Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by RIB Boat

Fast boats, close wildlife, Iceland in motion. This Reykjavik whale-watching tour runs out into Faxaflói Bay on a RIB, so you get speed, flexibility, and a very hands-on feel for marine life. I especially like the small-boat experience and the chance to read the water with a guide who talks about what you are actually seeing.

Second, I like the built-in bonus of visiting the Whales of Iceland Museum right after you cruise, which helps turn sightings into real understanding instead of just good luck. The main drawback to think about is that the ride depends on conditions, and it is not for everyone (notably kids under 10, pregnant travelers, people with back problems, and anyone under 140 cm).

Quick hits: why this RIB whale tour works

• RIB speed and maneuvering help you get to active areas quickly in Faxaflói Bay
• Warm overalls plus gloves and goggles take the edge off a sea-breeze cruise
• Shock-suspension seating is designed to make the bouncy ride easier on your body
• Summer puffins at Akurey add a second wildlife hit beyond whales
• Museum ticket included so you can match what you saw to how whales live
• English live guide with on-water interpretation from guides such as Rebecca/Rebekka, Joel, Daniel, Iris, Eva, and Patrik

Faxaflói Bay whale watching from Reykjavik, in plain terms

Reykjavik whale watching is often a gamble, but this route gives you a smart shot. Faxaflói Bay sits close to the city, and it is known for whale feeding activity, which matters because whales are not roaming randomly just because you want a photo. On a typical outing, the captain and guide aim for feeding grounds and spend time where the action is happening.

What I like about this specific tour format is the way a RIB changes the game. A rigid inflatable boat is quicker to position, easier to adjust when wildlife appears, and more responsive when birds start pointing you toward something in the water. Some guides and captains bring energy too, with names like Joel and Daniel showing up in past trips as the people steering the chatter and the search.

One more practical point: you will also see plenty of coastline views as you head out. You get that Reykjavik-from-the-sea perspective, plus a constant sense of being near things, not far away in open-ocean darkness.

The 32-knot RIB ride and the comfort setup that actually helps

This is not a slow sightseeing skiff. The tour description calls for a cruising speed of 32 knots, and many riders describe it as fast and lively. If you like a bit of motion and you want to feel like you are in the moment, you will likely enjoy it.

Comfort is taken seriously here. You are provided with warm flotation suits, life vests, gloves, and goggles, and the RIB uses special shock suspension seating. That matters because in cold windy water, your discomfort is usually the enemy, not the viewing itself. I also appreciate that you do not have to guess what to wear from scratch. You can base your layers on the idea that you will be inside a suit meant for being out at sea.

Now, a realistic consideration: multiple reviews describe some bouncing and spray, and a few mention that the boat feels like a rollercoaster. That does not mean it is miserable, but it does mean you should be honest about your limits. If you know you are sensitive to motion, plan accordingly.

Where you start: meeting at Aegisgardur 5E and what happens before you go

The meeting point is simple: Aegisgardur 5E, 101 Reykjavik, at the local tour operator’s ticket office. From there, you will be directed into the pre-departure routine that makes the rest of the tour smoother.

Expect a setup period where you get kitted out. The tour includes warm overalls, plus the key “cold weather” items like gloves and goggles. You also get life vests. This is the part that makes a whale watch feel doable, even when it is chilly and breezy.

Then you move into the real experience: the RIB heads toward Faxaflói Bay. The captain makes the call based on weather, focusing on safety and comfort, and you should know that departures can change if conditions do not cooperate.

The 2-hour plan: search for whales, then add puffins in summer

The duration is two hours, so you do not get a long, drawn-out day. Instead, the structure is built for momentum: gear up, head out quickly, search in the feeding grounds, and then make time for an extra stop.

Here is the flow you should expect:

1. Meet and gear up at Aegisgardur 5E.
2. Cruise out to Faxaflói Bay on a fast RIB, using the speed to position where whales are more likely to be active.
3. Spend time in the whale feeding grounds. In good conditions, this is where sightings happen and where guides help you understand what you are looking at.
4. Look for puffins at Akurey during summer months. This is a seasonal add-on built into the tour.
5. Return toward Reykjavik after the planned time on the water.

Why this matters for value: two hours is long enough to actually chase wildlife patterns, but short enough that you are not stuck out there for an entire half day if the search takes time. It also keeps your schedule flexible if you want to stack other Reykjavik highlights on the same day.

What you can realistically spot: whales, dolphins, and the “read the water” approach

Whale watching is not a menu with guaranteed items. But this tour is set up to increase your odds by moving quickly and staying alert to wildlife activity.

