Whale spotting gets fast when the boat does. I like that this RIB setup helps you reach feeding grounds quickly, and the small-group size keeps the whole hunt more focused than the big-boat chaos. The other strong point: you’re fully geared up for the wind and spray before you ever leave shore. One drawback to factor in is that this is a bouncy, higher-speed ride over open water, so it’s not a great match if you have back or heart issues.

You’ll meet at Ægisgarður 5 in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour area, check in, then get suited up in warm overalls plus life vest, gloves, and goggles. If you select it, hotel pickup brings you to the Special Tours ticket office; if not, you’ll make your own way there.

Once aboard, expect a two-hour run along Faxaflói Bay in search of humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises. In summer, the trip also stops at Akurey, a popular puffin nesting island, and you’ll return with a good look along the Reykjavík coastline.

Key highlights I’d circle

• A custom-built 12m RIB with shock-absorbing seats for a more comfortable ride
• Up to 12 travelers, so you’re not lost in a crowd
• Warm waterproof gear included (overalls, gloves, goggles, life vests)
• More time on the water where whales feed, not just cruising slowly
• Seasonal Akurey puffin island stop, typically during puffin nesting season
• No-whale safety net: if you don’t see wildlife, you get a complimentary ticket to try another whale tour

How a RIB ride changes whale watching in Reykjavik

Reykjavik whale watching has one big truth: whales move, and the ocean decides the timetable. This is why the fast RIB approach matters. In a short 2 hours, speed can mean the difference between being early enough to catch action and being stuck in the wrong patch of water.

A second reason I like this style of tour is the size. With a maximum of 12 travelers, you’re more likely to get clear sightlines and quicker adjustments when the captain finds signs of life. When you’re spread out in a small group, you also tend to feel more connected to what the guide is doing, from scanning the water to explaining what behavior to watch for.

The real trade-off: RIBs can feel intense. Several reviews mention the ride is fast and can be rough when seas kick up. If you’re the type who hates jolts, this is where you’ll want to think twice and plan accordingly.

Price and value: where the money actually goes

At about $189.87 per person for a roughly 2-hour experience, this isn’t a budget activity. But it’s also not just a ticket for a boat ride. You’re paying for three concrete things:

1) A boat designed for speed and stability

The tour uses a new, custom-built 12m RIB with shock-absorbing seats. That’s not a small upgrade when you’re riding in wind and chop.

2) Included cold-weather protection

You get warm overalls, life vest, gloves, and goggles. If you’ve ever tried to whale watch in Iceland without proper gear, you know that comfort turns a good tour into a great one.

3) An expert guide running the search

The guide’s job is to help you spot wildlife and understand what you’re seeing. Reviews specifically praise guides like Blanca and Jonathan for explaining what’s happening and guiding you where to look. That interpretation layer matters, because whales and dolphins can appear quickly and move on.

If you’re coming to Iceland for a “one big water day,” this can be good value. If you’re price-sensitive and you mainly want a relaxed cruise, you may prefer a different style of whale tour.

Getting suited up at the Old Harbour (Ægisgarður 5)

Your tour starts in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour area at Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík. The process is built around getting you ready fast: check in, listen to the safety talk, and then gear up before you board.

A couple of practical points that make the experience smoother:

• Arrive at least 30 minutes early so you can get through check-in and suit-up without rushing.
• Wear good shoes. You’ll be moving around on docks and boarding areas, and you want grip.

If you chose the option, hotel pickup takes you to the Special Tours ticket office. If you didn’t, you’ll meet right at the ticket office. Either way, once you’re checked in, you’ll get waterproof gear including overalls, gloves, goggles, and a life vest.

Inside the boat: comfort, speed, and who should think twice

This tour runs on a brand-new 12m custom-built RIB. The standout comfort detail is the shock-absorbing seating. In plain terms: you still feel the motion, but it’s less punishing than an un-sprung seat.

Still, a RIB is not a floating couch. Expect quick turns, speed changes, and lots of wind exposure—especially as you move out into Faxaflói Bay. Multiple reviews call the ride exhilarating, but also note it can be rough.

So who should be cautious?

• People with bad back problems or a medical reason to avoid jarring motion. One operator response specifically recommends people with back problems (and also mentions pregnancy) not join.
• Anyone who hates bouncy rides, even if they can handle chilly weather.
• Families: the tour is not recommended for children under age 10 or under 145 cm.

If you meet the minimum comfort level and you can handle cold wind, the ride is part of the fun. One review even describes it as roller-coaster energy.

The whale search in Faxaflói Bay: what you’re actually doing out there

The route takes you out to the whales’ feeding grounds in Faxaflói Bay. This matters because the goal isn’t just sightseeing; it’s finding active water where animals feed and travel.

