy is simple: dress for wind, arrive early, and keep your expectations flexible. In whale watching, the ocean sets the terms, and this RIB experience is built to help you read those terms quickly.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

You meet at Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík. You should check in there before departure.

How early do I need to arrive?

Please check in 30 minutes before departure at the Old Harbour House.

How long is the whale-watching tour?

The duration is 2 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What is included in the tour price?

Included items are the boat tour in a 12-seater RIB boat, Reykjavík sightseeing from the water, and warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and all necessary safety equipment.

What should I bring with me?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?

No. Sightings of wildlife cannot be guaranteed. If you do not see anything on your tour, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again.

When is the best time for whale watching in Iceland?

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

Is the tour affected by weather?

Yes. The tour depends on suitable weather conditions, and the captain decides based on experience while prioritizing passenger safety and comfort. The tour may also be rescheduled if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, and people under 4 ft 8 in (145 cm).