When conditions are right, many riders report sightings like:

• Minke whales
• Humpback whales (including rare moments like mother and calf mentioned in past trips)
• Dolphins (including pods that sometimes stick around close to the boat)
• Porpoise in some outings

The best part is not just species. It is what your guide does with the sightings. Past guides such as Rebecca/Rebekka and Patrik are described as energetic, answering questions, and pointing out details about marine life and the local area. If you want your time on the water to feel more meaningful than a quick spot-and-snap, this is one of the tour’s strengths.

Also, watch for the “secondary cues.” Puffin and seabird activity can be a clue that something is happening below the surface. Guides often use these signs to help the captain find feeding areas.

Akurey puffins in summer: a bonus stop with real personality

During the summer months, the tour includes a stop at the island of Akurey to look for puffins. This is specifically tied to puffin nesting grounds along the coast during breeding season.

This matters because puffins are more than a cute photo target. They are active, and when you are sitting on a RIB near where they nest, the experience feels immediate. Reviews also mention pufflings (young puffins) and puffin hunting behavior during summer sightings, which adds motion and variety.

One practical tip for your expectations: puffin viewing is seasonal. If you are traveling outside the summer window, you should plan your hope on whales and dolphins first, then treat puffins as an extra when offered.

Whales of Iceland Museum after the tour: making the biology stick

The tour includes a ticket to the Whales of Iceland Museum, located in the Grandi harbor district of Reykjavik. This is a smart add-on because the boat ride can show you “what is there,” but the museum explains “what it means.”

The museum focuses on Atlantic whale species and includes exhibits on whale biology, migration, and conservation. In practical terms, it helps you connect the dots from your time on the water. You can look up the type of whale you likely saw, learn what to look for next time, and understand why conservation matters in Icelandic waters.

It is also a nice way to keep your day moving. If the sea air has you cold, you get a warm, indoor follow-up without needing to plan another ticket or another attraction.

Price and value: what about $194 gets you

At about $194 per person for two hours, this is not the cheapest activity in Reykjavik, but it is also not an empty splurge. You are paying for a specific kind of boat experience plus included gear and a museum ticket.

Here is where the value comes from:

• RIB operation and positioning: speed and maneuverability cost money, and they are key to whale searching.
• All the cold-weather gear: warm flotation suits, life vests, gloves, and goggles are included.
• Guide time on water: live English interpretation while you look.
• Museum ticket: the Whales of Iceland Museum is included after the cruise.

What is not included is also clear: meals and drinks, and no hotel pickup and drop-off. So if you are already paying for food in Reykjavik anyway, the tour’s included items help balance the price.

If you are deciding between a larger ship and a RIB, think about what you want. Reviews repeatedly mention the RIB’s smaller feel and quicker access to whale spots as a big reason the experience feels better than bigger-boat versions.

Who this tour is best for, and who should not go

This experience has a clear fit. It is best for people who want a lively, outdoor wildlife search close to Reykjavik and who can handle a fast, bouncy boat ride.

It is not suitable for:

• children under 10
• pregnant women
• people with back problems
• people under 140 cm (4 ft 6 in)

If you fit the criteria and you are comfortable with cold-weather gear, you should feel in good hands. One more thing: since the tour depends on weather, you should plan to be flexible and not anchor your day to a perfect viewing schedule.

Should you book the Reykjavik RIB whale watching tour?

Book it if you want:

• a close-to-the-action RIB experience with speed and maneuvering
• warm gear and live interpretation so you are not guessing what you are seeing
• a summer chance at puffins on Akurey
• a museum add-on that helps you make sense of whale behavior

Skip it if:

• you are in the restricted groups listed above (age, pregnancy, back issues, height)
• you dislike fast motion or you know you struggle with bumpy rides
• you need a relaxed, low-activity pace

If you are traveling to Iceland to see real wildlife, this is one of the more direct ways to chase it from Reykjavik, and the museum ticket makes the whole day feel more complete.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik whale watching tour by RIB boat?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at the local tour operator’s ticket office at Aegisgardur 5E, 101 Reykjavik.

What wildlife might I see on this tour?

The tour focuses on searching for whales in Faxaflói Bay, and during summer months it also visits puffin nesting grounds near Akurey. You may also see other marine species such as dolphins.

What gear is included for the boat ride?

Warm flotation suits are provided, along with life vests, gloves, and goggles.

Is the Whales of Iceland Museum included?

Yes. You get a ticket to visit the Whales of Iceland Museum after the tour.

Is the tour affected by weather?

Yes. The tour depends on weather conditions, and the captains decide whether to sail based on safety and passenger comfort.