You’re searching for these species:

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

The captain and guide use spotting and tracking to stay on target. Reviews mention the crew following animals for extended stretches—for example, staying with humpbacks and then moving through a pod of dolphins nearby. When conditions are right, this can turn into a long, satisfying sequence instead of a quick, distant look.

There’s also a values angle here. The tour aims to get you close while still respecting wildlife. One review notes following the IceWhale code of conduct, which is the kind of guideline you want when you’re chasing wild animals rather than just ticking a box.

And here’s the honest part: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. If you don’t see whales or dolphins on your trip, you’ll get a complimentary ticket to try again on another whale tour option offered by the company.

Akurey puffin island stop in summer: quick, but memorable

During the summer months when puffins are nesting, the tour includes a stop at Akurey, one of the popular puffin islands.

This is a nice balance to the whale focus. Even if whales are slow that day, puffins give you something visual and busy to watch. Reviews repeatedly call the puffins fun and mention seeing lots of them.

A practical tip: puffins can be far off depending on your viewing angle. One review wished the puffins were closer and noted they were hard to see from a distance. So if you’re hoping for tight, camera-filling shots, bring patience and a zoom lens if you have one.

The return to Reykjavik: coastline views you’ll actually notice

On the way back, you’ll get views of the Reykjavík coastline. It’s a helpful add-on because it breaks up the day: you go out chasing wildlife, then you return with scenery that feels distinctly Icelandic.

One of the tour’s selling points is the drive-through scenery en route to the whale areas, including Esja mountain views around Faxaflói Bay. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes a little more than wildlife, that scenery time gives you a visual reset before you head back to town.

Guides and captains: why the human element shows up

The best whale-watching tours don’t just run a route. They read the water. Reviews give specific credit to captain Yoda and guides like Blanca, and also to Jonathan for animal explanations on the way out.

What you should take from that: a strong guide doesn’t only point. They help you understand what you’re seeing—behavior, likely species, and what signs indicate whales are nearby. When the action is fast, this kind of guidance is what turns a “we saw something” trip into a “we got the story” trip.

What to pack (and what to skip)

This tour includes heavy weather gear, but your body still needs the right basics.

Bring:

• Warm layers underneath the overalls (you’ll thank yourself when the wind hits)
• Good shoes with grip
• A camera (you’ll want it for wildlife and the Reykjavík coastline views)

Consider skipping:

• Anything you can’t keep secure in motion. With a fast RIB ride, loose items can become annoying quickly.

Seasickness planning:

• If you’re sensitive to motion, this is the point to think ahead. Some reviews say bounciness was fine, while others emphasize the ride can be intense in rougher conditions. Your best move is to be honest about how your stomach handles boat movement.

Booking logic: when this tour is the smartest choice

Book this RIB whale watch if:

• You want the best shot at finding active wildlife in a short time window
• You like speed and you’re comfortable with a more active ride
• You want a small-group tour (max 12)
• You travel with the right cold-weather mindset and won’t resent wind

You might pass (or choose a calmer option) if:

• You have back or heart issues or you know you won’t handle jarring motion
• You’re traveling with a child younger than 10 or shorter than 145 cm
• You’re hoping for a relaxed, scenic cruise first and a wildlife bonus second

Also, keep timing in mind. This is a two-hour tour with a seasonal puffin stop. If you’re visiting in summer and you want puffins plus whales, this combo is a strong reason to book.

Should you book this RIB whale watching tour?

Yes, if you’re aiming for a high-energy Iceland experience with proper gear, expert guiding, and a small-group setup. The RIB design and shock-absorbing seats are practical wins, and the search approach is built for actually reaching whale activity. When sightings happen, the memories are the kind you’ll talk about for years.

I’d think twice if you need a gentle ride, you’re prone to motion discomfort, or you have medical concerns related to bouncing. In those cases, the most valuable thing you can do is match the tour style to your body, not just your wish list.

If your priority is wildlife and you can handle the cold and the motion, this is a solid bet from Reykjavík.

FAQ

How long is the RIB whale watching tour?

It runs for about 2 hours.

What’s the price per person?

The price is listed at $189.87 per person.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland (the Special Tours ticket office in the Old Harbour area).

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfers are not included by default, but hotel pickup can be added for an additional fee.

What wildlife might you see?

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

Do sightings of whales and dolphins happen every time?

No. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

What happens if there are no sightings on your tour?

If there are no sightings, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again on the Whale Watching Classic or Whale Watching Express tours.

Is Akurey included?

Yes, Akurey (the puffin nesting island) is included during the summer months when puffins are nesting.

What gear is provided?

Warm overalls, life vest, gloves, and goggles are included, plus suspension seats for extra comfort.

Is this tour okay for kids?

It is not recommended for children under age 10 or under 145 cm. The operator also recommends checking if you have medical concerns like back problems or pregnancy.